Ultralight rain shell leaking at shoulders after weeks?

basecampbee

My ultralight rain shell started soaking through at the shoulders after twelve straight days of rain on a long section. The specs claimed it would handle thru-hikes without issue, but I’m wondering if seam tape failure is more likely than fabric breakdown after that much exposure.

trailblazer42

basecampben that much nonstop rain would push any shell hard, and yeah seams failing first feels way more likely than the fabric itself giving out. I’m still hunting durable weekend gear so not sure on the tape stuff, but curious what affordable shells hold up better for you?

wildpackjoe

seams failing first tracks with what happens in constant downpours, fabric usually shows different wear patterns. I’d check the tape edges around the shoulders before anything else. what’d you end up doing?

basecampbee

I checked the tape around the shoulders and it was starting to lift in spots. Haven’t done anything with it yet.