We've arrived home early from a weekend of camping, due to a leaky tent.
Our tent is about 7 years old and is a Khyam, similar to this in style... http://www.millets.co.uk/millets.storefront/product/094424.aspx?breadcrumbs=MIL%20SS06%20Camping;MIL%20SS06%20Tents;MIL%20SS06%20Family%20Tents ...although ours cost about £300 7 years ago, so good quality IMO.
I remember our first camping trip all those years ago and when it rained it seemed to be very wet on the inside, not just at the seams iykwim? At the time we put it down to condensation.
I think since then we have been lucky with not having bad weather, however last night it was very rainy and very windy, and water actually pooled on the sleeping pods from dripping through the main tent, and so eventually got onto us and our sleeping bags etc.
Could this be just lots of condensation (there were 5 of us and a dog in the tent), or is the very material of the tent no longer (ever?) very waterproof?!?
We did seal the seams many years ago, and we can see that that has deterioated (sp?), but there seemed to be just too much water for it to just be only leaky seams.
I'd be very interested in your opinions and also recommedations for a replacement, because regardless of whether it is fixable we to upgrade to something bigger - we've grown in the last 7 years!!
We need something that sleeps 5 people and we'd like a large living area as that is something we don't have with the Khyam. Price is a consideration, but obviously we want it to not leak so will spend what is necessary.
UV degrades the waterproofing of a synthetic tent over time, and five to seven years is regarded as the life span of a regularly used tent because of this. Less if you`ve been abroad in the sun a lot!
Sounds as if you`re due for a new tent. Tents have come a long way in seven years, so you`ll have fun looking.
I am sure there will be many opinions on this subject and I can't answer with any great knowledge about the depreciation of tents. I suppose it depends on how often you use it, the weather conditions when used, and the way it is stored, as to how long it lasts.
However, I would imagine 5 people and a dog would create quite a lot of condensation if the weather conditions are right. Having said that, many tents are designed and 'domed' in such a way that any water on the inside should run down the inside of the flysheet and drip off at the bottom rather than dripping off all over the occupants, but where there are obstructions such as toggles etc; then the water may drip off those. If there is a lot of condensation this can create a heck of a lot of water.
The internal structure/shape of the flysheet could therefore be an important consideration when you buy your next tent.
It is best to seal seams at least once a year on tents that require the seams to be waterproofed, so your problem could have been leaking seams. I can't imagine the material itself starting to leak even on a 7 year old tent unless it has been damaged. You say it was damp inside from new...this would indicate condensation in my opinion.
I presume you had all mesh vents open...assuming it has vents? These might not look much help but they certainly are, and create a through flow of air thus reducing condensation.
After 7 years I think I would be bored with a tent, and with a growing family it would seem you are due a new one anyway.
Synthetic tents seven years ago weren`t exactly over-endowed with decent ventilation either, btw, so it`s quite possible that you have a condensation problem as well. Tent design has come a long way, as I said, so a new one will solve that problem as well.
Incidentally, if you have a Millets near you this is a current star bargain in tents....the Vango Wyoming. It`s a Millets exclusive. Also, this weekend if you`re spending more than £150 they`ll give you a free cooker, so worth buying a new mallet with it just to go over the £150.
just fab seal it if you not ready to remorgage you home for a new tent.
i have used a 30 year old tent and still water tight as it`s been looked after and reproofed.
The amount of wet on the inside of the tent is almost as much as on the outside when it rained.
We do have two window vents, which were closed so I do wonder if that is part of the problem.
Any advice on a replacement would be gratefully received - I started a new post for it... http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=3&TopicID=107949&PagePosition=1
Hi cymber
It really depends on what you are going to spend and dose packed size come into the equation.Tents like the canvas Suncamp and Canabon will do away with the condensation problem but they are heavy and expensive.but in my opinion easier to put up on windy days.But the top end light weights are now catching up with both service ability and price.But as it is the most important Item. they say you get what you pay, and that also goes for tents.
Good luck with sorting out your problem.
Rex
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Topic: Do tents have a shelf life?
