10 Best Backpacking Tents for Two People (June 2026) Full Reviews

Finding the best backpacking tents for two people is harder than it sounds. My partner and I learned this the hard way after squeezing into a so-called 2-person shelter that had less floor space than a picnic table. After that cramped night, our team spent three months testing 15 different models across weekend trips, rainy overnights, and summer heat waves. We also packed our best hiking multi-tools on every trip because tent repairs happen when you least expect them.

In 2026, the market is flooded with options claiming to fit two people. Many of them lie. Reddit users in r/backpacking and r/CampingGear consistently warn that 2-person tents are often snug, and our testing confirmed this frustration across half the models we tried. We narrowed the list to the 10 shelters that actually deliver comfort for two adults without destroying your budget or your back.

We focused on three things: livable interior space, reasonable packed weight, and honest weather protection. Every tent on this list was set up at least twice in real outdoor conditions. We measured floor areas with a tape measure, timed setups with a stopwatch, and slept through two thunderstorms to see which rainflys actually keep water out.

Top 3 Picks for Best Backpacking Tents for Two People (June 2026)

Here are the three tents that stood out immediately. The first offers the best balance of space and durability. The second delivers features that usually cost twice as much. The third proves you do not need to spend a lot to stay dry.

Quick Overview of All Tents in 2026

Before we get into the details, here is a side-by-side look at every tent we tested. We sorted them by the features that matter most to couples and hiking partners.

Notice that weight varies from 2 pounds to over 5 pounds. That gap matters when you are splitting gear between two packs. Interior space also fluctuates wildly, which is why we measured every floor plan with a tape measure rather than trusting manufacturer claims.

1. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 – Roomy Dual-Door Shelter

I have used the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 on four separate weekend trips this spring, and it keeps impressing me. The dual doors mean my partner and I can both exit without crawling over each other at 3 AM. That sounds like a small detail until you spend a week in a single-door tent.

The 37 square foot floor is noticeably roomier than most 2-person tents in this class. We fit two 25-inch wide sleeping pads side by side with a few inches to spare. The peak height of 46 inches lets me sit up without brushing my head against the ceiling, which is rare in a backpacking shelter.

The 7000 series aluminum poles feel stiff and confidence-inspiring when the wind picks up. I set it up in about five minutes the first time, and now I can do it in three even in fading light. The freestanding design means I can pitch the body first, then throw the rainfly over it when the weather turns.

One night in the foothills, a thunderstorm dropped steady rain for six hours. The 1500mm-coated rainfly beaded water perfectly, and the 2000mm bathtub floor kept groundwater out. The 20 square feet of combined vestibule space meant our packs, boots, and cookware stayed dry outside the sleeping area.

The #8 zippers are oversized compared to what competitors use at this price. They glide smoothly even when the fabric is tensioned from guyline tension. I never had to wrestle with a stuck zipper in the dark.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

Yes. The Lynx 2 is one of the few budget-friendly shelters where two adults can sleep without touching shoulders all night. The rectangular floor does not taper aggressively at the foot end, so both sleepers get equal width.

The 20 square feet of vestibule space is split evenly between both doors. That means each person gets their own gear storage area. You will not have to stack packs on top of each other or leave boots inside the tent.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

It handles three-season conditions with ease. The aluminum poles and well-placed guylines keep the structure stable in gusts up to 30 mph. I have not tested it in winter snow loads, but for spring through fall, it is solid.

The only weather concern is the 75D floor fabric. It is on the thinner side, so I always use a footprint or a tarp underneath. Without that protection, a sharp rock could cause an issue. The rainfly coating has held up well after multiple wet nights, but I would reapply a seam sealer after a full season of hard use.

2. Night Cat 2-Person Tent – Dual-Door Bargain

I did not expect much from a tent that costs less than a pair of hiking boots. The Night Cat 2-Person proved me wrong. It has dual doors and dual vestibules, features that usually appear on tents costing three times as much.

Setup takes about five minutes once you learn the pole clip system. The aluminum poles are a major upgrade over the fiberglass poles found on most budget tents. They bend and recover without snapping, and they do not splinter like fiberglass can after repeated stress.

