I see that Slingfin avoids PU coatings because they degrade fairly quickly into a smelly tent. We all probably are well acquainted with THAT smell. Tarptent also appears to be using Nylon with a PE coating (Stratospire Ultra), NOT PU. And then there are companies like Hilleberg, many of who’s tents cost in excess of $1000 who continue to use PU coatings. Does that mean that your $1000 tent will stink after 5 years? I had an Akto that stunk, and the floor was getting a little sticky. I sold it before it had a chance to get any worse. The cost of a Hilli is a deterrent, but the thought that such an expensive purchase is going to stink and get sticky in a handful of years is a bigger deterrent. I just wonder why manufacturers haven’t made the switch yet to PE instead of PU? Is it simply a matter of cost?
Your thoughts?
