Tent Problems EVERYONE Deals With! And How to Fix Them.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Nikwax SolarProof: geni.us/tqRfPrH Nikwax Solarwash: geni.us/B0ScCaE Seam Sealer: geni.us/6zbWgB0

[@JustinOutdoors]

You have a gift for making important but sometimes boring topics interesting and entertaining! I hear/see a lot of people thinking their tents are leaking when it is usually just condensation build up!

[@natehoover5266]

Nice cameo!! Steven is awesome! He does make interesting video that have great info! He's quickly becoming one of my favorite KZbin backpackers. Yours and his videos are the only two youtubers I will watch no matter what. I don't care about GPS watches (at least not right now in my adventures) but I watched your last video on the Garmin Instinct. It's just good info to have.

[@arnoldestrada8583]

I just finished watching your GDT all 6 hours. You had condensation every night. Wiping it down Really helped.

[@bewhiskeredjuarez6851]

Love the cameo it was hilarious! 😂🤣

[@goodredman]

Excellent quality video with lots of great information. Didn’t notice a mention of the material you did the rip test on. Was it polyester ripstop nylon or something other? Been thinking about rigging up a small fan that I could hang in the top of my tent running a wire to a little battery pack with solar panel that would sit outside might help with ventilation and condensation. Thanks for the video. Been looking for ideas how to rejuvenate durable water repellent coating on my military surplus tent.

[@meoka2368]

I like that you didn't try to fake the rip test. You showed the results, as they happened, including your reaction. That speaks a lot to honesty.

[@AlphaQHard]

Agreed, next time Id also try tearing a brand new one as control

[@thedawntrader1613]

Totally agree. That made the whole content (and person) much more credible. Love these videos!

[@yeahboi7562]

Agreed. Most ppl would just leave that whole section out but you didn't.. as a result i won't be buying that NixWax product for UV protection as much but will still do for water protection. Thanks for your honesty

[@mr.blessing2155]

I’m glad you covered this. A buddy of mine was having issues conceiving that he was causing all the moisture buildup in his shelter just simply by breathing and that you actually have to do maintenance on your gear!

[@jpriddle]

I bet he was forming even more condensation when he was conceiving.

[@ToadFart]

@@jpriddle I agree. A build up of spermatozoa eventually leads to leakage as well, or even outright intentional splattering.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Just a little personal insight. I have been hiking since the 1970s, using all of the waterproofed fabrics, and currently use a high end DCF tarp over my hammock. When it comes to moisture under a tarp or tent fly, you will find that, in 100% humidity (fog/clouds) you will have moisture on the inside and outside of your waterproof fabric or laminate (DCF). Your insulation will also absorb the fog. You won't even need to be in your tent or under your tarp to find moisture buildup. Also: Water molecules are cohesive (they stick together), and will form a sheet which covers fabrics and laminates and adds weight. My Hammock Gear Winter Palace Tarp with doors weighs a hair under a pound when dry. After an injury sent me home from the AT a week ago. I forgot to dry it out for 7 days after packing it in the snakeskin after a night of heavy rain. Just for scientific purposes I weighed it, wet. It weighed one pound, 8.5 ounces. DCF does not absorb water, but it doesn't have any treatment that breaks up the water molecules and causes them to bead up and roll off, either.

[@tullochgorum6323]

That's an interesting point about the weight of wet DCF. The composite fanboys like to boast that it doesn't get heavier when wet, but your experiment suggests this isn't true. As someone on a tight income I've never felt that the greatly increased cost is justified by the modest reduction in weight - I can live without the marginal benefits. And your observation simply helps reinforce this impression.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

As someone who lives in Oregon (wet) and is almost as old as you, I can validate all you say about camping in the clouds. Hence why a lot of people here start out with a synthetic sleeping bag, and buy a down sleeping bag for specific nights (or camping/backpacking elsewhere) as an addition.

