French Army F2 tent. Rain and Condensation Testing and a Review.

[@PlanetRibooted]

Mine has done well even without seem sealing. It has been my boy’s primary tent and has seen probably 8-10 overnight uses this season. I slept in it one night myself early in the summer during a very windy High Rocky Mountain thunderstorm. The only water I had come in was spray through the vents over the doors. The floor stayed bone dry. However, condensation has been an issue on days with calm wind. I also plan on seem sealing it all up before next camping season, just to be safe. Nice review! I always hate seeing people who review outdoor gear in their backyard. So I greatly appreciate your channel and the adventures you take us all on! Thanks from Wyoming!

[@steves3760]

How would you seam seal this tent? I recently purchased one and had it sent to Minnesota so I can have a tent there. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks,Steve.

[@apurane8531]

I had this tent on a hike in lapland but as a bit different version. Only one end has a door. First night out there was a storm, with winds up to 20meters/second and rain falling for 12hours. The tent took the wind with no problem and did have some condensation inside in the morning. I did have the sides closed the whole night. Still, for the price and with no treatment,really like this tent. By the way,throw away the original tent stakes and the tent will be lighter by 1kg. Even in heavy rain and storm winds the one i had kept me dry and protected from the elements. There must be different versions of this tent. I highly reccomend this tent to anyone. Thanks alot for your videos,youre the best finnish hiking etc youtuber around. Have a good one!

[@apurane8531]

I just realized my tent also has a big bug net on the door. I specifically asked for a version with a bug net. Its a good extra cause in the summertime I can keep the door open on good weather,look at the views and be protected from bugs. It seems your tent is different with doors on both ends but no bug net.

[@ashwhooooo]

Couldn't agree more .

[@runningman1156]

There are a few different styles, mine has just the frount door but has a bug netting also, really like that.

[@SurvivalRussia]

That was a good little test and review :)

[@Helsinkipop]

Thanks a bunch for appreciation!

[@GaerHampton]

This video does a lot better job showing this tent than others I've watched. I only now understand that the side vents are mesh-covered. Other videos had me wondering if they were just completely open, because I couldn't see any mesh!

[@Helsinkipop]

Hey, thanks a bunch!

[@markthomas2436]

I have this exact tent. You are SO right when you say that the top vents are worthless. I would rather HAVE them, than NOT have them. Perhaps there ARE times when they are functional. But I don't see it much. The tent is solid in many ways, but she is HEAVY as far as A frame trail tents go. Even without the 2 pounds of solid steel stakes ya get. It is still above 5 pounds... even without them. I like it, but it is on the heavy side.

[@welurkintheforeststhefores8100]

Great review! I really like the simplicity of this type of tent; it can be set up very fast. :D

[@lauriebloggs8391]

A proper review, well done and thank you. The cotton (polycotton) ones are more waterproof, especially after Fabsil. The zips can sometimes let some in when rain is driving on them. I like my polycotton one for lightweight? camping...and no condensation!

[@yurinator7274]

Very good review, glad the seam sealing worked as I have the same tent. I will be treating it soon. Thanks.

[@RyanSmith-nd9vr]

I just bought this tent. How did yours hold up.

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

I have the desert version and it leaks at the seams where the door ties are and the pole foes. All very fixable with either seam sealing or a tarp over the top. I like the look and design of the tent but these days I use a Helsdon Hammock and a tarp mostly. Great video.

[@Helsinkipop]

Nice to read other people's stories. I see you too have a channel. I'll take a look.

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

@@Helsinkipop Soon as I finish my work I'll check out more of yours. Cheers from DownUnder.

[@Capellix0001]

The fabsil part was really funny

[@elbert9679]

Best video so far regarding this tent. And so far it seems only the seams need seam sealing to make it atleast rainproof. Next thing i'm interested in how it will hold up in strong winds. As stated before, if you replace the heavy pegs for something lighter + trekking poles the weight becomes very reasonable and more hiking friendly.

[@Helsinkipop]

Very true, the tent has probably the most heavy-duty pegs I have ever seen :-)

[@Sandhill1988]

Thank you for the great review. I just got one "new unissued surplus". It certainly was new and looked at it but when I unrolled the tent unzipped it and looked at the inner waterproofing rubberized treatment some of it is flaking off especially where it was folded for long-term storage. I have already contacted the surplus company I purchased it from and see if they will send me a replacement pre-inspected without this damage if not I'm hoping to get a full refund as long as they pay the freight to send it back. If not my other alternative is to get a very good quality lightweight tarp for about an additional 25 US dollars that should solve the majority of the problems. A tip for anyone looking to waterproof the floor more efficiently. Dig a trench around the perimeter of the tent and then dig a trench leading away from the tent so water runoff will flow away from you and not under the tent. I also plan on putting some kind of an underlayment on the ground to place the tent on in addition to this step. So basically the tent itself is good for an enclosment and to keep the bugs away from you with a small level of weather protection the top will have to make up for the rest of its deficiencies.

