How to Waterproof Camping Gear

Waterproof gear keeps you warm and dry on rainy days.

Waterproofing your camping gear will protect it from damage in the field. Waterproofing the gear also protects you while camping in wet conditions. Most of the standard camping equipment can be treated with a waterproofing agent. You may also protect sensitive gear with waterproof bags. Waterproof your equipment well before your camping trip. The waterproofing agent needs time to cure before the gear is used.

Things You'll Need

• Seam sealer
• Plastic syringe
• Water-resistant fabric patches
• Liquid cement
• Spray waterproofing treatment
• Waterproof bags

Instructions

1. Purchase gear that is waterproofed by the manufacturer. Starting with a tent and clothing that are professionally waterproofed allows you to simply reinforce the protection.

2. Seal the seams of your tent by filling a plastic syringe with sealer and covering all of the floor and rain fly seams. Also apply a thin bead of seam sealer to raincoats with heavy wear and to all stitching that is beginning to separate.

3. Patch holes in tents, rain gear and dry bags with adhesive patches of waterproof fabric. Use liquid cement to secure the edges of the patches and ensure that your gear is waterproofed for the next trip.

4. Treat your shoes, rain fly fabric, tarps and raincoat and pants with a spray-on waterproof conditioner. Several different brands manufacture the treatments and distribute them through outdoor retailers. Hang the fabric on a clothesline and apply the treatment with a spray bottle. Leave it in the sun until it dries, giving your gear a new layer of waterproofing.

5. Store all of your camping gear in roll-top waterproof bags. The bags are designed for zero penetration and will keep your camping gear dry. The bags are especially useful for normal clothing and other items that are not designed to be waterproof.

Tips & Warnings

• Waterproof your gear and do a hose test. Put items in the tent, and spray the tent heavily with a garden hose. Be sure to spray water on the seams that you sealed. Then check the items to make sure they stayed dry. Do this test well before your camping trip to ensure that the treatment is effective.

• Only treat fabrics designed for waterproof use. Applying the treatment to cotton and other soft fabrics may ruin the clothing. Check the labels of your gear before using waterproofing products.

References

• Bass Pro Shops: Waterproofing Your Gear

Resources

• Dry Guy Waterproofing