Our Troop has used Eureka Timberline tents for 15 years and this year is the first that I have had to treat any of them for leaking. Our troop policy is NO gear in the tents. The only things allowed in the tents are sleeping bags, pads and the people sleeping in them. This is to give more room and to prevent critters from coming into the tents for a free meal. Packs and Duffle bags are kept outside in larger trash bags. While at Philmont, I have had ground Squirrels (mini bears) chew through a pack to get a granola bars in the side pockets We also have had black bears enter the dining fly looking for food. We don't want any smells of food or sweet smelling toothpaste in the tents. Philmont actually requires the sleeping area to be away from packs and cooking areas to prevent bear encounters. A 3 man tent can get pretty heavy if backpacking but is fine for camping near the car.
