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Tent Fabrics 101: Which Material is the Best?

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camping tent

You might think that tents are all the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

All of the materials used to make tents are extremely different, which means that they have different advantages and disadvantages. The type of tent you pick depends on what you personally need. Also, there are tents made for single people or families, so you should decide which is the best tent for you!

camping tent in forest

A quality tent can be all the difference between a good and bad camping trip.

What Materials Are There?

There are many different kinds of tent materials, but some work the best. Many companies now only use certain fabrics to make tents because these fabrics have been proven to work very well. 

  • Polyester
  • Nylon
  • Cotton canvas
  • Polycotton 
  • Cuben fiber

As stated previously, all of these fabrics have pros and cons, and learning more about them will help you decide which camping tent is best for you and your lifestyle. 

Polyester Tents

Polyester is a synthetic material that has ranging denier ratings. Polyester is better for wet conditions because it doesn’t absorb water like some of the other fabrics. However, polyester doesn’t have good breathability at all. It can be quite a heavy fabric too, so it’s not the best tent for backpacking. 

Polyester is a good tent material for cold, wet conditions. You want to be able to keep warm from the outside, and polyester is good at keeping your body heat inside the tent. It’s a very good insulator. 

Pros:

  • Great UV resistance
  • Good durability
  • Water-resistant
  • Less prone to mildew than canvas

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Bad breathability
  • Prone to tears 

Nylon Tents

Nylon fabric is the most common material that you’ll see when tent shopping. It’s a synthetic material that has a denier rating to tell you its thickness. This material makes a very lightweight tent, which is why it’s typically a backpacking tent.

It’s also very breathable, so you’ll definitely want this type of tent in the hotter months. On the other hand, nylon absorbs water like crazy. If you think it’s going to rain and all you have is a nylon tent, you might want to consider waterproofing it. You could do this with a waterproof fabric coating or some kind of tarp tossed across the tent. 

Pros:

  • Lighter than canvas and polyester
  • Super stretchy
  • Dries quickly
  • Very breathable

Cons:

  • Not very durable
  • Absorbs water quickly
  • Not great protection from UV rays

Cotton Canvas Tents

This is a natural material tent, and it’s a lot more breathable than synthetic fabrics. Also, it has better UV resistance than the different fabrics. All of this is to say that a canvas tent is the best tent for hot summer days. It’s also a great insulator, so you really can’t go wrong with a canvas tent any time of year. 

However, if this tent gets wet, it will start to mildew quickly because it’s very slow to dry. You can try to weather your tent by getting it soaking wet and letting it dry out, and you can actually do this a few times. These tents can also be more expensive than nylon and polyester tents.

Pros:

  • Very breathable
  • Good water resistance when coated
  • Great UV resistance

Cons:

  • Very heavy
  • Expensive
  • Susceptible to mildew

Polycotton Tents

Polycotton is another kind of canvas tent that has the best qualities of cotton and polyester. It’s got the breathability of cotton, which is always very important. It’s mildew resistant because it has that quality from polyester. 

However, it got all of the bad qualities from cotton and polyester too. It’s very heavy, so it’s not the best for backpackers. You shouldn’t get this if you’re looking for a lightweight tent. It also is very expensive, so it’s probably not the best for people who are trying to save money. 

Pros:

  • Very breathable
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive
  • Heavy

Cuben Fiber Tents

Also called Dyneema Composite Fabric, cuben fiber is a new tent material. It’s 100% waterproof, and it has a great strength-to-weight ratio. It’s incredibly lightweight because of this, and that makes it a great backpacking tent. On the other hand, this fabric is outrageously expensive.

And, it is very prone to wear and tear more than the other fabrics. You definitely won’t have a cuben fiber tent as long as you’d have a different kind of tent. If you need a tent with a long lifespan, you probably shouldn’t get a cuben fiber tent.

Pros:

  • Completely waterproof
  • Strong material
  • UV resistant

Cons:

  • Damages easily
  • Very expensive
  • Not as durable as other fabrics

Ripstop Fabrics

Ripstop is a type of fabric that is woven into other materials to make it less susceptible to rips and tears. It makes a kind of square pattern on the different fabrics that it gets woven into. There are only ripstop nylon and ripstop polyester tents. 

When it comes to ripstop nylon, it does make your tent stronger. If you get a hole in the tent, it won’t continue to grow bigger and bigger. The ripstop will help the material stay together. However, the fabric is heavier than regular nylon. 

Polyester ripstop is virtually the same as nylon ripstop because it has the same material woven into it. The only real difference is that it’s polyester. It’ll prevent tears and big holes, but it’s very heavy. It’s not the best material for backpackers because of how heavy it is. 

