Do I need to ‘weather’ or ‘season’ my bell tent before using it for the first time?
Yes—we highly recommend weathering (also known as seasoning) your new bell tent before its first camping trip.
Don’t worry, it’s a simple process and only needs to be done once. Weathering allows the natural cotton fibres in the canvas to swell, sealing the tiny needle holes created during manufacturing and ensuring your tent performs at its best in wet weather.
How do I weather my bell tent?
The process couldn’t be easier:
- Pitch your bell tent correctly with all guy ropes tensioned.
- Thoroughly wet the entire tent using a garden hose or allow it to sit through a steady rainfall.
- Leave the tent pitched until it has dried completely.
- If possible, repeat the process once more for the best results.
Once dry, your tent is ready for years of adventures.
Why is weathering necessary?
Cotton canvas is a natural material. During manufacturing, thousands of tiny stitch holes are created where panels are sewn together. The first time the canvas becomes wet, the cotton fibres naturally expand and close these microscopic holes, creating an excellent weather-resistant barrier.
This is one of the characteristics that makes premium canvas tents so durable and long-lasting.
Will my tent leak if I don’t weather it?
It may. If your tent hasn’t been weathered, you could notice a small amount of moisture around some stitched seams during the first heavy rain. This is completely normal and isn’t a fault with the tent.
Once the canvas has been properly weathered, these minor leaks typically disappear.
Can I use the tent before weathering it?
Yes, you can. Many customers go camping before they’ve had the opportunity to weather their tent. If rain is forecast, just be aware that some light seepage around stitched seams can occur during the first wet weather event.
If your first trip is dry, simply weather the tent when you return home before your next adventure.
A few helpful tips
- Always allow your tent to dry completely before packing it away.
- Never store your tent damp, as this can encourage mould and mildew.
- Avoid touching the inside of the canvas during heavy rain, as pressure can cause moisture to wick through the fabric.
- Re-weathering is generally not required unless you’ve carried out major repairs or replaced large sections of canvas.
Weathering your bell tent is a quick, easy one-time step that helps ensure your canvas performs exactly as it was designed—keeping you dry, comfortable and ready to enjoy many years of camping.
