Advice needed on an old tent

Posted by: GotMyGED

Advice needed on an old tent - 06/18/08 06:43 AM

So last night while rummaging through some old gear, I pulled out my old 2002 Marmot Equinox tent. After setting it up, I remembered how much I used to like it. So, I need some help bringing it back to life.

Here are the problems I have:

1. There are 2 patches on the rain fly, and one has peeled off in a small area. What should I use to try to seal it back to the fly? any special adhesive or sealer that you would reccomend?

2. The floor of the tent has some taped seams and the tape is in pretty rough shape. Is there any way to replace the tape? Any advice on a seam sealer?

3. The elastic in the poles is very wore out. Has anyone found a supplier of replacement "cut to fit" elastic that works for tent poles?

Also, if anyone knows the weight on this tent, I would like to know.

I am considering taking this out on a 4th of July trip to Pisgah NF.

Thanks for your help!!
Posted by: SleepingBagDotnet

Re: Advice needed on an old tent - 06/19/08 03:35 PM

1. If you are going camping during the 4th of July you might not even need the rainfly. It is summer and a lot of times I do not even take mine depending on the region. I do not know NC too well

2 & 3: Overall it seems like you need a new tent. By the time you get the seam sealer, get the poles fixed and all that, you will be taking up a lot of time. A small investment now and you will be loving life later and probably will even want to get out more because your equipment is not holding you back.

If you don't want to get a new one, duct tape everything!
Posted by: Rick

Re: Advice needed on an old tent - 06/19/08 05:36 PM

McNett Tenaciouse Tape, Seal Grip, and Tent Sure are all good products to use to extend the life of that old tent.
Replacing shock cord in poles is a very simple chore. Most camping stores will sell it by the yard.
Posted by: johndavid

Re: Advice needed on an old tent - 06/19/08 08:04 PM

Poles are optimally stored fully assembled. Not convenient, but optimal. Am surprised that shock cords have worn out in six years.

Can't resist the comment that thunderstorms in Appalachia are often remarkably heavy, and fly would be good.
Posted by: thesportfamily

Re: Advice needed on an old tent - 06/19/08 11:04 PM

shock cord can be found at sportsmans warehouse coghlans make a repair kit and so does stansport, I like to make my own seam seal w/ diluted culking.