Best Tent Waterproofing Sprays for 2024 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]

For a camping enthusiast, the tent is the biggest investment. Re-coating your tent with a good waterproof spray can prolong its life and save you unnecessary expenditure.

Proper maintenance of your tent will give you a tent that will remain strong throughout future camping uses. If not maintained properly you run the risk that the wear and tear on your tent will cause damage like leaking.

Here we get right into suggesting some of the best waterproof tent sprays you can use to renew your tent’s resistance to water.

Comparison Table

PRODUCTFEATURESLATEST PRICE
1. Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray
  • Silicone-based option
  • Retains breathability
  • Odor-free
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2. Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
  • Single coat application
  • No discoloration
  • Versatile
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3. Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
  • Easy application
  • Longer-lasting
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4. Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealer
  • Compatible with polyurethane
  • Includes foam applicator
  • Product dries clear
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5. Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Spray
  • Provides UV protection
  • Works as a fungicide
  • Lasts multiple seasons
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6. DryGuy Tent Waterproofing Spray
  • Non-aerosol
  • Resists mold formation
  • Minimal odor
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7. 303 Marine Fabric Guard
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  • Provides strong resistance against soiling
  • Protects against water-based and oil-based stains
  • Safe for the synthetic or natural fibers
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8. Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray
  • Fluorocarbon and VOC free
  • Water-based DWR
  • Added UV protection
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9. Revivex Instant Water Repellent
  • Odor-free and water-based
  • PFC free and silicone-free
  • Retains breathability
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10. Granger’s Tent + Gear High-Performance Tent Water-proofer
  • Fluorocarbon and VOC free
  • Water-based
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Our Best Tent Waterproofing Sprays (Reviews and Comparisons)

1. Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray

Product Highlights

Kiwi Camp is an industry leader in waterproofing solutions for all outdoor gear. This waterproofing spray works on tents, boots, backpacks, boat covers, and more. Kiwi Camp spray has been a favorite for hikers going through rural towns as it is always available at most local supermarket’s outdoor sections.

You should start with the waterproofing process at least 48 hours before you actually set out for camping.

Features

Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray is one of the top-selling waterproofing sprays in the market. One package includes two cans, with one can packing enough for a double coat on a seven-person tent. Tent dimensions are roughly an area of 540 square feet per can.

A reliable silicone-based tent waterproofing spray recommended on tents, tarps, backpacks, and other outdoor gear. This is great for your old weathered tents in need of a fresh coat of waterproofing.

Waterproof at least 24 to 48 hours before to let the double coat enough time to dry before use. Take into account three to four hours drying time between each coat.

What We Like About Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray

Users love the effectiveness of this waterproofing spray. A single 10.5 ounce can double coat a seven-person tent fly. This pack comes with two cans, so you can waterproof different items of clothing and/or shoes and keep one for the road.

The mist applicator guarantees an even layer and prevents wastage.

What We don’t like About Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray

This spray may stain whites, so we recommend doing a spot test before application. Since it takes almost two days to fully dry and a double coat of spray to be effective, some users find that timeframe inconvenient in a tight spot.

Also, there tends to be a bit of an odor while the spray is still wet.

PROS

  • Silicone-based option
  • Works on both nylon and PU-coated tents.
  • Retains breathability.
  • Odor-free after drying.

CONS

  • FUses isobutene and propane as propellants.
  • Uses petroleum solvents that are not environmentally friendly.

2. Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield

Product Highlights

Scotchgard is a 3M product and is a popular choice for a range of materials including parasols, backpacks, and outdoor furniture. If you follow the instructions carefully and use it on the materials it’s supposed to waterproof, like tent rainfly, then this works perfectly.

Features

This product is available in 13 ounce or 10.5-ounce cans. The Scotchgard outdoor water shield is the best waterproofing spray for thin outdoor fabrics like nylon and polyester. Besides, it provides effective waterproofing on a tent surface with only one coat application. This spray keeps surfaces dry and repels water while both in use and when stored.

