Here's a breakdown of the most effective seam sealants offered today, along with what to try to find before you acquire.
What to Try to find in a Tent Joint Sealer
Prior to ordering the first product you see, it deserves recognizing a few essential aspects. Not all joint sealants work with all tent materials. Silicone-treated materials (silnylon, silpoly) call for a silicone-based sealant, while polyurethane-coated fabrics need a urethane-based product. Making use of the incorrect kind will not bond effectively and can actually damage your camping tent.
You'll additionally intend to consider drying time, versatility when healed, and whether the sealant is intended for interior or exterior application. A great joint sealant must continue to be versatile after drying out so it does not fracture when your tent moves in the wind.
Top Seam Sealers for Waterproof Tents
1. Gear Aid Seam Hold WP
Gear Aid's Joint Grip WP (Water resistant) is probably the most trusted seam sealer on the market and the go-to option for the majority of campers and backpackers. It deals with polyurethane-coated textiles and bonds extremely well to nylon, canvas, and polyester. The formula dries out flexible, is very resilient, and can take care of continual exposure to rainfall without peeling or splitting.
The downside? It takes around 8 to 12 hours to totally treat, so you'll require to plan in advance before your next journey. A small tube goes a long way, and it's excellent for patching existing failings along with precautionary therapy on new camping tent joints.
2. Equipment Aid Joint Grip SIL
For silicone-treated camping tents-- significantly popular amongst ultralight backpackers-- the basic Joint Grip WP will not suffice. Gear Aid's Joint Grasp SIL is specifically developed for silnylon and silpoly textiles. It bonds directly to the silicone finish, creating a water resistant obstacle that relocates with the fabric instead camping cots of versus it.
It dries clear and stays pliable even in chilly temperature levels, which matters if you're camping in shoulder seasons or alpine conditions. Mix it with odor-free mineral spirits to thin it out for less complicated application throughout lengthy joint runs.
3. McNett Silnet Silicone Joint Sealer
One more solid contender for silicone materials, Silnet has actually earned its credibility among ultralight treking neighborhoods. It applies efficiently, dries out to a clear coating, and supplies outstanding waterproofing for both cuben fiber and silnylon shelters. It's somewhat thinner than Joint Grasp SIL, that makes it easier to work into 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 prefer a more natural option, Atsko's beeswax-based formula is excellent for canvas tents and cotton-blend fabrics. It's not perfect for contemporary synthetic shelters, however, for wall tents, canvas outfitter setups, or traditional canvas tarpaulins, it provides trustworthy waterproofing while maintaining the textile breathable.
Just How to Apply Seam Sealant Appropriately
Application issues equally as long as the product itself. Start by setting up your tent in a completely dry, well-ventilated location. Tidy the seams with scrubing alcohol and let them dry completely. Use the sealant with a little brush or the applicator idea, working it gently into the stitch openings. Run a slim, even bead along the whole length of each joint instead of swabbing in areas.
Let it cure fully prior to loading the camping tent away. Folding or compressing the tent prior to the sealant has set can create it to bond to itself or heal erratically.
Final Thoughts
Joint sealing is a small investment of time and cash that pays massive dividends in comfort and equipment durability. Treat your tent prior to your initial major trip, reapply every period or after hefty use, and save your tent completely dry. Match the sealant to your tent's layer material, and you'll locate that staying completely dry in a rainstorm is far less an issue of luck-- and a lot more an issue of preparation.
