Ground Sheet Re-Proof

[Heltor Chasca]

I've got a 2 man tent that is circa 15 years old. It has very few faults and it has oodles of sentimental value. The last 3 times I've used it, the groundsheet (bathtub attached to inner) has shown signs of 'sweating'. And that's been in temperatures of cold to hot and wet to dry so I'm ironing out condensation. I'm thinking that it has just become water resistant as apposed to waterproof. There are no holes from rough ground etc.

Would one of these new fangled tent proofers that you wash in work? Would it ruin the 'no-see-um' mesh?

Thanking you kindly...b

[rualexander]

They wouldn't work.
Probably best to get the groundsheet replaced, £60 - £75 at Scottish Mountain Gear in Edinburgh
https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/re ... nt-repairs
I did once reproof a groundsheet in a Saunders Jetpacker using the method recommended by Saunders at the time, which was to coat it with modeller's dope thinned with white spirit (I think). It worked ok for a while but didn't last.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
I would replace the ground sheet myself or simply buy a new tent..
You could buy a piece of cheap tarp at 80 grams a square metre and place underneath original.

[Heltor Chasca]

Thank you both. Although a young 'un on here (40ish) I'm loathed to chuck it due to my old fashioned, mend or make do attitude. The top components of the tent are brilliant but it's no good if you get wet from underneath. It's an old Vango Hydra 200+ which cost £80 new 15 years ago. How annoying can new-age economics get?...b

[andrew_s]

There's this tent floor sealant that looks to be the stuff.
A brief google implies that you'll have to get it from America

[pjclinch]

The sealants should work as they are waterproof seals (clue in the name!). Wash in "reproofers" tend to be DWR coats for getting water to bead up and help maintain breathability of waterproof clothing, not the job you're trying to do here.

The new groundsheet is the "doing it properly" approach, but if the tent will only be in light use a re-seal may be enough at greatly reduced cost.

Pete.