Making your own rain fly for your tent is a great way to save money and customize it to fit your needs. There are a few different ways to make a rain fly, so choose the one that works best for you. You can use a tarp, some rope, and some stakes to make a basic rain fly, or you can buy some fabric and make a custom-fit rain fly. 

Read Guide on Waterproofing Your Tent.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make a rain fly for your tent using some simple materials. We’ll also provide tips on how to best use your new rain fly. So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or just getting started, read on for all the info you need to make a custom rain fly for your tent!

How to make a rain fly for tent - 3 easy methods

1. How to make a rain fly for your tent using a tarp

You’ll need: 

  • 1 tarp
  • 4 ropes or cords
  • 8 stakes

Instructions: 

  1. Spread the tarp out on the ground. 
  2. Fold two sides of the tarp over so they meet in the middle. 
  3. Tie the ropes or cords around each end of the tarp, about 2 feet from the edge. 
  4. Stake down each rope or cord at the ends and in the middle. 
  5. Spread the tarp out over your tent and stake it down around the perimeter. 
  6. Use additional ropes or cords to secure the tarp to the tent if needed.

2. How to make a rain fly for your tent using fabric

You’ll need: 

  • 1 piece of waterproof or water-resistant fabric, large enough to cover your tent 
  • 4 ropes or cords 
  • 8 stakes 
  • Sewing supplies (optional)

Instructions: 

  1. Spread the fabric out on the ground. 
  2. Fold two sides of the fabric over so they meet in the middle. 
  3. Tie the ropes or cords around each end of the fabric, about 2 feet from the edge. 
  4. Stake down each rope or cord at the ends and in the middle. 
  5. Spread the fabric out over your tent and stake it down around the perimeter. 
  6. Use additional ropes or cords to secure the fabric to the tent if needed. 
  7. If you want, you can sew the fabric together at the seam where the two sides meet in the middle. As a result, your rain fly will have a cleaner look and will be more waterproof as well.

3. How to make a rain fly for your tent using a tarp and some fabric

You’ll need: 

  • 1 tarp 
  • 1 piece of waterproof or water-resistant fabric, large enough to cover your tent 
  • 4 ropes or cords 
  • 8 stakes
  • Sewing supplies (optional) 

Instructions: 

  1. Spread the tarp out on the ground. 
  2. Place the fabric on top of the tarp. 
  3. Fold two sides of the fabric and tarp over so they meet in the middle. 
  4. Tie the ropes or cords around each end of the fabric and tarp, about 2 feet from the edge. 
  5. Stake down each rope or cord at the ends and in the middle. 
  6. Spread the tarp and fabric out over your tent and stake them down around the perimeter. 
  7. Use additional ropes or cords to secure the tarp and fabric to the tent if needed. 
  8. If you want, you can sew the fabric together at the seam where the two sides meet in the middle. If you do this, your rain fly will have a cleaner appearance and will be more waterproof as well.

Tips for using your rain fly

  1. If possible, set up your tent under a tree or other shelter before attaching the rain fly. In this way, you will be able to protect yourself from the elements while you are working.
  2. Make sure the area around your tent is clear of debris before attaching the rain fly. Consequently, the fly will not get tangled up in anything and as a result, it will not tear due to getting tangled up in something.
  3. When staking down your rain fly, use rocks or other heavy objects to weigh down the ropes or cords. This will prevent them from blowing away if there is a strong wind blowing.
  4. If it’s raining heavily, you can use extra ropes or cords to tie down the corners of the rain fly so that it hangs closer to the ground. This will help keep water from pooling on top of the fly and leaking into your tent. 
  5. When you’re done using the rain fly, be sure to dry it off before storing it. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing on it. 

You May Also Like: How To Keep Your Tent Dry

Troubleshooting

1. My rain fly keeps blowing away! 

If your rain fly keeps blowing away, try staking it down with rocks or other heavy objects. The corners of the fly can also be tied down with ropes or cords that are extra long so that they hang closer to the ground as a result of this.

2. Water is still getting into my tent! 

If water is still getting into your tent, check to make sure that the fly is properly secured to the tent. You may need to use additional ropes or cords to tie it down. If you’re using a tarp, make sure that it’s properly sealed around the edges. You can also try hanging a wet towel over the top of the door to create a barrier against the elements. 

3. I can’t get my rain to stay in my tent! 

If you’re having trouble getting your rain fly to stay on your tent, try using some fabric instead of a tarp. Fabric is more flexible and can conform to the shape of your tent better than a tarp.

You can also try sewing the fabric together at the seam where the two sides meet in the middle. If you do this, your rain fly will have a cleaner look and will also be more water-resistant.

4. The fabric of my rain fly keeps tearing! 

If the fabric of your rain fly keeps tearing, try using a stronger material such as canvas or nylon. You can also try reinforcing the seams with duct tape or sewing them together. 

5. My rain fly keeps leaking! 

If your rain fly keeps leaking, check to make sure that it’s properly secured to the tent. You may need to use additional ropes or cords to tie it down. If you’re using a tarp, make sure that it’s properly sealed around the edges. You can also try hanging a wet towel over the top of the door to create a barrier against the elements. 

6. I can’t get my rain to stay dry! 

If you’re having trouble keeping your rain fly dry, try using a waterproof material such as nylon or canvas. You can also try sealing the seams with duct tape or sewing them together. 

7. The fabric of my rain fly keeps getting moldy! 

If the fabric of your rain fly keeps getting moldy, try storing it in a dry, airtight bag when you’re not using it. You can also try treating it with a fungicide before using it. 

Final words

All in all, making a rain fly for your tent is a fairly simple process that just requires some time and patience. If you follow the steps we’ve outlined, you should have a functional rain fly to keep you and your gear dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Have you made your own rain fly before? What tips would you add? Let us know in the comment section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make rain fly?

You can make a rain fly by cutting a piece of fabric or tarp to the desired size and shape. You can also sew the fabric together at the seams to create a more waterproof seal.

How do you attach rain flies to a tent?

Most rain flies can be attached to a tent by using ropes or cords. Simply tie the fly to the frame of the tent and make sure that it’s properly secured.

How do you set up a tent for yourself?

If you’re setting up a tent by yourself, it’s important to make sure that the fly is properly secured. Use rocks or other heavy objects to weigh down the ropes or cords.

You can also use extra ropes or cords to tie down the corners of the fly so that it hangs closer to the ground. This will help keep water from pooling on top of the fly and leaking into your tent.

What is a rain fly on a tent?

A rain fly is a piece of fabric or tarp that helps to keep water from entering your tent. It’s typically placed over the top of the tent and secured with ropes or cords.

Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan