It's the coating on the poles, not the vinyl. Do a google search for 'hydrohut syndrome' to see discussions of this. The company has since fixed the issue and personally I like those tents a lot as a solid product.

Just watch out for those Chinese dumplings with the steamed cardboard fillers in them, lol...
stinkyattic Reviewed by stinkyattic on . Hydrohut alternative Just a thought for those thinking about buying a Hydrohut: In Home Depot the other day I saw a portable closet. It was white on the inside and $20. I don't think it's completely light proof though. Rating: 5