The Definitive Guide to Sealing a Leaky Tent
Everyone has an old leaky tent shoved into the back of a closet somewhere. You know the one. It’s falling apart. The seam tape is coming off. It leaks like a sieve in a rainstorm and yet you just can’t bring yourself to give it up. If you’re thinking about breathing new life into your old tent but aren’t sure about what products to try, then this guide is for you.
Sealing a leaky tent can consist of several parts, depending on its condition:
- Removing crumbling or peeling seam tape and applying a sealer.
- Gluing down seam tape that has lifted but is still in usable condition.
- Waterproofing the tent fly.
Since it’s not feasible to apply new seam tape yourself, you have two options:
- Removing the old tape and applying an aftermarket sealer to the seams.
- Using a product to glue the old seam tape back down, providing it’s still in good condition.
Both of these options are messy and will not be perfect, so your mileage may vary depending on the condition of your tent.
Waterproof fabrics also degrade over time. There are several options for applying new waterproofing, but it’s important to note that nothing will restore your fabric to its original condition. Waterproof sprays are a short-term fix and will need to be reapplied. Your results will vary depending on the product you use.
All of the products here have been personally tested, and all are available in stores across British Columbia. If you’re looking for a quick fix, these will do the job:
Woods Weatherproof Seam Sealer
Available at: Canadian Tire
Price: $10.99
Pros:
- Ideal if your old seam tape is beyond saving.
- Lightweight and doesn’t stick to itself or the tent fabric.
Cons:
- A bit runny when applied.
Gear Aid Seam Grip WP
Available at: Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Mountain Equipment Company, Cabela’s
Price: $11.95 – $14.50
Pros:
- Great for re-gluing old but usable seam tape.
- Can also be used after removing old tape.
- Thick and comes with a brush that makes application easy.
- Doesn’t run.
Cons:
- Sticks to itself and tent fabric, which can further damage the tent.
- Some users have reported using talc powder to reduce stickiness, but results may vary.
Gear Aid Seam Grip FC Fast Cure Seam Sealant
Available at: Cabela’s
Price: $11.99
Pros:
- Dries quickly and isn’t sticky.
Cons:
- Not suitable for seam sealing.
- Very runny and seems identical to Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealant.
Gear Aid Tent Fabric Sealant
Available at: Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Mountain Equipment Company, Cabela’s
Price: $15.95 – $16.99
Pros:
- Effective for waterproofing fabric.
- Easy to apply and dries quickly.
- Reduces stickiness when applied over Gear Aid Seam Grip WP.
Cons:
- Once dry, it’s difficult to see where it’s been applied.
- Like other fabric waterproofing options, this is a short-term fix.
Woods Silicone Waterproofing Spray
Available at: Canadian Tire
Price: $22.99
Pros:
- Great for a fast and easy fix.
- Easy to spray on and dries quickly.
Cons:
- Like other waterproofing sprays, durability is limited.
Patching up an old tent is a bit like turning it into Frankenstein’s monster. At some point it’ll be past the point of no return and you won’t feel bad about messing it up with sprays and sealers. While nothing will bring it back to its golden years, if you want to squeeze another trip or two out of it, then these products should do the trick.
Cory is an outdoor writer and adventurer from British Columbia. She has worked as a kayak guide and wildlife rehabber, experiences that deepened her love for wild places and the creatures that call them home. Whether she’s hiking remote trails, paddling along the coast, or setting out on her next backcountry trip, she finds inspiration in nature’s untamed beauty. Through her writing, she shares stories of adventure, resilience, and the deep connection between people and the wilderness.
