How To Reduce Condensation In Your Camping Tent Or RV

by | Feb 1, 2022 | News

Should you choose to go camping in your regular everyday tent, roof top tent, or even in an RV, there is still a problem that all three have in common and that you will have to deal with, and that problem is condensation. Despite not being able to see it, water is in the air in the form of water vapor. As a result of condensation, water vapor turns back into liquid water. Every camper is well aware of how it can make their tent a terrible place for resting.

So how does water still get into your well-engineered tent? The answer is simple, the water in your tent is a result of your breathing. When you sleep, the warm and moist air that you exhale meets the air from the outside, which is generally colder, on the flysheet of your tent causing condensation.

Stick around until the end of this blog to learn about some useful tips and equipment for dealing with camping condensation and making your stay in the great outdoors more comfortable.

Different Condensation Scenarios

Condensation is a threat that can occur at any time regardless of the season. As you probably already guessed by now, winter is the most challenging season for several reasons. Facing all that morning frost covering your gear and the increased condensation chances can be difficult but easily solvable. In contrast, camping in the summer when the weather is scorching hot and humid is not undemanding. So, just as winter camping requires snow gear, you need a special setup for summer camping.

Ventilation is by far the best way to put a stop to moisture in your tent no matter the season. When you create an airflow, you can wave goodbye to water in your tent. However, bear in mind to prevent snow from getting in your tent when going camping in snowy places and bugs in warm places.

 Even though condensation may occur in every type of tent, there are a few differences between rooftop tents and ground tents. The main advantage of RTTs is that they are off the ground; therefore, they do not sit on a wet surface. Moreover, anti-condensation mats are also a great addition as they allow more air to flow between the mattress and the base of the RTT. Regardless of which one you choose, always bear in mind that ventilation is crucial.

Tips To Reduce Condensation In Your Tent or RV

If you’re asking yourself what can you do to battle condensation, continue reading as here are some tips on how to limit the amount of condensation buildup in RTTs, ground tents, and RVs.

· Ventilation

As we already mentioned, ventilation is the best way of preventing condensation buildup. Creating a constant airflow in your tent by opening multiple windows before or during your sleep lets the moisture escape. Alternatively, a tent dehumidifier is also an excellent piece of equipment to have should you choose not to open your windows for whatever reason.

· Wet Equipment Belongs Outside

Camping requires a wide range of equipment that is liable to get wet. Always be sure to dry it outside if the weather is suitable. Having wet equipment in your tent will surely increase the amount of condensation as it is going to dry and the moisture will be trapped in your tent. If you are enjoying your stay in the great outdoors during winter, put it into a stuff sack to avoid condensation, close it, and stuff it in your sleeping bag to keep the contents from freezing.

· Avoid Pitching Just About Anywhere

Where you pitch your tent is also a monumental factor that will determine how much you are going to struggle with condensation. Pitching your ground tent on dry ground, under trees, and away from lakes and rivers is very important and easy to remember. Having a rooftop tent eliminates the need to search for dry ground, but don’t forget the other factors. Moreover, if you have a rooftop tent, you have the option to bring anti-condensation mats to keep moisture from getting under your mattress.

· Never Cook in Your Tent

Cooking in your tent will turn it into a sauna as it will release a great amount of moisture in the air. When the weather is too bad to avoid this, dig a hole under your tent’s front porch, if you have one, and cook inside it with the tent’s door closed behind you.

· Don’t Forget to Bring a Towel

Condensation can be challenging to avoid during certain weather conditions. Prepare a towel that can be used to wipe it away after you reduce it.

· Find a Natural Breeze

Feeling a natural breeze on your body is great during hot summer days. However, It’s not just an excellent feeling for your body, it is also a great natural way to battle tent condensation. Your tent should be pitched so that the vents face the prevailing wind. If you find it difficult to find a natural breeze, you can bring a portable fan to keep cool and lower the amount of moisture in your tent.

· Condensation in an RV

Camping in an RV is certainly more convenient; however, condensation will still be an issue. Sticking to the aforementioned tips will surely be of help as they are meant for all types of camping.

Having an RV means that you have a bigger space that is harder to keep dry. Invest in an RV dehumidifier, you will thank yourself later. If you have a microwave, you can also choose to buy auto dehumidifiers that come in packs. Just microwave them and place them in different parts of your RV to eliminate moisture.

If the weather is suitable, cook outside. Remember the tip about cooking outside of your tent? The same goes for RVs. It may be tempting to choose to cook in your RV’s kitchen as it is easier and faster, but it is just going to increase the amount of moisture.