What We Like About Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield

It’s a great product for use on tent fabric and tarps with any horrible odor. It applies easily, needs only one coat to provide protection, and dries in about an hour. It’s a versatile product and can be used on a wide range of fabrics and outdoor gear.

What We Don’t Like About Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield

Some customers found stains and streaks if it was even a little bit overapplied. It does have a strong chemical smell, so it is advised to use it when outdoors or in a space with adequate ventilation.

PROS

  • Provides long-lasting waterproofing for tents
  • FSingle coat application
  • Leaves no discoloration
  • Versatile

CONS

  • Uses isobutene and propane as propellants
  • Uses environmentally hazardous petroleum solvents

3. Atsko Silicone Water-Guard

Product Highlights

This water-based silicone waterproofing spray is designed to work with a range of materials and provides long-lasting waterproofing and UV protection to tents and tarps. This spray not only applies the maximum amount of water-repelling feature to your gear, but it also makes it stain-proof. It’s a great option for campers as this can be used on tents and other outdoor gear.

Features

The Atsko Silicone Water-Guard is one of the best budget waterproof spray options for repaired tent fly. Once you’ve checked and repaired seam sealing you can use this spray on the rain fly to make it waterproof. After the application of this spray, you should allow 72 hours for it to fully dry, so leave the tent assembled for 3 full days before packing away.

Moreover, you can use this spray on umbrellas, shoes, jackets, and much more. As this spray spreads evenly over the entire surface, it doesn’t leave uneven patches upon drying.

What We Like About Atsko Silicone Water-Guard

One 10.5 ounce can easily waterproof tents, rainfly, jackets, and more. Customers love the fact that it does not have a bad odor and leaves an invisible layer when completely dry. The fact that it is effective with one application makes it a great option for camping as well.

What We Don’t Like About Atsko Silicone Water-Guard

An uneven spray might cause some slight discoloration. We recommend a spot check before applying. A few customers noticed white shoes turning yellow when this spray was used on them.

PROS

  • Suitable for both PU coated and silnylon tents
  • Easy non-aerosol spray application
  • Longer-lasting

CONS

  • Not safe to breathe or for indoor use

4. Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealer

Product Highlights

The Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealer is an excellent waterproofing tool for a tent fly, once the inner PU layer starts to fail. This is a polyurethane coating to replace the PU coating for waterproofing your tent and other essential gear. The foam applicator brush tip makes application super easy to spread the sealer evenly to provide all-around waterproofing.

Features

The Gear Aid sealer comes in a 5-ounce aerosol spray bottle. The composition is silicone and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) free. It is compatible with a polyurethane coating, so it’s a great quick-fix for tents, rain flies, and tarps’ that’s chipping away. It can also be used to waterproof paper maps because of its gentle chemicals.

The built-in sponge head makes application a breeze and it dries clear in four hours. It is best for renewing waterproofing on smaller tents or outdoor fabrics.

What We Like About Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealer

This is a great option for re-proofing PU tents. One tube goes a long way and the spray dries clear, you won’t have to worry about a mess. The combination of transparent color and foam applicator tip makes this a top choice for customers looking to repair existing damages.

What We Don’t Like About Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealer

The thick texture is more suited to be used on seams instead of large pieces of fabric. Despite the applicator, it takes some effort to spread on large fabrics.

The 5-ounce bottle isn’t great to cover a very large area, so ensure you have enough backup cans for your waterproofing needs.

PROS

  • A tube of this tent fabric sealer can cover 85 sq. ft.
  • Compatible with polyurethane coating
  • Includes a foam applicator brush
  • Handles tent floors, rain flies, tarps, perfectly
  • Product dries clear

CONS

  • Not compatible with silnylon.
  • Old PU layer must be removed before application of this product

5. Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Spray

Product Highlights

Atsko hits the bull’s eye with their waterproofing products and the non-silicone-based Sno-seal extreme repellent spray packs extra punches. This is formulated specially to restore waterproofing and also protect from UV rays. It is one of the most affordable options on the market.

