Yes! A portable air conditioner can be used with a canvas bell tent, making it a comfortable option for camping, glamping or longer stays during the Australian summer.
Many campers position the air conditioner outside the tent and duct the cool air inside through a doorway, vent or suitable opening. The size of the air conditioner required will depend on the size of your tent and the outside temperature.
Canvas bell tents are also naturally cooler than many synthetic tents thanks to their breathable cotton canvas, roof vents and excellent airflow. For even better performance, we recommend pitching in the shade where possible, opening the roof vent and mesh windows to maximise cross-ventilation, and using one of our CoolAir Protectors to reduce heat build-up and protect the canvas from UV.
For a complete guide to cooling your bell tent, including air conditioners, fans, evaporative coolers and practical summer camping tips, read our blog: Can You Air Condition a Bell Tent? The Complete Guide to Staying Cool in Summer
Yes. Collection from our Sydney warehouse may be available by prior arrangement for selected products. Please contact us before placing your order to organise collection.
Yes. We regularly deliver to every Australian state and territory, including regional and remote locations.
For many accessories, express shipping is available. Due to the size and weight of bell tents and commercial shelters, freight options vary depending on your location. Please contact us if your order is time-sensitive.
Many in-stock orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days. During major sales, public holidays or peak camping seasons, dispatch times may be slightly longer. If you have a deadline, simply contact us before ordering and we’ll happily advise current dispatch times.
Yes! One of the reasons bell tents have remained popular for over 150 years is their remarkably simple design. Unlike many modern camping tents with dozens of poles, a traditional bell tent uses just one central pole and an A-frame pole over the doorway.
The basic setup process is straightforward:
With a little practice, most people can pitch a bell tent in around 15–30 minutes, with larger models taking slightly longer. Two people can make the process even quicker, especially with tents 6m and larger.
Many of our customers comment that after their first setup, they find bell tents easier and faster to pitch than many dome or tunnel tents.
For the best performance, we recommend:
The simple design, combined with durable components and replaceable spare parts, makes a quality canvas bell tent an excellent long-term investment for campers, families and glamping businesses alike.
Related FAQs:
Choosing the right bell tent depends on how often you camp, how you plan to use your tent and whether you’re buying for recreational camping or commercial glamping.
At Breathe Bell Tents, we offer three premium ranges to suit different types of campers and businesses.
Perfect for occasional campers and weekend adventures.
The Traveller Series is our entry into premium canvas camping. It’s ideal for couples, families and campers looking to experience the comfort of a quality canvas bell tent without stepping into our heavier-duty ranges.
Best suited for:
If you camp a few times each year and want a premium canvas tent that’s easy to use and offers outstanding value, the Traveller Series is an excellent choice.
Built for regular campers who want premium durability and performance.
The ProTech Series has become one of our most popular ranges and is designed for campers who spend more time outdoors and expect their equipment to perform year after year.
With heavier-duty construction and premium materials, the ProTech is ideal for customers who camp regularly or enjoy longer trips throughout the year.
Best suited for:
If camping is more than an occasional hobby, the ProTech Series offers the perfect balance between premium comfort, durability and value.
Designed for commercial glamping and intensive long-term use.
The Apex Professional Series represents the latest evolution in canvas tent design and has been developed specifically for professional operators who require maximum durability and long-term performance.
Rather than simply being a stronger camping tent, the Apex has been engineered for intensive use in commercial environments, including glamping accommodation, farm stays, eco-retreats, caravan parks, wellness retreats and tourism businesses.
Best suited for:
The Apex incorporates premium technical cotton canvas, commercial-grade construction and features developed through decades of experience designing professional canvas accommodation.
