waterproof canvas tents

How to Waterproof a Canvas Tent in 6 Simple Steps: A Guide by Elk Mountain Tents

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Elk Mountain Tents is a company that specializes in high-quality canvas tents designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Their products are built to withstand the toughest conditions. In fact, the canvas used in all models of tent sold by Elk Mountain Tents are naturally waterproof and require no additional sun or mold treatments. While getting a rainfly will protect ANY tent and is recommended for every tent, this article is mostly for those who have purchased a cotton canvas tent which requires a little more care.

Step 1: Clean the Tent

The first step to waterproof canvas tents is to ensure that it is clean. Any dirt or debris on the tent’s surface can prevent the waterproofing solution from adhering properly. To clean the tent, use a soft brush or cloth and warm water. Avoid using any harsh cleaning agents that can damage the tent’s fabric. If the tent has any stubborn stains, use a mild soap solution and rinse it thoroughly to remove all the soap residues.

Step 2: Dry the Tent

Once the tent is clean, it’s essential to let it dry completely before applying any waterproofing solution. A wet tent can trap moisture inside, leading to mildew and mold growth, which can weaken the tent’s fabric over time. Set up the tent in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry. Avoid using any heat sources, such as a heater or a hairdryer, to speed up the drying process, as this can damage the tent’s fabric.

If this is the first time using your cotton tent and you haven’t already weathered the tent before, you’ll want to make sure it gets completely wet and then completely dry before moving onto the next step. This process, called weathering, forces the tent shrink a little on your own terms rather than naturally over time. This is good becuase it tightens up the spaces between the cotton fibers to maximize the natural water resistance before applying anything extra.

Step 3: Apply the Waterproofing Solution

After the tent is dry, it’s time to apply the waterproofing solution. The kind of solution you use will depend on weather you are applying it to cotton, polyester, or a cotton-poly blend. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully, as different solutions may have varying application methods. In general, the solution is sprayed or brushed onto the tent’s surface, focusing on the seams and any areas prone to water ingress. Be sure to cover the entire tent, including the rainfly and the tent’s bottom.

Note 1: The biggest step you can make to protecting your tent is having a rainfly. This will do more than any treatment.

Note 2: Tents from Elk Mountain Tents do not require waterproofing nor do they require a rainfly. However, either or both can add to your tent’s longevity. We recommend the rainfly if you have to choose between the two.

Step 4: Let the Tent Dry

Once the waterproofing solution is applied, it’s essential to let the tent dry completely. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the solution’s instructions and the weather conditions. Be patient and avoid touching or moving the tent during this time. The waterproofing solution needs time to bond with the tent’s fabric and form a protective layer against water.

Step 5: Check for Any Leaks

After the tent is dry, it’s a good idea to check for any leaks. To do this, spray it with a hose or a water bottle. Check the inside of the tent for any signs of water ingress, such as damp spots or puddles. If you find any leaks, mark them with a pen or a piece of tape and reapply the waterproofing solution to those areas. It’s essential to fix any leaks before going on a camping trip to prevent water damage to your gear and belongings.

Step 6: Store the Tent Properly

Finally, once the tent is waterproofed and checked for any leaks, it’s essential to store it properly. Always make sure the tent is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew and mold growth. Fold the tent carefully, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and store it in a dry, cool, and dark place. Avoid storing the tent in a hot or humid environment, as this can damage the tent’s fabric over time.

waterproof canvas tents

FAQs:

Q1. How often should you waterproof your canvas tent?

A1. It’s recommended to waterproof your canvas tent once a year on average or somewhere between every six months an every two years depending on how often you use it and the weather conditions. If you notice any signs of water ingress, such as damp spots or puddles, reapply the waterproofing solution immediately.

Q2. Can you use any waterproofing solution for a canvas tent?

A2. No, not all waterproofing solutions are suitable for canvas tents. You need to get one that is either for cotton, polyester, or cotton-poly. Additionally, usually you will want something more heavy duty than what is applied to nylon dome tents, for example.

Q3. Can you use a waterproofing spray instead of a solution?

A3. Yes, waterproofing sprays can be used to waterproof a canvas tent, but it’s important to choose a high-quality product specifically designed for canvas or outdoor gear. Follow the instructions on the label carefully, and be sure to cover the entire tent, including the seams and any areas prone to water ingress.

Q4. How long does the waterproofing solution last on a canvas tent?

