Tentproinc RV Awning Shade
A practical camping shelter (caravan / motorhome awning) for time spent outdoors.
What Is Hydrostatic Head? Tent Waterproofing Explained
Hydrostatic head (HH) is the number you'll see quoted on every tent's waterproofing - but what does it actually mean, and how much do you need for UK camping? This guide explains HH ratings and how to stay dry.
What hydrostatic head means
Hydrostatic head measures how waterproof a fabric is, expressed in millimetres (mm) - it's the height of a column of water the fabric can hold before water seeps through. So a 3000mm HH tent resists more water pressure than a 2000mm one. It's the standard measure of a tent's (or awning's) resistance to rain, and higher generally means more waterproof.
How much you need in the UK
For UK camping, around 2000mm HH is a sensible minimum for occasional and summer use; 3000mm and above comfortably handles sustained rain and is a good all-round choice; and 5000mm+ is very robust for wet or exposed conditions. Higher HH is reassuring given British weather, but it's not the only factor in staying dry - build and seams matter too.
Beyond the number
HH isn't the whole story. Taped (heat-sealed) seams stop water getting in at the stitching - vital, as seams are a common leak point. A sewn-in groundsheet keeps ground water and draughts out. Good design (a flysheet that sheds water, a covered entrance) helps too. So look for a solid HH plus taped seams and a sewn-in groundsheet for genuine weatherproofing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good hydrostatic head for a tent?
For UK camping, around 2000mm hydrostatic head is a sensible minimum, 3000mm and above handles sustained rain comfortably and is a good all-round choice, and 5000mm+ is very robust for wet or exposed conditions. Pair a solid HH with taped seams and a sewn-in groundsheet for genuine waterproofing - the number alone isn't the whole story.
Is 2000mm hydrostatic head waterproof enough?
2000mm HH is a sensible minimum that will keep you dry in typical summer and occasional UK camping, and it's a common rating for value tents. For frequent camping, sustained rain or exposed pitches, 3000mm+ gives more reassurance. Whatever the HH, taped seams and a sewn-in groundsheet are essential for actually staying dry.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Tentproinc RV Awning Shade (our score 9.6/10) - A practical camping shelter (caravan / motorhome awning) for time spent outdoors..