Except you’re an skilled camper who retains on high of all the newest trade developments, then shopping for a brand new tent might be considerably of a frightening prospect.
One time period you will have seen talked about over the previous few years when shopping for a brand new tent is ‘polycotton’ or Technical Cotton’. We wouldn’t blame you for questioning precisely what which means and why you must care about it.
This shopping for information will inform you all you could find out about polycotton tents, so in the event you’ve been questioning whether or not or not a polycotton tent is the suitable choice for you – stick round to search out out.
Learn on to find all the things you could find out about polycotton tents…
What’s a polycotton tent?
It’s not rocket science to work out that polycotton is a mixture of polyester and cotton. Most polycotton tents will see round a 35% polyester to 65% cotton ratio, though this will range from tent to tent.
Polycotton tents are available in as many sizes and shapes as some other kind of tent, so you may get all the things from giant polycotton air tents to small Tipi-style tents.
As a result of larger quantity of cotton than polyester, they’re extra just like a canvas tent however incorporate the properties of each supplies. In addition they require a ‘weathering’ course of earlier than they’re waterproof, which we’ll get onto shortly.
What are the advantages of polycotton tents?
So now you understand what polycotton tents are, however what does that imply for you, as a tent purchaser? There are numerous benefits of polycotton tents that ought to make you contemplate them when trying to purchase a brand new tent.
Breathability
Breathability is talked about so much relating to outside clothes, corresponding to strolling boots or waterproof jackets, but it surely’s additionally necessary for tents. One of many primary advantages of polycotton tents is their elevated breathability and talent to adapt to the encompassing surroundings.
What this implies is that when the climate is heat exterior, the within of the tent will keep as cool as attainable. Conversely, when it’s cool exterior, your tent will probably be hotter inside and extra snug.
Being breathable additionally signifies that condensation is very decreased. The breathable material permits the moisture to cross by means of to the surface, once more making your tent a way more snug place to be.
Longevity
One other key advantage of polycotton tents is longevity. Polycotton is extremely sturdy and can stand as much as UV rays higher than polyester. This implies they’re a lot much less more likely to deteriorate. Polycotton tents are typically a little bit pricier, however this must be offset by their longevity.
Acoustics
One other key profit to think about with a polycotton tent is the sound dampening properties of the material. Polycotton helps to scale back noise inside the campsite, growing the standard of your leisure.
Issues to think about when shopping for a polycotton tent
Whereas we expect polycotton tents are undoubtedly among the finest you should purchase, it wouldn’t be honest of us to not point out a number of minor issues you need to be conscious of.
Elevated weight
As polycotton tents are normally round two-thirds cotton, they could be a little heavier and your pack dimension will probably be bigger than with most tents. Nonetheless, if this isn’t actually an issue for you, and you’ve got area within the automotive, then it’s completely value it.
Worth
As we’ve talked about, polycotton tents do are typically a little bit costlier than different related tents. However, once more, it’s a longer-lasting and better-performing product, so it ought to last more in the event you take care of it, making the additional preliminary outlay effectively value it.
Polycotton tents vs polyester tents
Polyester tents are vastly fashionable and so they do have some unbelievable advantages, however polycotton tents have given them some actual competitors. So which must you select?
- Breathability: Polycotton tents are extra breathable than polyester, which means they’ll be cooler in heat climate contained in the tent and vice-versa when the climate is chilly exterior. Condensation can be decreased massively, due to the breathability issue.
- Longevity: Polyester is prone to deterioration and discolouring from UV rays, whereas polycotton is a way more sturdy materials and can deal with UV significantly better.
- Weight & dimension: Being primarily cotton, polycotton tents are heavier and bulkier than polyester tents. If compact and light-weight tenting is necessary to you, then polyester is the one to go for.
- Worth: Polyester is a less expensive materials than polycotton, which makes polyester tents cheaper, though they’re not as hard-wearing and will have to be changed sooner.
How does polycotton material work?
Throughout dry climate, fibres of the polycotton material are open permitting for nice breathability, permitting a cooling movement of air which helps to manage inside temperatures for elevated consolation.
When the climate turns wetter, the fibres of the polycotton material swell to sluggish any water penetration. The breathability of the material permits for a a lot faster drying time when the rain stops.
How one can climate your polycotton tent
Most polyester tents are handled with a water-resistant coating (some cheaper tents aren’t) and are sealed with a seam tape throughout all of the seams. Polycotton tents even have this coating, however shouldn’t have taped seams – that is the place the weathering of your polycotton tent comes into place.
When tents made out of polycotton are being stitched, through the manufacturing stage, there’ll nonetheless be uncovered area between the sew gap and the thread. So, in concept, that is truly a spot the place water can get into your tent. Stick with us right here – there’s a very straightforward resolution that may set you up for the remainder of your tents life:
- Pitch your tent: We extremely suggest doing this earlier than your tenting journey, however we’re effectively conscious that this generally isn’t attainable. You could possibly get away with going by means of this course of in your tenting vacation.
- Undergo the ‘wetting’ course of: Depart your tent out in a lightweight rain bathe or soak it your self with a hose for round 10 minutes.
- Let your tent dry: That is the place the magic occurs. In the course of the drying course of, the thread inside the sew holes expands and fully fills any area or publicity the place water may doubtlessly get by means of.
- Pack your tent away: That is the weathering accomplished and dusted. This shouldn’t have to be accomplished once more, all through the remainder of your tents life. Do nonetheless ensure that your polycotton tent has fully dried earlier than packing it away – not simply after the wetting course of, however after each use.
- We at all times suggest utilizing tent waterproofing merchandise in your tent, each 2-3 years which is able to maintain the material performing to one of the best of its capability. Cloth cleansing merchandise are additionally out there to revive the look of your polycotton material.
Hopefully, you now know much more about polycotton tents than you earlier than. Try our full vary immediately for exclusives from the largest tenting manufacturers.
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