Fabric Coating

Some tents can have different chemical coatings that add to their performance level. Most coatings will add to UV resistance and water resistance. Some of the coatings can’t be used on all the different fabrics that tents are made of, but it makes the tents better.

The coatings can also add to the cons of the fabrics, so you should choose the best tent coating for you. The coatings are polyurethane, silicon, UPF, and SPF. 

Polyurethane Coating

Polyurethane adds to how waterproof the tent is, and it can only be applied to nylon and polyester fabrics. Also, being added to the fabric won’t break the bank because it doesn’t change much about the price. It also doesn’t permeate the fabric; it just sits on top of the fabric.

Because of this, you can put tape on the seams if you need to! This coating does add some disadvantages to the tent too. You need to clean and dry a tent with polyurethane coating very well before putting it up for storage. Also, if a tent with polyurethane coating is exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time, the chemical bonds will begin to break down.

This will cause the lifespan of your tent to decrease, as well as the water-resistance of the tent. 

Silicone Coating

A silicone coating is very popular on nylon tents, and it’s called silnylon. Silicone goes into the nylon fabric of the tent, so it doesn’t allow the seams to be taped because the fabric is very slick. You’ll have to seal the seams by hand with a liquid seam sealant. 

camping tent on mountain

The sun can ruin a tent if it doesn’t have the proper coating.

This coating makes the nylon waterproof, and it actually makes water slide right off the fabric. It will also cause the fabric to dry very quickly. While the coating makes the fabric very heavy-duty, it also makes the fabric incredibly thick. It doesn’t have good breathability because of this. It can get very muggy inside the tent. 

UPF and SPF Coatings

Two of the other coatings for tent fabrics are UPF and SPF. You might have heard of SPF from sunscreen bottles, and it’s exactly the same thing. It stands for Sun Protection Factor, and UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. They are basically the same thing, but they have a few differences.

The same difference is that SPF is mostly used for sunscreens, and UPF is used for fabrics. UPF coatings will increase the UV resistance of the tent fabric, as well as make it fire retardant. If your tent has a UPF rating of 30 or higher, it will have the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

If a tent only has an SPF rating, it isn’t protecting you from the different kinds of UV rays the sun gives off. 

What is a Denier Rating?

A Denier rating uses the measurement D to show how thick, durable, and heavy the fabric is. A high Denier number means that the material used to make your tent is high-quality material. Nylon fabric has a low Denier rating, but that’s because of how lightweight it is.

It’s actually very durable. Family tents have very high Denier ratings because of how large they are. They usually have a Denier rating of about 200D to 300D. They can be as low as 150D though. Rooftop tents have a rating between 320D to 400D. 

What is Thread Count?

You might recognize the term thread count from buying bedsheets, and you might not really know what it means. It means the number of threads per square inch of fabric, both vertically and horizontally. The higher the thread count (T) is, the lower the Denier rating is.

A higher thread count on bedsheets usually means really soft and high-quality sheets, but that’s not always the case with a thread count in tents. The thread being used matters more than the thread count in tents. A better quality fabric that has a lower thread count might feel softer and higher quality than a low-quality fabric that has a higher thread count.

The fabric that is used matters more than the thread count. 

What is Hydrostatic Head?

Hydrostatic Head is a type of measurement that exhibits how waterproof a fabric is. The measurement is HH, and it measures the amount of water in millimeters that can be placed on the fabric before it penetrates the fabric. A rating of about 1000 mm HH means that the fabric is showerproof.

It is considered waterproof if it has a rating of 1500 mm HH to 2000 mm HH. Groundsheets need to have around a 3000 mm HH or higher rating. However, cotton canvas tents don’t have a Hydrostatic Head rating because they use different techniques to keep out water.

The HH rating is meant to rate the fabric used to make the tent, not the tent itself. Most outdoor companies will give Hydrostatic Head ratings on their tents, and they should. If you don’t see a rating on the description of the tent, you might want to get a different tent. 

How To Tell How Heavy a Tent Is

The term GSM, grams per square meter, is used to measure the weight of a cotton canvas tent. However, it’s a very complicating thing to understand. Fabric weight typically means how thick the fabric is, and it doesn’t always mean that a higher GSM is a heavy, thick tent.

Most of the time, the higher the GSM, the stronger and heavier the tent is. Many tents range from 300 GSM to 400 GSM.

Final Verdict

The five main tent fabrics all have their advantages and disadvantages. You just have to decide which type of tent is best for your style of camping. If you’re a backpacker, you might want a cuben fiber tent or a nylon tent. If you want to go on a family camping trip, you might want to get a cotton canvas tent so that it’s very breathable with everyone inside of the tent. It all just depends on what kind of camper you are. 

