How You Care For Tent Determines Longevity

Q. Just bought a Serria Designs Stretch Dome Tent XPD 1995. Should I spray some sort of waterproof coating on the tent? What can I do to protect the expensive little thing? Bought the overpriced ground cover for it. Will it help?

Michael Smith

Gear Guy: Nah, I wouldn’t fool with spraying anything on it. It already has a waterproof coating, so you wouldn’t get any benefit from another coat of crud.

But, there is plenty you can do to ensure the tent will last. First, keep it clean. Use the ground cover to protect the floor . Try to keep boots out of the tent. When you get home, gently clean dirty spots with a damp sponge and a little mild detergent.

Always use the fly, to protect the tent canopy. If you can, pitch tent so it gets at least some shade, particularly during the middle of the day.

Finally, when you get home and have it cleaned, dry it carefully. Putting away a damp tent will lead to mildew, which is murder on tent fabric. I prefer to store tents loosely in a large cotton bag.

Those three steps should go a long way toward making sure your investment lasts.

Q. What is your opinion of wearing Gore-Tex socks in a regular hiking boot versus wearing a boot with a Gore-Tex liner built-in when hiking in very wet conditions?

I was wondering also if you had tried any of the brands of Gore-Tex socks and if so which one would you recommend. Any information would be much appreciated, thank you.

Napolian Stewart

Gear Guy: I’m really ambivalent on this subject, Napolian. I find it interesting to note that most boots with Gore-Tex liners are relatively light, low-end boots that have a mix of leather and fabric and lots of leakprone seams. You just don’t see Gore-Tex liners in all-leather, wellmade boots of the type that sell for $200 and up. My conclusion is that a good boot doesn’t need a liner of any sort; the leather and proper treatment will keep your feet dry in most conditions. If things do get really nasty, pull out a pair of GoreTex socks. So I’d recommend the socks over the liners, I guess (how’s that for a full-throated endorsement?).

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN, QUESTION & ANSWER - Gear Guy