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Just used my Outwell Bear Lake 6 for the first time this weekend. A lovely piece of kit, but it leaked like a sieve!

In fairness it was a horrible day, chucking it down, but it is a very expensive tent.

I have read a number of threads here about the need to 'weather' new tents and having spoken to the vendor, I was told that the weathering process 'tightens up the weave' and makes the tent more waterproof. Also that if I sent it back, all they would do is to weather it for me and if ok send it back to me and charge me the postage (which at that weight is a consideration/ threat.

Having got past the emotion and disappointment of the first night, the tent was watertight for the remainder of the trip. However, the Outwell site clearly states in its FAQ section, that weathering is NOT REQUIRED

Any comments (constructive ones!) would be appreciated

Thanks

Andy

I don't think there is a definitive answer to this one

I weathered mine and didn't have any leaks as such, it got a bit damp round the window curtain at the front but nothing to concern me

Others haven't weathered theirs and haven't had leaks

You didn't weather yours but did have leaks

Where did it leak by the way?

Quote: Originally posted by Woofers on 20/7/2010

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I don't think there is a definitive answer to this one

I weathered mine and didn't have any leaks as such, it got a bit damp round the window curtain at the front but nothing to concern me

Others haven't weathered theirs and haven't had leaks

You didn't weather yours but did have leaks

Where did it leak by the way?

 

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Quote: Originally posted by andyb748 on 20/7/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Woofers on 20/7/2010

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I don't think there is a definitive answer to this one

I weathered mine and didn't have any leaks as such, it got a bit damp round the window curtain at the front but nothing to concern me

Others haven't weathered theirs and haven't had leaks

You didn't weather yours but did have leaks

Where did it leak by the way?

 

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It leaked mainly through the min roof sections. A bit like living in rented accomodation. Pots and pans everywhere catching the drips!

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That sounds like a lot of leakage, I've heard of a fine mist falling the first time it got rained on but not drips

So it rained again on the rest of your trip and the tent was fine?  If so sounds like the weave expanded and is now OK but I'd be inclined to check - can you pitch it anywhere and douse it with water and check?