FAQ | CanvasCamp

Shipments will be dispatched to the shipping address provided by you during the checkout process.  Your shipping address is verified in your Order Confirmation email.  All orders are deemed fulfilled once the shipping agent has marked the package as delivered.

A signature is required for delivery, however, if you would like to waive this requirement just shoot us an email or make a note in the comments section of your order.  Note that once a package ships the signature requirement cannot be waived. If you are not home for delivery, our shipping partner will leave a delivery attempt notice and return the next business day to make a second attempt.  If you would like the package left at your door, simply sign the notice the shipper has left.

By waiving the signature requirement, CanvasCamp is not responsible for lost, stolen, or missing boxes if the shipper marks the packages as delivered.  All orders are insured via the shipping agent.

If you are shipping to a third party handler, such as a freight forwarder, that party is responsible for your order once it is released by the shipping agent.  

Once your purchase is complete, orders are processed for shipping in the morning of the next business day, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. If you place an order on Friday morning, the order will typically ship out on Monday.

An order will only be shipped once complete payment is received and verified. If you are paying by bank transfer, payment is deemed received once the wire transfer has cleared to our bank account.
Shipping typically takes 5-7 business days to the contiguous 48 States and lower Canada. Shipments within the EU typically take 3-5 business days. Shipping to all other locations across the globe may take 5-10 business days. Please note that ship times are estimates only, CanvasCamp cannot not be held liable for any costs incurred due to delays in shipping.

CanvasCamp ships all orders insured, via a major carrier such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Once a shipping label has been created a tracking number will be sent to the email address you provided during check out. It may take 24 hours for the tracking number to become active. Once an order has shipped the shipping time, service, and signature requirement cannot be changed.

Although CanvasCamp has warehouses and distribution centers on 4 continents, your order may ship from our Headquarters in Belgium. Don't worry, orders that ship from Belgium often arrive faster than orders that ship from our satellite warehouses because they are at least partially transported by air.

Note: In some rare cases a purchase may be subject to a secondary fraud review which may take up to 2 business days to complete prior to releasing your order for shipment. Please see our section on fraud protection for additional information.

You will love your CanvasCamp. If you don’t, contact us within 14 days of delivery to initiate a return or exchange and obtain a return authorization. Let us know at the time of purchase if you are unable to personally inspect your items within 14 days of delivery. Refunds and exchanges cannot be processed without prior authorization.

The cost of return or exchange shipping is the responsibility of the customer. Due to the size and weight of our tents, tipis, and stoves, shipping can be expensive! Read the product descriptions carefully and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns prior to placing your order!

Upon receipt of your authorized return, we will inspect the item and determine:

Refunds for full purchase price or the equivalent store credit may be issued for items that are:

• In new and unused condition
• Complete with all original parts, packaging, and instructions.
• Free of dirt, damage, and wear from use, storage, or transport
• Packed the same way you received it. (Pegs, stakes, parts, poles, doors, and ropes in their bags. Tents rolled, tied, and packed. Stoves disassembled and secured)

Partial refunds or store credit may be issued at CanvasCamp’s discretion, with an additional $150 restocking fee, for returned items that are:

• Used
• Lightly soiled or dirty
• Packed improperly
• Returned without original packaging
• Returns initiated 15 days or more after delivery

No refunds will be issued for returned items that are:

• Incomplete or missing parts
• Damaged in anyway
• Dirty
• Lost in return transit
• Returns initiated 30 days or more after delivery
• Returns without prior authorization

We stand by our products.  All CanvasCamp tents sold as new at full retail price come with a limited warranty to the original purchaser with valid proof of purchase against manufacturing defects. Any tent determined to be defective by CanvasCamp will be repaired to working order or replaced with the same or similar model at our sole discretion.  Cost of return shipping for warranty items is at the responsibility of the customer.  Cost of delivery of goods repaired or replaced under warranty may be covered by CanvasCamp.

This warranty does not cover zippers, ordinary wear and tear from use, or damage arising from (but is not limited to) mold, mildew, inconsequential spot leakage, pole failure not caused by defective workmanship, ultraviolet exposure, fire, stove/air conditioner use, improper use/assembly/storage, or inclement weather conditions including but not limited to ice, snow, hail, wind, and lightening.

This warranty is void with modification, alteration, or the use of certain cleaning, treatment, or coloring agents. CanvasCamp makes no other warranty express or implied and shall not be liable for consequential or incidental damage or injury arising from the use of CanvasCamp products. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights that vary by jurisdiction.

Volume discounts are available and scalable to the quantity ordered. Volume discounts start with the purchase of 5 tents or 5 stoves.  Contact us for discount codes and more information.

CanvasCamp is the manufacturer of all CanvasCamp brand products.  CanvasCamp also manufactures and supplies tents for resale and distribution by affiliates, resellers, and other brands.  Customization and branding can be negotiated for wholesale orders purchased direct from our factory. Check out our Wholesale section. 

Special Discounts and Pricing

CanvasCamp is committed to providing the best products at the lowest prices.  We believe everyone deserves a deal, that’s why we offer the most competitive prices on high quality tents, 365 days a year.  In the rare instance we are able to provide additional discounts or special offers, we post those offers on our website, to our newsletter subscribers, and to our social media followers. 

