Let's Get Technical!

[OneLittleSpark]

WARNING: This thread may contain some or all of the following: technical terms, unnecessary jargon, lots of numbers and general 'geeking out'

Right, I'm thinking of buying a new tent at some point (hopefully soonish) and, though I've not got any Disney trips (camping or otherwise) on the horizon, I thought I might as well make it a Florida-ready one, just in case . So, I'm looking for help, advice and tips!

I'm rather taken by those instant pop-up tents, as they'd be great for me with my disabilities, and it would be awfully nice not to have to struggle with poles etc in a tropical downpour. Yes, I know it's complete softie camping, but I've done canvas ridge tents and elsans, and can live without some of the 'joys' associated with them . My main worry with these, though, is whether they'd keep out aforementioned rain. So:

What sort of hydrostatic head do you reckon you need to camp in Florida?

Also, are there any other factors I should be taking into account, that I haven't thought of?

Thanks in advance, guys!

 

[KKlinger]

Why don't you start here?
"For any fabric to be considered fully waterproof it must be able to withstand the pressure of a column of water 1000mm high without leaking. This is classed as a hydrostatic head rating of 1000". If you are worried about any given HHR, a tarp over a tent with a hydrostatic head rating of 1000 would set you up. If it doesn't rain, a HHR of 1 would work just fine.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

The tarp idea is a good one, thank you KKlinger! It would be nice if I could be sure it wouldn't rain, but in Florida, that's not really something you can count on!

 

[ntsammy5]

I'm rather taken by those instant pop-up tents,

I've never used one, but I instinctively distrust anything that's too easy.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I've never used one, but I instinctively distrust anything that's too easy.

Fair enough! Since I've developed fatigue, however, I like easy! Has anyone ever tried these before, or know anyone who has? Any comments?

Anything else I should consider when buying a tent (whether pop-up or not), with an eye to maybe taking it to Florida some time?