If you’re a backcountry hiker and camper, you should really consider getting a tent that has a ripstop fabric sewn into it. It’ll help you not ruin your tent if you accidentally snag it on a branch or tree root that’s sticking out of the ground.

You can find any kind of these tents on Amazon, but you should find a well-known outdoor company like Patagonia, REI, or Columbia because they make quality products. You can get whatever kind of tent you want, and use these points as a guide to help you pick out the perfect tent for you.

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Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

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Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

 

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

 

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

 

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

 

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

 

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

 

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

 

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

 

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

 

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

 

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

 

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

 

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

 

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

 

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.

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Are You Ready for Autumn Adventures? How to Prep for an Unforgettable Outdoor Fall Guys Trip

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As autumn rolls in, the great outdoors beckons with its crisp air and colorful foliage. For those gearing up for an adventurous Fall Guys trip—think hiking, camping, and maybe some deer hunting—the preparation is half the fun and all the necessity. With a myriad of activities to choose from, how do you ensure your fall excursion is not only exhilarating but also safe and comfortable? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your outdoor escapades this fall.

 

Choosing Your Adventure

 

First things first: deciding what type of fall outdoor activity tickles your fancy. Are you looking to conquer trails with breathtaking autumn views, or are you gearing up for a weekend of tranquil camping beside a glistening lake? Perhaps, the thrill of tracking and observing wildlife is what you’re after.

 

Each activity demands a different approach and preparation method. Start by defining what your fall guys trip looks like. Is it a quiet escape into the wilderness, a challenging hike, or a dedicated hunting expedition? Once you’ve nailed down the type of trip, you can start tailoring your prep list to match the demands of the activities you’ve chosen.

 

Plan a Camping Trip

 

If camping is on your agenda, meticulous planning is essential to enjoy both the spontaneity and serenity of nature without a hitch. When you plan a camping trip, think beyond just a tent and a sleeping bag. Consider the overall length of your trip, the climate of your chosen destination, and the size of your group. Are you venturing into bear country? If so, bear-proof containers for your food and trash are a must.

 

What’s the weather forecast? Ensure your gear is appropriate for colder nights and unpredictable weather patterns. A well-planned camping experience means securing the right campsite, bringing sufficient food and water supplies, and ensuring you have the necessary permits. Also, be aware of the leave-no-trace principles to keep your environmental impact to a minimum. Planning with precision ensures you’re free to relax and revel in the beauty of the season without unnecessary interruptions.

Gear Up for Deer Hunting

 

For many outdoor enthusiasts, fall is synonymous with deer hunting season. If this is the core of your guys trip, gearing up appropriately cannot be overstressed. Your deer hunting gear is your ticket to not only success but also safety. Start with the basics: a reliable hunting rifle or bow, suitable ammunition, and a quality scope or binoculars for spotting your target.

 

Clothing is next on the list; opt for layers that can easily adjust to changing temperatures and are also camouflaged to blend in with the fall environment. Don’t skimp on a good pair of boots—comfort, warmth, and durability are key when you’re on the move. Also, essential gear like a hunting license, deer tags, a first-aid kit, and even a GPS or compass should be non-negotiable items in your pack. Remember, the right gear not only enhances your chances of a fruitful hunt but ensures you can do so safely and responsibly within the ecological balance.

 

Map Your Route

 

Mapping your route is crucial whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting. This involves more than just selecting a trail or a campsite; it means understanding the terrain, noting water sources, identifying potential shelter spots, and being aware of exit points in case of emergencies. Topographic maps, GPS devices, and even mobile apps can be incredibly useful tools for this.

 

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the area through these resources, and always carry a physical map and compass—you never know when technology might let you down. It’s also a good idea to inform someone about where you plan to go and expected return time is a safety must. Properly mapping your route not only helps in avoiding getting lost but also maximizes your interaction with nature, letting you find those hidden spots that make a trip memorable.

Prepare Physically and Mentally

 

The physical demands of outdoor activities, especially in the unpredictable weather of fall, should not be underestimated. Start conditioning your body weeks in advance, particularly if your trip involves strenuous activities like long hikes or hunting. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hikes with a loaded backpack can prepare your body for the exertion to come.

 

Equally important is mental preparation. Familiarize yourself with survival skills, such as how to start a fire, basic first aid, and how to stay calm in unexpected situations. A physically and mentally prepared adventurer is more likely to enjoy the trip and handle potential challenges effectively.

 

Pack Smart

 

The final step in preparing for your outdoor trip this fall is packing. Since fall weather can be highly variable, layering is key. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Besides clothing, pack essential gear tailored to your activities—this could include a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, waterproof bags to keep gear dry, cooking equipment, food supplies, and safety items like a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool. Be mindful of the weight and volume of your pack; every item should justify its place in your backpack by being essential or serving multiple purposes.

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BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

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BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

 

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