Camping life is always fun when you have the right tent. Sometimes nature can disappoint especially when you were looking forward to clearer skies then it suddenly begins to pour. So, to be safe no matter what comes along, you should look for a tent that will give you and your loved ones ultimate protection.
All these points at the materials that the tent is made of, and this is where canvas tents come in. The fabric is considered to be long-lasting, a quality that it gets from the natural materials used during its production. Many are now opting for these tents after knowing the greater package that they bring along.
So, if you’re planning to get yourself one of the best canvas tents and still have no idea what or how they look like, I’ll help paint a picture for you. Here’s what you need to know about canvas tents:
What you need to know about Canvas Tents
How to choose one
Canvas tents are expensive because they’re deemed to be durable. However, not all the pieces we have out there in the markets today are genuine. Before making any purchases, you have to ensure that you get value for money. When new, these tents feel thicker and stiffer, so anything soft or pliable won’t be as durable.
Insist on tents with sturdy zips covered with canvas flaps. Also, ensure that the threads and seams run vertically to improve on waterproofing the tent. These checks will help you make an informed pick that will journey with you for the longest time with minimal repairs or replacements.
Uses of Canvas Tents
These tents are flexible, and can easily be adjusted to fit different occasions as befits you. They can be used for camping, hunting, and other outdoor excursions. This is due to the variety of styles and sizes that they come in. However, I highly recommend them for large groups of people who prefer camping for extended periods of time under harsh conditions.
These tents will provide all of you with the required space and protection, irrespective of what the weather outside looks like. On the other hand, it might not be an ideal pick for hikers or backpackers. This is because Canvas is quite bulky, so if you’re one of them, you might consider the lighter nylon tents.
Preparation before a trip
Canvas tents do develop multiple needle holes through the entire process of production. With these holes, it’s easy for water to penetrate through if the issue isn’t fixed after purchase. This is what calls for the idea of preparation, what others refer to as seasoning.
To do this, you need to set it up as you would do at the camp, then completely soak it, preferably with the help of a water hose. When doing so, you should focus the pressure from the water on the areas that you noticed had a lot of needle holes, mostly on the seams. Alternatively, you can also leave it out if you’re expecting heavy downpour in your area, but sometimes it might not be sufficient so you can only rely on doing it yourself.
Thereafter, allow the tent to dry completely, then repeat the process two more times. The reason why you should allow the tent to dry is to minimize the chances of mildew developing on the canvas, especially when packing after the final process. The whole idea behind it is to reduce the sizes of the needle holes.
Adding water causes the tent material to contract and the threads to expand. In this process, all the needle holes become minimal, so you don’t have to worry about water getting into your tent when you’re out there camping with your team. This process might seem overwhelming, but it’s what will save the day in relation to waterproofing
Setting up your Canvas Tent
After the whole process of seasoning, setting up becomes much easier. Better still, there are a number of stuff that you have to see to it that they’re in place for the tent to be stable the entire time. To avoid overloading the zips, ensure that all of them are done-up before tightening the ropes and peg points, especially those on the doors and windows.
After a full set-up, you should unzip them to the end whenever you need to open the door or window. You shouldn’t push through the gaps with undone zips because this can damage them. And lastly, as general knowledge dictates, only unzip using the slider and not by pulling either of the sides as I have seen some people do it. The zips are sturdy enough, but won’t last long when subjected to a lot of pressure.
Packing up the tent
With these tents, you have to be good at folding. Leaving it jammed up between the bars and hoops increases the chances of wear and tear, because these are the critical wear points. After folding it properly, take note of the packaging material you use.
To enable the fabric breath and relax as required, invest in a properly ventilated bag. You should also ensure that it’s entirely dry as we have mentioned earlier, in case it got misty or rained.
Storage tips for Canvas Tents
We always get home tired after spending some good time having fun in the woods or camping elsewhere. Therefore, one might be tempted to just drop the tent anywhere in the house. However, don’t give in to that thought when it comes to canvas tents. Before keeping the tent away until your next activity, always ensure that the tent is completely dry.
You can leave it pitched until it’s dry, or just hang it in a place which is not exposed to extreme weather conditions which can weaken the material. Irrespective of how soon you plan to use the tent, this material still remains susceptible to mildew. Leaving it dump could also lead to odour, which is totally unpleasant.
Maintenance Requirements
As I have mentioned, canvas tents are more durable, compared to the rest that you’ll see at the store. However, we all know that durability is relative, because it relies on how well you take care of that particular product. The same case applies to these tents, so it’s all about maintenance.
Having mentioned that this particular material makes the tent likely to attract mildew, you should, therefore, clean it more often. You should also ensure that it remains clean by getting rid of any dirt or spots the moment you notice it. When such accumulate over time, the canvas will gradually get damaged.
To clean such messes, all you need is a relatively soft brush and clean water. The smaller the mess is, the easier it is to clean. The most important thing to note is that it’s not advisable to use any detergents or soap in the cleaning process.
Here are some of the Pros of Canvas Tents
Canvas tents come packed with so many good features that will make your life much easier as a person who loves the outdoors. The following are some of the many benefits that canvas tents are known for.
- Flexibility
- Durability
- Breathability
- Easy maintenance
- They’re waterproof
- Luxurious tented experience
- Withstands harsh weather conditions
- Ideal insulation for colder days
Conclusion
Looking forward to outdoor camping with friends and family? This is definitely the best choice for you because it’s a guarantee for safety no matter your location. This type has its own strengths and drawbacks, but these are only meant to help you make the right choice.
And remember, after spending an extra dime to get yourself the best among the rest, all you have to do is take proper care of your tent. Failure to do so will have you spending even more in case of wearing or tearing, and that shouldn’t be the case. So, here’s to having ultimate fun and appreciating the beauty around us with canvas tents.