💧 How to Repair a Leaking Tent - Fixing a Military Tent 💧 

This is one of the best tent tutorials on RU-vid. I hope in 5 years it has 10 million views.

I have used silicone diluted with mineral spirits to make a thinner solution. Then applied with a sponge brush just wider than the seams. Soaks in threads well and the mineral spirits will evaporate, leaving a neat line. Recommended method by Tarp Tents.

Called flux brush also . Used in plumbing when sweating joints . Any place that has a Plumbing Dept will have them . Great idea with the curved syringe !!

Watched 17 video's of the overnight camping till 5 a.m. this morning.And here I am wanting to watch more lol.

I am about to seal the fly on my 23yr old Eureka Alpenlite 3 tent today(I did the floor last weekend) and I would like to thank you Luke for providing the syringe pro-tip in your video several years ago. Ever since I saw you demonstrate that method that is the only way I do it. I was using Seam Grip for years before, but I was doing a sloppy job applying it straight from the tube. The syringe method is more efficient as well as better looking, making each tube of Seam Grip go further. Thanks Luke.

Well that saved me a whole lot of time. I originally thought I had to seam seal the outside and the inside lining for it to really work.

You covered all of the important things about seam sealing a tent and fly. I do have one suggestion that will make your life easier after seam sealing: apply talcum powder to the seams, just sprinkle it right on top of the treated areas, then brush the excess off. It keeps the treated seams from sticking to each other when you stuff the whole mess into a stuff sack, but doesn't interfere with the effectiveness of the sealer.

Thanks for the detailed look at how to seal tent seams successfully. The injector and acid brush system is 'da bomb!'

Thank you Luke. Your demonstrations and advice is always very much appreciated. I have a couple tents which require sealing and I have always been scared of ending up with one big mess. I now have the courage to undertake this myself. I now look forward to the next dry weekend....

Like all of your vids, this is good-to-know content Luke. Much appreesh! Especially if a tent has been well used, perhaps a little surface-prep before applying the seam sealer will insure it's better adhesion? Wiping the seam first with a rubbing-alcohol dampened cloth, rotating to a clean face every few feet, will remove many contaminants that inevitably accumulate on such exposed surfaces. Then allow to evaporate thoroughly. Residue from waxes used on sewing needles during tent fabrication, airborne tree saps and even trace amounts of finger oils & salt from perspiration will interfere with any sealer's bonding strength.

Ironic that you posted this video as I just finished seam sealing my tent this weekend... this would have been helpful if it was posted on Friday... lol. Great tutorial, thanks for the tips and information.

The seam grip is great stuff not only to fix leaking tents, I have used it to seal motorcycle pants, holes in tents and canvas bags.

Thanks Luke, RU-vid archive is always useful. Just got a one tigris homestead and it's leaking like a good-un. Will be trying out this process when we get some drier days. In fairness to the tent they do say it's suitable for light showers Only (1500mm hydrostatic head after all) and I had intented it for spring/summer use anyway but who doesn't like giving their tents a good rain test.

So excited. I have a tent I love but it is cheap and has always leaked. After 7 years I finally replaced it and hated its replacement. Now I bet I can get another few years from the old one. Going to try.

Let me say, If I have to seal the seams on the tent I just started using. It is going BACK. So far so good and a great tent I am using is the Kodiak Bow Flex 10’x14’. No issues. This is a great video to fix older tents. Great job Sir.

I use Camp Dry Fabric Protection by Kiwi or Max Shield by Peak, both in spray cans. They not only seal the seams, but an overcoat on the entire fabric eliminates leaks from fabric defects or worn areas. I usually spray over the seams 2-3 times. Easy - peasy!

Thank you for this video. It is just what the doctor ordered, The weather is about to turn so now is the time to prep the gear for the season.

This video tutorial is very detailed.

Good info. I had no idea how to do that. Thanks.

One half part of silicone paste and half part of mineral spirit, mix it well and you are good to go with sirynges and brushes 😉

Brilliant video as always, Luke. On my last trip to the Brecon Beacons I camped in a huge downpour (that's Wales for you!) and I woke up to a puddle in the bottom of my Ionosphere tent. I've had it for 2-3 years so time to re-seal the seams me thinks! Thanks for the tips.

Good demo. I always use a syringe to water seal the seams too, but it's the first time I've seen the curved tips. Definitely will use those next time. Safe travels. 👍🍻

Thanks for the tips Luke. I will pick up the syringes and try it that way. Cheers!

