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How to Keep Condensation Out of Your Tent

Many different factors can cause condensation to form inside a tent, including a damp environment, plummeting temperatures and even body moisture. The morning dew formed under your tent can also cause condensation but should dry quickly once the sun comes out. Condensation is also very common when you camp in the winter. If you pack out in the morning and head for home and your tent still has condensation on the bottom, air it out when you get home and do not put it away wet or mold may occur.

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a tent with adequate ventilation. Look for a tent with an awning over the door so you can leave it unzipped a little even if it is raining out to allow circulation. Double-walled tents should also have coated fabric, and most tents should have a coated fabric floor.
- 2
  Pitch your tent correctly. If you stake the tent and rainfly following the directions that came with your tent, the space and airflow between them should prevent most condensation from occurring.
- 3
  Leave as much snow outside during the winter as possible. Wipe down your clothes and stomp your feet to remove excess snow from the treads in your boots. If snow melts, it will increase the humidity and, therefore, the condensation in your tent.
- 4
  Do not exhale inside your sleeping bag. It is tempting to pull the sleeping bag up over your head in cold weather but when you exhale, you put moisture into your bag's insulation.
- 5
  Dry your sleeping bag out on top of your tent in the morning, if weather permits. This will cause any body moisture to evaporate and reduce humidity inside your tent.
- 6
  Put wet gear in a waterproof stuff sack. This prevents it from adding moisture to the air inside the tent, which promotes condensation.

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