When Your Greatland Outdoors Tent Stops Keeping You Dry?

greatland outdoors tent

Your tent is supposed to keep rain out. When it doesn't anymore, that's not a small problem.

Every tent loses its waterproof coating over time. Sun, dirt, and repeated pack ups wear it down. 

A greatland outdoors tent is no different. The good news is you don't need a new tent. You just need to know when to re-waterproof and how to do it right.

Signs your tent needs re-waterproofing

You don't need fancy tools to check this. Just pay attention to a few things.

  • Water stops beading. Splash some water on the rainfly. If it soaks in instead of rolling off, the coating is gone.

  • Fabric feels stiff or papery. Fresh waterproof coating feels smooth. Old, breaking down coating can feel brittle or flaky.

  • You see flaking or peeling. Look closely at the inside of the rainfly. If you spot small flakes coming off, that's the old polyurethane coating failing.

  • Seams leak first. Most leaks start at the seams, not the fabric itself. If you feel damp spots near stitching after rain, start there.

  • The tent smells musty even when dry. This can mean moisture got trapped under a failing coating.

  • It's been a few years of regular use. Even with good care, most tent coatings hold up for 2 to 5 years before they need attention.

If you camped through a wet season and packed your tent away damp even once, check it sooner rather than later.

What you'll need

  • Tent cleaner or mild soap (no detergent)

  • A sponge or soft cloth

  • Seam sealer

  • Durable water repellent (DWR) spray

  • A bathtub, hose, or large outdoor space

  • A few hours where the tent can dry flat

Step by step reproofing guide

1. Set up the tent

Pitch it somewhere you can leave it for a day or two. Outdoors works best so it can dry fully in open air.

2. Clean it first

Wipe down the rainfly and tent body with a sponge and mild soap. Skip regular detergent. It can strip the fabric's natural coating even more. Rinse well and let it dry completely before moving on.

3. Check every seam

Run your fingers along the seams inside the tent. Look for cracking, peeling tape, or any spot that feels rough. Mark these spots with a piece of tape so you don't lose track.

4. Apply seam sealer

Use a small brush or the applicator that comes with the sealer. Cover each seam you marked. Let it dry for the time listed on the product, usually a few hours.

5. Spray the DWR coating

Hold the spray about 6 inches from the fabric. Cover the entire rainfly in light, even coats. Don't soak one area and skip another.

6. Wipe off the extra

After a minute or two, wipe the fabric with a clean cloth. This helps the coating sit evenly instead of pooling.

7. Let it dry fully

Most products need 12 to 24 hours to cure. Keep the tent pitched and out of direct sun while it dries.

8. Test it

Once it's dry, spray water on the rainfly again. It should bead up and roll off like new.

How to make it last longer

  • Always pack your tent dry. Wet storage breaks down coatings fast.

  • Store it loose in a bag, not tightly rolled, when you get home.

  • Keep it out of direct sun when you're not using it.

  • Reapply DWR spray once a year if you camp often.

greatland outdoors tent

FAQ

How often should I re-waterproof my tent?

Most campers do it once a year if they use the tent often. Light, occasional use might stretch that to every 2 years.

Can I use any waterproofing spray on a Greatland Outdoors tent?

Stick with DWR sprays made for tent fabric. Sprays made for shoes or jackets use different formulas and may not bond the same way.

What if my tent leaks even after reproofing?

Check for small holes or worn spots first. Sometimes a leak isn't about coating at all. A patch kit can fix small tears or punctures.

Does machine washing damage tent waterproofing?

Yes. Machine washing can strip the coating and damage the fabric. Hand clean with a sponge instead.

Can I waterproof a tent indoors?

You can, but ventilation matters. Spray coatings have strong fumes, so an open garage or covered porch works better than a closed room.
Location: 1887 S 3230 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, USA

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