Features

Available in the standard 10.5-ounce spray can, this is one of the longest-lasting non-silicone-based waterproofing sprays in the market. It works on a single coat application and keeps the fabric’s breathability alive.

The special formulation protects your gear from both UV rays and from mildew as both tend to break down tent fabrics like nylon and polyester over time. This is a versatile spray that works on sleeping bags, tent fly, Gore-Tex, down jackets, and other breathable outdoor fabrics.

For best results, apply this once a year to protect your tents from water, sun, and mildew build-up.

What We Like About Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Spray

The spray is quite wet but requires one coat only. Post-application, the spray will dry on its own without leaving a visible layer. It also dries without a hint of any odor.

What We Don’t Like About Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Spray

You should avoid using it on whites at all costs, as some customers found that it does not dry clear as on other tent fabrics and leaves yellow stains on whites.

PROS

  • Provides UV protection
  • Works as a fungicide
  • Lasts multiple seasons
  • Uses CO2 as the aerosol which is better than isobutane and propane

CONS

  • The nozzle is prone to get blocked
  • Leaves stains on whites

6. DryGuy Tent Waterproofing Spray

Product Highlights

A non-silicone, water-based Durable Water Repellent (DWR) that offers protection against rain and snow. Developed by a Vancouver-based company, this spray also protects your gear from stains and harmful mold.

Features

    This spray is formulated to waterproof the outside of PU-coated tents, inner tent walls, groundsheets, and zippers for your continuous camping pleasure. It is suitable for gear and clothing like Gore-Tex pants, and modern-day fabrics such as eVent, polyester, and nylon. It is compatible with these fabrics and maintains its breathability. This also is an odorless, invisible spray that requires a single coat.

What We Like About DryGuy Tent Waterproofing Spray

The water-based formulation and environment-friendly chemicals make this a much-preferred choice for customers. It gives the benefits of protection from stains and mold, along with waterproofing.

What We Don’t Like About DryGuy Tent Waterproofing Spray

Some consumers found the quantity very less compared to other brands.

PROS

  • Prolongs the lifespan of the material
  • Non-aerosol, easy-to-use spray bottle
  • Resists mold formation
  • Minimal odor

CONS

  • Doesn’t actually state that it’s PFC free
  • Inadequate quantity

7. 303 Marine Fabric Guard

Product Highlights

Not only does this spray protect the interior of your tent from becoming damaged from dirty stains seeping through, but it also reduces soiling and general dirt build-up. Thi spray protects against both oil-based and water-based stains.

Features

Once the spray has been applied to the tent, it will not be visible. The tent’s color or texture won’t be altered once the spray is added to the tent’s exterior.

Tents are usually made out of synthetic fabrics, but the 303 marines fabric guard can be used on both synthetic and natural fabrics. Taking this spray with you on your camping trips will come in handy as you can use it to protect other camping equipment, such as camping chairs and hammocks.

What We Like About 303’s Marine Fabric Guard

The spray comes with very easy-to-follow instructions, and the product takes very little time to apply. You don’t need to have any experience using fabric waterproofing sprays to use this one successfully.

What We Don’t Like About 303’s Marine Fabric Guard

Although it works excellently, many customers didn’t like the spray’s disagreeable odor. This makes the company’s claim of using an entirely environment-friendly formulation a bit suspect in our view. We suggest you spray this one outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

PROS

  • Great for small projects
  • Dirt and grime resistant
  • Waterproofs most fabrics

CONS

  • It goes bad very quickly

8. Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray

Product Highlights

Nikwax’s tent spray is terrific for extending your gear’s life, protecting your tent from the sun, and also reviving old equipment that you might not have used in a long time. The environmentally-friendly waterproofing formulation is perfect for outdoor gear and clothing.