Exchange of services: Sponsorships and Brand Ambassadors

CanvasCamp often receives offers from talented and driven individuals offering social media posts, pictures, blogs, prayers, etc. in exchange for products or discounts.  We appreciate enthusiastic and opportunistic spirits! However, to preserve the integrity of our brand and our products we will not offer discounts or free products in exchange for coverage or feedback.

If you own a product and have pictures (especially high resolution pictures), blogs, or popular social media posts to share with us; we are happy to reward your independent and inspired work after the fact.  Get in touch with us via email or social media!

CanvasCamp is typically open for business 9am to 5pm CST Monday – Friday, excluding holidays.  We take our work home with us so please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email at any time and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  Check out our Contact page for more information!

Orders can be placed via our website 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Payment must be made in full prior to any portion of the order being shipped or processed.  Payment can be made via our secure online payment systems at checkout, via PayPal, or via wire transfer to our bank. 

For your security, we do not accept payment over the phone or via email, and we discourage you from providing your credit card or bank information via these avenues.

In order to prevent fraudulent purchased our payment systems evaluate billing address, shipping address, your country of origin, and several other factors.  Please ensure the information you provide is accurate to expedite the processing of your order.

CanvasCamp is always striving to improve both our products and customer experience. Many of the refinements in our designs over the years have been the direct result of customer feedback. We would love to hear your comments and suggestions. We would love to see pictures of you and your canvas tent even more!  Please don't hesitate to contact us and let us know how we are doing, or what we can do better!

Shipments will be dispatched to the shipping address provided by you during the checkout process.  Your shipping address is verified in your Order Confirmation email.  All orders are deemed fulfilled once the shipping agent has marked the package as delivered.

A signature is required for delivery, however, if you would like to waive this requirement just shoot us an email or make a note in the comments section of your order.  Note that once a package ships the signature requirement cannot be waived. If you are not home for delivery, our shipping partner will leave a delivery attempt notice and return the next business day to make a second attempt.  If you would like the package left at your door, simply sign the notice the shipper has left.

By waiving the signature requirement, CanvasCamp is not responsible for lost, stolen, or missing boxes if the shipper marks the packages as delivered.  All orders are insured via the shipping agent.

If you are shipping to a third party handler, such as a freight forwarder, that party is responsible for your order once it is released by the shipping agent.  

Once your purchase is complete, orders are processed for shipping in the morning of the next business day, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. If you place an order on Friday morning, the order will typically ship out on Monday.

An order will only be shipped once complete payment is received and verified. If you are paying by bank transfer, payment is deemed received once the wire transfer has cleared to our bank account.
Shipping typically takes 5-7 business days to the contiguous 48 States and lower Canada. Shipments within the EU typically take 3-5 business days. Shipping to all other locations across the globe may take 5-10 business days. Please note that ship times are estimates only, CanvasCamp cannot not be held liable for any costs incurred due to delays in shipping.

CanvasCamp ships all orders insured, via a major carrier such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Once a shipping label has been created a tracking number will be sent to the email address you provided during check out. It may take 24 hours for the tracking number to become active. Once an order has shipped the shipping time, service, and signature requirement cannot be changed.

Although CanvasCamp has warehouses and distribution centers on 4 continents, your order may ship from our Headquarters in Belgium. Don't worry, orders that ship from Belgium often arrive faster than orders that ship from our satellite warehouses because they are at least partially transported by air.

Note: In some rare cases a purchase may be subject to a secondary fraud review which may take up to 2 business days to complete prior to releasing your order for shipment. Please see our section on fraud protection for additional information.

Expedited shipping may be available for certain products in some areas.  If expedited shipping is available, you will be able to select this option during checkout.  Due to the size and weight of our tents, expedited shipping can be expensive.

If you need your order by a specific date, please make a note in the “order comments” during the checkout process.  If your “need by” date is less than the maximum estimated shipping time indicated on the method you have selected, and you will be unable to accept the package if the order does not arrive by that date: please indicate “Do not ship if order will not arrive by Date/Month”.

If you would prefer to use your own shipping account to pay for expedited shipping, please contact our customer service team.

Some countries have elected to impose import fees, taxes, or duty that vary by country. These fees are not paid by, collected by, or accounted for by CanvasCamp. The shipping agent will collect any amount due prior to releasing your goods. Familiarize yourself with the import and taxes that your country has elected to impose by contacting your Customs Authority. The commodity code for canvas tents is 6306.29. Contact your elected officials and legislators and express your desire for having these taxes reduced!

If your order is shipped to within the EU there will be no additional import fees. If your order is destined for the United States, please place your order on our US website (CanvasCamp.com/en_us) which includes import fees and taxes in the purchase price of the item.

We stand by our products.  All CanvasCamp tents sold as new at full retail price come with a limited warranty to the original purchaser with valid proof of purchase against manufacturing defects. Any tent determined to be defective by CanvasCamp will be repaired to working order or replaced with the same or similar model at our sole discretion.  Cost of return shipping for warranty items is at the responsibility of the customer.  Cost of delivery of goods repaired or replaced under warranty may be covered by CanvasCamp.

This warranty does not cover zippers, ordinary wear and tear from use, or damage arising from (but is not limited to) mold, mildew, inconsequential spot leakage, pole failure not caused by defective workmanship, ultraviolet exposure, fire, stove/air conditioner use, improper use/assembly/storage, or inclement weather conditions including but not limited to ice, snow, hail, wind, and lightening.