Your RV needs to be inspected to find out where the moisture is coming from if you are not cooking, using an essential oil diffuser, using a humidifier, or taking a shower. Make sure your RV ceiling is leak-free, including inside cabinets and closets. Examine and seal any possible water entry points on the roof. At the very least, this should be done annually.

Best Anti-Condensation Gear

However possible it is to keep moisture in your tent to a minimum without any equipment, it is surely easier to bring some equipment in order to make your battle with condensation easier and your stay in nature more enjoyable. Let’s take a quick look.

Product NameBest Suited for
Thule Anti-Condensation Mat-RTTs
Mini Handheld Personal Portable Fan-Ground tents -RTTs -RVs
Eva-dry E-333 Mini Dehumidifier-Ground tents -RTTs
Zarpax Auto Dehumidifier-Ground tents -RTTs -RVs
Kesnos 70 Pint Dehumidifiers-RVs
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier-RVs

Thule Anti-Condensation Mat

Description:

Battling rooftop tent condensation has never been easier. Anti-condensation mats are perfect for preventing moisture from accumulating under your mattress. Some RTTs such as the Wanaka 55, already include them.

The Thule Anti-Condensation Mat has proven to be one of the finest designed mats. There is nothing easier than installing this product, and the best part is that you won’t have to take it apart to pack up your RTT. Just leave it there. Yes, it’s that easy!

Purchase by clicking HERE.

Mini Handheld Personal Portable Fan

:

Description:

It’s scorching hot in your tent, condensation is building up as you failed to find a natural breeze and you don’t know how to keep cool and moisture to a minimum before and during your sleep. Just imagine the situation. If this situation sounds terrible, you don’t have to worry as you can easily avoid it by bringing the SNAWOWO mini handheld personal fan to cool off.

 This small powerful and quiet deck fan is suitable as it doesn’t take up much space, so it fits perfectly inside your RTT, RV, and ground tent. It is powered by USB or Battery. It can be charged by computer, laptop, power bank, car charger, etc. Also, the tripod is waterproof, not easy to get dirty and broken, easy to clean, and more durable. You can still bend any angle you want.


Purchase by clicking HERE.

Eva-dry E-333 Mini Dehumidifier

Description:

Portable and small, this tent dehumidifier can be conveniently hung or placed anywhere to battle that irritating camping condensation. It features a cordless design, and it is leak and spill-proof. Just hang it, and that’s it, your small ground tent or RTT will be dry and odor-free.

If ventilation isn’t an option for any apparent reason, then rest assured that this dehumidifier is the next best thing to help you prevail in your struggle with condensation.

Purchase by clicking HERE.

Zarpax Auto Dehumidifier

Description:

The main advantage of these dehumidifier bags lies in their versatility. You can put them in the bottom of a sleeping bag, in different areas of your tent, and scatter them across your RV. In other words, put one in the place that you want to keep dry.

Just microwave them for six minutes, and they are ready to be reused. Moreover, they easily fit in tight areas and will never leak or leave stains.

Purchase by clicking HERE.

Kesnos 70 Pint Dehumidifiers

Description:

Designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic, this RV dehumidifier from Kesnos is a great addition to have. It has 360° easy-roll hidden wheels and ergonomically designed handles that make moving it a breeze. It makes the battle against condensation easy. Simply adjust to your ideal moisture setting, it will smartly sense the level of humidity in your RV and dehumidify it. Since it is quiet, it won’t disturb you when you sleep. Also, the fan has multiple speed options. If the dry clothes function is selected, the dehumidifier can be placed next to a clothes rack where wet clothes can be hung to dry naturally.

When you think of investing in an RV dehumidifier, look no further than what Kesnos has to offer since it features a lot of other settings aside from eliminating condensation. Just turn it on, select your preferred settings and let it do its job.

Purchase by clicking HERE.

Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Description:

Although it features a smaller design and fewer settings in comparison to the previously mentioned model, it performs its task flawlessly. RV owners can enjoy whisper-quiet operation with thermo-electric cooling without the use of a compressor. Moreover, it is capable of removing up to 18 oz of water per day with a water tank capacity of 52 oz. When it is full, it will automatically shut off. Simply empty the tank and put it back in and it will continue doing its job.

If you’re looking for a cutting-edge yet simple RV dehumidifier that can cover a large space, this one will do the job. It is solely meant to reduce moisture in any space that is prone to high humidity.


Purchase by clicking HERE.

Let’s Wrap It Up

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to minimizing condensation on and inside your tent. The water accumulation throughout the night can be significantly reduced if you implement each or at least some of these tips.

Condensation is an occurrence that you are going to have to deal with while camping during the freezing winter, scorching hot summer, in your RV, RTT, or ground tent. Bringing the correct gear will ensure that you have minimal inconvenience in dealing with moisture.

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