There's absolutely nothing quite as miserable as awakening in a soaked sleeping bag at 2 a.m. because your tent's joints have actually quit. Even the most pricey water resistant camping tents can leak with time, and the perpetrator is often the seams. Sewn seams are essentially rows of little holes poked via your camping tent fabric-- and water has no trouble locating them. That's where joint sealers can be found in. Using a quality joint sealer is one of the most convenient, most budget friendly methods to extend the life of your camping tent and stay dry whatever the weather condition throws at you.
Below's a break down of the best joint sealers readily available today, together with what to look for prior to you buy.

What to Seek in a Camping Tent Joint Sealer

 

Prior to ordering the first product you see, it deserves recognizing a few essential aspects. Not all joint sealers are compatible with all camping tent products. Silicone-treated fabrics (silnylon, silpoly) need a silicone-based sealer, while polyurethane-coated textiles need a urethane-based product. Utilizing the incorrect kind will not bond properly and can actually damage your camping tent.
You'll additionally intend to consider drying time, versatility when treated, and whether the sealant is planned for indoor or exterior application. A good seam sealer must continue to be adaptable after drying out so it does not break when your tent relocates the wind.

 

Top Seam Sealers for Waterproof Tents

 

1. Gear Aid Seam Grip WP

Gear Aid's Seam Hold WP (Water resistant) is arguably the most trusted seam sealer on the market and the go-to option for a lot of campers and backpackers. It services polyurethane-coated textiles and bonds extremely well to nylon, canvas, and polyester. The formula dries versatile, is highly resilient, and can deal with sustained exposure to rainfall without peeling or breaking.
The disadvantage? It takes around 8 to 12 hours to totally heal, so you'll require to intend in advance before your next journey. A tiny tube goes a long way, and it's wonderful for patching existing failings along with preventive therapy on brand-new camping tent joints.

 

2. Equipment Aid Joint Grip SIL

For silicone-treated camping tents-- significantly popular amongst ultralight backpackers-- the basic Joint Hold WP won't suffice. Gear Help's Joint Grip SIL is especially formulated for silnylon and silpoly materials. It bonds straight to the silicone coating, producing a waterproof barrier that relocates with the textile rather than versus it.
It dries out clear and stays pliable also in chilly temperatures, which matters if you're camping in shoulder seasons or towering conditions. Mix it with unsmelling mineral spirits to thin it out for simpler application throughout long joint runs.

 

3. McNett Silnet Silicone Joint Sealer

Another strong challenger for silicone materials, Silnet has gained its track record among ultralight treking neighborhoods. It applies smoothly, dries to a clear coating, and offers exceptional waterproofing for both cuben fiber and silnylon shelters. It's a little thinner than Seam Hold SIL, which makes it less complicated to infiltrate tight seam folds.
One coat is typically adequate for brand-new outdoors tents, though older or greatly made use of equipment might gain from a 2nd application after the initial has actually totally dried out.

 

4. Atsko Sno-Seal Beeswax Waterproofing

If you favor an even more all-natural alternative, Atsko's beeswax-based formula is exceptional for canvas outdoors tents and cotton-blend textiles. It's not ideal for modern-day synthetic sanctuaries, but for wall surface tents, canvas outfitter arrangements, or traditional canvas tarpaulins, it delivers trustworthy waterproofing while keeping the textile breathable.

 

How to Use Seam Sealer Appropriately

Application matters equally as much as the item itself. Beginning by setting up your outdoor tents in a dry, well-ventilated location. Tidy the seams with massaging alcohol and let them dry totally. Use the sealer with a little brush or the applicator suggestion, functioning it gently right into the stitch openings. Run a thin, even bead along the entire size of each seam instead of dabbing in areas.
Allow it cure completely prior to packing the camping tent away. Folding or pressing the tent before the sealant has actually set can trigger it to bond to itself or heal unevenly.

 

Final Ideas

Joint sealing is a little investment of time and cash that pays huge dividends comfortably and equipment longevity. Treat your tent prior to your very first major journey, reapply every season or after heavy usage, and keep your tent completely dry. Match the sealer to your outdoor tents's finishing material, and you'll locate that staying dry in a camp chair rainstorm is far less an issue of luck-- and far more an issue of preparation.