I haven't bought a new 2-3 man tent in 15 years. I have been enjoying my REI Hoodoo 3 that my wife and I received as a wedding gift back in 2008. Unfortunately, I have started to have problems that I didn't have in the past like leaking in the floor and rainfly. I have tried resealing the seams, but it seems to just be the tent itself that is losing its "waterproofness".

Question:

Looking around online, I see that you can re-waterproof a tent. For those of you that have done this before, was it worth it? Will a spray-on product really restore my tent to its former glory? If so, how long does the re-waterproofing last? My front door zipper is beginning to fail too, so I'm trying to decide if it is worth fixing up a tent that I have loved or if it is time to thank it for the memories and move on after 15 years?

Hi Eagle,

Sounds like it is time for a new tent. Enjoy that process!

To answer your question, I have used waterproofing techniques to help touch up a tent, but earlier in the life of the tent. Once the leaking, especially through the fabric and not just the seams, I haven't had good luck making a difference that was worth it - I suspect there is a degradation of fabric that makes the methods I've used of little value. I've tried sprays and seam sealers so maybe there are other options others have used successfully. Besides the new tents out there are really nice.

Move on and enjoy the ride!

I think I’m on tent #4 for BWCA trips. #3 was a beloved tent and I recall trying to reseal the floor and areas of the fly a couple times. Then on a rainy May trip it kept dripping on me. I got home and unceremoniously dumped it in the trash and went to REI for #4.

Maybe others are better at restoration, but in my opinion when you start to repair a tent it’s a sign the end is near.

You could erect a tarp above the tent (makes getting in and out in the rain easy) but I would not risk a balky zipper during mosquito season.

Yes, time for a new one. Car camping is one thing, but you definitely don't want a failure in canoe country, could make for a miserable trip.

Banksiana: "You could erect a tarp above the tent (makes getting in and out in the rain easy) but I would not risk a balky zipper during mosquito season."

That’s exactly what I did last September when we had the misfortune of our trip coinciding with 3.5” of rain over 4 days! My CCS tarp kept me high and dry, but I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to trust my tent alone.

Thanks all. I kind of expected the results wouldn’t justify the effort. :)

I just got home from spending a couple nights camping in a wet cave. We survived, but the amount of water coming in through the floor would have made night 3 a problem. It’s likely that was the final trip for that tent.

Thanks for your insights!

eagle98mn: "Thanks all. I kind of expected the results wouldn’t justify the effort. :)


I just got home from spending a couple nights camping in a wet cave. We survived, but the amount of water coming in through the floor would have made night 3 a problem. It’s likely that was the final trip for that tent.


Thanks for your insights!


"

Let us know what new toy finds its way into your gear pile!

Just like everything else built these days, they aren't built to last. My Nemo Losi 3p was probably my favorite tent of all. It's going on 10 years now without heavy use, and its shot.

I finally decided even though I don't sleep well on my back, that a hammock was the way to go. Tents are expensive. Tarps over hammocks are not especially if you sew them yourself from silnylon cheap by the yard online.

The hoodoo was a nice tent in its day, but it sounds like it's time for a new one. The main advantages of today's designs are dual side entrances and roomy, boxy shapes with lots of headroom. The Hoodoo is roomy but lacks side doors. You don't have to pay a ton of money for a decent tent. There are several brands like Kelty and Alps Mountaineering that make good tents with material specs similar to the expensive brands.

While not the cheapest option, I'd check out a lean+ from CCS. With the ground cloth being detached from the tent, it can be replaced in the future if it goes bad. Overall, it is a solidly constructed tent & I'd recommend it + I'll never go back to another tent.