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Seam Sealing
The seams of your tent have been waterproof taped wherever possible. All tents have
areas that cannot be properly sealed with a taping machine, so we include a small tube
of “touch-up” sealer. Try your tent in the rain or under a garden sprinkler to determine
if you want to seal it further; for most users it will not be necessary. Likely areas: “out”
side of door seams where zippers are sewn to fabric; spots where thread or webbing
passes through or around the seam tape, such as the “out” side of the stitching and
seams at the door tiebacks, and the “out” side of the fly where Velcro
®
loops are sewn
to the inside; selected parts of the inner tent where condensation or windblown rain
could wick through, such as lantern loops or pole clip suspension points; and the
“in” side of any untaped floor seams exposed to ground moisture or rainfall.
Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling sealant vapours. For complete sealing,
evenly apply only the minimum required amount of sealant into needle holes, thread,
and fabric joints. Allow to dry and cure overnight. Before packing the tent for the first
time, dust newly sealed areas with talcum powder or spray them with 303
™
Protectant;
freshly cured sealer can bond to itself even when dry. If the tent is used hard and often
you may need to reapply seam sealer in high-wear areas.
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Site Preparation
Remove sharp objects that might puncture the tent floor.
A ground sheet beneath the tent is not necessary for waterproofness, but it will reduce
long-term wear on the tent floor. A ground sheet should be cut or folded smaller than
the tent floor to prevent water pooling between the floor and the ground sheet.
Another light and convenient option is MEC’s custom-made, coated nylon Footprint.
In winter conditions, we recommend digging out a platform with surrounding walls.
To avoid melting depressions in the snow under the tent, pack the snow down solidly
by ski or foot.
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Set-up
A NOTE ABOUT SHOCK-CORDED POLES
Shockcord (bungee cord) is meant to keep pole sections in the proper order—not as an
automatic assembly mechanism for poles. Do not hold one section while whipping the
rest of the pole back and forth, or toss the poles into the air; either procedure excessively
stresses the pole joints and shockcord. Instead, fit poles together section by section,
making sure that each piece slides completely into the next. Forcing an improperly
assembled pole into place can damage the pole and/or the tent body and fly.
