| Tenting has changed over the last decade. | | | | are rare, canvas or part-canvas homes are the |
| Canvas once prevailed as the fabric of choice for | | | | norm. They stand up well to moderate weather |
| tent construction. Over the years, though, new | | | | conditions and are a cost-effective alternative to |
| technology introduced the use of other materials | | | | bricks and mortar. |
| in tent-making. Nylon is popular today, along with | | | | When choosing a canvas tent, look for the |
| polaris, gala and realite. Each material has unique | | | | following features. They will ensure that your |
| qualities and may serve well under various | | | | canvas tent will get years of use: |
| conditions. However, many die-hard campers still | | | | * Strong seams. A canvas tent is only as strong |
| swear by canvas tents. Here are a few of the | | | | as its seams. Make sure they are double-stitched. |
| reasons why: | | | | Not only does this create a more streamlined |
| * They're strong. Canvas, which can hold up | | | | seam, it adds an extra barrier against separating |
| against the wildest of circus elephants, is also ideal | | | | and tearing. |
| for use in camping tents. It's perfect for the | | | | * Durable zippers. Often the first thing to go on |
| hunter who spends days in the wild. It can take all | | | | any camping tent is the zipper. Make sure that |
| of the abuse that nature throws its way. It will | | | | zippers are top-quality. Nylon zippers with large |
| withstand wind, thunderstorms and even hail. Even | | | | teeth that can be zipped up and down easily are |
| curious forest creatures will have trouble | | | | ideal. Zippers should be securely sewn into the |
| penetrating a canvas tent. | | | | fabric. |
| * They're durable. The average life of a nylon | | | | * Durable flaps. Inspect door and window flaps |
| camping tent is about three to five years, | | | | closely. Flaps should have strong mechanisms with |
| depending on frequency of use. By contrast, a | | | | which they can be secured, whether opened or |
| canvas tent may last 10 years or more. | | | | closed. Toggle-style flaps should be securely |
| * They're breathable. Canvas is made from | | | | fastened to the canvas in order to withstand |
| cotton. Unlike other common materials used in | | | | pressure from inclement weather. Flap zippers |
| tent manufacturing, cotton breathes. Nylon, | | | | should be strong and durable. |
| polyester and other fabrics do not allow air to | | | | * Weatherproofing. As already mentioned, canvas |
| pass through easily. This can create a sauna-like | | | | holds up very well under many weather |
| atmosphere inside tents made from these | | | | extremes. Do you expect that you'll be using your |
| materials. By contrast, canvas allows for the | | | | tent in very rainy conditions? In these situations, |
| exchange of air between the interior and exterior | | | | extra weatherproofing may be necessary. It may |
| of the structure. | | | | need to be treated with a rainproof coating. |
| Canvas is so durable that it is also used in the | | | | Another option is to purchase a tarpaulin that can |
| construction of some semi-permanent structures. | | | | be hung or draped over top of the entire |
| Canvas covers are frequently used over | | | | structure to keep rain out. |
| traditional cement foundations and wooden | | | | Canvas tents come in a variety of sizes and |
| frames. These "cabents" last for decades and | | | | styles, with many options for features. This |
| provide a way to maintain low-cost housing. In | | | | makes it easy to find one that perfectly suits any |
| poor countries where extreme weather variations | | | | need and any use. |