Gear Aid Tent Sure Tent Floor Sealant

Tested in the Colorado backcountry in "not-so-pleasant" weather.

This is a great product that does what it claims.  I would recommend application before each season.  Backpacking gear and clothing is expensive and I'm sure no one wants to get it wet, especially inside your tent.

I applied the floor sealant to my Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 3 at the beginning of the season.  Application of the product was easy, it didn't smell too bad, and it dried quickly. I would definitely make sure the floor of your tent is clean before applying the floor sealant. Anything on the floor of the tent will be sealed in once you apply it. I applied three coats just to be on the safe side. 

I took my son backpacking in the Lost Creek Wilderness, Colorado, over Memorial Weekend. We went through thunderstorms, hail storms, and it rained consistently through the night and, then again, in the afternoon the next day. We had no water in the tent what-so-ever. 

I'm very happy with this product!

Been using this stuff for ages, always worked. But have found a cheaper alternative.

Reason I've left one star off is because they reduced the ounces but didn't reduce the price. 

Solid product—the larger bottles would do a whole floor and sides of a North Face VE-25 tent.

But since they cut the ounces down and still charge full price you're lucky if you can complete a full floor or rainfly, I thin it down to stretch it out.

I've searched for an alternative for a couple years and looked over the MSDS sheet and found it's simply Water Base Polyurethane.

I've found the alternative after doing some research, Varathane Clear Semi-Gloss  Water-Based Interior Polyurethane 200141H.

I took a chance and bought a small can for $15 at Walmart. It looks like it's same consistency and the best part is it works just like Tent Sure.

I've usually been thinning Tent Sure down with distilled water as a thin layer goes a long way for just refreshing a floor or under a rainfly, maybe a double coat if the coating is showing some signs of tiny separation or minor tackiness.

Had an old Sierra Designs Flash Lite tent with a bit of a sticky floor to test it on. Washed it by hand first, let it dry, laid a thin coat down, and it worked perfect. Had enough left to do the fly. 

Background

Over ten years restoring and reconditioning older classic '70s to '90s backpacking and expedition tents. It's a labor of love I have for the old classic tents.