Waterproofing camping/hunting/hiking gear

[Cgrutt]

Spent a night in a puddle a few weeks ago in my old Walrus backpacking tent. It had a funky smell and I threw it in the wash. Must have killed the waterproofing. Anybody know best way to restore this or is tent toast?

There are some commercial products available but not sure how well they work: 3M Scotchguard, Nikwax, Revivex, etc...

Also read some home remedies, usually made with 100% silicone sealant thinned down about 1:3 to 1:5 ratio with Mineral Spirits. Supposedly cheap alternative that works better than the commercial products, but not sure how safe it is and if it will leave the tent smelling like thinner.

Also need to retape/seal the seams...

Anybody have any experience with this?

[Meketrefe]

how could water kill the waterproofing? I am confused !

[usmcveteran]

Of I remember correctly where your camping has trees. Why not use tarp to hang over top of tent so you can stand under it and set up tent under that? That way if it's raining you can still sit out front of the tent and not get wet.

I bet you already have rope and tarps and it's a $0 solution

[big flash]

i've used walmart products like kiwi camp dry with success on tents & fly's, along with the commercial seam sealer products that you find there.

i used to tent with real cheap dome tents 50+ days a year in all weather and would re-waterproof them once a year. made a huge difference in performance.

[big flash]

how could water kill the waterproofing? I am confused !

it can definitely happen by washing the material, excessive wear (packing and unpacking) and spraying the material with deep woods off

[LibertyOrDeath]

Nope, your tent can be saved. Why anyone would sleep in a tent is beyond me. lol Join the hammock world you knuckle dragger. Ha ha ha!
In all seriousness. here' s the products I use and they work great!

[Cgrutt]

Mek the water didn't kill the waterproofing the bleach and detergent did!

USMC, this is a small backpacking tent that I use when I'm on my own with the Boy Scouts. Venue changes and I use it a fair amount, I'm want to either re-water proof the fly or get a new tent.

LOD, I've read mixed things about the Nikwax, some say it does a good job others say it's not so great. Good to hear you had good experience with it.

Might try the homemade solution. Supposedly works really well (as good or better than new).

[LibertyOrDeath]

Keep me posted on results. I love a good home remedy.

[Cgrutt]

Bought the materials (basically, 1-10 oz. tube 100% clear silicone to two quarts odorless mineral spirits) and watched a couple of youtube videos tonight. Definitely going to try this out, just not sure when, LOL...

[camper4lyfe]

It might be worth trying out on something other than your tent first.

[big flash]

i wouldn't hesitate to try it on the tent, but might as well get the hose out and test it while you got it set up after it's dried.
better to find out in your yard prior to being in the field if it worked or not.
might also be able to tell what seams/areas were missed too. let us know how well it works!

[Cgrutt]

Thanks! Will do. I'm not worried about my tent, the fly is just letting water through so worst case it doesn't work and I throw it out. I'm hoping for best case, though, LOL. The whole fly is going to be immersed in the solution, so not really worried about missing any spots. Basically make the solution, immerse fly/tarp in it and hang it out (taught) to dry...

I've watched several videos but this one does a pretty good job of the whole process.

[camper4lyfe]

My thinking was more the smell lingering more than anything.

[Cgrutt]

Yeah I thought about that too....