This warranty is void with modification, alteration, or the use of certain cleaning, treatment, or coloring agents. CanvasCamp makes no other warranty express or implied and shall not be liable for consequential or incidental damage or injury arising from the use of CanvasCamp products. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights that vary by jurisdiction.

If you have a great idea for a shelter design and are looking for a trusted manufacturer with over 10 years of experience working with canvas, look no further.  CanvasCamp specializes in the design, development, material sourcing, and manufacture of all types of tentage.  Our experts will work to bring your product to life with expert input from our designers, rigorous testing, prototyping, and a proven quality-management system.  

Whatever your needs, our dedicated sales team can help you get started.  Contact us today for more information.

You will love your CanvasCamp. If you don’t, contact us within 14 days of delivery to initiate a return or exchange and obtain a return authorization. Let us know at the time of purchase if you are unable to personally inspect your items within 14 days of delivery. Refunds and exchanges cannot be processed without prior authorization.

The cost of return or exchange shipping is the responsibility of the customer. Due to the size and weight of our tents, tipis, and stoves, shipping can be expensive! Read the product descriptions carefully and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns prior to placing your order!

Upon receipt of your authorized return, we will inspect the item and determine:

Refunds for full purchase price or the equivalent store credit may be issued for items that are:

• In new and unused condition
• Complete with all original parts, packaging, and instructions.
• Free of dirt, damage, and wear from use, storage, or transport
• Packed the same way you received it. (Pegs, stakes, parts, poles, doors, and ropes in their bags. Tents rolled, tied, and packed. Stoves disassembled and secured)

Partial refunds or store credit may be issued at CanvasCamp’s discretion, with an additional $150 restocking fee, for returned items that are:

• Used
• Lightly soiled or dirty
• Packed improperly
• Returned without original packaging
• Returns initiated 15 days or more after delivery

No refunds will be issued for returned items that are:

• Incomplete or missing parts
• Damaged in anyway
• Dirty
• Lost in return transit
• Returns initiated 30 days or more after delivery
• Returns without prior authorization

Looking for a discount on goods purchased from our warehouses?  Check out our Discount section for price reductions on orders of 5 tents or more.

Ready to maximize your margin by purchasing direct from our factory?  Our wholesale program offers the best prices for bulk purchases starting at €25,000 in goods.  You place an order, we’ll manufacture and ship your tents FOB (Freight On Board) directly from our factory.  Custom branding with your logo is also available for an additional set-up fee that varies based on the complexity of the design.  CanvasCamp branded tents can typically be produced in 90 days; custom branded tents and event tent manufacturing times may vary.

CanvasCamp is the manufacturer of all CanvasCamp brand products.  CanvasCamp also manufactures and supplies tents for resale and distribution by affiliates, resellers, and other brands.  Customization and branding can be negotiated for wholesale orders purchased direct from our factory. Contact us for more information. 

Dropshipping is a method of fulfillment that allows you to purchase products from CanvasCamp at a discounted rate and have them shipped directly to your customer.  Your profit margin is the difference between the amount you charge your customer and the amount you paid for the item. 

Simply list our product for sale on your website, display demo tents in your store, or make sales on the road.  Once you’ve sold an item and captured payment from your customer, place an order with CanvasCamp at your discounted rate and we will ship the product to your customer.

Dropshipping is a great method to test your market without the capital investment required for purchasing or managing inventory.  Most dropshippers build a business, let it grow, and then purchase wholesale, a large amount of product for resale which you manage and ship directly.  Profit margins on wholesale are larger than with dropshipping, yet the input and overhead required for dropshipping is minimal.

Contact us to start the application process to receive a contract.  A demonstrable history of excellent customer service, industry experience, and a thorough knowledge of CanvasCamp products will be required.

Benefits to Dropshipping with CanvasCamp

• Easy to get started!  We deal with:
  • Managing and paying for a warehouse
  • Packing and shipping your orders
  • Tracking and managing inventory
  • Continually ordering products and managing stock level
  • Low overhead
  • Expand your product offering with high-value items
  • Easy to scale
    • Sell more, make more, increase your margins
  • Maximize Profits
    • Buying directly from the manufacturer is the cheapest way to purchase products for resale
  • No order fees!
  • Fast and secure shipping
    • Major shipping carrier insured with tracking numbers provided
    • Centrally located warehouses
    • Packages arrive within 5-7 business days
  • Dedicated Account Manager with expert product and industry knowledge
  • Competitive Pricing Protection
    • No dropshipper or reseller will be permitted to advertise a price lower than 5% off MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). 

Order Lifecycle

1. Your customer places an order via your website or in person
2. You capture payment and any applicable sales tax
3. You place your order with CanvasCamp
• Log in to your CanvasCamp account and place your order to be shipped to your customer securely with our online payment system or PayPal.
4. Your customer’s order will be processed the next business day and tracking numbers will be sent to you.
5. Orders will be shipped insured with a major carrier and should arrive in 5-7 business days.

CanvasCamp’s Dropship program is offered exclusively on select CanvasCamp brand products and subject to change or termination at our sole discretion at anytime, with or without cause. 

CanvasCamp’s dropshipping program will not be offered to Amazon or eBay exclusive sellers.

Use of this website and purchase of CanvasCamp products are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in our Terms and Conditions Policy and apply to all offers, orders, and agreements.  By using this website and/or placing an order you acknowledge you have read and accept all the terms and conditions outlined within that document and any documents referred to in that document. The information contained in this FAQ is provided intended to be helpful but is not legally binding.

