Hi Chicky,
Re: that pole leaking. The short answer is yes, but don't let that put you off.
We had a really bad night a few months ago when the tent was flexing with the wind and non stop rain for about 16 hours, and we got pretty wet through a lot of seams (our Sturt is new so obviously our seasoning wasn't up to scratch). We also got some water in around the pole, but it was the least of our problems. It would have been perhaps a tablespoon full or more overnight from the pole, and I suspect that came in because of the way the tent was flexing under the wind (there were a few blown over tents nearby in the morning).
After Snosealing the offending seams, we have been out in the rain since, and had only trivial issues. Both times when it rained properly we got a few drips down that pole (and just a few drips on some seams). Last time it rained a fair bit but was only a little windy, and the water from that pole was way less than what we walked in in with our wet coats - I didn't even bother to wipe it up as it was just a few drops out of the way behind the pole. Other times we have had lighter rain and it hasn't leaked at all.
In theory because you push the pole higher than the surrounding canvas, it shouldn't leak, but in practice that depends on the angle the rain is coming at and just how much it is raining and the wind. I am thinking of experimenting with a simple o-ring or similar there to improve the seal for days we expect rain.
I wouldn't let this stress you too much, however. As I said, last time we walked in lots more water than came in via the pole and it has only happened to us in heavier rain. If you are buying second hand, you should have already had the seasoning done for you.
We also attract leaks - when we used a Tvan it leaked straight onto our pillows, when we had record rain at home, we had leaking problems etc, so we are a bit unlucky that way. If other people say it hasn't leaked for them, they are probably telling the truth.
I haven't noticed any Canning owners, but there are a few Sturt owners here. I wanted the Sturt for it's off road ability over the Canning. Please feel free to ask about anything else you are curious about.
