The last time we were up, 3 of the 4 velcro strips that are (supposed to be) attached to the rainfly to wrap around the tent poles fell off when we were packing up the tent. The velcro is sewn crossways to a strip of fabric with a seam in it, and looking at the one that's still attached, it appears to be just glued on somehow. If I understand correctly, the only thing that sticks to silnylon is silicone.

I'm pretty good with a sewing machine, so I was thinking of actually sewing these to the seams, and re-sealing the new stitching. Does that seem reasonable, or can anyone think of any reason that wouldn't work?

Tomcat: "Not an expert but I have made successful repairs to both urethane coated and silnylon fabric by sewing then sealing the underside.


Used rot resistant thread


Stitches per inch should be similar to factory seams. Too many stitches per inch or stitching over the same location too many times and the repair will pull away.


Seal the under side with a quality silicone seam sealer. ( Grip Aid Seam Grip + Sil works well )"

Good point on the thread, I was thinking about strength, hadn't thought about long-term durability.

Not sure how you would seal up the underside - isn't that where the velcro is? I'd think you stitch them on then put seam sealer on the outside to keep it from going in the holes or soaking through the thread. Velsco can be goofy to sew (especially the hook side), but it works. Maybe do a double stick around the edges.

I wouldn't worry about it. In all my years of camping with Big Agnes tents I've yet to use the velcro to attach the fly to the poles. Been through some terrifying weather and have never had an issue.

I had a Nemo tent and where those velcro tabs pulled off it leaked. Make sure you seal where the stitches were and where the new ones are.