[@Sandhill1988]

Just an update the company agreed to send me out a replacement with the return shipping label for the tent with the flaking waterproofing. They actually ship it out quickly the new one should be arriving tomorrow which will be the 12th hopefully this one's interior rubberization is intact.

[@Helsinkipop]

Thank you for the tip, and for telling about all the hassle that came with the tent.

[@karelianprepper]

Hyvä video tämäkin. Tuohan on helpompi pystyttää kuin jotkuu nykyajan kalliit huippu tunneliteltat.

[@ashwhooooo]

I have the canvas type with tarp over the top , when combined and weather proofed this tent is bomb proof ,use mine in all seasons , even better than my vango and cheaper

[@iainb1577]

Thanks for a decently thorough review. I had a good single skin tent by Vaude. It dealt with condensation very well by having an air vent running along the (single hoop) ridge. Tried to replace it a few years ago but it seems they have gone off the idea and don't make them any more.

[@Helsinkipop]

Oh, I was not familiar with that kind of way to reduce moisture build up. Thanks!

[@iainb1577]

@@Helsinkipop My wife bought it in a sale just over 20 years ago. I wish I'd bought a spare one back then.

[@runningman1156]

Ive had condensation in the fall, as far as rain goes I have learned to put my rain fly from my hammock over it.

[@FlashPan73]

Great video. F1 was canvas and the F2 is as you say/and show. Something to consider. The tent itself I understand is not for all weather. Light showers is about the best you can hope. The tent was also issued with a shaped waterproof flysheet that sits on top and had its own guy lines to keep it in place. I've only found 1 shop in the UK that sells them but they seem to run out of stock very quickly (if they ever get them in future I do not know - goldingsurplus.co.uk and their site still shows the sheet so you can check it out). The flysheet is very light and packs down very small. You could actually use it as a sort of basha/tarp on its own. The French also made a desert version of the F2. Same material but sand colour and the mesh doors are white. You can find the F2 with only 1 door or 2 doors, the 1 door version seems to be quite rare as well. Cheers

[@Helsinkipop]

Hey, thanks, I read about this rainfly. They're indeed rare. I have an "ingredients" label attached to the tent carrying bag. No mention of rainfly. Maybe the French came up with the idea later on, first thinking that no nylon tent needs a separate tarp.

[@kevinjohnson9533]

Good information .

[@jim-bob-outdoors]

Thanks for this as I have just bought one. Good video. 👍

[@murphy7801]

Great video. Much better than couple others on this subject.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Good take tbh These are fine tents and they will keep you alive, but they are far from perfect. Like most army surplus gear it needs a good clean, a silicone treatment on the seams, and then a good spray of fabsil. Personally, I dont like the idea that the tent has ZERO structural integrity. You insert poles, tie out guy lines... and the the guy lines pull out the tent into its form. You are never more than one tent-peg-fail away from collapse. That said, its dirt cheap and will last forever. That is why I bought one.

[@Helsinkipop]

Thanks for the well-thought-out comment. Easy to agree.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

@@Helsinkipop Thank you mate. Love your channel

[@nightwalker5278]

A great and informative review. Thanks for sharing ATB

[@ptonpc]

That was a brilliant review :)

[@stealthandysteath1069]

Evening buddy from England. Well mi friend thanks for sharing that think I'll give ghat one a miss. Here in Wales it rains a lot. An i mean a lot. Hope you're well. ATB Andy

[@JD-hp8qn]

Really useful review. Thanks

[@tomballard8877]

I was going to get one of these but went with the desert tent that is beige with one door with a screen. Also had trouble with condensation but cracked the door flaps open and the side panel a little and problem solved.

[@lairdsky4604]

Good review, actually better than the English speaking reviews! I learnt a lot, so with a bit of effort fabsil and seam sealer the French Army tent can be made good 👍 I have one and need to make a mosquito internal net door as the one I bought didn't have one.

[@Helsinkipop]

Thank you!

[@nightwalker5278]

Awesome and extremely fair review. Thanks for sharing ATB

[@JPSRose]

I brought one that's almost identical to this and found it awful, the seams and sides let in rain on a weekend away so I covered it up with a tarp - but I still got wet in the morning from condensation! I'll try a waterproofing spray and see how it goes, but its just really not a well thought out design - the lack of a second guy eyelet on the opposite apex is just bizarre.

[@Bertiebaby]

Great presentation, thank you! Also, personally love the Finnish + eng subs. Did you get to use this tent since the review? Any rock festivals perhaps?