This was very helpful as I’m about to do the same thing to my tent. Maybe you could do a video coating the whole tent . This was very helpful for me thank you Luke.

love the LightFighter tent, I use mine all the time and no leaks. Best tent I've ever had. If your looking for someplace to loose it I call Dibs!! lol great video

Thank you Luke For this Video Really helped me out alot ..It really makes a difference when you buy the Right Stuff to seam seal your Tent. .If I was doing this outside I would try to put a tarp over the tent to shade it more If the Sun was out ..But all in all You did a Good job of Explaining how to n Not what to do..Thanks again Luke .. Strength n Honor to ya ..Semper Fi Brother

In addition to the seam grip, could you use some sort of spray on scotch guard protection as well?

Very helpful, thanks Luke. Love the new music too.

Thanks Luke very useful and well presented. Best wishes from England

Thanks brother. Process for re-waterproofing next?

Fantastic video Luke, I have learnt a lot of this. Well presented and very well explained

Thanks for this info, it will prove very useful. Keep the faith.

Always great information!! Boy have I been doing it all wrong!!

Great simple technique.

As always, a brilliant vid! Thanks Luke!

Couple of pro-tips working with a 1-part urethane such as seamgrip: A.) Start high... NOT low. Why? Gravity works & you do not trip into stoop over or brush yourself against the seamgrip. B.) You can thin the seamgrip with MEK or THF Why? It will 'flow' into the voids easier, adhere better, go further, and paint easier. C.) Masking tape is a good item to have on hand and a damp towel with 90% Alcohol...just like painting. D.) Accelerants in some cases are useful. E.) Also a two-part catalyst can provide more resilient longer lasting bonds, but there is shelf-life and expenditure to consider. Z.) If you can't find seamgrip... PVC and vinyl adhesives are reasonable alternatives. In some scenarios PVC type adhesives (think general purpose clear = not too hot) also make very good primers before adding the urethane seam sealer. REPAIR: I like Tear-Aid Tape, but seamgrip is also a fine item to always have along in good like new condition to repair lots of gear.

Hey Luke.... Great Video...., Thx from Germany 💯🤘

Ok I watched this video great informative So the outer shell is best. The six moons tent is what I sealing maybe best to do inner and outer

Thanks for this video, now know how to do it properly

Hey Luke that's what I use on my tent seams it usually lasts about 3 years hope y'all are well be safe have a wonderful night

Spot on! Great tips and methods

I bought Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent, 1-Gallon. You can also buy this is a spray can. I used this because we have a HUGE 3 part tent. Main section holds up to 4 people, the two side sections can hold 2-3 each. Put it in a spray bottle and go to town and do the whole thing with a sponge (WEAR GLOVES!)! CAUTION: the gallon version I know for certain will tint your tent (no pun intended) a slight yellow tinge. My tent is cream and blue and now it is yolk yellow and blue. I really don't care because this stuff made it water proof AF! I looked at reviews of this and other products and it gave recommendations for everything else it reviewed on how often to reapply but this one because it lasts so dang long. So if you have a light colored tent you may not want to use it and go with something else you will have to reapply every season. Me, fashion and camping just don't mix.

Thanks very much

Great tips! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks.

I really like your channel. Am looking to start backpacking. I really like this tent you are fixing, but forget the name of it. Thanks

Great video thanks for the tip!

Youre looking great today Luke

Good work and advice !

Thanks

Another very good video. Thank you 👍.

You can find the glue at Big 5, farmer's hardware stores, and most sporting goods. The acid brushes can be found extremely cheap at Harbor Freight.

Good info thanks

Morning buddy 😁. Nice tent. Thanks for the info buddy 😁. Be well mi friend. ATB Andy 🇬🇧 👍 ☕

Thanks for info

Why I'm seam sealing my carp brolly system overwrap I all so use a product called fabric seal as well as this stuff helps keep uv damage to minimum on all fabric and helps keep fabric extra water tight !

I remember an older video you did with these items (I think it was the Basha). Snugpak you might as well dunk it in a bucket of seam sealer

Go away Dorian. Great job Luke.

Another product you may wish to try is “Bish’s Original Tear Mender” instant fabric & leather adhesive. You will find bunches of uses for it.

I have the same tent, If I remember right the seams are taped inside but putting some sealer on the outside sounds like a good idea. Question is how long does it take to fully dry before you can pack it back up?