[@janefreeman995]

When on a thru hike in most places, I saw that the silnylon double wall tents were just as wet from condensation as the dcf. This was consistently in high humidy. As a completion to this experiment, it would be interesting to have a silnylon tent with a ratio of the weight dry to wet. From what I've witnessed they completely wet out and get soaked thru. Then another comparison would be drying times....

[@twhis9843]

My experiments with bivys confirmed everything you say. I have read lots of accounts of people using bivys to good effect but I don’t get it.

[@Breadman-k6d]

This is it! This is the first backpacking video I ever saw. I watched this on the 16th of July 2022. After that, the algorithm took over, and only 2 weeks later, I went on my first backpacking trip! Spent the last 45 minutes scrolling down my KZbin history to uncover what it was that started the adventure I've been on for the past year. Sort of anti-climactic that it was just a random video about Nikwax lol. I have no idea why I clicked it. I didn't even own a tent at the time. Anyway, gotta give credit where credit is due. If it wasn't for you Steven, I likely wouldn't be flying to Iceland next week to hike Laugavegur trail. So thanks a bunch!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

That’s awesome! I don’t know why you clicked but I’m glad you did. And I’m glad I could be part of your journey into backpacking. Have fun in Iceland!

[@doorcharge0]

Once had my tent (not all weather rated) ice over during some unseasonably cold weather as a result of leaking and condensation (I could feel the early stages of hypothermia). My buddy with a much better tent had the exact same issue. Last time I was camping I layed my pretty basic military poncho over my tent. Woke up to a bone dry tent.

[@Slangebob]

This is the outdoor-content I want more of! Short and informative. I know a fair bit about camping in the rain but I had honestly never heard about the UV-issue before so I'll be picking up some Nikwax asap for our new tent!

[@karmaclanton5544]

The shower scene was funny!!! Love it!!!

[@TheRealTomSelleck]

I just got back from a week in Acadia, there was rain/moisture every day I was there. The tent preformed better than I anticipated, however now I definitely need to retreat it.

[@tiannagangloff4457]

Avid hiker, camper here growing into backpacking. Your videos are so informative and real. Seriously appreciate your content. Thank you.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I appreciate you watching and supporting the channel. I’m glad you find it helpful

[@cliffspicer6555]

I always love your videos and while I watch these since I do alot of moto camping and hiking this video inspired me for a completely different reason. When I am not riding my motorcycle or I am up at camp I use a cover for the bike to protect it from the harmful UVs as well as weather and every year I have to shell out around $50+ dollars for a new cover since the UVs make it tear and leak after less that a year. Now that I think about it, it is made exactly out of the same material as a tent and I had never thought of treating it with a product like Nikwax. It may not be the most cost effective since these covers are not expensive like a good tent but it does feel like a waste tossing one a year in the landfills. Thanks for the great work. Not sure if you have ever seen the mind blowing tests on products done by Project Farm and while I don't use a lot of the products he tests I still watch the videos since I am blown away by his simple methodology. I am going to suggest he test these sorts of products on nylon since he takes suggestions and has done one I suggested in the past.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Hey Cliff, Thanks for watching and for the comment! I’m glad you enjoy the channel and I’m glad this recommendation could help you with your moto camping. I would like to give solar proof a little bit Better test. Maybe I’ll check out Project Farm to see how they do their tests. Maybe I’ll be inspired!

[@cliffspicer6555]

@@MyLifeOutdoors you should check him out. He’ll test things like zip ties for example or other products like duct tape and I have a science background so can appreciate his methodology and know you will too. . I have heard he has a PhD in something like agricultural studies but it is so inspiring . I also love the cameo in this video of your yours.

[@jackvoss5841]

45-50 years ago I had a Coleman tent, an 8’X10’ family tent. It was a single wall tent made of Egyptian long staple cotton. Moisture breathed through to the outside. Two adults and 2 grade schoolers, plus wet towels and swim suits were dry and comfortable. But the tent and frame were quite heavy. My guess is that the wool felt yurts in Mongolia are similar. No internal sweating. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@JohnConstantine646]

Great video, Steven. I really like what you've been doing over the past several months. I love the detail and attention you give and provide on the topics you cover.

