Why is My Tent Wet Inside? (It’s Not Leaking!)

You wake up in the morning, touch the wall of your tent, and your hand gets soaked. Your sleeping bag is damp. You panic: "Did my tent leak in the rain?"

Probably not. The culprit is Condensation.

Humans exhale about 1 liter of water vapor per night. If that moisture can't escape, it turns into water on your tent walls. Here is how to stop it.

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1. Ventilation is Key 🌬️

Keep your tent vents OPEN, even if it is cold outside. Airflow carries the moisture away. If you seal the tent completely to "stay warm," you create a sauna effect.

2. Don't Bury Your Face 🙅‍♂️

It’s tempting to bury your head inside your sleeping bag when it's cold. Don't do it. The moisture from your breath will soak the insulation, making the bag useless.

3. Pitch Location Matters ⛺

Don't set up camp right next to a lake or river. The air there is more humid. Also, try to camp under a tree; the branches reduce the rate of heat loss, keeping your tent slightly warmer than the dew point.

Dry Gear Tip: If your gear does get wet, make sure you have a Microfiber Towel (Hack #6) to wipe it down fast.