[@Helsinkipop]

Thanks! I used the tent on many camping trips. Those rock festivals... I'm past that age...But I think, that's where our Greta Thunberg should be - if she can persuade that lot to tidy up after themselves, she'll have done really well :-)

[@Bertiebaby]

@@Helsinkipop Absolutely, hopefully she still has time to have fun before she's done her work :) I got the same F2 tent a few days ago and finally set it up today & rubbed some silicone all over the main seams. It has a lot less rain to fight, as Israeli winters are probably milder than a Finnish summer as far as rain and cold goes, but still! occasionally it pours. It's the first time I get to set up a tent that's not a free standing one, and it's a pretty charming experience. Out of curiosity, did you also put silicone on the top of the tent? The top of the "A" that runs through the tent's entire length. I didn't see any exposed seam so I opted not to put any silicone there, but better safe than sorry.

[@Helsinkipop]

@@Bertiebaby Oh, that ridgeline I left untreated, and it did not leak.

[@observationpostcharlie1365]

Awsome review and field test my friend

[@OKBushcraft]

Very good review. Great effort.

[@LtFrankDrebbin]

Tent for desert use only perhaps? Great review thanks for posting. I am on the look out for a good "A" frame tent and that won't be it ;)

[@Vans89]

The Finnish Army preparing fortifications at the Mannerheim Line. *Colorized.

[@mikeboone4425]

Nice to see some one with a little effort take a very cost effective tent and jump the value of the tent by at least 4 times the original price with a little silicon and effort . Happy Trails

[@Helsinkipop]

Thank you very much!

[@MrMarkar1959]

Awesome!! i have the 1 door style. seam seal 👍 silicone. Thank You

[@CroPrepper]

Good field test! I'd rather stick to tents with 2 layers (inner mesh + outer rainfly). I am wondering why there was condensation despite those big venting holes. Thanks for sharing!

[@Helsinkipop]

Me too. Next time I want to test the tent in the Croatia summer where the air temperature is not so low :-)

[@StevenKeery]

Yes, I thought the same thing.

[@jeri219]

Tuossa voisi kokeilla käyttää Rapiden spray waxiä pitämään ulkopuolisen kosteuden poissa sisältä🤔 hyvä video, kiitos siitä👍

[@alporusina2241]

Mielenkiintoisia videoita! Toivottavasti tulee lisää!

[@Helsinkipop]

Kanavan taru ei ole vielä lopussa!

[@egjr0765]

great review.

[@kowalski363]

Great video. Thank you.

[@LaramieJim]

Fun little tent. I use Hilleburg Keron 3Gt, not budget friendly. It should last the rest of my life.

[@Helsinkipop]

I believe you chose wisely :-)

[@someswampoutdoors4891]

Great review 😁

[@corymccutchen9077]

I own the f1 version , I haven't tested it as you have the f2 ........ the f1 has a rubberized rain fly and tub .

[@wildbrigante9596]

Is Fabsil that bad? I never tried or used it. Good review and look forward to further testing.

[@ceryni11]

Very good video

[@MaffTUK]

Personally i'm glad it held up in the dry 🌞😁👍

[@fleotusbing]

Great video, I enjoyed that. Indeed, I've been binge-watching all of your videos....very entertaining and informative! I've recently purchased-- though not yet used-- the French F1 Military Tent. Could you explain the difference between the F1 and F2 (what you've presented seems identical to my F1)? Thank you very much!

[@Helsinkipop]

Thank you! French language sources make a difference between F1 and F2. Two tents per se are identical. The difference is the F1 is made of canvas and the F2 nylon.

[@fleotusbing]

@@Helsinkipop Thank you so much for answering my question! Cheers from Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

[@RyanSmith-nd9vr]

HelsinkiPop I just purchased the French Tent. What besides seam sealer? Any name's of sprays would help, besides the Love Best.....

[@Helsinkipop]

I only seam sealed the tent. After that it's perfectly water proof.

[@Com4nd3r.]

is it waterproof? Do you recommend f1 ore f2 version ?

[@Helsinkipop]

The F2 nylon fabric is better and lighter. Not without the seam water-proofing, though.

[@jimbolittle2243]

Another good video.

[@Helsinkipop]

Thank you, Jimbo!

[@athunik4573]

Is this the one you bought from Varusteleka? I might order the same one, quite cheap and probably is fine for me and my girl.

[@Helsinkipop]

Oh, yes.

[@fadingmargins]

Helsinki one tough review! I mean be fair, the tent is French, why didn't you test in Biarritz or the Riviera? Testing in Finland? You may as well have tested it in Wales. Great stuff as always!!

[@Helsinkipop]

Lol! Thanks for this!

[@logicaredux5205]

Then, this would not be the tent for me. It has been raining here most of August and September. Now we have Hurricane Florence coming ashore just south of us which means even more rain.

