14
Understanding Waterproofness
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.
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.
