5 Tips and Tricks to Reduce Condensation in Your Tent

[@comicmania2008]

Condensation was a huge problem for me! I just bought a 2 man off-the-ground cot tent, about the size of a double bed, took it out to Peak District last weekend - minus 2 overnight (2 night camp - just me in it), tent is totally unsuitable for cold weather, no inner tent! I pitched the thing halfway up a hill, nowhere near any river or stream, tried middle of the night to fully open 2 HUGE vents, no rain or wind!!! But still ended up with a litre of water collecting on all tent walls, and ICE on my pillow! Coldest 2 nights I ever spent camping! Thought of using a tarp and slinging it over the top, making the main tent effectively an inner tent, but gave up and came home! Ground was quite boggy from previous heavy rains, will take tent out again in summer, it's still a nice tent and concept, love camping at the best of times.

[@donnarobertson5284]

I Been going about it all wrong, trying to keep out the wind and thinking the waters coming up through the tent but it's just condensation which I kinda guessed was happening never realise about the liter of water a night thing though, great video will help me a lot.

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help! Harry

[@Docprepper]

Venting and air flow are the biggest things. Remove that rain fly completely if you can and you’re solid. Great video. Thanks man

[@Devast8r34]

Thank you, first time sleeping in my teton 1 person tent and i was blown away at the amount of condensation i wouldnt have believed the water bottle and thats why im here

[@justinsandoval9309]

Another great tip- use a sponge to wipe off and drain condensation.

[@neemancallender9092]

using the tent footprint isolates the rising damp from the ground and therefore less moisture in the tent If you are cooking, keep a lid on your pot to stop steam going in the tent

[@jodofly1158]

Less? So people without footprints literally drowned at night because my tent has a floor to it and condensation is still a huge issue for me

[@duckmeat4674]

A footprint is required regardless, however condensation still happens very easily

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@jodofly1158 what about damp rid for cars? It's the same stuff used in those silica packs that say POISON: DO NOT EAT, so watch it with kids/pets Oh, I bet rice would work, too. I don't know how much to use, tho it works as well or better than a baggie of silica packs if your phone gets wet.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Please use a CO detector or better yet. Cook outside, away from the tent. It's odorless; even a dog can't smell it.

[@isreal3379]

Thank you, helped alot, also I would add moisture wicking materials to the inside on the tent.

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

Good topic this. Very sensible to ask people for their experience so we can pool practical tips. Thx.

[@EarlyMist]

Awesome tips. One of my own is I find a Polycro Groundsheet spread out over wet ground under the tent helps keep that wet substrata under the sheet. When you pick up the Polycro it will be wet underneath, but it saved all that ground moisture from invading your tent fly. That could be a litre along with your breath producing a litre. The Polycro is ultralight and doesnt absorb any moisture...so you just shake it dry the next morning...or night depending on how you hike. If you can create a ground level barrier between your tent and the ground INCLUDING vestibule areas to the edges of the footprint of the tent then condensation can be greatly reduced in troublesome areas. 👌👍

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

This is really interesting. I'll definitely try a plastic sheet under the complete tent footprint. Seems logical that ground is releasing moisture into tent. Thx.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

So, you're selling for them? Lol. Plastic tarp. For me. 10 x 12 feet (big tent. 20 bucks, Army /navy store. They also have a neat little dry fuel stove, also 5 bucks! Haven't tried yet.

[@EarlyMist]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 you are replying to a three year old comment. And no...I'm selling for no-one. And I am still using the same tough as nails yet ultralight Poly Cro ground sheet I was using when I responded to this thread 3 years ago 🥱

[@ilikethischannel5719]

Thanks for this, I am thinking about bringing a small rechargeable fan, and placing it with the airflow facing out, near a low down vent in the tent, I don't know if this is helpful to anyone or if it will work, but in theory it should because on very still days with no wind you should be able to have some control of the humidity by doing this, I have also been thinking that I can use the fan to dry of clothes that have become wet, or have been washed.

[@trekitt]

If you're happy carrying a bit of extra weight then I'm sure it'll make some tangible difference. Harry

[@kevinpacker7805]

I use a candle lantern hanging in the middle of the tent. Let it burn all night. I don't like or need the light but solely to stop the condensation. Works incredibly well.