A4. The durability of the waterproofing solution depends on the product used and the weather conditions. In general, a properly applied waterproofing solution can last for up to six months to two years. However, it’s important to reapply the solution as soon as you notice any signs of water ingress, such as damp spots or puddles.

Conclusion

Waterproofing a canvas tent is an essential step in ensuring a comfortable and dry camping experience. By following the above steps and using a high-quality waterproofing solution, you can protect your tent from water damage and extend its lifespan. Remember to check for any leaks before going on a camping trip, and store the tent properly to prevent mildew and mold growth. With proper care and maintenance, your canvas tent can provide many years of enjoyable outdoor adventures.

canvas wall tents for hunting trips

Hunting from a Canvas Wall Tent

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When it comes to hunting, having the right gear and equipment can make all the difference. One essential piece of equipment for any hunting trip is a good quality tent. A canvas wall tent is an excellent choice for hunting because it provides shelter and warmth in even the most challenging weather conditions.

Choosing the Right Canvas Wall Tent

There are a lot of great canvas wall tents for hunting trips, and choosing one is the first step. There are several factors to consider when selecting a tent, including size, materials, and features. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Size: The size of your tent will depend on how many people will be using it and how much gear you need to store. Elk Mountain Tents offers a range of sizes, from tones that can accommodate 3 well-geared adults to 8-10 people depending on whether you’re using a wood stove or not.

Materials: Canvas is a popular material for wall tents because it is durable, breathable, and provides excellent insulation. However, the term “canvas” refers to any thick, woven material, so you’ll want to consider the base material (cotton, polyester, blend of the two) and the weight or thickness. Cotton is considered traditional but polyester requires fewer treatments and is slightly lighter for the same strength

Features: Some canvas wall tents come with additional features, such as stove jacks for heating, mesh windows for ventilation, and reinforced corners for added durability. Consider which features are most important to you when selecting your tent.

Making the Most of Your Time in the Tent

Once your canvas wall tent is set up, it’s time to start enjoying your hunting trip. Here are some tips for making the most of your time in the tent:

Stay organized: Keep your gear and supplies organized inside the tent to make it easier to find what you need. Use storage containers to keep everything in its place.

Stay Warm: If you plan on hunting in colder weather, it’s important to keep the tent warm. The wood-burning stove can be an excellent source of heat, but be sure to follow all safety precautions when using it. All models of tent sold by Elk Mountain Tents include a stove jack. Additionally, make sure you have warm sleeping bags and plenty of extra blankets to stay warm at night.

Stay Dry: In addition to staying warm, it’s also important to stay dry. The 100% synthetic canvas used by Elk Mountain Tents requiers no waterproofing treatment, but if you’re using a cotton canvas you’ll want to make sure the tent is properly sealed to prevent rain and snow from getting inside. Consider bringing a waterproof tarp or rainfly to cover the tent for added protection.

Stay Comfortable: Hunting trips can be physically demanding, so it’s important to take care of yourself while in the tent. Bring some of your creature comforts with you! Bring a cot, backup power storage for your phone, chemical handwarmers, etc. Especially if this is your base camp for a multi-day trip. You don’t have to be roughing it the entire time you’re out.

canvas wall tents for hunting trips

Conclusion

A canvas wall tent can be an excellent choice for hunting, providing shelter, warmth, and comfort in even the most challenging weather conditions. When choosing a tent, be sure to consider size, materials, and features. Setting up the tent can be a bit challenging, but with practice, it will become second nature. Once the tent is set up, be sure to stay organized, warm, dry, and comfortable to make the most of your hunting trip. With the right gear and preparation, you’ll be ready to tackle any hunting adventure from the comfort of your canvas wall tent.

canvas cabin tents for sale

Canvas Cabin Tents: Pros and Cons for Your Next Camping Adventure

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Canvas Cabin Tents Pros and Cons – Which is Best for You?

For campers who enjoy a bit more space and comfort during their outdoor adventures, canvas cabin tents can be an excellent option. These tents typically offer a larger living space than traditional backpacking tents and can accommodate more people. But with so many different canvas cabin tents on the market, how do you know which one is best for you? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of canvas cabin tents, and take a closer look at the offerings of Elk Mountain Tents.

What is a Canvas Cabin Tent?