Volume discounts are available and scalable to the quantity ordered. Volume discounts start with the purchase of 5 tents or 5 stoves.  Contact us for discount codes and more information.

CanvasCamp is the manufacturer of all CanvasCamp brand products.  CanvasCamp also manufactures and supplies tents for resale and distribution by affiliates, resellers, and other brands.  Customization and branding can be negotiated for wholesale orders purchased direct from our factory. Check out our Wholesale section. 

Special Discounts and Pricing

CanvasCamp is committed to providing the best products at the lowest prices.  We believe everyone deserves a deal, that’s why we offer the most competitive prices on high quality tents, 365 days a year.  In the rare instance we are able to provide additional discounts or special offers, we post those offers on our website, to our newsletter subscribers, and to our social media followers. 

Exchange of services: Sponsorships and Brand Ambassadors

CanvasCamp often receives offers from talented and driven individuals offering social media posts, pictures, blogs, prayers, etc. in exchange for products or discounts.  We appreciate enthusiastic and opportunistic spirits! However, to preserve the integrity of our brand and our products we will not offer discounts or free products in exchange for coverage or feedback.

If you own a product and have pictures (especially high resolution pictures), blogs, or popular social media posts to share with us; we are happy to reward your independent and inspired work after the fact.  Get in touch with us via email or social media!

Some countries have elected to impose import fees, taxes, or duty that vary by country. These fees are not paid by, collected by, or accounted for by CanvasCamp. The shipping agent will collect any amount due prior to releasing your goods. Familiarize yourself with the import and taxes that your country has elected to impose by contacting your Customs Authority. The commodity code for canvas tents is 6306.29. Contact your elected officials and legislators and express your desire for having these taxes reduced!

If your order is shipped to within the EU there will be no additional import fees. If your order is destined for the United States, please place your order on our US website (CanvasCamp.com/en_us) which includes import fees and taxes in the purchase price of the item.

Product specific set up instructions can be found on the product pages at the bottom of the 'Specifications' tab.  Simply search for your product and download the PDF for use in the field.

A well-pitched tent is essential to ensuring performance and longevity.  Check out our video on How to Pitch a Sibley and review some general best practices to obtain a perfect pitch: 

• Pitch the tent on a firm, flat surface.
• Ensure the poles are vertical, centered, and pole feet are attached.
• Set the stakes securely and in line with the tent seams.
• Tension the guy lines so the canvas is taunt.  Retention periodically as the tent shifts and settles.  A strong tent is a tight tent.

Mold, mice, and mites are the biggest threats to tents in storage.  Follow our tent storage guidelines to protect your tent when you’re not using it. 

• Never pack your tent wet! EVER!  Your tent, groundsheet, and guy lines must be completely dry before you put it in the bag.  If you must take down camp while damp, loosely fold up the tent for transport and then lay it out to dry within 24 hours.  If outdoor drying isn’t a possibility, bring it inside to dry before packing it up.
• Pack your tent clean.  Vegetation and dirt hold moisture which will grow mold.  Sweep or wipe down the tent inside and out before packing it up.
• Keep it High and Dry:  Keep your packed tent in a cool, dry place and avoid storage in damp basements.  Keep the tent off the floor in garages and storage units that can flood or puddle in the rain.
• Long Term:  If you're storing your tent for a long period, or in an area where mice and bugs are a concern, consider storing the tent in a big clean plastic garbage can with a lid.

Cleaning and re-treating your tent regularly improves the life of your tent and is a necessary component of maintenance. Our Blog hsa extensive information on cleaning and/or deep cleaning a tent.

Environmental factors such as humidity, UV exposure, airborne particulate from vegetation, and mold spores can vary drastically in different locations.  We recommend cleaning and retreating your tent after 12-25 weeks of use, however, depending on your environment you may need to clean it more or less often.  Spot clean and retreat problem areas as needed.  It is important to address any mold and mildew immediately to kill the spores and prevent it from spreading.  Once canvas has mold, it is almost impossible to remove the stains.  

Cleaning is primarily to prepare your tent for retreatment.  Dry mud or dirt can be brushed off with a soft brush.

To clean and retreat your tent:

You will need a hose, bucket, soft brush or sponge, cleaning solution and retreatment solution.

• Mix a 4 part water 1 part vinegar solution to kill mold and/or use a canvas specific cleaning product of your choice.
• Unroll your tent, peg down the groundsheet and remove all dust, dirt, and particulate with a clean broom or a vacuum with a brush attachment.
• Hose down the tent.
• Use a soft brush or sponge to gently clean the fabric with the appropriate solution, rinsing as you go.  Start at the peak and work your way down to the floor.  It may be helpful to pitch the tent after you’ve cleaned the hard to reach areas around the top.
• Rinse.  Then rinse again.  Making sure to remove any residual cleaning solution.
• Let the tent dry completely prior to retreating.

You must retreat the canvas after a cleaning to maintain water, mold, and UV resistance.  You can use a variety of different treatments depending on your personal preference.  Check out our retreatment FAQ.

Some methods and solutions can permanently damage your tent.  Never use a pressure washer, washing machine, bleach, all purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, or dish soap.

