When Do You Give Up On A Tent

Scotty · 06-12-2011, 01:33 PM

I have a little one man job I take with me when I'm hiking and expect to stay overnight. It has been with me on quite a few years (too many to be honest), and many trails. The poor little thing is just about gone. I had a leak, I patched it. Then it started several leaks and I patched them. Now it's leaking ON THE EDGE of the patches. I think it's time I let the little fellow have a rest at home for the kids to play in backyard. So when do you give up on a tent?

campclose · 06-12-2011, 02:46 PM

Sounds like it's time to put her to rest. I have never had to give up on a tent because of leaks - it's always been to buy a bigger one. Once the family started to grow we got rid of the smaller tents and went to bigger ones.

Refrigerator · 06-12-2011, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty

I have a little one man job I take with me when I'm hiking and expect to stay overnight. It has been with me on quite a few years (too many to be honest), and many trails. The poor little thing is just about gone. I had a leak, I patched it. Then it started several leaks and I patched them. Now it's leaking ON THE EDGE of the patches. I think it's time I let the little fellow have a rest at home for the kids to play in backyard. So when do you give up on a tent?

I have tents like that too Scotty....it's almost like a burial...I keep them around to show friends what tents were like years ago. One such tent I have is a VE 24 North Face that is 22 years old. A 4 season expedition one and state of the art in it's time....Another is a Eureka Geom 4 a 4 season expedition tent. I keep them around, there like family.

I Retire them from active duty when the nylon starts to wear thin and the rubberized skin starts to fall off. I use K Kote to increase there longevity but eventually they wear down thin...

Grandpa · 06-12-2011, 03:57 PM

They call me grandpa for a reason. Most of my older gear gets passed down to the next grandkid in line. Makes them happy and gives grandpa a good excuse to get the newest latest greatest.

IndianaHiker · 06-14-2011, 10:05 PM

I gave up on tents but not for the leaks just to go lighter, I love my tarp.

White Lightning Tarp

Ranger · 06-15-2011, 01:01 PM

She had run a good race, she had fought a good fight. It's now time to give her a rest.
I use my tent for as long as it keeps me dry when it rains.

Barney · 06-15-2011, 01:25 PM

When repairing starts to be too long and too tiring. I don't want to spend all of my free time on repairing a tent. That's why I buy quality gear - especially tents.

Camoguy · 06-15-2011, 02:54 PM

Well, even quality products wear out. Something cannot be dependable forever. Eventually something will happen even to the most durable gear. I think it's time for the kids to use it, Scotty.

Scotty · 06-16-2011, 05:37 PM

Yeah, I kinda figured that. I have set it up for the kids to use out back in the yard. They love to pretend they are camping so it's really a win/win for us. They have tables set up in it and an old army cot I have set up too. Right now it's a M.A.S.H. unit, or at least that's what I heard last.

calanta · 06-17-2011, 09:40 AM

If you can reuse it please do, too many people throw stuff out and where does it all go in the end? I can not begin to think of how much people toss out when there is always a second use for it. Maybe not always but most times.