[@tonyflamingo3444]

I Have Been Camping Once However This Videos Are Entertaining And Informative.

[@ktownc936]

I always know every video put out on your channel will never waste my time. Topics are calculated and condensed into entertaining and thoughtful episodes.

[@ktownc936]

@Dino DIY Nikwax is what everyone uses. It solar proofs and puts a water repellent finish on your tarp/fly. For people that don't understand that, it's very useful information. This isn't a Tik Tok video on how to remove an avocado pit, so I would have to disagree with you.

[@NW-Sasquatch-Research]

Very much find your content very solid with good breakdowns and examination of issues. You tent fabric test clearly demonstrates your honesty, very much appreciate your channel. Subscribed.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks Glad to have you!

[@paavoviuhko7250]

I've been using a North Face Lunarlight for 30 years. I finally decided to retire it. I can only remember one occasion when I had a problem with heavy rain in the foot area. And the last ten years I was leaving the tent up in the bush for 4 months covered with a tarp to protect it from the sun. Never had a problem with rain or water inside the tent. What I had a problem with was my siltarps. After years of exposure to sun the wind finally ripped through them and tore them to shreds. Now I stay away from siltarps and I'm ready to replace my tent with an old MSR Fusion 2 that I've been keeping for many years.

[@brianfairweather7298]

The shower part with justin was hilarious!!!

[@kenkeller]

This channel is a gold needle in a haystack of boring channels 30x bigger. I always enjoy your videos to the fullest, so a big thank you is in order!

[@filmic1]

Nice review, skinny! I Nikwax Solar Proofed my beloved Moss Outland. At home I hang my tent up loose.

[@MrOhthethingsIsee]

Actually made me laugh out loud with the shower scene. “Is somebody in here?” 🤫

[@memathews]

You nailed the issues: site selection and ventilation 100% (and sealed seams, of course)

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Very informative & love the cameo by Justin! 🤣 🚿

[@ziggyinc]

I love your brevity and information density!

[@tydonahue3370]

Love the cameo from Justin!!

[@hazelprickett2391]

One way to totally avoid condensation is to use a double skinned tent - ie one which has tent material on the inner tent instead of the mesh. My tent is a Tarp tent Stratospire 2 - the 4 seasons version that has a solid inner with only has some mesh on 2 vertical faces of the inner tent. Another bonus id your tent doesn't fill up with water when pitching in the rain before the fly is throw over. My previous tent also didn't has mesh - never had condensation dripping on my sleeping bag. There is of course condensation on the inside of the vestibule - leaving it partially open helps here.

[@twhis9843]

I don’t really care for mesh tents for the reasons you cited. The peak is where the majority of condensation forms and with a little rain or wind it drips all over you. A solid panel below the peak soves a lot of problems.

[@MichaelCarrPilot]

Just found your channel. Gotta say, your audio levels are perfect. Nothing worse than high and low audio when speaking. Really really good content, production - right to the point with no filling. Thanks!

[@ericchu4279]

I love seeing how hard you really tried to pull the second one lol. Thanks for the video!

[@splashgvng]

this video is great. the reason i like this video is because of how great it is.

[@thecorporategypsy]

Very good, very helpful as have been flummoxed by the condensation/ventilation issue

[@JCrozier1]

Cool tips. My tents are all pretty old and could probably use some conditioning.

[@Inkling777]

I was troubled by condensation dropping down on me as tiny ice crystals when I camped in below-zero conditions. The fix was to turn an old cotton sheet into a tent liner. Unlike nylon, cotton absorbs water and won't drip. The downside is that it was heavy.

[@GalicheGal]

I take the dehumidifiers you can buy in most general stores. They really help for condensation

[@reidsummers8183]

The production value on this is topnotch!

[@Roy-vh9rp]

Nice. In future videos you can try to bend tent poles

[@southernknight9983]

Quick tip for condensation. Use a tiny battery operated fan to circulate air inside the tent. Hang near top. Godspeed!

