Hex complaint

I've used the Golite Hex 3, now called Shangri-La 3 for I think 2 years now, and it's my definite favorite among four generically similar shelters I own. I have used it for....at least 20 nights.

That said, I've used it only a few times in especially heavy rain. Several of the seams leak. When going solo, these spots are easily avoided. When sharing space, it's not so easy.

The tent has eleven seams. That's a lot. Each one is probably six feet long or more. I had the impression that the manufacturer said it isn't necessary to seal them. Whatever. They need to be sealed for other than light showers.

What a pain.

I bet the Black Diamond Megamid has far fewer seams, and is a larger and lighter tent. That said, the Hex has a trimmer cut (to my eye) than Megamid, and in theory, slightly greater wind resistance due to shape.

I just got the Shangri-La 3 and set it up in the back yard during a heavy rain storm. My seams also leaked quite a lot. I'm not looking forward to sealing that many seams.

Hmm... Sounds like a production quality control issue. I've got a Hex 3 that's never leaked.

The theory is the hydrophilic thread swells and blocks the zillion little holes, rendering seam-sealing unneeded. That, and the steep sides should shed rain and snow.

I've used my Hex 2 in the rain a couple times and that's what happened. That said, I've not been in windblown rain, which would really test parts one and two of the theory.

I bet it would literally take a whole day to seam-seal one--and several tubes of the gunk. The only thing that would make it a little less miserable is the fact there's no floor and therefore no corners to dig into.

Have you queried Golite on this? They "seam" to have good customer service.