Is my tent leaking or is it condensation?

This is a very common question and in nearly all cases it is condensation and not a leak.

Condensation is formed during the night when you are asleep from the warm air you breath out coming into contact with cold air and turning to water. This collects on the flysheet as well as air poles and then travels downwards sometimes pooling at the base of the poles.

Airflow is key to preventing condensation. Open up all high and low level ventilation to allow air to pass through the tent and draw the warm moisture laden air out of the structure.

Is my tent leaking or is it condensation?

This is a very common question and in nearly all cases it is condensation and not a leak.

Condensation is formed during the night when you are asleep from the warm air you breath out coming into contact with cold air and turning to water. This collects on the flysheet as well as air poles and then travels downwards sometimes pooling at the base of the poles.

Airflow is key to preventing condensation. Open up all high and low level ventilation to allow air to pass through the tent and draw the warm moisture laden air out of the structure.

How do I prevent my flysheet from leaking?

After many uses or prolonged exposure to sunshine, your tent’s waterproof coating may deteriorate. This deterioration may allow water to be absorbed by the tent fabric and the water will eventually enter the tent.

Dirt also attracts water and impairs breathability, so if your tent is dirty, the water may not bead and roll off like it did when it was new.

We recommend using Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash to clean your tent regularly and Tent & Gear SolarProof to add durable water repellency and UV protection.

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Nobody wants to sleep in a smelly bedroom

To prevent mould growth inside your tent and BlackOut bedroom you should keep the tent as dry as possible, especially before packing away.

After your camping trip always thoroughly dry your tent before storing it in its bag. Sometimes this may mean re-pitching it again to dry, especially if your final day camping was a wash-out. Never store a tent wet!

Should your tent be affected by light mould it is best to use Nikwax Tent & Gear Solar Wash. Simply spray on and rinse off. This will not kill the mould, but it will stop it from spreading and smelling.

Nobody wants to sleep in a smelly bedroom

To prevent mould growth inside your tent and BlackOut bedroom you should keep the tent as dry as possible, especially before packing away.

After your camping trip always thoroughly dry your tent before storing it in its bag. Sometimes this may mean re-pitching it again to dry, especially if your final day camping was a wash-out. Never store a tent wet!

Should your tent be affected by light mould it is best to use Nikwax Tent & Gear Solar Wash. Simply spray on and rinse off. This will not kill the mould, but it will stop it from spreading and smelling.