[@Nebelwerfer210cm]

Which one do you use? I've been thinking about bringing one on my next car camping trip.

[@twhis9843]

Amazing how a tiny fan by a vent will clear the moisture in some very stuffy tents.

[@commanderknowledge8360]

For tents with vestibules, moisture from the ground can also cause/add to condensation inside your tent

[@Amandcr]

FYI as someone who sews, most fabric will rip along the grain if you tear it like that (even brand new) you can use it to find the straight grain.

[@Rig0r_M0rtis]

I like that the test was honest even though not really useful...

[@barneyrubble1754]

I love the scientific method. well done. actually a very good presentation. yabadaba doo

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That Nemo is a sweet tent

[@Mike-fs4vz]

I’m just getting into spending more time outdoors and your videos are proving invaluable sir, helping me make much better purchases armed with the right info! Keep ‘em up 👍

[@ballin1394]

Great Video.. I have a question: Why not solar proof both sides of the rainfly?

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Nice Steven! For the environmentally conscious, Nikwax Solarproof is composed of zirconium acetate. Non-adsorbing thru skin and gastrointestinal track. The only exposure to control is to Avoid breathing the mist during application, as that likely deposits zirconium on lung tissue. If you want verification, read the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the product.

[@user-jk2zm7uq5s]

If it's sunny around lunchtime (=breaktime) I usually unpack my tent and my sleeping bag / quilt and let them sun dry. Then I have a dry tent at night and a dry (=warmer) sleeping bag at night ;) This obviously works best if there's a spare bench/picnic table setup where you have lunch, because otherwise ground moisture may condensate on the bottom of your stuff, like it does if you try to sun dry a ground sheet on grass in the morning...lol, the wet bottom side is dry but the formerly dry top is now moist :-( (Yes, I know, UV damage, but it's only for a short period of time until they are dry)

[@ronkhoo]

Thanks for the tip about Nikwax! I've just ordered some. A question - can it go on bug screen?

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Loved the guest cameo 😂🤣

[@Evan_Le5]

Another chefs kiss. Great video

[@Ghostselkie]

Good Video. Helpfull and on point.

[@stephanmedlin7323]

Great advice for the homeless

[@panhandlejake6200]

I am a taller hiker and I have been paranoid about getting the footbox of my down quilt wet from condensation when I naturally rub against the wall of the tent while sleeping. A recent hack has helped minimize condensation dramatically to where I no longer have to worry about my foot box. I have used it on a few very humid nights and I have not had any water on my footbox when the primary tent wall did have substantial condensation. I put four velcro tabs on the lower part of my inner tent wall at my foot end placed in a rectangle about 15 inches tall and across the width of my single person tent. The matching pieces of velcro are then used to attach a small piece of polycryo to act as a second tent wall. I left the polycryo a little loose so that the piece sags slightly in the middle and allows any condensation that does fall onto the outer side of the polycryo to drain down and out the mesh liner outside of my bathtub floor. This adds just about an ounce to the weight of the tent.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

What?? I didn't understand your trick here, but you can do MUCH less work by having this trick: just put your raincoat on top of your foot box and it won't get any water in it! Plus is helpful to add insulation!!! Ta-dah!!! Done deal!

[@panhandlejake6200]

@@bluebellcrushedvelvet Condensation can be bad on rainy days and if I have used my raincoat, I hang it in my vestibule. And I have been concerned that draping anything over my quilt might capture moisture (albeit minimal) escaping from the bag. I just added a small sheet of polycryo over the lower 15 inches of the foot end of the tent wall. Took 10 mins to measure, cut and attach - it stays on when I take down the tent so no additional hassle. Adds about an ounce of weight. The primary tent walls still have condensation and this sheet acts as a second tent wall that separates the wet tent wall from my quilt.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

@@panhandlejake6200 ah... ok. Thanks for explaining better. Ok valid point, about the rain jacket. But only if you like wrap it around more tight around your sleeping bag. If you would have just draped it over, I don't know how much moisture really your feet would create no? 😅 that would have eliminated but solved all the problem. But anyway you got something sorted out so that's great! Might look into it.