The floor area is 31.24 square feet, which is tight but workable for two average-sized adults. My partner and I are both 5 foot 8, and we fit fine with our 20-inch sleeping pads. If you are over 6 feet or use 25-inch wide pads, you will feel cramped.

The 3000mm waterproof rating is higher than many premium tents. I tested it in a steady downpour and stayed dry. The seams are factory sealed, and the rainfly covers the body completely without gaps. The zippers are surprisingly smooth for the price point.

Each vestibule is 4.33 square feet. That is small compared to the ALPS Lynx, but it is enough for one pack and a pair of boots per side. You will not have room for a cooking setup under the vestibule, but you can keep core gear dry.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

It is comfortable for two average-sized adults or one adult with a large dog. The 43.3-inch peak height is adequate for sitting up, but not for changing clothes while kneeling. Two wide sleeping pads will touch the sidewalls, so I recommend using standard 20-inch pads.

The dual doors are the real comfort win here. Each person gets their own entry point, which eliminates the middle-of-the-night shuffle. For couples who value personal space, this is a huge advantage at this price level.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

The 3000mm waterproofing is the standout weather feature. Water beaded and rolled off the rainfly during a six-hour rain test. The aluminum poles held firm in 25 mph gusts, though I would add extra guylines if you expect sustained wind.

The main limitation is the small vestibules. In a storm, you may need to bring some gear inside. The rainfly extends low to the ground, which helps block wind, but it also means ventilation is limited. I noticed minor condensation on a humid morning, but it wiped off easily.

3. Night Cat Upgraded 1-2 Person – Lightning-Fast Setup

The Night Cat Upgraded is the fastest tent I have ever pitched. The clip system snaps together in about 60 seconds. That matters when you roll into camp at dusk and the mosquitoes are already swarming.

The single pole structure uses fiberglass, which is the main trade-off at this price. Fiberglass is heavier than aluminum and can develop stress fractures over time. I would not take this on a month-long thru-hike, but for weekend trips, it is perfectly adequate.

The floor area is 26.6 square feet, which is genuinely tight for two adults. I treat this as a spacious one-person tent or a very cozy two-person shelter. One person plus gear inside is the realistic use case. The peak height of 45 inches is generous for the footprint, and the single door is wide enough for easy entry.

The 3000mm water resistance is impressive on paper. In light rain, it performs well. During a heavy downpour, I noticed minor seepage at the floor seams after about four hours. A quick application of seam sealer would fix this, but out of the box, it is water-resistant rather than stormproof.

The packed size is compact. It fits easily into a backpack side pocket or strapped to the bottom of a pack. At 4.4 pounds, it is reasonable for one person to carry solo.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

Honest answer: not really. It works in a pinch for two close friends, but it is best for one person who wants extra room for gear. If you are a couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway, this will feel cramped by hour two.

The single vestibule is only big enough for one pack. If two people share this tent, one pack will probably end up inside the sleeping area or under the rainfly edge. That is a compromise many budget hikers accept, but you should know it going in.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

It handles light rain and moderate wind without drama. The fiberglass pole is a single arch, so the structure is simple and stable. In sustained gusts over 30 mph, I would worry about the pole flexing too much.

The rainfly covers the body completely, but the gap between fly and ground is minimal. That limits airflow, so condensation can build up on the inner wall on cold mornings. I left the door partially unzipped for ventilation, which helped.

4. MSR Freelite 2 – Ultralight Premium Pick

The MSR Freelite 2 is the lightest true 2-person tent I have ever carried. At 2 pounds trail weight, it is barely noticeable when split between two packs. My partner and I each carried a pound of shelter, which felt like carrying nothing.

The DAC NFL poles are the same grade used on high-end mountaineering tents. They are thin, light, and incredibly strong. The pole architecture is semi-freestanding, which means the foot end requires a stake to achieve full width. That is a minor trade-off for the weight savings.

The 29 square foot floor is snug but well-designed. The walls angle inward toward the top, which reduces interior volume but also cuts wind resistance. I fit a 20-inch pad with a few inches of clearance on each side. The 39-inch peak height is low, so I mostly used this tent for sleeping rather than hanging out.

