Tag Archive for: outdoor canvas tents

outdoor canvas tents

Seasoning an Outdoor Canvas Tent: Why it’s Important and How to Do It

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Elk Mountain Tents is has been providing high-quality outdoor gear for over a decade. One of their most popular products is the canvas tent, which is perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. However, many people wonder how to season an outdoor canvas tent and what happens if they don’t. In this article, we will explore these topics in detail.

This is a bit of a weird article for the Elk Mountain Tents website because, well, you don’t need to season a tent from Elk Mountain Tents! Yes, that’s right – the unique canvas used by Elk Mountain Tents requires no weathering, no sun treatment, no rain treatment, and no mold treatment. You can optionally apply a fire treatment but many choose to just use a heat shield for there stove. These tents are good to go out of the box so to speak.

That all said, some people insist on traditional cotton canvas, so this article is for them.

Why Seasoning an Outdoor Canvas Tent is Important

Seasoninga an outdoor canvas tent involves setting it up and then wetting it down with a hose or by allowing it to get rained on. This process allows the fibers of the canvas to swell and become tighter, which creates a more waterproof and durable material. Seasoning also helps to remove any lingering odors or chemicals that may be present in the canvas.

If you skip the seasoning process, you run the risk of damaging your tent. An unseasoned canvas tent may leak during rainstorms or lose its shape over time. Additionally, an unseasoned canvas tent may have a strong chemical smell, which could make it unpleasant to spend time in.

How to Season an Outdoor Canvas Tent

Now that you understand why seasoning an outdoor canvas tent is important, let’s explore how to do it. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Set up your tent

The first step is to set up your canvas tent in a location where it can get wet. Make sure that you stake it down securely so that it doesn’t blow away or collapse during the seasoning process.

Step 2: Wet the tent down

Once your tent is set up, use a hose or wait for a rainy day to wet it down. You want the canvas to become thoroughly soaked so that it can absorb as much water as possible.

Step 3: Allow the tent to dry

After the canvas is completely wet, let it dry in the sun. As it dries, the fibers of the canvas will tighten and become more waterproof. Make sure to leave the tent set up until it is completely dry.

Step 4: Repeat the process

To ensure that your canvas tent is fully seasoned, you should repeat this process several times. Elk Mountain Tents recommends seasoning your canvas tent at least three times before using it for the first time.

Choosing the Right Canvas Tent

When it comes to canvas tents, there are many factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right canvas tent for your needs:

Size: Consider the size of your camping group and how much space you will need in your tent. Elk Mountain Tents offers canvas tents in a range of sizes to accommodate groups of all sizes, the smallest being a 13 ft diameter bell tent all the way up to a 13×20 wall tent with awning.

Weight: Every canvas tent will be heavy and impossible for backpacking, so weight generally refers to the oz per yard and is indirect indicator of strength. Many companies will list the exact break and tear strength numbers but in the absence of those numbers you can go with weight. 8 oz is too weak, 10 oz is an acceptable minimum, 12 oz is considered the standard, and 14 or 16 oz is considered maximum strength. The canvas used in all Elk Mountain Tent models is 11 oz by weight but boasts a break and tear strength comparable to 14 oz cotton canvas.

Weather Resistance: Consider the climate and weather conditions you will be camping in. Elk Mountain Tents offers canvas tents that are designed to withstand all types of weather, including rain, snow, and wind.

Durability: Look for a canvas tent that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. As a general rule, the more synthetic fibers the greater the strength and less likely you are to experience rot.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Seasoning Outdoor Canvas Tents

Q: Can you use a canvas tent right out of the box?

A: You can use a canvas tent right out of the box, but it is recommended that you season it first. This will make the canvas more waterproof and durable. If your tent is polyester canvas there is no need to weather it.

Q: How long does it take to season a canvas tent?

A: It typically takes several hours to fully season a canvas tent. You will need to wet the canvas down thoroughly and then let it dry completely.

Q: How often should you season a canvas tent?

A: It’s best to season your canvas tent at least three times before using it for the first time. After that, you should season it at least once a year, or more often if you use it frequently.

Q: Can you season a canvas tent in the winter?