A canvas cabin tent is a large, roomy tent that is designed to offer more space and comfort than traditional backpacking tents. A cabin tent is any tent with more verticle walls and more headroom. For this reason, a variety of tents, including even cheaper nylon tents, can be considered a cabin tent, but this article looks more specifically at canvas wall tents, also known as wall tents. These tents are typically constructed from a heavy-duty cotton canvas material, which is highly durable and resistant to water, mold, and mildew, but they can also be made of a superior materials such as poly-cotton blend canvas which is stronger, or even 100% polyester which is not only stronger but is naturally waterproof and incapable of rotting. Canvas cabin tents come in a variety of sizes and shapes, with some models featuring multiple rooms, porches, and even attached awnings.

Pros of Canvas Cabin Tents

  1. Spacious: One of the most significant advantages of canvas cabin tents is the amount of space they offer. These tents are typically larger than traditional backpacking tents, providing more room for sleeping, living, and storing gear.
  2. Durable: Canvas cabin tents are highly durable and long-lasting. The heavy-duty canvas material is resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasions, making it a great choice for camping in rugged environments.
  3. Comfortable: With their larger size and added amenities, canvas cabin tents can provide a more comfortable camping experience than traditional backpacking tents. Some models feature built-in floors, multiple rooms, and even air conditioning units, providing a home-away-from-home feel.
  4. Weather–resistant: Canvas cabin tents are designed to withstand a range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and even some snow. The heavy-duty canvas material is mostly waterproof if treated properly and can keep campers dry in even the heaviest downpours. Polyester canavs tents are waterproof by nature. However, either way, it’s recommended that you have a rainfly for added protection.

Cons of Canvas Cabin Tents

  1. Heavy: Due to their larger size and more robust construction, canvas cabin tents can be quite heavy and challenging to transport. These tents are typically best suited for car camping or base camping, rather than backpacking. Even with lighter (and yet still stronger) polyester tents, you’re still looking at a very heavy tent.
  2. Expensive: Canvas cabin tents can be more expensive than traditional backpacking tents. Anything less than $1,000 is considered a very inexpensive canvas tent.
  3. Time-consuming to set up: Canvas cabin tents can be more time-consuming to set up than traditional backpacking tents. These tents typically require more than one person to set up, and may take 30 minutes or more to assemble. If it is your first time setting up a canvas tent, plan for 60 minutes. Also, avoid getting one with a sewn-in floor as these are a pain in the butt.
  4. Not as portable: This goes along with being heavy, but due to their size and weight, canvas cabin tents are just not as portable as traditional backpacking tents. These tents are best suited for longer camping trips, where campers plan to stay in one place for several days or more.

Elk Mountain Tents’ Canvas Cabin Tents

Elk Mountain Tents is a company that specializes in high-quality canvas cabin tents for sale. Their tents are made from a heavy-duty 100% polyester canvas material and are designed to provide a comfortable and durable camping experience.

The material really sets them apart. It boasts a strength comparable to a 14 oz cotton canvas (which is much sturdier than the industry standard cotton canvas) but comes in at only 11 oz a yard. Tent to twelve oz is considered standard for a canvas tent so it falls right in the middle with added strength. Additionally, it is naturally waterproof and incapable of rotting as it is fully synthetic.

If you want the true “cabin” tent experience, you’ll want to check out one of the wall tents: 13×13, 13×16, 13×20. These models also come with additional options / variations such as screened doors and / or an awning. However, ALL models come with the most requested features free of charge, namely screened windows, a stove jack, and an angle kit.

If you’re looking to try something a little different, check out the Yukon Bell Tent. It comes in three sizes: 13 ft diameter, 16 ft, and 20 ft. These circular tents have the same high side walls but offer a more unique experience, especially since the walls can be dropped completely for a totally open air environment if desired.

Elk Mountain Tents manages to keep their prices low by not maintaining a store front and avoiding custom orders to focus on just a handful of models. This approach also allows them to have your tent shipped out the next day!

canvas cabin tent

FAQs

  1. Are canvas cabin tents more durable than traditional backpacking tents?

Uh, Yes, absolutely. Canvas cabin tents are typically more durable than traditional backpacking tents. The heavy-duty canvas material is resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasions, making it a great choice for camping in rugged environments. This is further improved if you get one made of polyester.

  1. Can canvas cabin tents be used in all weather conditions?

Canvas cabin tents are designed to withstand a range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and even snow. The heavy-duty canvas material is water-resistent for cotton canvas and waterproof for polyester and can keep campers dry in even the heaviest downpours.

