Honestly, I stopped buying expensive waterproofing spray for my tent after a $6 bottle of silicone sealant from the hardware store saved my whole trip.

3 comments

3 Comments

My nephew tried that exact trick with a cheap silicone sealant on his rainfly last summer. It left a sticky residue that attracted every bit of dirt and pine needle in the forest, and the coating peeled off in sheets after two uses. That mess ruined the tent's breathability and made it heavier. Proper waterproofing sprays are designed for fabric and won't gum up the material. Saving a few dollars isn't worth wrecking your gear.

christopherwilson25d ago

That "sticky residue" sounds like he didn't mix it with mineral spirits first.

davis.adam17d ago

Yeah, @susanm56's story shows why the right prep is everything.