A: It is possible to season a canvas tent in the winter, but it may take longer to dry because of the colder temperatures. If you do choose to season your tent in the winter, make sure that it has ample time to dry before storing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seasoning an outdoor canvas tent is an important step in ensuring its durability and longevity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can properly season your canvas tent and avoid any potential problems that may arise from skipping this crucial step. If you have any think seasoning your tent is a terribly boring and time consuming task, it is! Buy a tent from Elk Mountain Tents that doesn’t require any seasoning OR additional treatments 🙂

outdoor canvas tents

Canvas Camping Tents: Tips for Choosing the Best

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When it comes to outdoor canvas tents, one of the most essential pieces of equipment is a tent. And if you’re looking for a tent that is durable, versatile, and easy to set up, a canvas tent is an excellent choice. Canvas tents have been around for centuries and continue to be popular among camping enthusiasts today. In this article, we’ll provide tips on buying a canvas tent for camping.

1۔ Consider the Size and Shape of the Tent

One of the first things to consider when buying a canvas tent is its size and shape. You’ll want to make sure the tent is big enough to comfortably fit all the people who will be sleeping in it, as well as any gear you plan to store inside. If you’re camping with a large group or family, you may want to consider a cabin-style canvas wall tent, which is designed to provide more space and headroom. Bell tents also provide ample space and are easier to set up but their circular nature means they will fit fewer cots despite their increased total square footage.

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2۔ Look for Durable Materials

Canvas tents are known for their durability, but not all canvas tents are created equal. Look for tents made from high-quality materials. For canvas, there are basically three types: cotton canvas, polyester canvas, and cotton-poly blend canvas. 100% cotton canvas requires the most amount of treatments and is the most susceptible to rot. From there, the more synthetic the material the fewer treatments are required. However, not all polyester is equal. Polyester can be as thin as the material used in a nylon dome tent or as thick and strong as any 14 oz cotton canvas. Additionally, how the material is manufactured can increase or decrease the break, tear, and rip strength. Elk Mountain Tents only uses 100% polyester cotton canvas because it boasts a break and tear strength comparable to 14 oz canvas but at a modest 11 oz weight; it’s also naturally waterproof.

3۔ Pay Attention to the Tent’s Weight

Another important factor to consider when buying a canvas tent is its weight. Canvas tents are typically heavier than other types of tents, which can make them more difficult to transport and set up. If you plan to backpack or hike with your tent, canvas is not for you. Even the lightest canvas is heavy to hike with. So, if you have to truck it in anyway, then thicker / heavier is generally better. If you’re getting cotton canvas, 8 oz is too weak, 10 oz is on the low end of industry standard, 12 oz is excellent, and 14 oz and higher is consider truly heavy duty even for canvas.

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4۔ Look for Features That Suit Your Needs

Canvas tents come in a variety of styles and designs, each with its own set of features. Look for a tent that has features that suit your specific camping needs. For example, some canvas tents have built-in ventilation systems to prevent condensation, while others have multiple doors and windows for easy access and airflow. Elkmountaintents offers a range of canvas tents with different features, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

5۔ Consider the Tent’s Setup

Finally, consider how easy or difficult the tent is to set up. Some canvas tents require multiple people and a lot of time to set up, while others are much easier. That said, no canvas tent is truly easy to set up since they are pretty big. The best advice is to avoid ones that have a sewn-in floor as these are the most obnoxious to set up.

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FAQs:

Q: Are canvas tents suitable for all seasons?

A: Yes, canvas tents are suitable for all seasons. They are breathable, which helps prevent condensation and keep you cool in the summer, while also providing insulation and warmth in the winter.

Q: How do I clean my canvas tent?

A: To clean your canvas tent, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge and mild soap to gently scrub away dirt and grime. Rinse the tent with water and let it air dry completely before packing it away.

Q: Are canvas tents waterproof?

A: It depends on the material. Polyester canvas tents are waterproof (depending on the manufacturing). Cotton canvas is water-resistant but require waterproof treatments.

Conclusion

A canvas tent is an excellent choice for outdoor camping, offering durability, versatility, and comfort. When buying a canvas tent, consider its size and shape, materials, weight, features, and setup. Elk Mountain Tents is a reputable company that offers a range of high-quality canvas tents to suit various camping needs. Their biggest selling points are their unique canvas material and the fact that they can have your tent shipped the next day. Their tents also come with plenty of bonus features at no added cost, such as screened windows and an angle kit.