[@Helsinkipop]

Splendour in the mud!

[@logicaredux5205]

Helsinkipop - Mud yes. Splendor, not so much.

[@miniwetwegrow8564]

This is a good test. Do you think that the Polish military tent is better than French? Best wishes

[@Helsinkipop]

I never had to waterproof the Polish contraption and the condensation never dripped on my face. I like that :-)

[@lenordchristopher6447]

British army 2 man Arctic is by far the best two man tent,mine was made in 1986

[@Helsinkipop]

Hah, so true!

[@lenordchristopher6447]

Christopher Kavanaugh I got mine on eBay at the start of the year I bided and payed £99 absolute bargain.third time I had been in an action for one.i just kept trying because I knew that’s what I wanted .

[@Dhari1]

@Chris Kavanaugh The Polish military lavvus are readily available.

[@militarygearjunkie2522]

A-frame tents suck! I love your British Arctic tent vids though..but this french one will make you suffer! I think you should use it in good weather just for having fun :) btw you should try US military 2 Person tent. It's a bomb proof 4 season tent. I think this one is the best military issued tent out there. Mine is manufactured by Diamond Brand. It's really good.

[@Helsinkipop]

It will be a wise move to stop willpowering and whiteknuckling it in the French tent :-) Thanks for the US tent tip!

[@justinadkins6538]

Modern nylon tents need to be set up and then sprayed with a hose and then dried off a few times to let the fibers tighten up and then it'll stay dry.... Mostly

[@sarthalion]

Vanhaan videoon kommenttia, mutta mitä silikonia käytit? Tuskin sitä tuupista puristettavaa?

[@Helsinkipop]

Juurikin sitä tavallista tuubista puristettavaa.On tuo näyttänyt kestävän telttailua.

[@sarthalion]

@@Helsinkipop Täytyypä ostaa tuo teltta ja pistää silikonit. Tuo on kivan klassinen teltta ja ei paljon maksa.

[@gijoe44]

Did you mix the silicone at all to thin it, or just 100% silicone?

[@Helsinkipop]

100 % straight from the tube! No problems so far.

[@maholaho]

mark of silicone PLZ ???

[@Helsinkipop]

Plastic Padding Universal Silicone. It was in a tube, dries to be very elastic.

[@maholaho]

@@Helsinkipop thax my fiend

[@eltenda]

Silicon spray its magic!

[@corvusduluth]

Ukko + Ukkonen, perkele !!

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Probably stay dryer in a tent made from bin bags

[@StephenMortimer]

Would you next test the French "Mark 1 White Flag" on an angry MrsHausFrau ??

[@dfgndfghdfghdfgh]

France has been a powerful military force for longer than the United States has existed. One blip in history doesn't detract from their accomplishments.

[@Helsinkipop]

Well said! We have a tendency to think a fighting force is as good as its last big fight. But there have been many triumphs.

[@StephenMortimer]

Hmmm... the Anglo in me (but notice the name is NORMAN) wonders which are these victories ??

[@dfgndfghdfghdfgh]

@@StephenMortimertypical American. Perhaps you've heard of Napoleon? How about the Battle of Hastings? Surely you've heard about the Battle of Ypres. I know America likes to join the wars late then claim victory but you must know about Ypres. There are literally dozens of major French battle victories going back hundreds of years. It's easy to sit a nation that doesn't know the horrors of war and judge. Americans don't know the horrors of aerial bombardment or of their people being raped by foreign soldiers. This is why they're always so eager for war, they've only seen it on TV as opposed to having their country ravaged by it. Let's not forget that the only reason America got their independence is because of the French so you'd do well to show some humility and respect.

[@StephenMortimer]

Hastings ??? Ha haaaa . !! (a Mortimer or then "Mortemer" was there) those were NOT les Frenchee.. they were NORMANS !!

[@RedwoodBushcraft]

Wouldn't last long in a cold damp uk woodland

[@Romin.777]

I would like to spray a submarine. :))

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

You get what you pay for i suppose. Cheers Moose.

[@domtron8873]

No more English?

[@Helsinkipop]

I guess I have a small poll going on... Some of the viewers like the subtitles and some would like to hear all the stuff be spoken in English. Which one for you?

[@domtron8873]

@@Helsinkipop I dont mind either way. I love culture and your language is very interesting. Very different from my mother tongue of German.

[@seankelly1749]

Skol!

[@nobodysreview6137]

Bring a tarp to put over it for heavy rain or a tree branch falling.

[@tumblingdown8612]

Thanks for the video, doesn't look suitable for Florida.

[@StephenMortimer]

I have a big book of WORDS I can LOAN you (called an ENGLISH dictionary)

[@StephenMortimer]

Clearly my ancestors left Finland for places where the SPELLING was easier !!