Note: Cleaning and retreating your tent will involve taking the tent down from time to time.  A typical cleaning and retreatment can require a few hours on a sunny day.  If you are living in your tent, be prepared to move your stuff out for a deep cleaning as needed.

We believe that repairs over replacements and returns is an ethos that everyone should live by to protect our planet. With proper maintenance and pitching, a CanvasCamp tent can last for years without requiring any repairs.

Small rips and tears from pets, gear, furniture, or environmental causes can typically be repaired with a simple needle and thread or patches and are often a do-it-yourself project.  For those cases in which a tent requires professional repair, we can help point you to a trusted repair shop.

Have a tent in need of repair?  Send us an email, attach some pictures, and we will work with you to provide the best possible solution for your specific situation.  A custom-tailored solution means we don’t adhere to one-size-fits-all pricing.  You are only responsible for the work completed and shipping to and from the repair shop!

Replacement parts and patches are available on our website in the Accessories: Tent Care section.  If you are looking for something that is not listed, get in touch and we will assist you.

A solid pitch requires well set stakes.  The stakes included with our tents are excellent all-purpose stakes designed for easy insertion and extraction in average soil: grassy backyards, parks, and fields.  Different ground conditions may require specialized stakes or placements.  CanvasCamp recommends the following stakes for the following terrain:

• Rocky or frozen Soil: Steel tent pegs or tarzan pegs. These are essentially giant nails with toppers to hold the guy line.  D50 nails can be used for the inner ground sheet pegs.  Place them and extract them with a claw hammer.
• Sand, Snow, Loose Earth:  Wooden stakes or dead-man anchors are a must.  Read our blog and check out our YouTube video for an in-depth how-to.
• Hard or clay soil: Our Pro stakes for guy lines and D50 nails for ground sheets set with a rubber mallet.
• Burning Man, Desert, or mud:  Long 18” bent rebar stakes. Use a sledge hammer to drive them in all the way.

Always pound takes all the way in to the earth for most secure placement and to prevent toe and ankle injuries in camp.

Hundreds of CanvasCamp tents can be found every year at the Burning Man festival in Nevada. The Nevada desert is well known for its wind and dust storms. These storms have little to no effect on a properly pitched Sibley tent, while synthetic tents can be observed flying away.

We have tested and rate properly pitched, staked, and tensioned Sibley 400's to be capable of withstanding winds up to 75mph, Sibley 500's up to 60mph, and Sibley 600's in winds up to 50mph.

In the event of wind speeds exceeding the design capabilities of the Sibley, all Sibley center poles have been designed so that the pole breaks before the fabric tears or the tent becomes airborne. Make sure you have a level pitch, well set stakes, centered poles, and guy lines in line with the seams. A tight tent is a strong tent.

Shelters, awnings, flex tents, wind screens, and non-conical shaped tents are not wind rated.  As with any item used in the outdoors, wind catching a large flat canvas can reasonably be expected to behave like a sail on a ship.  Exercise common sense and caution when using these items and please contact us should you have any questions.

Extra long (18”) bent re-bar stakes are recommended for high wind scenarios (Burning Man, Standing Rock, etc.).

Note*: Wind resistance ratings for Sibley Tents are guidelines intended to convey a general concept to a reasonable person that accepts that wind and weather is variable, and weather forecasts are not guarantees.  Wind ratings, reports, and forecasts should not be interpreted literally. A 49mph steady wind is different than a 49mph gust; a 49mph and 50mph sustained wind are not much different. Note that both forecasted and historical weather data is reflective of readings from weather reporting stations.  Weather, especially wind, can be different even a few feet away from a weather reporting station

*This note was added at the request of a customer who experienced Sibley Connector (an awning that is not wind rated) tear in an unoccupied campsite in the general vicinity of an area with reported winds of 34mph. Never put yourself in a situation where your safety and property is dependent on the accuracy of a weather forecast. Should you have questions, comments, or feedback please do not hesitate to contact us so we can continue to provide all of our customers with the most complete and accurate information possible.

Snowflakes have become widely accepted euphemism for “uniqueness”, as no two snowflakes are alike. A single snowflake contains roughly 10 quintillion water molecules which expand at different rates and adhere to each other in an infinite array of patterns and structures. Each flake is shaped by several atmospheric and environmental conditions the flake is exposed to as it falls to the ground, including temperature, humidity, and water composition.

As it relates to shelter, the diversity of snow makes it impossible to make hard and fast rules about how much snow a tent can hold. A single cubic foot of dry snow can weigh on average 10lbs. The same volume of heavy and wet, or wind compacted snow can weigh more than 30lbs. Thus, a canvas of 50 yards/square with just 2 inches of average snow weighing 20lbs per square foot, would add 1,500 pounds of weight to a tent.

The single center pole and guy lines of a Sibley can withstand a lot of force from wind and rain, but certainly not the weight of a smart car. Considering the weight of the issue, CanvasCamp does not specify any safe amount of accumulation of ice or snow on a Sibley. The larger the canvas, the greater the potential snow load, and thus the greater the possibility for structural collapse.

To mitigate accumulation in winter conditions, CanvasCamp recommends a tent stove which will heat the tent and cause fresh snow falling on the canvas to melt and run off, given an appropriate temperature differential. In heavy snow in which the accumulation exceeds the rate of melt, an extendable car scraper with a soft brush can be used to periodically brush snow off the canvas, or gently beat the snow off from inside so it falls down the slope of the canvas and off the tent.