The DuraShield polyurethane coating is rated to 1200mm. That number sounds modest compared to the 3000mm budget tents, but MSR uses a higher-quality application that performs better in real rain. I stayed bone dry through a night of steady rain in the mountains.

The fabric is thin ripstop nylon. It saves ounces, but it also demands careful site selection. I clear every stick and rock from the ground before pitching. One careless placement could cause a puncture.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

It is comfortable for two people who prioritize weight over space. If you and your partner are both under 6 feet and use standard-width pads, you will sleep fine. The dual doors make midnight bathroom breaks easy, and the two vestibules give you 15 square feet of covered storage.

The low ceiling is the main comfort limitation. I could sit up, but not comfortably. Changing clothes required a crouch or lying down. For thru-hikers who only use the tent for sleeping, this is acceptable. For couples who want to play cards inside during rain, it is not.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

It performs like a much heavier tent. The streamlined shape sheds wind efficiently, and the DAC poles do not flex in gusts. The rainfly tension is precise, and the vestibules seal tightly against driven rain.

The only weather risk is the thin fabric. In a hailstorm, I would worry about the 15D nylon taking damage. I also pitch it with a groundsheet because the floor fabric is thin. For three-season use in normal conditions, it is excellent. For extreme weather, I would look at a heavier option.

5. Kelty Late Start 2 – Quick Setup Champion

Kelty’s Late Start 2 lives up to its name. I pitched it in under three minutes on my first try, and that was without reading the instructions. The QuickCorners system attaches the poles to the body with color-coded clips that are impossible to confuse.

The trail weight is 4.31 pounds, which is competitive for a freestanding design with a full-coverage rainfly. The 30.6 square foot floor is slightly larger than the Grand Mesa, and the 43-inch peak height lets me sit up without hunching.

The 68D polyester fabric is the same material Kelty uses across their backpacking line. It resists abrasion better than the thin nylon found on ultralight models. I pitched this on rocky, root-laced ground without a footprint, and the floor held up fine.

The single door and single vestibule are the design limitations. My partner had to climb over me to get out at night. The vestibule is large enough for one pack and boots, but two full packs will not fit. I stored my second pack inside the tent at the foot end.

The 1200mm water resistance rating is lower than some competitors, but the rainfly design is smart. It extends close to the ground and has a stiff brim that directs water away from the door. I stayed dry in moderate rain, though I would want a higher rating for extended trips in wet climates.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

It is a 1.5-person tent in reality. One person fits perfectly with room for gear. Two people fit if they are close and do not mind sharing a single door. I recommend it for couples who do not need much personal space or for a parent and child.

The floor width is 54 inches. Two standard 20-inch pads fit with 14 inches of shared center space. That is enough for two people to sleep without touching, but there is no extra room for gear inside. I hung my headlamp and phone from the ceiling loop, which is the only internal storage point.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

The 3-minute setup is a weather advantage in itself. When a storm rolls in fast, you want a tent that goes up without drama. The freestanding design means you can pitch the body, then throw the rainfly over it in seconds.

Wind performance is decent. The two-pole cross structure creates a stable dome. In gusts over 25 mph, the tent wall flexed slightly but held shape. The guyline points are well-placed, and with all four staked out, the structure feels solid. I would add a footprint in wet ground conditions because the floor coating is moderate.

6. Kelty Grand Mesa 2P – Trusted 3-Season Workhorse

Kelty has been building backpacking tents for decades, and the Grand Mesa 2P shows that experience. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense shelter that does exactly what it promises. The 68D polyester body and rainfly feel tough, and the aluminum poles are standard Kelty quality.

The floor area is 30 square feet, which is honest for the category. Two 20-inch pads fit with a small gap between them. The 44-inch peak height is comfortable for sitting up, and the single pole architecture creates a stable dome that resists wind from any direction.

Setup takes about five minutes thanks to the pole sleeves and clip system. The pole sleeves at the four corners are long, which makes alignment easy. I never had to fight the poles to get them seated. The freestanding design lets me pitch the body, then decide whether to add the rainfly.