Awesome video dude but people need to be careful when doing this to some kit. Especially SIL Nylon kit. Im not sure what these tents are made out but Gear Aid themselves warn you about this on the packet. They have a specific glue for SIL kit

Did you get a new camera? The footage looks awesome! Great video!

I’ve used flex seal to stop some leaks, and it actually works. I wonder if they have a clear version of the flex seal? Also, when I used to surf, we used to wax our board, I wonder if some type of wax bar also could be used?

Great info as always. Hey Luke - what awesome tent is that?!

HELLO Luke, can you also use Seamgrip +WP seaming The Lightfighter tent? And thank you for your great reviews Wim from the Netherlands

You mentioned the occasional need to seal the inside seams and it being messy. I your tent is symmetrical you can set it up with the rain fly inside out. This should stretch it out enough so that the sealant can be applied from the outside just as you have demonstrated. This also works if spray type water repellent needs to be applied to both sides of a fly.

Hi. Nice video 👍

Great info Luke. How does it look when dry?

Luke. You mentioned different seam seal for different tent materials. I recently bought a Eureka TCOP Military tent in woodland camo. It had never been issued and was still in its original box. After just one use, the sealing tape was coming away from the seams on the fly sheet. Will your method work without me having to try and replace all the seem tape? And if so, do you know which sealer I should buy? I'm not finding a definitive answer to the question of what material the TCOP fly sheet is made of. Thanks for your videos and tutorials.

what is the best military issue tent when considering a balance between weight and bomb proof durability? Cost no issue.

Hey man love your videos, what would you recommend as the most durable 4 season 1 person tent out of everything you've tried? Ive been honing in on the litefighter 1 person but am tempted towards other options

How do you go about sealing seams on the bottom of the tent? Do you seal from the inside on those?

Excellent video young man And how to seam seal your tent with the liquid But I am looking and still trying to find the seam seal 1/2 tape

Great review. Cheers :)

Been their done that

Add to the seams seamlessly lol

We want to know how this works out !

Very good tip! Pun intended....

You can add that to your survival tricks k

I just use an acid brush. You can buy them by the bag at Harbor Freight .

I see some people like to use mineral spirits to thin the sealer before use would you recommend this technique or just sealer and plunger and brush without thinner? Perfect timing with this video because mine is outside setup and ready to be sealed tomorrow. Hike on!

Hi Luke thanks for the video, I have a Quest tent that Iv had for about 10 years now, it’s held up very well in all weather but I can tell it’s time to coat my fly with a water proofing. what kind of water proofing would you recommend? Thanks

I wonder if there’s a spray on version?

My tent is a family one so way too big to reach the top from outside. Is it still possible to fix a seam leak from the inside? Peace

...doesn't the gov't just buy a new tent..lol..great info..

hi TheOutdoorGearReview i have a question i bought the litefighter1 but i dont can find the specs of the material of the fly is it sil based or pu based ? and witch seamgrip type i need for it greetings from the netherlands

How about a camp out in military gear with hurricane Doran approaching Lol

They must have seen your video because they have a kit with an acid brush now. Lol

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i shall have to do this on my msr tour 1 tent. for such a tent that costs so much, it it not very waterproof.

How about some silicone bathtub sealer, thinned with mineral spirits too make it runnier and smooth into seam with plastic trowel

Tutorial on how to waterproof coat tent 😊

How do you reapply the exterior waterproof coating

I have a dozen tents. From $400 MSR to $25 Texsport. They all leak at least a little when they are new. I spray and seam seal them every couple years and none of them ever leak at all. I consider this to be essential for any tent.

Seam sealing is easy. I make sure to cover all of the seams, folds and stitching inside and out. Overkill, you bet, but it's not that long or hard of a process, adds minimal weight to the tent, and I've never had a leaky tent.

Hey bro try making a fire from a sandwich bag !? Lol.

High Luke, i will make a video about the reason why good tents surprise with leak suddenly after a lot of days without soon. Kindly Fiete

Flip the fly over and seal the seams!! Nothing more crappy looking than seams sealed on the outside. I've done over two dozen tents and never sealed the outside. Just my preference..

Luke is this better than seam tape?

A spray can of NON silicone/NON petroleum furniture wax/polish is what I've used with success in the past. (Silicone/petroleum based compounds can degrade the stitching over time.) You spray the tent down,and wipe away the excess residue. Let the tent bake under the sun for the day. Most canvas,and nylon tents will leak in wet conditions if touched on the outside by a leaf,pine needles,sticks,ect., ect.. This process prevents that.