For businesses, the Apex isn’t simply a tent—it’s an investment in accommodation that can generate income for many years.
| Feature | Traveller | ProTech | Apex Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional camping | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Regular camping | ✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Long-term durability | Good | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Family camping | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compatible with tent stove | ✓* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Long-term pitching | Suitable for seasonal use | Very good | Designed for it |
| Commercial glamping | Limited | Suitable for smaller operations | Specifically designed for commercial use |
*When installed correctly using the appropriate stove accessories and following all safety recommendations.
Choose the Traveller Series if you’re looking for a premium canvas tent for occasional camping and family adventures.
Choose the ProTech Series if you’re a regular camper who wants a durable, long-lasting tent that will provide many years of reliable use.
Choose the Apex Professional Series if you’re planning a glamping business, accommodation venture or simply want the most advanced and durable canvas bell tent in our range.
If you’re still unsure, our team is always happy to help you choose the bell tent that’s right for your camping style, budget and future plans.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of a quality canvas bell tent is that it provides a much more comfortable sleeping environment than many lightweight synthetic tents.
While no tent is heated on its own, the breathable cotton canvas naturally helps regulate temperature, making bell tents feel warmer on cool nights and cooler during the day compared to many polyester or nylon tents.
Cotton canvas is a natural fibre that provides better insulation than most synthetic tent fabrics. It helps slow heat loss overnight while allowing excess moisture to escape, reducing condensation inside the tent.
This creates a drier, more comfortable environment, which can make a significant difference on cold mornings.
Absolutely. Bell tents are an excellent choice for winter camping and have become popular with campers who enjoy cooler weather.
With the right sleeping gear and setup, a canvas bell tent can provide a cosy and enjoyable base for camping throughout the colder months.
Yes. Many of our bell tents are compatible with a wood-burning stove when installed correctly using the appropriate accessories, including:
A correctly installed stove can transform your bell tent into a warm, comfortable retreat, making winter camping one of the most enjoyable times of year.
There are several simple ways to improve comfort during cold weather:
Yes. From crisp coastal mornings to alpine camping trips, canvas bell tents perform exceptionally well in Australia’s cooler seasons. Their breathable construction, spacious interior and compatibility with tent stoves make them a favourite among campers who enjoy winter adventures.
Many experienced campers will tell you that winter is one of the best times to enjoy a bell tent. Fewer crowds, cosy evenings around a wood-burning stove and waking to fresh, clear mornings are all part of the experience.
With the right setup, a premium canvas bell tent becomes more than just somewhere to sleep—it becomes a warm and inviting home away from home.
The biggest difference is the camping experience.
While dome tents are designed to be lightweight and compact for short camping trips, bell tents are designed to maximise comfort, space and durability. If you enjoy spending time at your campsite—not just sleeping in it—a canvas bell tent offers a completely different experience.
Bell tents feature a high centre pole and steep walls, creating generous headroom and an open living area where most people can comfortably stand, walk around and relax.
In contrast, dome tents usually have lower ceilings and sloping walls, which can make the usable living space feel much smaller.
One of the biggest advantages of a canvas bell tent is its breathable cotton canvas.
Canvas naturally allows moisture vapour to escape, helping reduce condensation and creating a more comfortable environment in a wide range of weather conditions.
Most dome tents are made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, which don’t breathe as effectively and are more prone to condensation.
Canvas provides natural insulation, helping keep the tent cooler during hot weather and warmer on cool nights.
Bell tents can also be fitted with a compatible wood-burning stove, making them ideal for winter camping and hot tenting when installed correctly with the appropriate stove accessories.
A quality canvas bell tent is built for years of use and can often be repaired and maintained with replacement poles, pegs, guy ropes and other spare parts.
Many lightweight dome tents are designed for occasional recreational use and are often replaced rather than repaired when damaged.
Modern bell tents are surprisingly simple to pitch. Most models use a single centre pole, an A-frame doorway and guy ropes, allowing one or two people to set them up in around 15–30 minutes with a little practice.
Dome tents often use multiple flexible poles, which can make assembly more complex depending on the design.