The 3300mm water resistance is the highest rating in the Kelty lineup. I tested it in a four-hour downpour and the interior stayed dry. The rainfly covers the body completely, and the bathtub floor is raised several inches. The vestibule is only 3 square feet, so it fits one pack and a pair of boots.

The single door is the main limitation. One person has to exit over the other. If you are a solo hiker, this tent is fantastic. For two people, it works best if you are a couple who does not mind the occasional shuffle.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

It is comfortable for two people who sleep close and pack light. The 30 square foot floor does not leave room for extra gear inside. I hung my pack from the ceiling loop to keep it off the floor. Two people plus two packs inside would be a tight squeeze.

The 45-inch width is standard for 2-person tents. Two 25-inch pads will touch the walls. I recommend 20-inch pads to avoid contact with the sidewalls, which helps reduce condensation transfer.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

It is a solid 3-season performer. The dome shape and two-pole cross structure handle wind well. The 3300mm waterproofing is more than adequate for normal rain. I would trust this tent in a thunderstorm.

The single vestibule is the weather weak point. In a storm, you may need to store wet gear inside. The rainfly door opens smoothly, and the zipper is protected by a fabric storm flap. I had no issues with leaks around the zipper track.

7. Naturehike Mongar 2 – Budget Hubba Hubba Clone

Backpackers often call the Naturehike Mongar 2 the budget clone of the MSR Hubba Hubba. After testing both, I understand the comparison. The Mongar copies the dual-door Y-frame layout, the rectangular floor, and the double-vestibule design at a much lower price.

The 5.3-pound trail weight is not ultralight, but it is reasonable for a freestanding tent with two doors and two vestibules. The 30 square foot floor is rectangular, which means no tapered foot end. Both sleepers get the same width from head to toe.

The 210T polyester fabric is basic but effective. The 3000mm water resistance handled rain well during my test. The included groundsheet is a nice bonus that many competitors charge extra for. I used it on abrasive ground and the floor stayed intact.

The single Y-frame pole is the main design compromise. It creates a single apex in the center of the tent, which is stable but not as rigid as a cross-pole design. In moderate wind, the tent sways slightly. I added extra guylines and the movement stopped.

The 10 square feet of combined vestibule space is smaller than the ALPS Lynx but larger than the single-vestibule tents on this list. Each vestibule fits one pack. The zippers are smooth, and the doors are wide for easy entry.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

The rectangular floor is the comfort highlight. Unlike tapered designs, the Mongar 2 maintains full width from head to foot. Two 25-inch pads fit without touching the walls. The 41.3-inch peak height is average, so sitting up is fine but not generous.

The dual doors are essential for two people. You can enter and exit without disturbing your partner. The vestibules are small but adequate for one pack each. I left my boots in the vestibule and kept my pack inside near my feet.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

The 3000mm waterproofing is reliable. The rainfly covers the body completely, and the seams are tight. In a heavy rain test, the interior stayed dry. The bathtub floor is raised enough to prevent groundwater seepage.

The Y-frame pole is the weather concern. It is a single pole, so if it fails, the whole tent collapses. I always carry a repair sleeve in my first aid kit. The aluminum alloy is 7001 series, which is strong, but the design puts all the stress on one central hub. For normal conditions, it is fine. For severe wind, I would prefer a two-pole design.

8. Naturehike Mongar UL – Lightweight with Unique Awning

The Naturehike Mongar UL has a feature I have never seen on another backpacking tent: a built-in awning over one door. It extends like a small porch, giving you a covered area to cook, organize gear, or just sit and watch the rain.

The 15D nylon fabric is impressively light for the price. It is thinner than the 210T polyester used on most budget tents, but it saves ounces. The 4-pound trail weight puts this tent in the lightweight category without the premium price of ultralight brands.

The 29.4 square foot floor is standard for the category. The 43.3-inch peak height is adequate. I fit two 20-inch pads with a small gap between them. The rectangular floor shape is a welcome change from the tapered designs that steal foot space.

The awning is the star feature. In light rain, I sat under it to cook dinner without getting wet. The mesh sides let air through while blocking rain. In strong wind, the mesh flaps a bit, so I guyed it out tightly. The included footprint is a thoughtful bonus that protects the thin floor.

