Not all tents are created equal. Keep this in mind if you are in the market for camping equipment or want to buy a tent as a gift. In fact, you will soon find that the material of your tent is a key factor in the buying process.
Read on - this handy guide will make finding the right tent less stressful.
When buying a large cotton tent you may notice that the tent has a PVC coating on the outside. This PVC coating on canvas tents is waterproof from the start, so you don't need to put it through its paces before you start your camping trip.
The only downside to the waterproof coating is that it makes the tent more prone to condensation. If you are planning to buy a PVC coated tent, it is essential that you choose a well ventilated coated tent so that condensation is not a problem.
Eyelet Fabric For Camping Tent
Tents made entirely of polyester are a popular choice. Many manufacturers prefer the durability of this material for newly introduced tents as polyester is more durable than nylon and is available in a variety of coatings. However, it is important that you do some research before choosing a specific polyester tent.
The coating used on a polyester tent may affect the price of the tent. Ideally, you want a polyester tent with a coating that provides adequate ventilation but does not allow moisture to pass through.
When comparing the characteristics of a polyester tent with those of a polyester-cotton tent, you will find that they are very similar. However, polyester tents do have the added benefit that they do not shrink or become heavy when in direct contact with water.
Polyester tents are also less affected by sunlight, making them ideal for camping in the Australian sun.
This is a combination of strength and durability.
A polyester-cotton blend doesn't have to be waterproof to be waterproof, although you will find that most polyester-cotton tents will have an extra layer of waterproofing that acts as a water repellent.
Looking for a tent that will last for years to come? Then a polyester-cotton tent is one of the better options for you.
Polyester and cotton are also more affordable compared to some other tent fabrics.
One of the most common tent materials you are likely to come across is cotton or canvas. When choosing a cotton/canvas tent, you can rely on additional temperature regulation: cotton is perfect for keeping you comfortable and also ventilates well when the temperature gets too high.
However, before using a canvas tent for the first time, it should undergo a process called "weathering". Simply set up your tent before your camping trip and wait until it rains. Or "rain" yourself!
100% Polyester Hexgonal Mesh Fabric for Tent
This process will cause the cotton fibres to swell and fit, ensuring that your tent is waterproof for the duration of your camping trip. If you don't carry out the weathering process before camping, you may get some water dripping out of your tent.
Canvas tents usually only need to be weathered once, but some tents need to be weathered at least three times to be fully waterproof. You may therefore need to do some waterproofing tests before you start camping with your new cotton/canvas tent.
After weathering, your new tent will be one of the more durable and waterproof tents on the market.
If it rains, you will need to be prepared when camping.
Campers planning to go hiking may prefer a nylon tent to any other tent. Nylon is a lightweight material that ensures that the load-bearing weight of the tent is kept to an absolute minimum. Nylon tents also tend to be one of the most affordable tents on the market.
Considering that nylon fibres do not absorb water, it is also possible to have a nylon tent without an additional coating. This also means that nylon tents do not become heavy or shrink when exposed to rain.
Some manufacturers also add a protective coating to their nylon tents. It is not uncommon to find nylon tents with a silicone, polyurethane or acrylic coating. Any coating should focus on durability, as nylon is inherently waterproof.
A silicone coating on a nylon tent will provide the best overall protection. However, if cost is an issue, an acrylic coating may also be considered.
Many manufacturers will also use ripstop fabric in the fabric of their nylon tents to make them even stronger and more durable. Always check the details of each tent before you buy.
Whichever tent material you choose, we wish you happy camping!