[@kaikart123]

Did the tabs stick well to the fabrics?

[@panhandlejake6200]

@@kaikart123 yes. No problems so far.

[@morevananything]

Very helpful video as always! That shower scene totally caught me offguard. I was cracking up!

[@BudaDanielIoan]

Hello from România, good video ,big like !

[@stephenwilliams1824]

Even in the winter, I still sleep commando ☺️.

[@asmith7876]

Super easy fix...TARP! LOL, just messing, I'm a tarp and hammock guy but used a tent for years. But it was a double walled tent and never had an issue.

[@DonTestosterone]

I have just started following your content... it's really great. Thanks a lot for doing it. May also be worth mentioning seam sealing. I've had some tents (tunnel type) that got elongated needle holes, that eventually needed seam sealing.

[@armadilllo]

Pull test reminded me of Uncle Ricos customer trying to tear the polymer bowl in Napoleon Dynamite

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Love your videos!! Always!! Boy you are good! 😊🤗 superb video!!

[@Colorado18]

thank you

[@Andy-Mesa]

Thanks for letting me know early this was an ad 👍

[@ObsidianDragon616]

I wonder if a large rice and silica bead pack would help with condensation.

[@autumnwishes8364]

I loved how the CC depicted "tint" every time he said tent 😆

[@markarato8034]

I love your videos, all straight to the point! subbed!

[@mamarkg]

yeah, these kind of materials are meant for tensile capability instead of shear. so if you tear it instead of pulling, it rips apart. in the outdoor scenario wind stretches the tent, it doesn't spear/poke through.

[@GarretSterling]

Great content; valuable, yet insightful information. Keep it up, my friend and you will see your channel grow! 👍

[@realfingertrouble]

I'd add one thing. don't camp by water sources, full stop. I know it's very instagrammable but it's not good for other water users or sometimes not that safe, flash floods and tides are things. Nearby, yes, but the general rule in the UK is to camp no nearer than 200m to a water source to avoid cross contamination/pollution of the source. Leave No Trace.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks great video and info

[@meringlennon4437]

My Gortex shell is no longer waterproof. Can I use this same technique to waterproof my jacket?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Yes but use Nikwax TX Direct instead. I have a video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3LQiZxuYr-WrJo

[@SeniorHiker77]

Wonderful information.✌

[@maxscheerle311]

countless nights i have exposed myself to the forces of nature and finally i have found you and your channel to erase the last traces of my unknowingness.

[@jos6157]

Is the nikwax also the good product for a silicone based impregnated tent? Thanks

[@markboswell280]

Can you tell me your opinion of the big cut out in the fly on the back of tents like the hornet and the dragonfly? Doesn't that make it effectively a single wall tent in the back? More prone to condensation on the inside?

[@robs4516]

Good stuff. Loved the cameo.

[@eastbynorthwestoutdoors]

Just got my first sleeping bag with a dwr coating and now I embrace the condensation.

[@marcochavane3124]

I've been thinking about using a USB PC fan and a USB battery bank and rigging them up so it blows out out the vent on the tent to help improve airflow and combat condensation.

[@parkerexplores]

Nice save bro cool video

[@TheSiemek]

It was very helpful. Too bad I just threw my old tent away after finding few leaks :(

[@elidewey8592]

Do you recommend treating brand new tents before use? I just got a Seek Cimmeron for backcountry hunting, and a Nemo Wagontop 8p for family trips. Should I use the Nikwax before using them?

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

do you use nikwaxon dyneematents?

[@ironkid8836]

I have solarwash and solarproof my tents isn't leaking do I have to wett twnt before I reproof it?

[@sbz666_]

"Even in dry climates you will deal with condensation". Laughs in southern Californian/Arizonan. I have literally never experienced tent condensation in my life. Guess that's the trade off for having constant chapped lips and dry skin.

