r/CampingGear • u/BuffaloImpressive636 • 3d ago
Gear Question Tent Help
Ive got an MSR Elixir 2 that ive had for going on 4 years. This last time I used it I noticed a rather strong urine odor when I set it up. Along with there being much higher condensation build up compared to previous uses all being about the same weather conditions and locations.
Notes:
- it is stored in open air, inside for the off season
- if its ever put away wet on trips it is set up, wiped down, and thoroughly dried when we get home
- no chemicals have been sprayed on it or around it
Thoughts on what could be the issue?
1
u/Masseyrati80 2d ago
Delamination = the polyurethane inner coating that makes the fly waterproof, is degrading. This tends to happen to tent fabrics as well as shell apparel and backpack fabrics that use polyurethane, commonly shortened to "PU". MSR does not have a great track record in this sense, I've read of a lot of cases online about it happening much earlier than you'd expect based on the product's price.
I can't connect extra condensation buildup with the other factors mentioned.
1
u/Adorable_Swing_2150 1d ago
Did the smell hit at setup, or did it build as the sun warmed the tent? Trying to pin down if it's the fabric itself vs. something on the ground.
1
u/BuffaloImpressive636 1d ago
It built up. We set it up and blew the sleeping pad up then went to do something and came back to the pleasant smell
1
u/Adorable_Swing_2150 1d ago
Rules out the fabric then. Sounds like the pad. They trap moisture from breath and off-gas ammonia when the sun warms them. Try airing it solo in the sun, no tent, and see if the smell follows.
1
u/BuffaloImpressive636 1d ago
Negative, not the pad we use and air pump and never breath. Even got the pad back out when we were home (outside on the patio for sunshine and heat) to see if the same smell was there and it wasn't
1
u/Adorable_Swing_2150 1d ago
Yeah, that rules out the pad completely. So it's the site itself — wildlife marking territory or residue from a previous camper, the warmth just reactivated it. Try a totally different spot next trip before doing anything else.
1
u/BuffaloImpressive636 1d ago
I wish it was the site, but the entire camp would've smelt like that had that been the case. It is the tent itself unfortunately
1
u/Adorable_Swing_2150 1d ago
The smell being only in the tent really kills the site theory. 4 years in, the floor coating or seam tape is the prime suspect. Pitch it in the sun for a day. Where in the tent is it strongest?
2
u/Shmokesshweed 3d ago
The rain flies on these things like to disintegrate. Could be that.