If you’ve ever been around a camping enthusiast you’ve probably heard this term before, but what is a rain fly?
Even if you’ve never heard the term before, you probably have some idea of what it is. This (sometimes) extra piece of tent equipment can make or break your camping experience. I strongly recommend that all campers invest in a good one.
A rain fly is an extra piece of material that goes over the top of your set up tent. Often the material has extra waterproofing done to it. Using one protects from many of the harsher weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, and cold temperatures.
Read on to find out more.
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HOW DOES A RAIN FLY WORK?
When you set up your tent, you have the main part of your tent with its windows, doors, poles, and material. Some tents come with the added rain fly which then covers more of your main tent.
This extra layer may come with its own pole(s) or guy lines to help secure it even further. By adding that extra layer of material (which is often more durable and treated), it provides more protection of your main tent from elements such as rain, snow, wind, and cold.
The rain fly doesn’t normally sit directly on your tent. With this space between it and tent, you have some insulation space that may even keep your tent cool in hotter temperatures.
When you purchase a tent, many of them come with a rain fly. Some of these don’t cover the whole tent but only the top. These kinds of rain flies do a decent job of protecting from some rain and wind, but there can be leaks and temp drops as the harsh weather increases.
I recommend buying an additional rain fly designed to cover the entire tent area. Make sure this also comes with strong metal tent stakes or buy some extra. This kind of rain fly can protect your tent even more than the usual ones that come with the tent.
Pro-tip: When you use one, make sure you keep it as taut or tight as possible. This prevents precipitation from gathering in cracks and folds which can damage the material over time.
WHAT IS A RAIN FLY MADE OF?
Like the regular part of the tent, rain flies can be made from all kinds of different materials including the following:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Cotton canvas
- Polycotton canvas
- PVC
- Cuben fiber
The two most common materials for rain flies are polyester and PVC. Polyester is probably the best choice for most campers. If you’re really into hardcore weather camping, then PVC is tougher and offers even more protection.
On top of these materials, rain flies often get treated with extra or stronger waterproofing chemicals.
Related Reading: What are tents made of?
BENEFITS OF USING A RAIN FLY
Are you still not sure if you need a rain fly? Check out this list of reasons you may want one.
- Extra rain coverage
- Insulation from the cold
- Coverage for mesh windows and doors to protect from wind
- UV protection for your tent body
- Protection from small debris such as sand, dirt, rocks, and branches
- More stability for your tent from the use of extra tents and guy lines
If this sounds good to you, you should seriously consider getting a rain fly.
OTHER COMMON NAMES FOR RAIN FLIES
As you’ve read this article, you may have thought, Wait. I know about that, but I’ve never heard it called that before. While rain fly is the official name, they can also be known by some of these other terms:
- Canopy*
- Cover
- Canvas*
- Tent top
- Fly sheet
- Tent Fly
- Tent flap
Really, it doesn’t matter which term you use. Different countries call rain flies by different names, but when you’re looking to buy one in the US, make sure to use “rain fly.”
*Don’t use these terms. They actually mean something different when it comes to tenting.
CONCLUSION
Next time you’re out camping and someone asks you, “What is a rain fly?” you can answer the question like an expert. As I said before, I highly recommend you at least use the rain fly that comes with your tent or buy a bigger one if you can.
Now get out there and enjoy the fresh air!
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