Tent Question

[UNTMatt]

We are borrowing...will purchase...a slightly used, in excellent condition, REI Camp Dome 4 tent (http://www.rei.com/product/767241) from a fellow member here. What we are trying to figure out is if the stuff sack is waterproof/water resistant so that we can strap it to the tail rack w/o worry when the downpours hit. Or do we need to keep it in a waterproof dry bag?

We are working on our packing and putting the tent in the dry duffle will take up too much room. I put my hand in the stuff sack and ran water over it out of the tap for 30 seconds and my hand didn't seem to get wet. Also the stuff sack seems to be made of the same material as the floor of the tent.

I think I'll spray the bag w/Camp Dry and keep it outside. Is that ok?

[Trekker]

Tent stuff sacks are usually not made for constant rain. In fact, they usually breath so that the tent fabric doesn't rot while stored away. I would pack it in a dry bag or pannier unless your sure your ride will be rain free. Would it hurt if the stuffed tent were to get a little wet while your riding? Probably not.

[Mellow]

I think it's a crapshoot... it may, or may not get wet.

As Dave says, best to keep it in it's own stuff sack.

However, it is summer and as long as you don't get caught in 2-3 days of solid rain I don't think it will matter much. It should resist getting soaked.

I have taken mine out after a couple days ride and it was still soaked - after breaking down in the rain - so I know it holds water quite well LOL..

Stuff it in the pack... throw it in the back yard and turn the sprinklers on.

If I were in your situation, I'd just do what you're doing, camp dry and strap it to the rear rack.

[UNTMatt]

I camp dry'd it last night.

According to the directions, and from what I remember about tent care, it's best not to store the tent in the stuff sack for long periods of time. We plan on keeping it in the guest bedroom stowed loosely under the guest bed so lack of airflow while in the stuff sack shouldn't be a problem.

I think the stuff sack was pretty water resistant to begin with, though. Just wanted to see what ya'll thought about it in case I was way off course. Thanks for the input. :)

[Dalton]

It's pretty much the cardinal rule to not store your camping suff compressed (or stuffed)... sleeping bags, thermarests, pillows, tents, etc. Like you, our camping stuff is under our beds!

I camp dry'd it last night.

According to the directions, and from what I remember about tent care, it's best not to store the tent in the stuff sack for long periods of time. We plan on keeping it in the guest bedroom stowed loosely under the guest bed so lack of airflow while in the stuff sack shouldn't be a problem.

I think the stuff sack was pretty water resistant to begin with, though. Just wanted to see what ya'll thought about it in case I was way off course. Thanks for the input. :)

[STeve1300]

Good idea on keeping the tent accessable. This CampSTOC I re-thought my packing procedure and now have the tent separate. My thought is when its raining I want to pack up everything else while in the comfort of the tent.... and if raining on arrival,,,, I want to set the tent up first.

[sandman]

Good idea on keeping the tent accessable. This CampSTOC I re-thought my packing procedure and now have the tent separate. My thought is when its raining I want to pack up everything else while in the comfort of the tent.... and if raining on arrival,,,, I want to set the tent up first.

I'm with Steve on this technique. My tent, rainfly, footprint, poles and stakes are packed together for easy assembly when I get to a campsite. Cot, sleeping bags, etc are kept separately in waterproof compression sacks.

Nothing is more miserable than trying to sleep with gear that is cold and wet.