Keeping rain out of your tent
Q. I have a two-person tent that I really like, but when it rains, it leaks badly. I applied seam sealer as you had said in a previous answer, but now it’s like the rain is coming through the tent itself, not the seams. I think the rain fly that came with the tent is not big enough. Can I buy another type of rain fly? I was thinking a tarp would not allow air to come through and I will get hot. Do you have any other suggestions?
— Alex Almost-Dry, Raleigh, N.C.
A. There are a couple of things you can do. First, for waterproofing the tent fabric, use something like ReviveX Air Dry Waterproofing Spray ($10, mcnett.com). Just spray it on the fabric, and let it air-dry. That should help with some of your leakage issues. Next, get a tarp. Yes, if you draped it directly on top of your tent that would severely limit your air flow. The better choice is simply to string it up just above your tent, so it’s not touching it at all. The tarp will protect your tent from rain and keep your stuff dry.
Every year before I use my tent I use camp-dry. Ps when camping don’t let anything touch the sides
you can return your tent and buy a water proof one.
Try writing to the company. Often they are willing to correct a problem so long as the tent isn’t more than 3 years old. If it is that old, then fully seal the fly with spray on both sides; if it still leaks then over-tarp it.