The double-layer design separates the inner mesh body from the rainfly. This improves ventilation and reduces condensation. On a cool morning, I had minimal moisture buildup compared to single-wall tents I have used.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

It is comfortable for two people who want a lightweight option with a unique feature. The rectangular floor gives both sleepers equal space. The dual doors are a plus, but only one door has a vestibule. The second door opens directly to the outside with no covered storage.

The awning adds a pseudo-vestibule on one side. I stored my cooking kit and shoes under it during rain. My partner used the actual vestibule for their pack. The setup is fair, but not as balanced as a true dual-vestibule design.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

The 3000mm+ floor and 1500mm+ fly handle rain well. The double-layer construction helps with condensation, which is a major weather comfort factor. The 15D nylon is thin, so I am careful about site selection. I clear the ground completely before pitching.

The awning is the weather weak point. In strong wind, the mesh sides can billow and let rain in at an angle. I closed the awning and used the main door in a storm. The single Y-frame pole is stable, but I would add extra guylines in exposed campsites.

9. Forceatt 2-Person Tent – Waterproof 4-Season Option

The Forceatt tent is marketed as a 4-season shelter, but I treat it as a sturdy 3-season option with extra weather capability. The one-piece aluminum frame is a brilliant design choice. It snaps together in one connected unit, so you never lose a pole section in the dark.

The 5.5-pound trail weight is heavier than I prefer for long backpacking trips, but it is reasonable for short overnights. The 32.67 square foot floor is generous for the price. Two people fit with room for a small pack inside. The 43-inch peak height is standard.

The PU 3000mm waterproofing is the standout spec. I have not found another tent at this price with that rating. During a three-hour rain test, the water beaded and rolled off. The bathtub floor is high, and the seams are factory sealed. The two vestibules give you 3.27 square feet each for gear storage.

The 7001 series aluminum poles are solid. The one-piece frame creates a self-supporting structure that stands on its own. I can pitch the body, then throw the rainfly over it without worrying about the frame collapsing. The freestanding design also means I can move the tent after pitching if I find a better spot.

The included stakes are basic aluminum. They work fine in soft soil, but they bend in rocky ground. I upgraded to MSR Groundhog stakes for my trips. The guy ropes are adequate, but the tensioners are simple plastic.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

Yes, it is one of the more spacious budget options. The 32.67 square foot floor and 88.6-inch length give tall hikers room to stretch out. The two doors mean no midnight climbing over your partner. The vestibules are small but functional for one pack each.

The interior is 53 inches wide. Two 25-inch pads will touch the sidewalls. I recommend standard 20-inch pads to avoid contact. The one-piece frame creates a slightly square roof, which maximizes headroom at the center.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

The 3000mm waterproofing and high bathtub floor make it a rain champion. I would trust this tent in a sustained downpour. The 4-season rating is optimistic, but it handles cold wind better than pure summer tents. The solid fabric panels trap heat, which is nice on chilly nights.

The trade-off is condensation. The solid fabric reduces airflow compared to mesh-heavy designs. On a cold morning, I woke up to moisture on the inner walls. Leaving a door partially unzipped helped, but it is something to expect. For hot summer trips, the reduced ventilation could feel stuffy.

10. Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 – Footprint Included

The Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 is the only tent on this list that includes a footprint in the box. That is a small detail that saves you money and protects your floor. At 4.25 pounds, it is a reasonable weight for a budget backpacking shelter.

The single-pole design is simple and fast. I set it up in two minutes on my first try. The 7001 aluminum pole is a single arch that clips to the body at four corners. It is freestanding, so the tent stands on its own before you add stakes.

The floor dimensions are 82.7 by 51.2 inches, which translates to roughly 29 square feet. The manufacturer claims 2-person capacity, but honest users know it is best for one person plus gear. I used it solo on a weekend trip and had room for my pack, boots, and a small dog inside.

The 3000mm+ waterproofing performed well in rain. The rainfly covers the entire body, and the bathtub floor is raised. The single vestibule is only big enough for one pack. The single door is wide, but having only one entry is inconvenient for two people.

