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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Campmor tarp sticky/tacky on underside. |
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07/20/2022 11:49AM
I have a CCS 10x14 1.9 as my main tarp, but have the smaller green Campmor tarp from the days before I had the CCS. Planning on taking it as a supplemental tarp. But I pulled it out of the stuff sack and find it to be sort of tacky on the underside, rather than feeling dry. I’ve never stashed it away wet or even slightly damp. Is this thing shot?
"Enjoy every sandwich"
07/20/2022 03:44PM
Yuck...it is probably coming to the end of life, in my opinion. Sometimes the finish on those tarps starts to break down and can feel sticky like you indicated. Whether it is broken down beyond use or not, I suggest hanging it, washing it, drying it, and then treat it with a waterproofing product. Hope you find a solution.
07/20/2022 05:19PM
YetiJedi: "...it is probably coming to the end of life, in my opinion..."
Agreed. I've had tarps, tents, packs, and bags in the past that all eventually exhibited that same tackiness to varying degrees. My more recent (and higher quality) purchases have so far not done that. Time will tell, I suppose.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." -- Yogi Berra
07/21/2022 07:24AM
It is likely an old urethane coated fabric. Over time and exposure to water, heat and light the urethane molecules hydrolyze and break apart. One of the byproducts is that old smelly tent odor and one is sticky. It won't get better and it will not be an item that you count on for performance when you need it.
Time to retire your tarp. Silicone coatings are much more stable and should last a long time.
Time to retire your tarp. Silicone coatings are much more stable and should last a long time.
07/21/2022 09:48AM
I could be wrong but I thought I read that urethane fabrics could be washed, stripped of urethane finish and re-sealed using a silicone solution. Provided the fabrics in good shape that might be an option.
All conservation of wildness is self-defeating, for to cherish we must see and fondle, and when enough have seen and fondled, there is no wilderness left to cherish. Aldo Leopold
07/21/2022 09:49AM
Thanks all - at $40 ten+ years ago, I won't feel bad pitching it. And I will point out to my wife that I actually threw something away and watch her jaw drop!
Now to check out my other backup tarp - the Gear Guide one. :)
Now to check out my other backup tarp - the Gear Guide one. :)
"Enjoy every sandwich"
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