Originally Posted by
avatarworf
I was told by a NOLS leader once that the average mid-range tent is designed to last about 75 days before UV damage starts to become a real problem and you need to replace it. Our Hilleberg went for 400 days before we opted to replace it for UV damage reasons. I never could back up the stat from the NOLS leader, but if she was right, the Hilleberg gives 4-5 times the longevity than the average tent.
I wonder if that time estimate is based on high-altitude mountaineering use? I got over 200 days of use out of a $20 discount store tent and it didn't seem to suffer from any UV damage. Finally gave it away to a friend for his kids to use as a backyard play tent.