Marmot - Limelight 2P - 2-person tent

Hi Zach,

Rain or waterproofing is an issue for all tents and there is a limit which could be exceeded. The hydrostatic head of the tent outer in this case is 1,200mm which is border line waterproof but because of the pressure that rain usually gives the hydrostatic head in this case is more than enough. It could however , be exceeded during extreme weather.

Condensation:
There is no such thing as a "condensation-proof tent." Condensation is something that can happen in any tent to varying degrees. In general, if the temperature inside the tent drops below the dew point temperature (the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor), then moisture will condense on the walls. Similarly, if the humidity outside the tent is higher than inside and there is no air-movement - i.e. no wind - then there will be some condensation. Temperature plays a role, as well: you are more likely to experience condensation in cooler weather, especially in higher humidity situations. In addition to the degree of moisture in the air and the temperature, storing wet equipment in the vestibule or in the tent itself can also contribute to condensation in a tent. Condensation can also be affected by different body types, sleeping bag type, how much heat you produce and the like. This is why it sometimes might seem odd that one person has a tent with more condensation than another.

Vents in the tent will help, but only if the moist air that is being vented out is being replaced by slightly drier air from outside. When the humidity outside is higher than inside the tent, then this is naturally not the case, and the air coming through the vents will actually increase the condensation.

Conditions when it is very humid and a bit colder - such as in the fall or on cold summer days - are especially prone to condensation. Think of the inside of your car in the morning when it is cold, or the outside of a beer glass once the cold liquid is poured inside it. Unfortunately, some degree of condensation is part of the laws of nature. In a smaller tent, any condensation will be more apparent than in a larger tent both because of the smaller space and because the walls - and thus any condensation - will be closer to you. A larger tent has more air to circulate within it, and the walls (and any condensation) will also feel further away from you.

The bottom line is that in conditions where any moist air inside your tent - or under your tarp - is not able to be replaced by drier, warmer, air, there will be some condensation.