[@robbywhite4291]

About how far from the top of the tent would I hang my candle lantern for this Kevin? Thanks so much!

[@8006JuanNegro]

Isn't it a kind of dangerous? How do you manage to do it safe?

[@maybesomaybenot1652]

Same. I have an older aluminum candle lantern that uses the 'emergency candles'.. I also have set a small rock on top of it while hanging to add to the heat output.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Considering that nylon catches fire ridiculously fast (see YT for the kid who had a horrific accident with a blanket and candle, REALLY bad. I saw the thumbnail and had nightmares-tho he's an extremely sweet kid) not sure open fire is a great idea. ESPECIALLY while asleep! Jmo

[@johnwells3790]

I bought a dehumidifier for mine, also a full size blow up mattress does the trick to make it like a portable bed room in nature

[@michellesovereign4564]

@@Sean-li4jm I'd love to know too.

[@billyjoedenny]

great tips sir, condensation is a battle in the winter.. also thats a great tent ..bill

[@jhh243]

Thank you brother!

[@harleyhawk7959]

not having a floor is a major problem. open ground with a cover like the tent just like a hot house. vapor rising from the ground and grasses. then just add body heat and breathing to increase

[@Ivosajia1238]

harley hawk it’s a one person tent with a floor. the area you see with grass is the vestibule to put stuff out side the tent but protect it from rain.

[@jodofly1158]

Mine has a floor and condensation is still a huge problem, it really doesnt change that much considering the most of the condensation is from your breath

[@reficeul]

Great tip, thank you your video

[@gagebenson7898]

I’m getting a jackery and I just got a fan that also has a heater built into it, but I’m looking for summer time fixes obviously not gonna run a heater while it’s already 70

[@MultiOutdoorman]

A BIG one from my experiences is ... using a footprint/groundsheet to cover any exposed ground ...

[@trekitt]

Good tip!

[@freeman5799]

What can be used as a ground sheet?

[@jodofly1158]

@@freeman5799 literally anything that doesnt let water through?

[@tomas_horn]

@@freeman5799 I have an excellent result with bubble cushioning wrap (yes, those that pop). Weight nothing more than 20-30 grams.

[@freeman5799]

@@tomas_horn thanks, I will try this on the next camp out. I am fairly new to camping and yes, this moisture is an issue! Since my comment I've been using ordinary water proof tarpooling on the ground but I like the idea of bubble wrap, seems like it will be cushioned

[@georgeohwell7988]

Greetings from Northern Ireland....subscribed

[@trekitt]

Welcome!

[@trekitt]

Although this tent isn't available anymore, we've got plenty of other options! www.trekitt.co.uk/camping/tents

[@rogerkomula8057]

Not much wood in your woodlands.

[@trekitt]

Where we're filming is an ancient hill fort, therefore the entire top section (where Paul is standing) is clear, then the surroundings are all dense woodland. Our most recent video (which outer layer should you choose) is filmed in the woods next to the clearing. Kind regards, Harry.

[@aaronfinnegan5035]

hahaha

[@walkingtwobytwo7122]

Good tips thankyou

[@poorpoora]

If the solution to condesantion is air flow / reduction of temperature inside then what is the point of having a tent? I thought the reason of having a tent is to have worm place guarded from elements like low temperature. If solution to condensation is to let external temperature in then it's like sleeping outside basically. Is it possible to have wormth and minimum condensation? How about camping in winter? Is it a choice between being cold or being wet?

[@trekitt]

The tent's primary purpose is to provide shelter rather than warmth, whether that's from rain, insects, snow or wind. Your sleeping bag should be your source of warmth, then when you need to cook, get changed etc, you stick on a few insulated layers to maintain your warmth.

[@jodofly1158]

Tents dont keep you warm in cold weather to begin with, that's what your clothes and sleeping bag are for. Your tent is there as shelter

[@shamanizing]

Hi,, great tips, thank you!

[@_..____]

I love your dog!

[@trekitt]

He's a good boy

[@insaneprepper2832]

Forgive a possibly stupid question, but where is your tent floor? Perhaps I missed something.

