Here's a failure of the most effective seam sealants offered today, along with what to seek before you buy.
What to Search for in a Tent Joint Sealer
Before getting the first product you see, it deserves recognizing a few essential variables. Not all joint sealers are compatible with all camping tent products. Silicone-treated textiles (silnylon, silpoly) require a silicone-based sealer, while polyurethane-coated materials require a urethane-based item. Using the wrong type will not bond correctly and can really damage your outdoor tents.
You'll additionally want to think about drying out time, adaptability once cured, and whether the sealer is meant for indoor or external application. A great seam sealant must stay adaptable after drying so it doesn't split when your camping tent relocates the wind.
Leading Seam Sealers for Waterproof Tents
1. Gear Aid Joint Grip WP
Equipment Aid's Seam Grip WP (Water resistant) is probably one of the most relied on joint sealant on the marketplace and the best selection for the majority of campers and backpackers. It works on polyurethane-coated fabrics and bonds extremely well to nylon, canvas, and polyester. The formula dries versatile, is extremely long lasting, and can manage continual direct exposure to rainfall without peeling or splitting.
The drawback? It takes around 8 to 12 hours to completely treat, so you'll need to prepare ahead before your next trip. A small tube goes a long way, and it's fantastic for patching existing failures as well as preventive treatment on brand-new outdoor tents joints.
2. Equipment Help Seam Grip SIL
For silicone-treated tents-- increasingly popular among ultralight backpackers-- the standard Seam Grip WP won't suffice. Gear Aid's Seam Grasp SIL is specifically formulated for silnylon and silpoly materials. It bonds directly to the silicone covering, creating a water resistant barrier that moves with the material as opposed to versus it.
It dries clear and remains flexible even in cold temperature levels, which matters if you're camping in shoulder seasons or alpine problems. Mix it with odorless mineral spirits to slim it out for less complicated application across lengthy joint runs.
3. McNett Silnet Silicone Seam Sealer
Another solid competitor for silicone textiles, Silnet has actually gained its track record among ultralight treking areas. It applies efficiently, dries out to a clear surface, and provides excellent glamping.tent waterproofing for both cuben fiber and silnylon sanctuaries. It's a little thinner than Seam Grasp SIL, that makes it simpler to work into limited seam folds.
One layer is typically sufficient for brand-new tents, though older or greatly utilized gear might take advantage of a second application after the initial has fully dried out.
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 fabrics. It's not excellent for contemporary synthetic sanctuaries, but for wall surface tents, canvas outfitter configurations, or traditional canvas tarpaulins, it delivers trusted waterproofing while keeping the fabric breathable.
Exactly How to Apply Joint Sealer Appropriately
Application matters equally as high as the product itself. Begin by setting up your outdoor tents in a dry, well-ventilated location. Tidy the seams with massaging alcohol and let them dry entirely. Apply the sealer with a tiny brush or the applicator suggestion, functioning it gently into the stitch openings. Run a thin, also bead along the entire size of each joint instead of dabbing in spots.
Let it treat totally prior to packing the camping tent away. Folding or compressing the tent before the sealer has actually set can trigger it to bond to itself or cure erratically.
Last Thoughts
Joint sealing is a little financial investment of time and money that pays massive dividends comfortably and equipment durability. Treat your outdoor tents before your very first significant trip, reapply every period or after hefty use, and save your tent dry. Suit the sealer to your tent's coating material, and you'll discover that remaining dry in a rainstorm is much less an issue of luck-- and far more a matter of prep work.
