Xtreme Shield Tent Coating

The Industry-wide Problem

As backpacking tent fabrics have gotten lighter over the years, they’ve brought with them two challenges: 

1. Their waterproof coatings are more susceptible to hydrolysis, the natural breakdown of the coating, causing the coating to become sticky and no longer waterproof.
2. Their seam tape doesn’t adhere as well, causing it to flake off, which leaves the seams vulnerable to leaking.

This is an industry-wide problem. And these issues are greatly accelerated by humid environments and improper or damp storage, which speed up the effects of hydrolysis. In the worst cases, customers have experienced coating and seam-tape failure on brand new or rarely used tents. 

Our Solution

A revolutionary coating

After years of researching this issue, the MSR tent team is excited to announce their solution—and the future of tent technology. Calling it Xtreme Shield, we’ve identified a revolutionary waterproof coating that’s formulated specifically to combat hydrolysis, which is the natural break down of coatings from heat and humidity. With its special formulation, Xtreme Shield lasts up to 3 times longer than standard coatings, greatly extending the lifespan of your tent’s waterproof performance.

Durable, precision-stitched seams

To address the seam tape issue, we’ve gone away seam taping our lightweight tents altogether. Instead, we use a precision stitching technique and water-resistant thread to create a far more durable seam that lasts the life of your tent. Such quality construction demands the careful craftsmanship that MSR is known for building into our trusted products.

Together, they create the Xtreme Shield™ System

Working together, the new coating and durable seams create our Xtreme Shield System. This higher-quality construction ensures your tent delivers reliable weather protection far longer than ever before.

Why We’re Making the Move Away from Seam Taping

We believe your tent is an investment and should be built to last. For tents designed with today’s lightweight fabrics, our Xtreme Shield increases the tent’s durability with an impressively long-lasting coating. To create a complete system, we needed a seam construction that lasted just as long. 

As the technical leaders in tent design—with innovations that changed the industry—we believe our Xtreme Shield System is the future of performance construction. With it, our tents deliver far more years of use—staying in the field longer, out of repair shops and out of landfills.

What This Means to Tent Users

These tents are designed for long-lasting performance. Like any high-quality product they require care.

In most conditions, the Xtreme Shield System offers excellent weather protection from the elements. In periods of heavy or extended rain, there’s potential for some water drops to work their way into the rainfly seams. We believe this isn’t reason enough sacrifice the quality of your tent for the short-lived performance of seam taping. Seam sealing will ensure maximum waterproof defense and a tent with exceptional longevity. We’ve tested and recommend Gear Aid’s Seam Grip +FC Fast Cure Sealant or Seam Grip +WP. See their line up of products here: Gear Aid

We have a great video here to show how you can: Seam Seal Your Tent

Tents with Xtreme Shield:

Resources: 
Video: How to Seam Seal Your Tent
Article: How to Wash a Tent (*Includes instructions on how to reapply a waterproof coating spray)
Article: Seam Taping vs Seam Sealing
Article: Tent Care & Maintenance: How to Make Your Tent Last Longer
Article: 3 Ways to Field Repair a Rip in Your Tent's Rainfly