Features

Nikwax’s tent spray is made for PU-coated tents, rain flies, backpacks, awnings, tarps, umbrellas, and more. This spray is versatile as it not only cleans grime and dust right off your tent but also adds a valuable UV protective element. One simple step of using this waterproofing spray for your tent gives you the benefit of three products. This waterproofing spray covers a large area and is very easy to apply.

This product is water-based, non-polluting, and biodegradable as it has zero PFCs, VOCs, optical brighteners, and no added scent.

What We Like About Nikwax Waterproofing Spray

Customers love the straightforward versatile application of Nikwax. Moreover, it has proven effective in removing dirt and grime, adding waterproofing, and providing a protective layer against UV rays.

We like that this spray bottle packs enough of this waterproofing spray to easily waterproof a seven-person tent, with some to spare.

What We Don’t Like About Nikwax Waterproofing Spray

Some customers found that this product on tents made of certain fabrics.

PROS

  • Fluorocarbon and VOC free
  • Water-based DWR
  • Added UV protection
  • Easy application

CONS

  • Waterproofing is not durable
  • Might stain lighter materials

9. Revivex Instant Water Repellent

Product Highlights

Revivex from Gear Aid is another excellent odorless, PFC-free, water-based DWR that is a reliable choice for PU-coated tents. It can be used effectively on outdoor gear like backpacks and clothing.

Features

This is one of the best tent waterproofing solutions in an aerosol can spray that is free from harmful PFC and chemicals. This spray comes in a five-ounce can and provides fast-acting waterproofing treatment on all varieties of garments and gear. This works great to repair the waterproofing on old tents by providing a shield layer to your inner walls, seams, and tent fly.

This is effective to use on nylon, polyester, and waterproof-breathable materials like GORE-TEX.

What We Like About Revivex Instant Water Repellent

The aerosol spray works well and spreads the repellent evenly. It does not have any horrible aroma, neither during use nor residually. We also like the fact that it is compatible with modern fabrics and helps maintain their breathability.

What We Don’t Like About Revivex Instant Water Repellent

Some customers have complained that the can has less than the advertised quantity, but this could also be due to wasteful usage.

PROS

  • Odor-free and water-based
  • PFC free and silicone-free
  • Easy to use
  • Retains breathability

CONS

  • Needs to be reapplied frequently

10. Granger’s Tent + Gear High-Performance Tent Water-proofer

Product Highlights

Grangers High-performance tent waterproofing spray is one of the few products that are environmentally friendly and with a formulation completely free of harmful fluorocarbons (PFCs) and VOCs. The highlight of this water-proofer is that it has a paint-on application for better coverage and functionality.

Features

Founded in 1937, Grangers’ tent seam sealer is a high-performance product that can be used on tents and a variety of outdoor gear. A durable water-repellent, it also maintains the breathability of the fabric. It is an environmentally friendly, toxin-free, water-based product that is entirely safe to use as it does not contain fluorocarbon or VOC. This sealer is specially formulated to be used on all types of fabrics.

One of the highlights of this product is the paint-on process, which makes the application quick and simple. You can dilute the solution with water to use with a spray bottle.

What We Like About Granger’s Tent + Gear High-Performance Tent Water-proofer

This is probably the best DWR and waterproof tent spray on the market. It’s a versatile sealer that has a toxic-free formulation and is favored by customers. Besides, the paint-on application makes it very simple to use and prevents wastage.

What We Don’t Like About Product Name

It might not be compatible with some fabrics. Ensure you do a spot test before application

PROS

  • Fluorocarbon and VOC free
  • Water-based
  • Plants on for effective coverage
  • Retains the breathability of the fabric

CONS

  • Not suitable for silnylon tents

Final Verdict

Out of all the best tent waterproofing sprays on our list, we love the effectiveness of the Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellent Spray which delivers a double-coat for a seven-person tent fly with only 1 can. The added bonus in its favor is that it has two cans, so you always have one for backup.

We hope you find our review of waterproofing sprays useful.

 

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