  1. Are canvas cabin tents difficult to set up?

Canvas cabin tents can be more time-consuming to set up than traditional backpacking tents. These tents typically require more than one person to set up, and may take 30 minutes or more to assemble. Plan for 60 minutes your first time.

  1. Are canvas cabin tents portable?

Due to their size and weight, canvas cabin tents are not as portable as traditional backpacking tents. These tents are best suited for longer camping trips, where campers plan to stay in one place for several days or more.

Conclusion

Canvas cabin tents can provide a spacious and comfortable camping experience for those who prefer a bit more room and amenities during their outdoor adventures. While these tents may be heavier and more expensive than traditional backpacking tents, they offer a range of benefits, including durability, weather-resistance, and comfort. Elkmountaintents offers a variety of high-quality canvas cabin tents, with options to suit a range of camping needs and group sizes.

canvas tents on sale

Your Guide to Selling a Camping Tent: Tips and Information with Elk Mountain Tents

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Camping is an excellent way to disconnect from the world and enjoy the great outdoors. And having a good quality camping tent is essential to ensuring a comfortable and safe camping experience.

But sometimes you just want to upgrade to something bigger and better. There’s nothing wrong with that. But what do you do with that perfectly good tent? You could keep it is a backup or a secondary but sometimes it’s just nice having the extra money and space.

Selling a tent can be a bit tricky. This article will provide some helpful tips and guidelines for selling a camping tent, including some information about Elk Mountain Tents, a company that produces high-quality camping tents.

About Elk Mountain Tents:

Elk Mountain Tents has a range of canvas tents on sale, from smaller 13 ft diameter bell tents to whopper 13×20 ft canvas wall tents with an awning. Their tents are known for their durability and quality, with many customers returning to buy additional tents from them. The company has been in business for several years and has a strong reputation for providing high-quality products at reasonable prices.

Selling a Camping Tent – Step by Step Guide:

Step 1: Determine the Tent’s Condition

The first step in selling a camping tent is to determine its condition. Is it in excellent condition, or has it been used and worn? Does it have any damages or repairs? Is all the equipment included, such as poles, stakes, and guylines? It’s important to be honest about the tent’s condition to provide potential buyers with accurate information. Buyers will also who made it, how old it is, and what material it is made out of.

Step 2: Set a Reasonable Price

The next step is to set a reasonable price for the tent. Take into consideration the tent’s age, condition, and brand. Check out online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar tents are selling for. Don’t set a price too high as it may deter potential buyers, and don’t set it too low as it may undervalue the tent’s worth. As a general rule for canvas tents, you can expect to get 40-80% back depending on the condition of the tent. If you got a good deal the first go around, you may even be able to ask the original selling price. This is much better than nylon or dome tents which shoppers prefer to get new. If you’re selling a nylon dome tent, you can expect 20-50% of your money back, possibly more if you have a high-end and popular tent model.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Tent

Before putting the tent up for sale, be sure to clean and prepare it. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, remove any dirt or debris, and make sure it’s fully dry. Check for any damages, such as holes or tears, and make necessary repairs if possible. Reassemble the tent to ensure all pieces are present and functional.

Step 4: Take Quality Photos

Taking quality photos can help a ton. Potential buyers want to see what they are purchasing, and pictures help provide a clear view of the tent’s condition. Take photos of the tent from different angles, inside and out, with and without the rainfly, and any additional features. Ensure the pictures are well-lit and display the tent’s size, shape, and color accurately.

Step 5: List the Tent for Sale

Now it’s time to list the tent for sale. There are several online marketplaces, including Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, that allow individuals to sell their used items. List the tent’s details, including brand, model, size, and condition, and include quality photos.

canvas tents on sale

FAQs:

Q

Q: Can I sell a camping tent that has been repaired?

A: Yes, you sell a camping tent that has been repaired. Be honest about any repairs and provide details on what was fixed and how. For a canvas tent, this won’t be much of a deal breaker for people since the material repairs nicely.

Conclusion:

Selling a camping tent can be a straightforward process if done correctly. Follow these simple steps to ensure a successful sale: determine the tent’s condition, set a reasonable price, clean and prepare the tent, take quality photos, and list the tent for sale. Remember to be honest about the tent’s condition and provide accurate details to potential buyers.

If you’re looking for a high-quality camping tent, consider checking out Elk Mountain Tents for wall tents, bell tents, and everything else you need for a positive canvas tent experience.