A bell tent is ideal if you want:
A dome tent may be better suited if you:
If comfort, space and durability are important to you, most campers find that once they’ve experienced a quality canvas bell tent, it’s difficult to go back to a traditional dome tent. The ability to stand up, furnish the interior and enjoy a true home-away-from-home is what makes bell tents such a popular choice for families, couples and glamping enthusiasts alike.
Absolutely—if you’re looking for comfort, durability and a camping experience that’s closer to glamping than traditional camping, a quality bell tent is well worth the investment.
Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents, a premium canvas bell tent is designed to provide years of reliable use while creating a comfortable, spacious and breathable environment that feels more like a room than a tent.
The iconic circular design and high centre pole create an open, airy interior with excellent headroom. You can comfortably stand up, move around, and furnish your tent with beds, rugs, tables and even a wood-burning stove, making it ideal for family camping, glamping or longer stays.
Breathable cotton canvas naturally regulates temperature better than synthetic materials. It helps reduce condensation, stays cooler in summer, provides better insulation in cooler weather and creates a much more comfortable sleeping environment.
A quality canvas bell tent is an investment rather than a disposable purchase. With proper care and maintenance, many canvas tents provide years—often decades—of reliable service.
Individual components such as poles, pegs, guy ropes and groundsheets can often be replaced if needed, helping extend the life of your tent rather than replacing the entire setup.
Bell tents are incredibly versatile and are used for:
Many owners find themselves using their bell tent far more often than they expected because it’s so comfortable and enjoyable to spend time in.
While a premium canvas bell tent costs more upfront than many synthetic tents, its longevity, comfort and repairability often make it the better long-term investment.
Rather than replacing a cheaper tent every few years, many customers enjoy the same quality canvas tent for many seasons, making the cost per trip surprisingly low over its lifetime.
At Breathe Bell Tents, we specialise in premium-quality canvas bell tents that are designed to last. Combined with replacement parts, accessories and ongoing customer support, your tent becomes an investment in years of memorable outdoor adventures—not just your next camping trip.
If you love camping but want more comfort, more space and a tent that’s built for the long haul, most owners would say a bell tent is one of the best camping purchases they’ve ever made.
A quality canvas bell tent is built to provide many years of camping adventures. With proper care and maintenance, it’s not uncommon for a premium canvas tent to last 10–20 years or more, depending on how often it’s used and the conditions it’s exposed to.
At Breathe Bell Tents, we’ve been supplying premium canvas tents since 2014, and we still hear from customers who are enjoying tents they purchased many years ago.
Like any outdoor product, the lifespan of your tent depends on how it’s cared for. The biggest factors include:
Looking after your tent will significantly extend its life and keep it performing at its best.
A few simple habits will help maximise the lifespan of your canvas tent:
Yes. One of the major advantages of a quality canvas tent is that it is repairable and maintainable.
Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents, individual components such as poles, pegs, guy ropes and groundsheets can often be replaced, while the canvas itself can frequently be repaired if damaged. This means your tent can continue providing many years of service rather than needing to be replaced.
While a quality canvas tent is a larger initial investment than many synthetic tents, it often provides far better long-term value.
Instead of purchasing several lower-cost tents over the years, many customers find that one well-maintained canvas tent provides decades of reliable use, making it both a practical and economical choice.
A canvas bell tent isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in years of family camping, glamping weekends, road trips and outdoor memories. With a little care, your tent can accompany you on adventures for many seasons to come.
Yes! We stock a wide range of replacement parts to help keep your bell tent in excellent condition for years to come.
One of the advantages of investing in a quality canvas tent is that individual components can often be replaced if they become lost, damaged or worn, rather than replacing the entire tent.
Depending on your tent model, we can supply a variety of replacement components, including:
If you’re unsure exactly which part you need, we’re happy to help identify the correct replacement for your tent.
In many cases, yes.