[@michelvillarias]

I bought a decathlon trek 900 and when I used it for the first time in light rain it really got condensation buildup

[@michtill]

Hmm, have you ever seen condensation in an empty tent? I mean if there was nobody for some time. I am tying to say, condensation in tent is not related to humidity outside of the tent. It is the moisture from breath and from the body condensating on the wall when the temperature outside is lower then inside - the wall is the coolest part in the tent then and triggers the condensation. I don't think the plase can help... Unless it is related to outside temperature. It is always lower temperature near the water :) so in the end your advice can help.

[@rogergranquist]

That’s hilarious that you ended up in Justin’s bathroom to talk about condensation 😂

[@michelvillarias]

I'm curious is it the same wax ingredient with the car wax and wash ?peace

[@bradwjensen]

I had better results with the cheaper sprays from Walmart than I did with Nikwax; which actually smelled terrible and seemed sticky.

[@Scotland_Above]

SolarProof: Great for when the sun comes along and tries to rip up your tent with its bare hands! 🤣

[@MegaMastiffman]

Haha cool Camio!!!

[@MegaMastiffman]

I know all about sun damage living in SW Florida it’s a very real thing and when you spend 4,5,6 ect. Hundred dollars on your tent this if it works even some it’s well worth it.

[@Zzmj975]

Finally someone who makes videos that are simple and short and actually give useful advice

[@dlighted8861]

Thanks I never heard of cleaning the tent first. I will throw it in the washer..............made you think. 😁 Seriously though I just got a used tent in very good condition but I want to waterproof it just the same. Tnx again.

[@nielskristiannielsen6198]

Are you using a new audio setup? The audio seemed a little more sharp and "poppy" than usual.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Did it sound bad? Is poppy bad? I had the gain up too high and didn’t realize. I thought it was still usable so I didn’t refilm.

[@alfoutdoors9660]

I don't have to deal with it...As I have a large ultralight pyramid tent made from DCF. DCF is 100% waterproof. It is not stitched together either, it's bonded together, making it permanently 100% waterproof with no need for seam sealing or additional washings or spray coatings. This also makes it stronger and much lighter too...The fly is big enough for two, but it only weighs 325g. My groundsheet is a huge 1.5m x 3m sheet of 100% waterproof Exitex Polycro window film, with custom reinforcements, which weighs 119g...It covers most of the floor area inside the tent, except the vestibule, keeping me and my gear well away from the damp ground, and preventing rising dampness from adding to moisture in my tent. And finally, the pyramid shape really helps control where any condensed moisture drops can go...They flow harmlessly down the sloping sides of my tent to the bare ground area around my groundsheet instead of dripping on me. So even in a heavy downpour lasting all night, I stay totally dry within. And as DCF does not absorb water, it dries really fast the following morning.

[@jodaboda1]

You don't miss a mesh for critter protection?

[@alfoutdoors9660]

@@jodaboda1 Don't really have any critters to worry about here in the UK...The worst are ticks and Mosquitos...I have to yet to even see a tick and as I prefer to camp on hills rather than down by water rarely ever see a Mosquito either.

[@alfoutdoors9660]

I should add, I do have an ultralight mesh inner I can use if going into mossie/midge country (like Scotland say)...It's the Sea To Summit Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net. It only weighs 94g (3.31oz) including the storage bag. I have just never had to use it yet.

[@AdventureswithWillem]

How about the floor how do you the water proof it.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I would lay the tent flat on a table with the bottom up and wash and treat it the same way.

[@Martin-W]

nice testing. The scientific torque value you displayed on the screen made me forget that this video was a paid ad.

[@eliotrandallw]

Where did you hear the 1 liter of vapor per person?

[@neemancallender9092]

you forgot to discuss what tent sealant to use for what tent material

[@michaelmorrissey765]

Both tent and rain fly?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Mostly rain fly. Any part that might come in contact with rain

[@YakubFloyd]

I bought a tarp made from Dyneema..UV and waterproof.