The tipi with its steep angle canopy angle and conical shape stretching directly to the ground will hold less accumulation than the Sibley and may be the better option for heavy snow conditions. We’ve taken our Sibley’s into the deep stuff and find that using a custom 3-4 inch wood dowel or pole made of hard wood or bamboo would increase the vertical load bearing capacity of the center pole; giving you some additional support and flexibility with the pace at which the snow accumulation must be removed. Ensuring the guy lines remain tensioned and the tent is pitched well on a flat surface is essential to the structural integrity of any tent.

Mold is the biggest killer of canvas; read our blog to learn more about it. Our canvas is treated for mold, mildew, and UV resistance; however, exposure and use work away at these treatments overtime exposing the cotton fibers to the elements and increasing susceptibility to mold.

For the casual camper or glamper, standard cleaning/retreatment and ensuring that you never pack your tent while it is damp or dirty is all that is needed to avoid mold. Follow our cleaning, retreatment, and storage instructions detailed in this FAQ.

If you are pitching the tent for a long period of time or living out of your tent, YOU ARE AWESOME! As a seasoned naturist, you know the importance of maintaining a clean camp and quality equipment. Follow these tips to prevent mold from growing in the first place:

• Regularly inspect the tent for mold growth (a good time to do this is when you retention the guy lines)
• Clean off any dead leaves, bugs, bird poop, etc. that falls on the tent
• Cut back vegetation in the surrounding area so tall grass and weeds are several feet away from the canvas. Keep it up as new growth forms. (This also keeps the windows clear and you more comfortable)
• Keep your tent well ventilated. Mesh covered vents, windows, doors, and even walls on the ProTech make it easy to keep it breezy.
• Clean and retreat your canvas as needed, based on your observations of the impact the environment is having on your tent.

Note: Cleaning and retreating your tent will involve taking the tent down from time to time. A typical cleaning and retreatment can require a few hours on a sunny day. If you are living in your tent, be prepared to move your stuff out for a deep cleaning a few times a year.

Prevention is key, but mold is everywhere and can happen to anyone. 

Identify it: Mold can come in many shapes and colors but generally on canvas it looks like tiny black, blue, or green specks peppered into the canvas.

Kill it: Spray it with distilled white vinegar. Let dry.

Clean it: Scrub it lightly with a soft brush using a mixture of salt, lemon, and hot water. Avoid using detergent soaps or bleach which is harsh on canvas and tough to rinse out. Let dry.

Retreat it: Spray the clean, dry, canvas with a canvas treatment (we like Dry Guy).

CanvasCamp canvas is treated for water resistance.  Additionally, the weave of the cotton fibers create a natural waterproofing by swelling and employing the surface tension of water to bead and encourage run off. 

In addition to following our recommenced storage, cleaning, and retreatment processes, keep the following tips in mind to maintain waterproofing on your tent.

• Keep greasy hands off the tent.  Lotions, oils, and food residue can adversely impact the canvas.
• Maintain a proper pitch to rain and snow can shed quickly.
• Don’t use harsh cleaners or detergents on the tent.
• Keep gear and furniture from touching the inside of the canvas.
• Use rain caps that are included with all tents that require them.

Lightning is not entirely indiscriminate in the targets it chooses but it should be a relief to know that your tent poles do not increase your risk of drawing a lightning strike. Simply put, for small objects on the ground such as a tent, a lightning strike must already be occurring at close range for lightning to be drawn to it. What this means is objects struck by lightning on the top of the mountain were struck by lightning attracted to the mountain and not the object itself. A strike has to "land" within the same distance away from the object as the object is tall for it to be attracted. For example, for a 9' tall tent to draw lightning, the strike will have to occur within 9' of the tent, but the tent itself will not draw the strike; the strike was already going to occur in that area.  

If you are in a lightning prone location, camp in a low lying area. away from the tallest geographical feature. Be aware when choosing a campsite that flash floods are responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm related hazard, including lightning.  If you are the tallest feature in the area, get in your car. Learn more about lightning safety here.

Check out our blog for extensive information on Cotton Canvas vs Synthetic plastic tents.

There are plenty of Bell tents on the market which have been PU-coated in order to be rendered waterproof.  This is a cheap way of making a cotton canvas tent waterproof, but fails to retain the benefits of breathable cotton.  It is also a poor method of waterproofing because it is susceptible to cracking, discoloring, and UV damage. PU coated tents are difficult to repair, and are not retreatable.  The PU coating degrades to the point that it’s useless as a tent, but will sit in a landfill for an extended period of time and leach plastics and chemicals into the earth.

The PU coating is a plastic layer that an adverse effect on the natural look and feel of the tents. PU coatings tents prevent the canvas under it from breathing, which causes condensation to form on the inside.

CanvasCamp tents have been impregnated to be both breathable and waterproof, and do not have PU coatings. CanvasCamp’s 100% cotton tents are waterproof, breathable, repairable, and retreatable.  When shopping for canvas tents, make sure you are aware of the canvas weight, chemical applications, and construction quality.

Don’t buy a PU coated tent for camping, certainly not glamping.

Cotton canvas tent fabric comes in a variety of weights measured in “ounces per square yard”, or “grams per square meter” in metric. Modern tent canvas weights are usually between 7.5oz/yd² and 13oz/yd² (250g/m² to 440g/m²). Lighter weight canvas provides easier portability and dries faster at the expense of being somewhat less durable than heavier canvas. Lighter weight canvas is better for leisure, short-term, and fair weather.

