Below's a breakdown of the best seam sealers available today, along with what to look for before you buy.
What to Search for in a Camping Tent Seam Sealant
Prior to ordering the very first item you see, it's worth recognizing a couple of vital variables. Not all seam sealers work with all camping tent products. Silicone-treated textiles (silnylon, silpoly) require a silicone-based sealer, while polyurethane-coated materials require a urethane-based item. Making use of the wrong type will not bond correctly and can actually harm your tent.
You'll additionally want to think about drying time, adaptability when healed, and whether the sealant is meant for interior or outside application. A great joint sealant need to continue to be flexible after drying so it doesn't break when your camping tent relocates the wind.
Leading Joint Sealers for Waterproof Tents
1. Equipment Help Joint Grasp WP
Equipment Help's Joint Grasp WP (Water-proof) is arguably the most trusted seam sealer on the market and the go-to choice for many campers and backpackers. It deals with polyurethane-coated materials and bonds unbelievably well to nylon, canvas, and polyester. The formula dries out adaptable, is extremely resilient, and can manage continual direct exposure to rainfall without peeling off or fracturing.
The disadvantage? It takes around 8 to 12 hours to totally heal, so you'll require to intend in advance prior to your following trip. A little tube goes a long way, and it's terrific for patching existing failures as well as preventive treatment on new outdoor tents joints.
2. Equipment Help Seam Hold SIL
For silicone-treated tents-- increasingly popular amongst ultralight backpackers-- the typical Joint Grasp WP will not cut it. Gear Aid's Joint Grasp SIL is particularly developed for silnylon and silpoly materials. It bonds directly to the silicone coating, creating a water-proof obstacle that relocates with the material rather than against it.
It dries out clear and stays pliable even in cold temperature levels, which matters if you're camping in shoulder periods or alpine conditions. Mix it with odorless mineral spirits to slim it out for much easier application across long joint runs.
3. McNett Silnet Silicone Joint Sealant
An additional solid competitor for silicone materials, Silnet has earned its online reputation amongst ultralight hiking communities. It uses efficiently, dries to a clear finish, and supplies exceptional waterproofing for both cuben fiber and silnylon shelters. It's slightly thinner than Joint Hold SIL, which makes it less complicated to infiltrate tight joint folds up.
One coat is usually enough for new tents, though older or greatly utilized gear might benefit from a second application after the initial has fully dried out.
4. Atsko Sno-Seal Beeswax Waterproofing
If you choose a more all-natural option, Atsko's beeswax-based formula is superb for canvas camping tents and cotton-blend fabrics. It's not excellent for contemporary synthetic sanctuaries, but for wall surface camping tents, canvas outfitter setups, or standard canvas tarps, it supplies reputable waterproofing while keeping the textile breathable.
How to Use Seam Sealant Properly
Application issues canopy tent just as high as the product itself. Beginning by setting up your tent in a completely dry, well-ventilated location. Clean the joints with scrubing alcohol and let them completely dry totally. Use the sealer with a tiny brush or the applicator suggestion, functioning it gently right into the stitch holes. Run a slim, even grain along the entire length of each joint instead of swabbing in spots.
Allow it cure completely before packing the outdoor tents away. Folding or compressing the outdoor tents before the sealant has set can create it to bond to itself or cure erratically.
Final Thoughts
Seam securing is a little financial investment of time and money that pays massive dividends in comfort and equipment longevity. Treat your camping tent prior to your first significant trip, reapply every season or after hefty use, and keep your outdoor tents dry. Match the sealant to your tent's finish product, and you'll find that remaining completely dry in a downpour is much much less a matter of luck-- and far more a matter of preparation.
