To be honest it probably doesn't need re proofing, unfortunately the only way you'll find out if it does is when you get wet in it, even then it's more likely to be something like incorrect pitching than waterproofing of the canvas.
If you do ever need to re proof it products such as Fabsil are readily available from camping shops. I've been told that un-neccessary re proofing can prematurely age the canvas though.
Choose a site with a playpark or even a swimming pool so there's stuff for the 2older kids to do.
Put the tent up in the garden and get the sprinkler on it if rain isn't forecast. then you'll be able to assess if it leaks and whether it is the fabric or a seam.
( let's face it you're probably dying for an excuse to build up the tent and you just found one hehee)
you can use the opportunity to mark up any poles or pieces of tent to help get it put up quicker when you go away for real. also you can measure up for airbeds camp beds etc once it's up.
,Before you go adding something that may not need doing I would pitch and soak your new arrival....if it has been stored for some time,this will fluff out the canvas and hopefully seal itself up again,as daves mate has said,using products should really be a last resort,We have 2 canvas tents,both bought second hand and neither have needed re-proofing.
Lovely new tent you have by the way! If you search for "the list" on here,it gives you just about everything you could possibly need for camping...personally,I would use things from home..duvets,pillows,cutlery,crockery until you find out exactly the type of set up you really want...(if you want a seperate set for camping,charity shops are a good source for cutlery,crockery,pans etc)...Happy camping!
------------- March- Padstow
April- Forest Glade
June-Grizedale
July-Jedburgh
and lots more besides
When you pitch the tent in the garden & soak it with the hose, get someone to stand inside to see whether a fine mist comes through it. If so, then it's been dry stored for at least a couple of years. However, when it dries out after it's soaking, it should have swelled the fibres & be perfectly waterproof again.
Don't proof it unless it's absolutely necessary, as once you start using Fabsil or other waterproofing products, you will need to re-proof it every two years, as the product will spoil the natural waterproofing of the canvas.
Hi and welcome. Another happy Athena owner here. We bought ours a couple of years ago and it was approx 9 years old. Had been dry stored and was like new. We erected it and as has already been suggested we gave it a soaking let it dry then repeated the process. It's been watertight ever since.
Enjoy your new tent!
------------- Christine
2014
April -
BunRoy Fort William 3 sleeps
April / May
Invercaimbe Arisaig 4 sleeps
Bleatarn Brampton tbc July
I agree with the others. I've just got a second hand Cabanon tent and its a proper old one with the old red and white only logo. The canvas looks like new, but i've yet to see how waterproof it is. I dare not risk putting it up and leaving without supervision as yet because we've got a problem with squirrels (caught one of the little blighters yesterday ) and the little sods will more than likely damage it.
However we are hopefully going to go away in it May weekend so I do need to give it a good soaking. The previous owners did say that they were 'fair weather' campers as was the previous owner (their uncle), so I should think it needs a good soak, dry, soak and dry before it becomes fully waterproof again.
It's just another excuse to put the tent up really!
I have one kid (6yr) in tow and ensure that there are things for him about to keep him amused!
The two sites i'm camping this year are Faskally - swimming pool, adventure play park onsite, Glenmore - Landmark, Treezone, kayaking, softplay all very local to campsite.
I must admit that holidays for me is purely about keeping my son amused, he's very active! R & R is saved for days when he's at school or evenings when he's in his bed!! lol
------------- weekend camping in Scotland anyone?
Faskally Meet, Near Pitlochry see forum Meeting up-Scotland
June - Glenmore camping, Aviemore :) gonna go kayaking!
I must confess I am like an impatient child waiting for our first trip & thats not even till July, I may try & find a cheap weekend away sooner (only as a test run of course)...lol
-------------
June:New Forest
August:Peak District
October:Lymme Regis
The older ones will probably like to help out in the set up, you can give them little jobs to do. For the little one, they can hand out tent pegs so they feel part of it to. Get the tent up and then hand out a drink and sausage roll or similar to all. Fed and watered kids are always more pleasant. Then continue the set up process.... Beds etc..... Site wise a play park and somewhere to play ball Ames always goes down a treat. A tent toilet e.g kampa khazi would be an idea to (space permitting). Saves late night treks to the loo with the little peeps.
Have lots of fun
------------- Jewelsm - a fair weather camper
August 2013, 14, 15, 16 & 17-Trevornick for two and a half weeks of sea and surf (and ever optimistic -lots of sun). Some other weekends if I can persuade DH
When you pitch the tent in the garden & soak it with the hose, get someone to stand inside to see whether a fine mist comes through it. If so, then it's been dry stored for at least a couple of years. However, when it dries out after it's soaking, it should have swelled the fibres & be perfectly waterproof again.
Might be difficult if you have a 'Hose Pipe Ban' in force.
------------- 2021
March
April
May
May
June Nantcol
July
Aug Nantcol
Sept
Oct Hayles
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: Waterproof ???
, even then it's more likely to be something like incorrect pitching than waterproofing of the canvas.
oh the things we have to do for the kids eh?
) and the little sods will more than likely damage it.