Heavy weight canvas provides superior durability and lifespan, but dries slower, and is less portable. Heavier canvas is best suited for, semi-permanent shelter, inclement weather conditions, and rugged or commercial use. CanvasCamp's wide range of Sibley tents are made in canvas weights from 9.4oz/yd² to 13oz/yd² (320-440g/m²), enabling you to find the perfect tent for your application.

CanvasCamp develops canvases to complement the intended use of the tent design.  Our most notable canvases are the 100% cotton canvases:

Classic Canvas (320 gr/m² or 9.5 oz/yd²): Ideal for casual camping, recreational use, mild to moderate climates.

PRO Canvas (360 gr/m² or 10.62 oz/yd²): Ideal for long term use, commercial applications, mild to moderately severe climates, and four-season use.

Weight is not the only measure of quality canvas, and canvases of a similar weights can perform differently.  You can have a very heavy canvas fabric that is made from weak yarn, inferior cotton, a poor weave, or inferior treatment.  You can also have a light canvas with a heavy treatment.   Additionally, the dyeing and treatment processes of the yarn and canvas can compromise its strength. 

Different cotton varietals and maturities have different fiber lengths.  The way cotton is processed can also impact fiber length.  CanvasCamp uses long fiber cotton because it is stronger and fewer fibers are needed to spin it into yarn, meaning it can be weaved more tightly.  Egyptian Cotton has the longest fibers, which is why it make great sheets. 

The waterproofing treatment on the canvas, and how that treatment is applied, plays a central role in performance, durability, and breathability.  The ‘heavier’ the treatment, the more durable and less breathable the tent is generally.  Heavy treatments can be applied to poor quality canvas, and light treatments can be applied to quality canvas, and vice versa. 

All of our tents start with high quality canvas made from 100% cotton, which means that heavy treatments are not necessary to achieve the level of performance we strive for.   CanvasCamp canvas treatments are impregnated into the canvas before the tents are constructed, with a thermal bath and heat curing process for maximum absorption.  Our impregnation process ensures the treatment protects the canvas inside and out, unlike PU coatings or spray on treatments which are cheaper and less effective.  Our proprietary treatments aim to strike the right balance between breathability and durability, while refraining from using harsh chemicals that can negatively affect human health and the environment.  

There is no substitute for practicing responsible fire safety. Under no circumstances should your approach to fires be influenced by the presence or absence of fire retardant technology, labels, or prevailing regulation. Assume that everything can burn and act accordingly. Always respect local fire bans and restrictions, never leave a fire unattended, and never start a fire that you are not adequately equipped to extinguish quickly and completely.

Research the products you buy thoroughly. Use your purchasing power and influence as a citizen to support products and regulations that are environmentally sound. Be skeptical of cheap knockoffs on Amazon and eBay. The only way to stop the influx of harmful chemicals into our wild spaces is to not introduce them in the first place.

Fireproof is a laymen’s term that is often used (or misused) to describe a material that is nonflammable, incombustible, fire resistant, flame resistant, flame retardant, or heatproof. Technically speaking, everything in the physical universe we occupy that will burn eventually. The term fireproof is generally used to describe a material that resists burning in a specific set of circumstances, in a specific time frame. A fireproof material may still burn when exposed to fire exceeding the intensity or duration that it is designed to withstand. 

Multiple standards and tests for fireproofing exist around the world. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, we’ll generalize the key takeaways for you. As it relates to camping tents, it all comes down to two tests: The cigarette test and the open flame test.

To pass the cigarette test a fabric needs to not ignite into flame and does not smolder and spread when a lit cigarette is put to it. It can still burn a hole clean through the fabric and pass the test. The cigarette test is the minimum standard for any type of reputable tent. What this means for the practical user is that if a hot coal or spark from a campfire lands on a tent, it will make a hole or a burn mark, but it won’t cause the tent to burn down. This is the industry and world wide standard and that makes most canvas tents safe to use with a tent stove. All CanvasCamp tents pass this test. 

The open flame test is the most stringent test. The open flame test requires a piece of fabric be exposed to an open flame for 12 second in a windless box. A fabric passes if it self-extinguishes in a few seconds and the damage done is limited to a certain area. To simplify the pass standard and not bore you to tears: damage area is about 6 inches for heavyweight canvas. To be clear: Fabric that passes the open flame tent burns, it just burns less than fabric that doesn’t pass.

CanvasCamp believes in fire safety. We exclusively use fireproofing treatments that are determined to be safe for both human health and the environment. There is no room for compromise on protecting and preserving places worth camping in, or the health and safety of our customers: people that camp. Every product we make is designed from the ground up to be used safely and manufactured responsibly. We hold our company and our products to the highest standards.

Upward of 60% of the humidity inside of a tent enters through the ground if there is no vapor barrier in between. For this reason, in high humidity conditions a tent with a bathtub floor such as our Deluxe, Ultimate, Pro or Protech series is the wisest choice. In low-humidity conditions, a semi-floorless tent such as our Sibley Standard series can by advantageous when used in combination with an Inner Tent. This combination gives you a bathtub floor, while still allowing you to perform camp chores from inside the comfort of the tent without fear of getting the floor dirty.

