Know your tent
OZtrail tents are manufactured from
waterproof and water repellent fabrics.
However, with the addition of seams, zips
and other desirable features a recreational
tent will not be as waterproof as a car, house
or other solid structures.
The following are common examples of how
water can enter a tent: -
CONDENSATION
When warm moist air meets cooler air,
condensation occurs. The tent/shelter fly
forms an impermeable layer between the
inside and outside conditions. The moisture
inside the tent/shelter condenses on the
fabric. Sometimes in cold conditions it
appears that the fabric is leaking when in
fact the cause is condensation.
Condensation can be reduced if the
tent/shelter is well ventilated.
ZIPS
All care is taken in the design to cover zips.
At times wind driven rain could force water
under the flaps and through the zips. To
minimise this, make sure all doors and
windows are closed with the flaps covering
the zips.
FLOOR
If the ground is very wet or water pools
under the floor, downward pressure of
standing or kneeling on the floor could force
water through the floor fabric. To prevent
this, do not pitch the tent over hollows and
make sure water drains away from the tent.
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UNDERSTANDING WATERPROOFNESS
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
A well pitched tent on level ground is
structurally strong and most waterproof.
During prolonged periods of rain and
wind it may be necessary to tighten guy
lines and reset the tent pegs and attend
to drainage around the tent. Sagging and
incorrect pitching weakens the tent
structure and could allow water to pool
on the fly placing undue forces on the tent
causing leaking and breakages.
