What Is a Good Hydrostatic Head Rating For a Tent?

Camping is a brilliant way to experience the outdoors and everything it has to offer, but British weather can be temperamental, so you need a tent that can handle wet weather. To help identify the level of waterproofing, tents are graded with a hydrostatic head rating, but what does this mean and what is a good hydrostatic head rating for a tent?

In this blog, we’ll provide an explanation for this term, how HH is measured and what to consider when deciding the right level of waterproofing for you.

Looking to enjoy a more glamorous getaway? Stay dry in style in one of our luxury bell tents from Boutique Camping.

What Is a Hydrostatic Head Rating?

A hydrostatic head rating or HH rating is a test that is used to determine how waterproof a fabric is. The rating is measured by placing a column of water onto your fabric and then observing how much of the water is absorbed into the fabric. The tube or column has measurements on it measuring from 0 up to anywhere from 20,000mm (this can vary depending on the column you purchase) and these reflect the height of the water. The waterproof abilities of a fabric are measured by how many mm of water it can withstand. For example, if a tent fabric has a 3,000mm HH rating, it's able to withstand a 3,000mm column worth of water before it begins to start leaking. 

What Head Ratings Mean for Tent Waterproofing

The various HH ratings given for tents indicate what level of protection or waterproofing they offer. Whilst ratings vary slightly, here are the rough ratings and what they mean your tent is suitable for.

• 1,000mm – 1,500mm: Light rain and occasional showers. The material of this tent can handle a small amount of water but may have issues with heavier rain and consistent downpour and the likelihood of leaks in adverse weather conditions is high. Tents with this rating are better suited to dry and warmer weather in the summer months.
• 2,000mm - 3,000mm: This higher HH rating on a tent means the material can withstand the moderate rainfall that you might expect in the British countryside. This tent is more suitable for general camping in wet conditions seen across most of the year.
• 3,000mm - 5,000mm: Tents with this rating are designed to deal with harsher weather conditions. They offer waterproofing that stands up in heavy downpours as well as continuous moderate rain. These tents are a good idea for well-known soggy festivals that take place in the late summer.
• 5,000mm or above: The average camper isn’t likely to need a tent with this level of waterproofing, with this HH rating being made for professional expeditions or camping in extreme conditions like torrential rain. These tents are usually considered heavy-duty as their strong fabric makes them a hefty piece of equipment.

“At Boutique Camping, we offer a selection of six high-quality fabrics, each with its own unique properties and performance levels. When it comes to waterproofing, the hydrostatic rating of each fabric varies. Our Oxford fabric offers the most protection with an impressive hydrostatic rating of 2000mm. This fully waterproof material functions similarly to an umbrella or a high-quality waterproof jacket and provides total protection from heavy downpours.” - Hannah at Boutique Camping

What Is a Good Hydrostatic Head Rating for a Tent?

If you’re asking “What is a good hydrostatic head rating for a tent?” you’ll need to think about what exactly you want to use your tent for. In general, the average annual rainfall in the UK is between 800 and 1,400mm so if you’re looking for a tent for occasional camping throughout the year then a tent up to 1,500 mm HH will get you through light or average rain showers. If you only plan to camp in the summer when the weather is more comfortable and it’s dry, then you can opt for a 1,000mm HH tent that should be breathable but able to protect you against any unforeseen light showers.

If you’re looking for an all-rounder when it comes to waterproofing then we’d recommend going for a 3,000mm HH tent as the standard. This should get you through all the weather we expect in the UK from light showers to moderate downpours and even bursts of unexpected heavy rain. 

Remember that if you find yourself needing some extra waterproofing on a lower HH tent, you can help protect and reinforce the fabric with a tent waterproofing agent.

If you want to know how to waterproof a tent yourself, you can follow our handy guide.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Tent HH Rating?

Alongside where you want to camp and how often, there are also a few other factors to consider when choosing the right HH rating for your tent. You should aim to balance the HH rating with the functionality you need from your tent.

Breathability and Ventilation

When assessing tents with higher HH ratings, you can expect to see thicker fabric which can sometimes affect the ventilation in your tent. This can lead to stuffy conditions and condensation build-up. If a high HH is a necessity for your trips, be sure to choose tents that have water-resistant mesh panels or windows/doors to allow ventilation in your tent whilst still staying dry.

If you ever notice condensation becoming an issue in your tent, you can check out our blog on how to stop condensation buildup. 

Tent Design

The shape of a tent can play an integral part in its waterproofing and resistance. Tents like our Bell Tent Plus are designed with a traditional teepee shape with additional features including a technical arched overhang that helps to direct rain away from the tent fabric and doorway. A tent in a triangle or pointed shape can greatly enhance water resistance even in average HH-rated tents.

Groundsheets

This part of your tent needs the highest HH rating as water tends to settle or pool on the ground surrounding your tent. When it comes to ensuring your tent and belongings stay warm and dry, you should invest in the highest HH rating of 5,000 or above. Adding a groundsheet protector can also extend the life of your groundsheet.

Stay Dry in a Deluxe Bell Tent from Boutique Camping

Now you know “what is a good hydrostatic head rating for a tent?” you should be able to identify the right tent for your needs, and what better selection to choose from than ours at Boutique Camping? We offer a range of exclusive glamping tents made from high-quality materials that are treated with UV, water and rot-proofing so you can enjoy the outdoors in all weather conditions.

Whenever and wherever your adventures take you, we have the perfect tent for the job. Browse our tent buying guide for a full breakdown of each of our models, or get in touch and let our experts help you find the right tent for you!