Rain drips through my tarp. Is there a way to fix this?

**aceatc** · 05-26-2014, 12:36

I sleep outside most night with my hammock stand, my expedition hennessy hammock, and my kelty noah 12foot tarp. Last night after lots of rain during the day I noticed the inside of my hammock (sleeping bag and stuff) was lightly wet. I looked at the underside of the tarp and noticed rain droplets forming all over the place and dripping down into my hammock! Well this sucks!

I have only used this kelty tarp maybe a dozen times yet this is happening. I've never had to use waterproof spray on a tarp before maybe I need to do that? I hope not cause this is BIG tarp lol. I really hope I can fix this without having to buy a new tarp.

**mountainm** · 05-26-2014, 12:48

Fabsil applied with a foam pad will sort it.

**zukiguy** · 05-26-2014, 13:11

Do a search for "misting" or something like that here on the forum. I'm not that familiar with the Kelty tarps but it may be an issue with condensation and not a leak. I personally think that the cold raindrops hitting the top of the tarp cause the moist air hanging under the tarp to condense. This layer of moisture will run down the underside of the tarp and form droplets that eventually fall.

This is just a theory though. I imagine it would be a lot worse in a 4-season with the doors all closed up. I had the same experience in a little pup tent as a kid. It never rained a drop but it was down around freezing and we had the tent all sealed up. Our bedding and everything ended up very damp.

**2ply** · 05-26-2014, 13:12

After about a year my Noahs 12 started to do the same misting but only in heavy rain. I bought 2 cans of silicone water proof spray from WallyWorld. Hung the tarp up so the side would hang down and applied 1 can per side. I have not had any problems since with the misting through the fabric.

**Aerobyrd93** · 06-04-2014, 16:16

Originally Posted by 2ply

After about a year my Noahs 12 started to do the same misting but only in heavy rain. I bought 2 cans of silicone water proof spray from WallyWorld. Hung the tarp up so the side would hang down and applied 1 can per side. I have not had any problems since with the misting through the fabric.

any idea how much weight gain?