[SCA-AE] A Camping Question from a Camping Novice

[ladymarypt at aol.com]

Greetings Good SCA Campers!

I recently bought a rectangular Marquis tent.? I discussing the concern of rain water flowing down the tent poles, someone suggested that they knew someone who had cut leather disc that fit over the spike of the tent pole, thus covering the open grommet.? It was suggested that when the leather got wet, it would swell and seal the opening even more.

Has anyone ever actually used this method?? If so, did it reduce the amount of water you got running down the poles and into your tent?? What kind of leather did you use?? (I at first thought to use veggie tanned leather. I have soaked veggie tan leather to make projects that needed to be shaped and hardened.? The stain left in the water I soaked it in is not something I would want on my new tent.) 

I have also thought about using finials.? The expense is a concern right now after spending so much on the tent itself.? If you think this is the way for me to go, do you have any ideas where to get them inexpensively and how best to fit them to the top of the spike?

Does anyone have any other suggestions for me.? I admit to being a very wimpy camper!

Thanks for any ideas you might have for me!

Isolda