GoLite Poncho/Tarp – seam sealing not necessary

The instructions I received with my Shangri-La 3 said the same thing. Something about "hydrophobic" thread. It leaked like crazy the first time I put it through a night of continuous rain.

Based on my experience I would recommend sealing the seam around the poncho hood.

> Per their rep, it is not necessary to seal the seams

Amusing.

Cheers

I have both the ShangriLa 3 and the Poncho Tarp, and haven't sealed either.
No leaks so far, and they've been through some serious storms.

cheers,
fred

I have the golite poncho tarp and have used it quite a bit as a poncho, a couple times as a tarp. Didn't seam seal it and haven't noticed any problem as a result.

@Roger – my initial faucet tests confirm the rep. But I do think it is amusing (good word choice!). Lets see what field tests show.

OK, further comment. I agree that the seams will probably not leak at first. But after a few good storms when there has been tension on the stitching, stretching the holes slightly, then you may start to get some problems. That's been my experience with good seams.

But adding just a wee bit of sealant – so simple and so much more reliable.

Cheers

Here's a photo of my Golite poncho/tarp with quite a bit of stress put on the hood:

So far, no leaks, but I'm probably pushing it. When I get a chance I'll seal the hood seams, at least.

Good logic Roger – just finished putting some sealant on the hood seams.