Weather & Conditions

Using your tent in various weather conditions

Waterproofing

Is a cotton tent 100% waterproof?

Yes, all of our tents are 100% waterproof when set up correctly, even during a tropical rainstorm lasting for days.

All tent fabrics from CanvasCamp have undergone a special water-repellent treatment, which means the fabric repels water upon contact.

For tent fabrics that contain cotton, it is possible that a small amount of water might seep through or that the tent may feel damp during initial use. This is very normal, and we recommend soaking the tent before its first use to activate the cotton fibers. Natural cotton swells when wet and shrinks when dry, and this process will fully seal the tent fabric after the first use, making it completely waterproof and reducing condensation.

Cotton CanvasCamp Tents vs. Cheaper PU-Coated Cotton Tents?

In recent years, the market has been flooded with cotton tents that have been PU-coated to make them waterproof. This is a cheap way to waterproof a cotton tent but eliminates the benefits of breathable cotton since the fabric has been plasticized. It is also a poor waterproofing method as it is prone to cracking, discoloration, and UV damage. PU-coated tents are difficult to repair and cannot be retreated. The PU coating degrades so quickly that your tent will become useless in no time, yet it will persist in a landfill for a long time.

PU coating is a layer of plastic that negatively affects the natural look and feel of the tent. PU-coated tents prevent the canvas underneath from breathing, leading to condensation on the inside.

CanvasCamp tents are impregnated to be both breathable and waterproof without PU coatings. Our cotton tents are waterproof, breathable, repairable, and reusable. When shopping for a cotton tent, pay attention to fabric weight, chemical treatments, and construction quality.

Do not buy a PU-coated tent for camping, and certainly not for glamping.

Snow & Cold Weather

Can I use my CanvasCamp glamping tent year-round?

Yes, you can use your tent throughout the year. However, if you plan to leave it unused for a long time, we recommend taking it down to help preserve its quality.

Is my tent a 4-season tent?

As the name suggests, a 4-season tent can be used in all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. A "4-season" tent means you can use it year-round for camping. It's made from durable materials, strong enough to withstand rain, snow, and UV exposure in any season.

However, this doesn't mean it can be set up permanently for four consecutive seasons. If you want to leave your tent up all year round or use it for multiple years, other factors need to be considered. For long-term use, we highly recommend the Apex models, made from our Tentex TC30 fabric. This high-quality, durable poly-cotton canvas is designed for intensive use in all weather conditions and seasons. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and proper storage, is essential to keep your tent in good condition.

Watch: Sibley Bell Tent Instructional Set up

Snow?

Snowflakes are a well-known metaphor for "uniqueness" because no two are alike. Each flake contains about 10 trillion water molecules that expand and bind together in an infinite range of patterns as they fall.

Due to snow's variety, it is impossible to create exact rules on how much snow a tent can handle. For example, 25 liters of dry snow weighs about 5 kg, whereas the same volume of heavy, wet, or wind-packed snow can weigh more than 15 kg. A 40-square-meter canvas with just 5 cm of average-density snow can add 800 kg of weight to a tent.

Reducing snow accumulation in winter conditions

To minimize snow buildup in winter conditions, CanvasCamp recommends using a tent stove to heat the tent, which helps fresh snow melt off the canvas. In heavy snowfall, where accumulation exceeds the melting rate, a car scraper with a soft brush can be used to periodically brush snow off the canvas. Alternatively, gently tapping the snow from the inside allows it to slide down the slope of the canvas and off the tent.

Tropical Use

Can I use my tent in tropical areas?

Absolutely! CanvasCamp tents are perfect for tropical regions. We highly recommend the Apex models, made from our Tentex C30 fabric. This high-quality, durable poly-cotton canvas, developed in Europe, is ideal for heavy use in all weather conditions and seasons. It performs exceptionally well in both warm and humid environments thanks to its enhanced resistance to UV and mold.

Lightning Safety

Lightning danger in a tent?

Lightning strikes are random, and it's reassuring to know that tent poles don't increase the risk of being struck. For a tent to be hit, lightning must already be striking nearby. Lightning typically targets higher points like mountaintops, trees, and masts, not smaller objects like tents.

If you're camping in an area prone to lightning, choose a low-lying spot away from high points. Also, keep in mind that floods are a greater risk than lightning. If you're the tallest object around, seek shelter in a car.

Wind Resistance

Which tarps/shelter should I choose?

The right tarp for your specific situation is best determined by the intended purpose.

• The Classic Shelter series is ideal for use with your tent, on the campsite, or in your garden to provide protection from sun, wind, and rain. It can also be used as a portable, cost-effective alternative to a conventional tent when backpacking. Multifunctional uses.
• The All Purpose series is suitable for diverse and heavy use. Be aware, due to the weight and strength of the tarp, larger sizes are not suitable for regular camping trips. Choose strong poles for proper setup.

Is the Sibley Bell tent wind resistant?

Sibley Bell tents are an excellent choice for camping in windy conditions. Unlike most traditional tents, their unique shape makes them naturally resistant to strong winds and gusts up to 75 km/h.

The aerodynamic cone shape of our Sibley Bell tents allows them to handle more wind and snow than most other camping structures. When properly pitched, the conical roof and round walls direct the wind away.

• Sibley 300: tot 120 km/u (75 mph)
• Sibley 400: tot 100 km/u (60 mph)
• Sibley 500: tot 80 km/u (50 mph)
• Sibley 600: tot 70 km/u (45 mph)
• Sibley 600 Twin: tot 70 km/u (45 mph)
• Sibley 700/800: see below

However, there's one important rule: the larger the tent, the less wind-resistant it becomes. A 700 or 800 series tent should not be left unattended in stormy weather.

Tip: In stormy conditions, your tent will be more stable if the door faces away from the wind.

Every year, dozens of CanvasCamp tents are used at the Burning Man festival in Nevada, where wind and dust storms are common. These storms have little effect on a well-pitched Sibley tent, while other tents often blow away.

Keep in mind that shelters, canopies, tarps, non-conical sails, and tents don't handle high winds as well. A large flat canvas acts like a sail on a ship. Always use common sense and caution, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Animals & Insects

How can I keep wild animals and insects away from the tent?

A few simple habits help keep your campsite clean and wildlife‑free:

• Keep all food out of the tent and store it in sealed containers.
• Close all zippers properly to block insects and small animals.
• Stay active around the tent so animals are less likely to approach.
• Use repellents when needed, depending on your region.
• Secure guy lines to avoid animals tripping over or rubbing against them.

These steps help keep your tent comfortable while respecting the wildlife around you.

More tips and tricks can be found on our blog

Is my tent safe from wildlife?

CanvasCamp tents offer good protection, but no tent can guarantee complete safety from wildlife.

Our canvas is strong and durable, and when the tent is properly closed, it keeps out insects and small animals very well. Larger wildlife is generally not interested in tents unless food or scented items are stored inside.

For the safest experience, keep all food sealed and stored away from your sleeping area, and always follow local wildlife guidelines.