[@trekitt]

The floor is only present in the sleeping area, the porch area is open to allow you to cook and leave kit in.

[@2008MrsKim]

IT's to the far right of the tent. It's a separate room

[@Devast8r34]

I wonder if damprid would work?

[@pedroalonsofarias]

What about using electric fans to circulate the air? Maybe point them at the roof also to have a twofold effect.

[@trekitt]

Always an option if you can justify the extra weight and power requirements in your pack.

[@percyfrank]

Thanks for the video..what tent is featured here please?

[@trekitt]

Hey John, it's the MSR Hubba Tour. Unfortunately they don't make it anymore though. Harry

[@Bikepacking]

gOOD TIPSyou have that tent instock is it the newer model as i heard some problems with older model ie leaks thanks

[@trekitt]

Yep, the Hubba Tour we have in stock at the moment is the latest version for the UK.

[@D2D_URBEX]

I have a Hi Gear Voyager 6 issue is condensation in the morning and coldness at night any help with how to solve as all vents are open (UK)

[@trekitt]

Pitching in the direction of the wind with the door, vents or both open really is the best way to limit condensation. You can't eliminate it totally and it may just be down to the fabric material of your tent and how many people are sleeping in it. Coldness at night will be largely down to your sleeping mat and bag combination-your mat plays a huge part in insulating you from the ground.

[@D2D_URBEX]

@@trekitt hi it's a tarp under tent and in bedrooms we have the foil under 1 air mattress and just a roll out camping mat on another but both with foil under them

[@Taylor-jq6rl]

at first i was thinkin that there was a leak in my tent then the second day i observed everything and here it is! there was moisture inside my tent.

[@trekitt]

That's physics for you! Condensation is inevitable, reducing it is what makes all the difference. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@Gggreen88]

U can get small dehumidifier for camping sadly no tryed any yet so cant suggest any good ones could u?

[@trekitt]

We've not used any either I'm afraid.

[@martinrittau5873]

Which tent is it?

[@trekitt]

MSR Hubba Tour 2.

[@EEM131E]

Just one point, if you are putting your wet gear into a dry bag, you do not need to put it outside your tent. Otherwise a very practical video. Many thanks for sharing.

[@trekitt]

That's true; just to be on the side of caution we normally keep wet gear outside anyway. If the drybag isn't rolled properly in your sleep-deprived state, it leads to a lot of condensation which can be avoided by simply popping it just outside the porch in the drybag. Kind regards, Harry.

[@VW_Bay]

Would a fan inside the tent help reduce moisture?

[@trekitt]

A fan would help reduce moisture, another thing to carry and power on the trail, but if it works for you it could be a good solution.

[@VW_Bay]

@@trekitt tysm

[@MrSquanchy]

Nice tips+ tent!

[@trekitt]

Thanks very much!

[@danielhanson4326]

A person can get one of those small they're really small battery operated fan and you can hang it if you got openings for the 10th to breed you can hang it and it will suck all the moisture write out all night long and their quiet

[@povfreedom]

If it’s too cold outside to open a vent ? In a case of winter with very low temperatures especially at night ?

[@trekitt]

There isn't really an alternative to venting unfortunately. I typically just use a warmer, more weather-resistant bag in the winter and leave the vents permanently open unless it's raining sideways. Harry

[@povfreedom]

@@trekitt thanks for sharing. Appreciate it 🙂

[@ONEFAITHofJESUS]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5 Stars thank you! I had no idea one could cook anywhere near a tent ⛺️!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

That was a very bad idea. It takes next to nothing to kill you with CO (carbon monoxide), namely in a small, damp tent. Either don't do it, or use a CO detector. The dog will freak if it goes off inside, tho.

[@johnwells3790]

Also a battery powered light switch for the wall 😂😂

[@marywebb672]

I found my tent very wet on inner fly sheet from warm days and evenings with dense sea fret every morning. I've never had this with rainstorms. It's a new tent so I'm not altogether sure if it's the fret causing this. Welcome any ideas.