Our Deluxe, Ultimate, Pro and Protech series tents feature a PVC “bathtub” floor. This means that the PVC floor of the tent wraps 4¾ ” up the side walls of the tent, creating a waterproof “bathtub”, guaranteed to keep you absolutely dry in all but the worst floods. This is not a “tarp” floor, as seen on many large tents; it is extremely thick with an almost rubber-like texture. Our ripstop PVC floors can withstand almost any terrain conditions, puncture and tear-free, for years of service.

Our Sibley Standard series comes with 9” PVC “sod flaps”, and a detached oxford polyethylene footprint that serves as an optional floor. This is the traditional way in which tents were made for thousands of years & is still an ideal design for some applications even today. In a tent that will experience high foot-traffic, such as commercial applications, attached floors can quickly get dirty or wear out. The attached sod flap on our tents were traditionally made of canvas, and were buried in sod dug from around the outer perimeter of the tent to make a “rain gutter”. This not only kept the dirt floor in a tent substantially drier, but held the tent down in a way stakes alone cannot do. Turned outward, they are called “snow flaps”, and are likewise buried with snow. This design creates an incredibly strong shelter that will take as much wind or snow as the fabric can handle.

A wood stove inside of a canvas tent on a chilly night is a wonderful experience that demands knowledge and respect, so we have put together a brief set of guidelines to assist you with the basics. CanvasCamp advises that you study these topics on your own to have a full understanding of wood stove mechanics, thereby minimizing the chance of accidental damage or injury.

What size stove?

Actual stove output is measured in kW or BTU's, however the layman way to measure this is by cubic feet of firebox volume. We recommend the following size stoves for our tents:

• Up to 2cf for a Sibley 400 
• 2-3cf for Sibley 500 and 600 Twin 
• 3-4cf for Sibley 600  

Which Stove Jack?

It is more important to match CanvasCamp Stove Jacks by stove output than by stove pipe diameter. CanvasCamp defines a 4kW/13,000BTU stove as any stove larger than 2cf. If your stove is larger than 2cf, you have 2 options:

• Use a double-wall stove pipe with an Exit I Stove Jack so long as the pipe O.D. does not exceed 5". 
• Use a single-wall stove pipe with an Exit II Stove Jack so long as the pipe O.D. does not exceed 4". 

Recommendations:

• Install a spark arrestor on the end of your stove pipe.
• Install the stove at least 36" from the walls and roof.
• Use a spark mat under your stove.
• If possible, extend your stove pipe 12" above the peak of the tent.
• If possible, place the stove pipe downwind from the rest of the tent.
• Though it is not necessary, apply Burnblock to at least the side of the tent on which the stove pipe is installed. 

No canvas is fire proof, and no fire standard, regardless of how stringent, will insure the application of common sense. Keep fire away from canvas. That said, all CanvasCamp tents are compatible with all CanvasCamp Stove Jacks, which are installed by the end user in the location of your choosing so that you can have your stove where you need it. 

NOTE: CanvasCamp tents are not for use with an open fire, patio-style fire pit, or propane heater. Educate yourself regarding the dangers of carbon monoxide as a result of stoves and heaters. CanvasCamp is not liable for any damage or injury resulting from the use of any manner of flame or heat source inside of any CanvasCamp tent.

Paint and dyes can adversely affect the treatment and waterproofing of canvas and cannot be covered under warranty.

That said, we know that many of you are artists and see canvas for what it is, so here is some advice:

Use exterior latex flat paint diluted with 1/3 water. Two coats of diluted paint should flex with the canvas. More layers of paint may cause cracking, thus if you are painting on top of paint, a thinner paint may be required. Test out a small area to see how the paint absorbs and how the colors appear when dry. If too stiff, dilute further.

Be sure to send us pictures of your creation!

Products on our website indicate whether an item is 'In stock" or "Out of Stock".  If an item is out of stock, but will be back in stock soon, we will accept back orders.  Although we make every effort to keep our stock statuses up to date, occasionally we may run out of stock.  In the event an item that you have ordered is unavailable, we will attempt to contact you within 2 business days via phone and/or email to let you know when we expect the item to become available for shipment.

CanvasCamp is committed to integrity, quality products, and respect for individuals, communities, and environments.  We will never compromise our dedication to fair labor, safe working conditions, sustainable materials, and ethical conduct.

All CanvasCamp tents are made of canvas which has been impregnated with water, mold, and UV treatment.  Time, sun, wind, rain, snow, air quality, and application wear on the canvas.  Although very much dependent on your environment, we generally recommend cleaning and retreating your tent after 12-25 weeks of use to prolong the life of your tent.

To retreat:

• Clean your tent (check out the Cleaning FAQ)
• Let the tent dry completely
• Follow the instructions for applying the canvas treatment of your choice.  Some will require a wet tent, others a dry tent.  In any case the tent must be clean. 

Our products can be viewed and collected in the CanvasCamp showroom at Legen Heirweg 23 - 9890 Gavere, Belgium.

The showroom is open from 1 March to 31 July:

• Mon-Fri..: 09.30 - 17.00
• Sat: 11.00 - 15.00

The showroom is open from 1 August to 28 February:

• Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri.: 9.00 - 16.00
• Sat.: by appointment.

Note: We can send our tents to basically anywhere within 5 business days. The delivery fees are very reasonable and include:

• A 14 days “not happy = money back” warranty
• Fully insured parcels
• Tracking numbers