Sticky Backpacking Tent Fly

Unfortunately, sticky or tacky tent flies are caused by a breakdown of the coating used. Most backpacking tent coatings are polyurethane based. Polyurethane will naturally break down over time. There are a few techniques worth trying before sending it to a landfill.

To reduce stickiness on your tent and rain fly, apply baby powder to prevent the polyurethane coating from sticking. However, this won't fix any damage to the coating. For a proper solution, start by removing the old polyurethane coat.

An easy way to remove old waterproofing is by using a washing machine. Run the tent through a cold wash cycle three times with mild powdered detergent in a laundromat. Let the tent air dry, then use a soft-bristled brush to scrape off any remaining delaminated coating. Apply a new sealant for waterproofing.

If a laundromat isn't available, soak the tent in warm, soapy water in your bathtub. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub off the old polyurethane. Rinse with cold water until clean, air dry the tent, and repeat the process for the bag and rain fly. Once everything is dry, reseal for waterproofing.

There are several different options to consider when deciding on the best cleaner for your tent. Powder detergent is going to be your best bet because it is effective and non-abrasive. Liquid detergent can also be used, but it’s going to clog the pores in the fabric and cause other issues. Personally, I’d stick to the powder.

Water and vinegar is another option but your tent won’t smell the best afterwards, and the same goes for ammonia. With all of the cleaners you run the risk of discoloring the fabric, but ammonia is especially likely to change your tent’s color.

If you use something like ammonia or vinegar you’ll want to make sure that all of the cleaner is thoroughly rinsed out after you get the old coating off, and it’s probably best to wear gloves no matter what cleaner you choose.

For the best ways to clean off every day dirt and grime while keeping your tent looking and performing at its best check out our post on How To Keep Your Tent Clean While Camping.

Age, damp storage, and insufficient off-gassing can make your tent sticky over time. While you can't stop your tent from aging, you can identify problematic areas before the entire tent becomes sticky. Treat these spots with a waterproofer over the old polyurethane in many cases.

To avoid storing the tent damp, pitch it in your backyard for a day or two if possible. Storing a damp tent for months is not ideal. Allow your tent to off-gas by hanging it up if space permits. If not, avoid rolling it too tightly, use a breathable bag, and periodically unpack and repack it.