8:34 p.m. on December 30, 2007 (EST)
gsdavis
New Member
Joined: Dec 27, 2007
Posts: 4
Tent floor waterproofness?
Is Sierra Designs tent floor waterproofing of 3,000 mm acceptable for backacking in very wet conditions? They also claim that their material is waterproof up to 165 psi. Im just confused as to how waterproof this really is?
reply
10:18 p.m. on December 30, 2007 (EST)
calamity
Ex-Member (Banned)
Joined: Nov 15, 2007
Posts: 141
Re: Tent floor waterproofness?
How waterproof? It's pretty waterproof.
I don't like floors, partly because they trap spills and condensation, or (God forbid!!) small leaks.
With a groundsheet, or no floor, you can more easily get rid of the stuff. Maybe I'd prefer a floor that isn't waterproof, but I doubt it.
reply
10:51 p.m. on December 30, 2007 (EST)
BigSmoke
Full Member
Joined: Sep 9, 2007
Posts: 64
Re: Tent floor waterproofness?
Hi gsdavis,
Welcome to Trailspace.
I just purchased the SD LightPath 3. I looked here, on gear reviews and went to a few other sites with reviews. From everything I read they are practically bombproof...if set up properly.
All the reviews regarding rain (floods of biblical proportions ) they stayed bone dry. Now I am not suggesting this is the case for all SD tents so I would suggest researching the heck out of your particular model before you attempt to run the rapids in your soon to be new tent.
reply
12:26 p.m. on January 2, 2008 (EST)
Re: Tent floor waterproofness?
Just returned a Sierra Designs Alpha because it failed miserably in it's first rainstorm. We were in windy conditions and it rained half an inch overnight (in Death Valley of all places!) Water got between tent bottom and "footprint." Water seeped up through the "coated" floor (not the seams) and left us sleeping in half an inch of water. I tested the tent floor later at home by laying some of the floor (not a seam area) over a washtub and adding a couple cups of water. After 10 minutes it began to seep through. Not very waterproof in my estimation. Thank God for REI and their return policy. We are now looking for a really waterproof tent. I'll do the "tub test" on whatever I buy and return the tent if it fails.
reply
12:58 p.m. on March 26, 2008 (EDT)
Re: Tent floor waterproofness?
I would suggest you ask Bob Collins. He absolutely considers himself an authority when it comes to Sierra Designs brand tents.
As for me, I did own the Cosmos model. As I recall, there was no problem with weatherproofing. The floor kept all moisture/water out. No problems there. Kept me dry on many-a-rainy day and night. http://www.trailspace.com/gear/sierra-designs/cosmos/review/4869/
I belive the Cosmos is replaced with the Gamma. They are identical. Same tent it appears.
I should note I always use a "foot print" or tarp under the floor of all of my tents. Doing that will prolong the life of the floor and prevent those nasty little tears and abrasions.
reply
