How can I revive my tent’s super-sticky rain fly?
I rolled out my tent fly after not using it for a while and it was all stuck together. With difficulty I was able to unstick it for use. But if I roll it up again, I’m sure it will get stuck and perhaps rip when I try to use it again. I've aired and sunned it out on the line for many days. No change. Help! Charles Fairfax, California
Hmmm. An interesting problem. Is there any sign of mildew on the tent? Was it packed tightly for a long period of time? It could be that some combination of moisture/warmth/tight packing has caused the polyurethane coating on the fly to deteriorate a little and become semi-liquid, and its now gluing itself together. It is my understanding that this was not uncommon in older tentsthose made a decade or more ago. If its a very uniform stickiness, this could be what happened.
Black Diamond Lighthouse
Lighthouse Tent
It could also be something else, something environmental when you last used it. So try this: Get a big bucket or plastic tub, fill it with warm water and a little Dawn detergent, and sluice the fly around in that for a while. Then rinse it thoroughly and air-dry out of the sun. Maybe some tree residue or something is causing it to stick.
If that doesnt work, well, you have a problem. Depending on the age of the tent, it could be possible for you to order a fly replacement from the manufacturer.
Otherwise, its probably time to buy a new tent. Sierra Designs Meteor Light ($239; sierradesigns.com) is a classic two-person backpacking tent really a great performer. I also like Marmots Aeolos 2P ($335; marmot.com), which has two doors and two vestibules for easy in-out and good gear storage. For something a little different, Black Diamonds Lighthouse ($379; bdel.com) uses a highly water-resistant fabric with Nextecs Epic treatment so that only one fabric layer is necessary. Ive been using a Lighthouse this summer and like it a lot.
I always recommend packing tents loosely in a breathable sacka cotton pillowcase works greatand most tent makers now include breathable sacks as well. It helps ensure the maximum lifespan of the tent.
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