Buying Guide

Cotton Canvas vs. PU-Coated Cotton Canvas

Many bell tents on the market are PU-coated to make them waterproof. While this is a cost-effective method, it sacrifices the breathable qualities of cotton. PU-coated tents are prone to cracking, discoloration, and UV damage, making them hard to repair and untreatable. Over time, the coating degrades, rendering the tent unusable but leaving non-biodegradable materials to leach plastics and chemicals into the environment.

PU coatings also impact the natural feel and appearance of tents and prevent the canvas from breathing, causing condensation inside. CanvasCamp tents are impregnated to be both breathable and waterproof without PU coatings. Our 100% cotton tents are waterproof, breathable, repairable, and reusable. When shopping for canvas tents, pay attention to fabric weight, chemical treatments, and construction quality.
Avoid PU-coated tents for camping and especially for glamping.

Canvas Fabric Weights and Treatments

Cotton canvas fabric is available in various weights, measured in grams per square meter (g/m²). Most modern tent fabrics range from 250 g/m² to 440 g/m²:

• Lighter canvas (250–320 g/m²): Easier to carry and quicker to dry, suitable for short trips and mild weather.
• Heavier canvas (320–440 g/m²): More durable, slower to dry, and best for semi-permanent setups or adverse weather.
  CanvasCamp offers Sibley tents with fabric weights between 320–440 g/m², catering to a wide range of uses.

Key options:

• Classic Canvas (320 g/m²): Ideal for casual camping in mild climates.
• Pro Canvas (360 g/m²): Designed for extended use, commercial applications, and four-season conditions.

Fabric quality also depends on yarn strength, weave, and treatment. Long-fiber cotton, such as Egyptian cotton, provides greater strength and allows for a tighter weave. CanvasCamp uses long-fiber cotton for durability and breathability.
Our tents undergo a thermal bath and heat-curing impregnation process to ensure consistent protection inside and out, avoiding less effective PU coatings or spray treatments. Our patented treatments strike the right balance between breathability and durability while minimizing harmful chemicals.

Fire-Resistant Treatments

Fire safety requires responsible behavior. Assume any material can burn under certain conditions, and always respect local fire regulations. Products with fire-resistant labels or technologies still require caution.
CanvasCamp tents pass fire safety standards:

• Cigarette Test: Ensures the fabric does not ignite, smolder, or spread fire when exposed to a burning cigarette. This standard protects against embers or sparks from campfires landing on the tent.
• Open Flame Test: Requires fabric to self-extinguish within seconds after exposure to an open flame for 12 seconds in a windless environment. Damage is limited to approximately 12 cm on heavyweight canvas.

CanvasCamp complies with the highest European health, environmental, and fire safety standards, avoiding harmful chemicals often permitted in other regions.

Tub Floors and Ground Covers

Over 60% of humidity in a tent comes from the ground. A tent with a tub floor, like our Deluxe, Ultimate, Pro, or ProTech series, is ideal for damp conditions.

• Tub Floors: Made from thick, ripstop PVC that extends 10 cm up the walls, creating a waterproof barrier. These are highly durable and resistant to punctures and tears.
• Standard Series: Features a loose oxford polyethylene ground cover, ideal for dry climates or high-traffic areas. Traditionally, this design allows for enhanced ventilation and easier maintenance.

Tent Stoves & Exits

A wood stove in a canvas tent creates warmth on cold nights, but it requires careful installation and use.

• Recommended stove box volumes for tent sizes:
  Up to 60 L: Sibley 400 and 450
  60–85 L: Sibley 500 and 600 Twin
  85–110 L: Sibley 600
• Choose the right Exit (heat-resistant flange) for your stove's size and capacity:
  Exit I: For double-walled stove pipes up to 13 cm in diameter.
  Exit II: For single-walled stove pipes up to 10 cm in diameter.

Installation Tips:

• Install a spark arrestor on the pipe.
• Place the stove at least 1 meter from tent walls and roof.
• Use a heat-resistant mat under the stove.
• Extend the stove pipe 30 cm above the tent's peak.
• Position the pipe downwind whenever possible.

Safety Notes:

• Avoid using open flames or propane stoves in CanvasCamp tents.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning risks.
• CanvasCamp is not liable for damage or injuries resulting from fire use in tents.

With proper precautions and maintenance, CanvasCamp tents offer safe and durable solutions for outdoor adventures.