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Hi

How often should a tent be waterproofed?  Does it need waterproofing when new or should it already be waterproof?

Thanks

Done a bit of research about synthetic tents in the past, I have a great Outwell hartford xl tent, used it loads, its getting on a bit now, 6 years . last  year it started to leak a little along a couple of seams and a small patch in the awning part, very heavy rain for 4 days though

For nylon and synthetic tents, I recommend using Tent and Gear Proof or UV Proof, both by Nikwax. You can also use a seam gel ( forgotten the name) to sort this area out.

For breathable, single wall tents and bivvi bags (e.g. Gore-tex), I would  recommend TX.Direct Spray-on by Nikwax.

I don't work for Nitwax by the way, I just use there stuff for all my synthetic gear, walking coats , trousers ect. My mate runs a outdoor supply buisness and sell loads of the stuff.

You should not have to reproof your tent for quite a few years though.Mine only leaked a little, do a google search about reproofing synthetic tents, there is loads of information on it.

Mark