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We have just returned from a weeks camping in Great Yarmouth. We did have some corking rain storms during our weeks holiday, and spent evenings looking upwards wondering if our new Gelert Michigan 8 was up to the job. Thankfully it was, but I was now wondering how often you have to redo the waterproofing? We are camping  in France for two weeks next July, so I want to make sure that all will be ok for our next expedition.

Also hubby found a great way of catching the little beasties that found there way into our tent on an evening, Get disposable plastic cup, put in a little washing up liquid, place over beastie, most will jump thinking they are being clever, WRONG . If  beastie is stubborn move the cup whilst still covering beastie until it gives in. Watch as beastie meets his maker. I know it's not much of a sport, but there are plenty more beasties in the world to make up for their untimely deaths.     .                                                                                                                                      

Hi Avonladdy & welcome to the forum

You don't have to waterproof synthetic tents. Canvas tents can be waterproofed, but then only every five to ten years. Synthetic fabric has a PU coating on the inside which will last the life of the tent - apporoximately 5-6 years with most synthetic tents. However, it's handy to take a tube of seam sealer with you, just incase it leaks through the stitch holes in the seam.

Quote: Originally posted by maxeedogg on 13/8/2008

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One further question on this but what about proofing against the sun or ulra violet rays as we are planning to go to find some sun later or is the synthetic fabric ok against this, or will it dry out and go hard etc.Thanks .

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the sun is a great danger to tent fabric and long exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage to your tent and once damaged by long exposure it will go dry and brittle and then it is beyond repair

to lessen the affect of UV you can use a product like this Nikwax UV proof   to lessen the affect and prolong tent life

I dont think I will be spending money on UV proof as in the last three years I have had very little sun to worry about when camping lots of rain mind