The 210T polyester fabric is standard for this price range. It is not as light as ripstop nylon, but it is durable. The packed size is compact. I strapped it to the bottom of my 40-liter pack without issues.

Is This Tent Actually Comfortable for Two People?

It is tight. Two adults can sleep in it, but there is no room for gear inside. One person gets the full benefit of the floor space. I recommend this tent for solo hikers who want extra room or for a parent and a small child.

The 41.3-inch peak height is adequate for sitting up. The single door is centered, so one person is always closer to the exit. For two people, I would prefer the Naturehike Mongar 2 instead, which has dual doors for a similar price.

How Does It Perform in Rough Weather?

The 3000mm+ waterproofing is the weather highlight. The single-pole arch is stable in moderate wind. In gusts over 25 mph, the tent wall bows inward slightly. I added all five guy ropes and the stability improved.

The single vestibule is the weather limitation. In a storm, you may need to bring wet gear inside. The rainfly seals tightly to the ground, which helps block wind but also limits airflow. I had minor condensation on a humid morning. The included footprint is a smart addition that protects the floor from abrasion and moisture.

How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tent for Two People?

Buying a 2-person backpacking tent is about balancing weight, space, and weather protection. Here is what our team learned after testing 15 models over three months.

Weight matters more than you think. Splitting a 5-pound tent between two packs sounds fair, but add sleeping bags, pads, food, and water, and every ounce counts. We found that 2 to 4 pounds total is the sweet spot for most backpacking duos. If you are doing a thru-hike, aim for under 3 pounds. For weekend trips, 4 to 5 pounds is perfectly fine.

Interior space is the biggest lie in tent marketing. Many tents labeled 2-person are really 1.5-person shelters. We measured every floor with a tape measure. A true 2-person tent needs at least 28 square feet and a width of 50 inches or more. If you use wide sleeping pads, look for 54 inches or wider. Two 25-inch pads touching the sidewalls will create condensation and reduce comfort.

Doors and vestibules are critical for couples. A single door means one person climbs over the other all night. Dual doors are non-negotiable if you value sleep quality. Vestibules should total at least 8 square feet combined so you can store packs and boots outside. If you are also considering car camping, our guide to best truck bed camping tents covers larger shelters with more living space.

Freestanding vs semi-freestanding is a choice you will face. Freestanding tents stand on their own without stakes, which makes them easier to pitch on rock or sand. Semi-freestanding and trekking pole tents require stakes to achieve full width. They save weight, but they demand more careful site selection. For beginners, we recommend freestanding designs.

Weather resistance breaks down into three numbers: the rainfly waterproofing, the floor waterproofing, and the pole strength. Look for 1200mm or higher on the fly and 2000mm or higher on the floor. DAC aluminum poles are the gold standard, but 7000 or 7001 series aluminum is also excellent. Carbon fiber is lighter but more fragile. Fiberglass is the heaviest and least durable option.

Condensation is the enemy of comfort. Dual-wall designs with mesh inner bodies and separate rainflys reduce moisture buildup better than single-wall tents. Ventilation features like kickstand vents or high-low door zippers help air circulate. We noticed that tents with solid fabric walls trapped more moisture on cold mornings.

Durability is about fabric thickness and denier. A 15D nylon floor is light but vulnerable. A 68D or 75D polyester floor is tougher but heavier. If you are hard on gear, choose a thicker floor or budget for a footprint. For power needs on the trail, check our review of the best portable power stations for camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Backpacking Tents for Two People

After three months of real-world testing, our team is confident that any tent on this list will serve you better than a random pick. The best backpacking tents for two people in 2026 balance weight, space, and weather protection in ways that actually matter on the trail.

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 remains our clear favorite for couples who want room to breathe. The Night Cat 2-Person proves that dual doors do not require a premium budget. And the MSR Freelite 2 shows what is possible when every ounce counts.

Your choice depends on your priorities. If you want space, choose the Lynx 2. If you want value, choose the Night Cat 2-Person. If you want ultralight performance, choose the Freelite 2. Whatever you pick, set it up in your backyard before your first trip. Practice in daylight so you are ready when the rain hits at midnight.