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Guide to Tent Materials

Much like the other aspects of a tent, the material you choose should be dictated by the kind of camping you plan to do.

We’ll take a look at the three most commonly used materials for tents (excluding groundsheets). Note that all will keep out water and wind, but will vary in how they do it and how they should be maintained.

Cotton Tentscotton-niagara-falls-tent


Good quality cotton is regarded as perhaps the best tent fabric. With a long lifespan that easily justifies its initial cost, cotton is a great investment when compared with a synthetic tent, which has much higher depreciation.

Waterproof Properties of Cotton


Normal synthetic tents have a waterproof coating applied to them. Unlike these, as a natural fibre, cotton’s waterproof properties arise from its ability to absorb water and then swell to fill the gaps in the weave, preventing any water from penetrating the fabric. In addition to this, a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) can be applied to allow rain to bead and roll off the fabric’s outer.

Weathering Cotton


It is good camping practice to weather a new cotton tent before use or after a long spell of storage. You soak the tent either by rain or the use of a hose. It is then left to dry naturally before repeating the process several times. 

This ‘activates’ the cotton fibres, allowing them to swell and contract. Some densely woven cotton does not require weathering, though it does remain good camping practice as it allows you to check out the tent’s seams and practice pitching before a new tent is used for a holiday.

TOP TIP seamguard-seam-sealer
Seams are not actually sealed. The thread swells when wet to fill the needle holes. Any long term drips from slightly oversized holes can be cured by a dab of a seam sealant.

Reproofing is not supposed to be a regular part of maintenance. Instead it should only be done if the tent fabric shows signs of leakage or wear.

Cotton Maintenance


Things such as dirt, detergent, oil and grease may damage a fabric and will impact the way cotton reacts to water. 

Remove bird lime, oil and grease immediately, clean the area and, if necessary, re-proof. 

TOP TIP
Cotton is high maintenance and a tent has to be thoroughly cleaned and dried before packing away if you’re to avoid mildew. Store in a cool, well ventilated place away from vermin.

Try not to touch the sides of any cotton tent when it is raining as the body oils may allow water to pass through the fabric.

Is cotton for you?


Cotton is the perfect material for those who want a high quality camping experience. The weave allows water vapour to pass through the fabric to eliminate condensation. Combined with the extra weight and insulation you get that highly appreciated ‘air conditioning’ effect throughout the year. Long life and high resale values add to the attraction.

Pros of cotton


• Breathable and moisture absorbent properties eliminates condensation
• Keeps a tent interior cool on sunny days and warm as the temperature drops
• Noise free in windy conditions
• Great feel and smell
• UV resistance
• Long lifespan

Cons of cotton


• Initial cost
• Preparation, maintenance and storage
• Understanding weatherproof properties – see below
• Low strength
• Susceptible to mildew
• Weight and pack size

Polyester Tentsmontana-family-tunnel

Waterproof Properties of Polyester


A synthetic fabric’s waterproof properties stem from coatings applied to the inside surface and this is tested to provide a hydrostatic head rating (the pressure required to push water through the coating and fabric). 

Whilst this indicates a fabric’s performance, other considerations such as the base materials’ quality and the coatings applied to it also have an effect on the fabric’s waterproof properties over time.

Unlike cotton tent fabrics, the seams of a polyester tent are sealed to prevent water from entering. Unfortunately this means that, whilst no water can enter the tent, nor can any leave. Water vapour becomes trapped inside the tent, creating condensation (though this can be reduced with sufficient ventilation). This is often noticeable in mornings when the tent has been zipped up during the night, and can create some very damp internal walls.

Polyester Maintenance

Polyester’s waterproof properties will not be affected by dirt, greaseWater on synthetic tent material treated with DWR and oil (although substances like aerosol fly killers can damage the coating). They will however have an effect on the DWR treatment used on the outer. 

Any dirt, grease and oils should be cleaned off followed by a rinse. Spray on a water repellent as necessary. Reproofing is not a regular maintenance task and any patches losing their waterproofing can be quickly treated with a DWR spray. 

UV damage


Any synthetic deteriorates under the sun’s UV radiation. This is accelerated if used in certain areas in direct sunlight – especially over extended periods. While this is accounted for in the manufacturing process, extra protection can be provided by the use of a tarp slung over the tent roof. 

Is polyester for you?


Arguably the best synthetic for a tent, polyester is hard wearing and requires less immediate care – although the tent should still be stored clean and dry. 

Its light weight and low bulk are perfect for when transport and storage space are limited and make pitching much easier. User friendly properties coupled with relatively low economic price tag make polyester a good fabric for family use.

Pros of polyester


• Good tensile and tear strength
• User friendly maintenance
• Lighter than cotton
• Mildew resistant
• Weight and pack size
• Cost

Cons of polyester


• UV and heat resistance compared to cotton but better than other synthetics
• Non breathable – condensation
• No protection from temperature variations
• Noisy in winds
• Limited lifespan

PolycottonTent made from polycotton fabric

Is polycotton for you?


The weight and bulk of a polycotton tent falls midway between polyester and cotton, and the fabric offers the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and user friendliness. 

Like cotton, the fabric’s long lifespan means it is a cost-effective investment with high residual values. 

Typical problems associated with completely natural fibres, such as lack of strength and susceptibility to mildew, are avoided by adding polyester to the weave, whilst benefits such as resistance to heat and UV degradation are maintained.

Pros of polycotton


• Better strength and mildew resistance than cotton
• Better resistance to heat and UV light than polyester
• Breathable and moisture absorbent properties eliminates condensation
• Keeps a tent interior cool on sunny days and warm as the temperature drops
• Noise free in windy conditions
• Great feel and smell
• Lifespan
• Weight

Cons of polycotton


• Initial cost
• Preparation, maintenance and storage – as cotton
• Understanding weatherproof properties – as cotton
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