Here's a failure of the very best seam sealants available today, in addition to what to search for before you get.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Tents Seam Sealant
Before getting the first product you see, it's worth understanding a couple of key elements. Not all joint sealers 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. Utilizing the incorrect type won't bond correctly and can really harm your outdoor tents.
You'll also intend to think about drying out time, flexibility once cured, and whether the sealer is intended for interior or external application. A great joint sealer should continue to be versatile after drying out so it doesn't fracture when your camping tent relocates the wind.
Top Joint Sealers for Waterproof Tents
1. Gear Aid Joint Grip WP
Equipment Help's Joint Grasp WP (Waterproof) is arguably one of 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 unbelievably well to nylon, canvas, and polyester. The formula dries out adaptable, is very durable, and can handle sustained exposure to rain without peeling or breaking.
The drawback? It takes about 8 to 12 hours to completely treat, so you'll need to intend in advance prior to your next trip. A small tube goes a long way, and it's fantastic for patching existing failings along with preventive treatment on brand-new outdoor tents joints.
2. Equipment Help Joint Grasp SIL
For silicone-treated tents-- increasingly preferred amongst ultralight backpackers-- the standard Seam Grip WP will not suffice. Equipment Help's Seam Hold SIL is specifically formulated for silnylon and silpoly fabrics. It bonds directly to the silicone finishing, producing a waterproof barrier that relocates with the material instead of against it.
It dries clear and remains flexible also in chilly temperatures, which matters if you're camping in tent buy shoulder seasons or towering problems. Mix it with unsmelling mineral spirits to slim it out for easier application across long joint runs.
3. McNett Silnet Silicone Joint Sealant
An additional strong competitor for silicone materials, Silnet has earned its online reputation amongst ultralight treking areas. It applies smoothly, dries to a clear coating, and uses exceptional waterproofing for both cuben fiber and silnylon shelters. It's a little thinner than Joint Hold SIL, which makes it less complicated to infiltrate tight seam folds up.
One layer is commonly adequate for new outdoors tents, though older or heavily used equipment might gain from a 2nd application after the very first has totally dried.
4. Atsko Sno-Seal Beeswax Waterproofing
If you prefer an even more natural option, Atsko's beeswax-based formula is superb for canvas camping tents and cotton-blend textiles. It's not perfect for modern-day artificial shelters, but also for wall surface camping tents, canvas outfitter setups, or typical canvas tarpaulins, it supplies reputable waterproofing while keeping the material breathable.
How to Use Seam Sealant Properly
Application matters equally as much as the item itself. Start by establishing your camping tent in a completely dry, well-ventilated area. Tidy the seams with massaging alcohol and let them completely dry completely. Use the sealer with a little brush or the applicator idea, functioning it carefully into the stitch openings. Run a thin, also bead along the whole length of each joint instead of dabbing in areas.
Allow it treat totally before loading the camping tent away. Folding or pressing the tent prior to the sealer has actually set can trigger it to bond to itself or heal unevenly.
Last Thoughts
Joint sealing is a little financial investment of time and money that pays massive dividends comfortably and gear long life. Treat your tent prior to your initial major journey, reapply every season or after heavy usage, and store your camping tent completely dry. Match the sealant to your tent's finishing product, and you'll find that remaining completely dry in a downpour is far much less a matter of luck-- and far more a matter of preparation.