[@trekitt]

The fret will indicate a lower external temperature, whilst you'll be heating up the inner of the tent. The two temperatures meet and cause more condensation on the inner. I carry a small camping towel (packs down into my pocket) to wipe away condensation in the morning before packing the tent away. Hope that helps. Harry

[@marywebb672]

@@trekitt I'm not so sure if it's all that as it was absolutely soaking. Yes vents open and door zip slightly too. My other tent which was next to me and occupied no where near as bad as mine and just an average tent spec. I'm wondering if the proofing isn't finished good enough ? Vango banshee. My other two of this brand still ok.

[@aych23]

How would you avoid condensation when it rains? Seems unavoidable if you cannot open the fly. Any drying tips?

[@trekitt]

You can't avoid it completely, but you can limit it. Opening the vents and pitching into the wind will allow airflow through the tent but generally won't allow water to pass through due to where they're placed. In terms of drying, we recommend either pitching the tent in the open when the weather is suitable and leaving to air-dry, or hang in a cool dry area such as a garage for 24 hours or more.

[@DavidAnuszewski]

If you can somehow hang a tarp over your tent then you can at least open your windows. I pitched my tent between two big pine trees. Tied a long piece of cordage for my ridgeline and draped the tarp over that. On the sides of the tarp I used cordage & stakes to secure the tarp from the wind & rain. I also keep big towels on the floor of my tent for an extra layer of protection but you have to dry the towels out the next day because they begin to smell of mildew.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@DavidAnuszewski I have a solution for that. Bungee nets. If you're driving just put the damp thing under it and strap it down. Assuming everything is in plastic trash bags (just in case), nothing will be wet. I did that on bikes for years. never had wet gear

[@ianrudd7442]

Some good ideas here. I have not thought about putting wet waterproofs in a dry bag outside the tent and I had not thought about using the top of the door as a vent. I have been guilty of not venting in the past, when I am sleeping. It does depend on the tent, The Akto does have some excellent vents at the ends which should be vented always except in vertical rain. The Hubba Hubba can also be vented well. Clearly I need to find the right place to pitch all too often I do not find that perfectly flat pitch which sometimes means that I don't have the ideal pitch. I always struggle with the Vango Halo. So next season I will practice practice practice and will even give sleeping without the flysheet a go.

[@trekitt]

Hey Ian, you've got some good comments there. It is all about practice at the end of the day, and I admit I've been guilty on multiple occasions of rushing it and pitching on a slope! Kind regards, Harry.

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

Hi thanks for sharing your experience. Should I understand you are saying that with tents you use if you pitch on incline that consensation will be worse because of reduced air flow? Or because all moisture at one end so more of a problem? How many inches height your referring to? Thx.

[@steppib.4598]

Murphy 👍👍👍

[@paulmasters2342]

What about a couple of dehumidifier in sleeping area? Cheap too?

[@DavidAnuszewski]

Having electric may be an issue out in the middle of the woodlands

[@jodofly1158]

@@DavidAnuszewski there are many many options out there for dehumidifiers that dont use electricity, the little boxes of Crystal's for bathroom would work perfectly in a small tent and you can get like 10 packs for 12€

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

You'd have Damp rid for cars/garages. Rice. But I don't know how much. Save all those silica packs for these reasons. Lol. Watch with the kids/pets=poisonous.

[@ChisungLee]

does MSR Hubba build more condensation than other tents?

[@trekitt]

Hi, thanks for watching and your comments. The MSR is no more prone to condensation than comparable tents as condensation is hugely determined by environmental factors. Paul.

[@effyleven]

Burning camping gas also gives off water, about I pint for each gallon of compressed gas. So try to keep the stove out of the tent.

[@trekitt]

Good tip!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Camping gas can also kill you with carbon monoxide, unless I missed something. Anything that burns, particularly in small spaces, namely damp ones. You'll feel weirdly sick, go to lie down and never wake up. A not unpleasant way to die, (high CO normally kills you immediately) but unnecessary. Btw, it's odorless, even to dogs. Maybe use a CO detector if you want to cook inside?

[@alipurnairawan7265]

what brand of tent is that?

[@trekitt]

MSR. This particular model isn't available anymore though.

