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Graham, if you do a search (using the icon at the top of this page) you will find that other folk have reported similar issues with this brand of tent.

A new tent shouldn't have to be treated, as it shouldn't leak. If it does, it surely is not fit for purpose, in which case I personally would ask the retailer for my money back.

Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Hi Graham & welcome to the forum

Synthetic tents have a pu coating on the inside of the fabric which gives them their waterproofness. I don't think Fabsil will help much with synthetic fabric, it works with canvas as it can soak right into the fibres.

Personally I feel you have every right to demand a full refund on this tent, as it proved to be unfit for the purpose it was sold as. A new tent shouldn't leak like that on it's first outing! 

Hello Graham!

Like me you are a newcomer to the site. I'm sure you'll find it a wealth of information.

I own a Stormproof Alaska 9 berth among a few other smaller tents. I have camped in the Stormproof twice and it has been fine. Admittedly it has only had to deal with lightish showers so I cannot say how it will perform in a real downpour.

In your case I think the fact that you had to walk all over the tent to put the poles in whilst the tent was wet may well have affected its waterproofing temporarily. One thing I've learned is that if you touch the tent whilst wet it lets water through. This seems to be a particular aspect( or so I'm told ) of all modern synthetic tents regardless of make.

I suggest that in future you might want to let the shower pass before erecting the tent or take care not to walk all over it whilst it is wet!

Don't give up on the tent. You will find plenty of people who will confirm that your tent may yet turn out to be good value for money!