This is the first time I've had the courage to tap the ukcampsite font of wisdom...
We just test pitched our gorgeous new kampa holkham. I'm dying to get out for its first camping trip (you would not believe how excited I am), but the instructions say to give it a good soak before its first trip.
I haven't been able to find much when searching about just how much weatherproofing you need to do before your first night in a new poly-cotton tent.
As we live in a flat, we don't have a garden so we can't really soak, then leave, the tent for long.
What has your years of collective wisdom told you about the need to baptise your tent before its first outing? The hubbs is tempted to just go and suck it and see.... but is this ill-advised? We wouldn't really want our 3 year-old to wake up screaming because he's getting water dripping on him
Also, do you all carry weatherproofing products with you when camping? If so, which ones?
You should be fine - but you run the gauntlet of being stuck with a leak on holiday!
Saying that, Kampa seem to have a good reputation for quality, and as long as you have given the tent a good check over when you test-pitched it, then you will probably be OK. Maybe...
nisaga. just go camping. get there as soon as you can. got to be some way you can soak the tent in the morning of arrival. and go somewhere for a few hours. i dont know how long the tent takes to dry. but if it is sunny with some wind. it may be only a couple of hours. maybe someone on here can let me know how long it takes.
Go away, if it looks like a good day, get a garden sprayer, from Wilko's etc ( NEW one no contamination with detergents!!!!!) and spray with water till drenched. I will dry in a few hours. Then you should be fine.
I don't think the odd soaking in tap water will damage the tent. Maybe if you did it all the time - but even then I'm not sure... My waterproofs have been through the was loads of times and are still working fine.
Don't worry, its more likely that the first time it rains you will experience a fine mist and maybe the odd drip. After that as the cotton has swollen it will seal it and then you'll be fine yourselves!
We are off mayday wk end in our new Yukon polycotton, for some reason cos its polycotton not canvas didn't give it a thought! Oh well as long as it dont throw it down should be fine! I can't wait for the first camp of the year either!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Weatherproofing a poly-cotton tent
I can't wait for the first camp of the year either!