[@alipurnairawan7265]

@@trekitt tnx mr... 🙏

[@MikeStarkov]

What trousers are you wearing?

[@trekitt]

Paul is wearing the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers; you can find them here: www.trekitt.co.uk/8961/products/fjallraven-mens-vidda-pro-trousers-dark-greyblack.aspx

[@Off-roader-]

🤣🤣 Pants. Pants are what go underneath your trousers

[@MikeStarkov]

off roader liveing life in the slow lane you’re a funny guy. Tell REI team they don’t know English good enough for you 🤣🤣🤣

[@Off-roader-]

@@MikeStarkov hahaha got to have a laugh in life mate it wouldn't be very good to just where pants when out wild camping may get stung by a nettle near the groin airia damn that would come keen haha so I tend to where trousers over my pants to save that from happening 🤣🤣 well gald av made you laugh mate brill video by the way definitely a thumbs up from me

[@markuslepisto7824]

How about buying a drysuit?

[@trekitt]

Perhaps a slightly extreme solution. Thanks for watching.

[@billyandrew]

Probably sounds daft, but why does nobody every mention silica in camping circles? Lol.

[@Mel-qr5ob]

Once it's used it's extra water weight you have to carry home with you because it's not biodegradable. Basically you'd be better off bringing a sponge because the sponge can dry out while you hike... silica won't dry out unless you have a oven or a very hot day(ie the type of day where it prob didn't rain heavily last night).

[@frfvipcom3994]

My tent does not have sides holes

[@trekitt]

Then I would focus largely on venting through the door(s).

[@DelcoTrash]

i somehow still fill a tent with condesation even if the rainfly is off. i dont know man... i get wet every single time i sleep in a tent making me cold inevitably

[@trekitt]

Which tent are you using? I would have thought it would be almost impossible to a fill a tent with condensation with no rainfly, as most inners are just mesh.

[@lessismore83009]

Follow wim hoff, you will be able to hold your breath all night 🌙

[@Bizzybugproductions]

Follow Jesus, learn from Wim Hoff

[@robertzeurunkl8401]

The grass is green. Not sure how useful this info is gonna be. My tent condensation occurs in winter temps well below freezing. So, the grass is obviously not green, here.

[@michellesovereign4564]

Grass in the UK is pretty green all year.

[@jodofly1158]

@@michellesovereign4564 it IS green all year round, even during heatwaves and winter it stays green

[@ghosthunter152]

I just piss myself at night so I don’t have to worry about condensation. Problem solved! Not to mention it saves me from a trip in the middle of the night!

[@trekitt]

I mean, that is one method although maybe not our first choice

[@ghosthunter152]

@@trekitt 🤣

[@pedro1970maya]

Never cook in the tent not only because of the heat/ burning danger it generates, but because of carbon monoxide, which can kill you, and happens to be odorless, colorless, and is always produced with combustion. You seem like an incredibly kind person, but if you don't point this out to someone who's new to this, you're going to kill someone by suggesting it is in any way acceptable, under any circumstances other than with a hot tent that is purposefully vented for that, to cook with a fire source inside a tent. This video causes me anxiety. I personally know people who have died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

[@andrewjones5513]

Get a canvas tent !

[@effyleven]

Certainly, I never had any condensation in my Blacks "Good Companion" canvas tent. Google the name.. they are still around, and were famous back in the day (50 years ago.)

[@kevinsbacon932]

Don’t use a stove in your tent because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Vestibule okay, but I wouldn’t do it inside the living space unless I absolutely had to

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

VERY concerned about the idea of cooking in the tent. Carbon monoxide sucks, even if it didn't kill you (had it). Small, damp tents are just BEGGING for CO poisoning. Either don't do it or use a CO detector. It's nasty. You can get it idling outside, even

[@fuceye]

best way to deal with condensation in a tent is to buy a caravan...

[@trekitt]

Fair point, but you may struggle to get a caravan up a peak in the Cairngorms!

[@fuceye]

@@trekitt but you be dry , during your struggle

[@jodofly1158]

@@trekitt that's the least fair point I've seen in your comment section, it's about as useful of a point as telling a homeless person to just get a house

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

The thing that goes on the roof, extremely expensive