waterproofing a tent

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bencollver3
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Joined: May 16th, 2020, 12:27 pm

waterproofing a tent

Post by bencollver3 » May 16th, 2020, 12:59 pm

I have a pup tent with no rain fly. I read about applying waterproof spray directly on the tent. Would it be better to leave the tent untreated and use a tarp as a rain fly? I imagine that might make the tent more breathable.

Thanks!

-Ben

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retired jerry
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Re: waterproofing a tent

Post by retired jerry » May 16th, 2020, 1:41 pm

welcome

Trinity Alps are good a little further south

external tarp would be more waterproof and breathable. And heavier.

waterproof spray might work, I don't know which. Depends on the fabric too.

just a tarp would be more minimalist, lighter, cheaper

Aimless
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Re: waterproofing a tent

Post by Aimless » May 16th, 2020, 2:47 pm

bencollver3 wrote:
May 16th, 2020, 12:59 pm
I have a pup tent with no rain fly. I read about applying waterproof spray directly on the tent. Would it be better to leave the tent untreated and use a tarp as a rain fly?
The spray-on type of waterproofing is not very effective in my experience. Adding a tarp as a rain fly would be better protection in anything resembling real rain. Unless your pup tent provides a bugproof interior (a real advantage!), you might consider leaving the tent home and just using a tarp with a ground sheet as your shelter.

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bencollver3
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Re: waterproofing a tent

Post by bencollver3 » May 17th, 2020, 6:54 am

Thank you Aimless and retired jerry for your advice.

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drm
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Re: waterproofing a tent

Post by drm » May 19th, 2020, 7:31 am

I'm not sure it will be breathable if the tarp is laying flatly against the tent fabric. Double wall tents provide a few inches of space between the inner and outer walls.

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