We’ve been importing premium canvas tents since 2014, and wherever possible we continue to support older models with replacement parts. Availability may vary depending on the age and model of your tent, but we’ll always do our best to help.
No problem. Whether you’ve misplaced a few pegs, need a complete pole set, or require several replacement components after years of camping, simply contact us with your tent model and we’ll advise what’s available.
Unlike many lower-cost tents that are often considered disposable when parts are lost or damaged, quality canvas tents are designed to be maintained and repaired. Being able to replace individual components helps extend the life of your tent and protects your investment for many years to come.
If you’re unsure which replacement parts are right for your tent, simply get in touch—we’re always happy to help.
Yes! One of the greatest advantages of owning a quality canvas tent is that it is designed to be repaired and maintained, rather than replaced.
Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents that often become disposable when a pole breaks or a component is damaged, premium canvas tents are built to provide many years of camping with the ability to repair or replace individual parts as needed.
Many components can be replaced, including:
If you’re unsure which part you need, simply contact us—we’re happy to help identify the correct replacement.
Small tears, punctures or worn areas can often be repaired using canvas repair methods or by a professional canvas repairer.
If your tent has experienced more significant damage, it’s often still repairable, depending on the extent of the damage. We’re happy to discuss the best course of action and recommend suitable repair options where possible.
Yes. Over time, all canvas tents will benefit from occasional maintenance.
If your tent has seen years of use, you can reproof the canvas using a suitable waterproofing treatment designed specifically for cotton canvas. Regular cleaning, allowing the tent to dry completely before storage, and proper maintenance will also help maximise its lifespan.
With proper care, a quality canvas tent can provide many years—and often decades—of use.
Simple maintenance, replacing worn components and caring for the canvas can significantly extend the life of your tent, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
At Breathe Bell Tents, we believe quality products should be supported long after they’re purchased. That’s why we continue to stock a wide range of replacement parts and accessories, helping our customers enjoy their tents for many adventures to come.
Both canvas and synthetic tents have their place, but if you’re looking for comfort, durability and a more enjoyable camping experience, a quality canvas tent is hard to beat.
Canvas has been trusted by explorers, campers and adventurers for generations, and for good reason.
One of the biggest advantages of cotton canvas is its ability to breathe naturally. Moisture and water vapour can escape through the fabric, helping to reduce condensation inside the tent.
This means you’ll often wake up to a drier, more comfortable interior than you would in many synthetic tents.
Canvas naturally helps regulate temperature.
Unlike many synthetic tents, canvas bell tents can be fitted with a compatible wood-burning stove (when installed correctly with the appropriate safety equipment), making them perfect for winter camping and extended stays.
A well-made canvas tent is built to last.
With proper care and maintenance, a quality canvas tent can provide many years—even decades—of camping adventures. Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents that are often considered disposable when damaged, quality canvas tents are designed to be maintained, repaired and enjoyed for years to come.
Many components, including poles, pegs, groundsheets and other accessories, can be replaced if required, helping extend the life of your investment.
Bell tents offer generous headroom, vertical walls around much of the tent and an open floor plan, making them ideal for:
You’ll spend more time standing comfortably rather than crouching.
There’s something special about staying in a canvas tent.
The natural fabric, soft light, fresh air and spacious interior create an atmosphere that’s difficult to replicate with lightweight synthetic tents. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend away or a longer adventure, canvas camping offers a slower, more comfortable way to experience the outdoors.
Canvas tents are generally heavier and larger than lightweight synthetic hiking tents, so they aren’t designed for backpacking or carrying long distances.
However, if you’re travelling by car, setting up a base camp, creating a glamping site or simply looking for a more comfortable camping experience, a canvas bell tent is an outstanding choice.
At Breathe Bell Tents, we’ve specialised in premium canvas tents since 2014, continually refining our range to suit Australian conditions. Our latest Apex Series represents over a decade of experience and product development, combining timeless design with modern performance.
The right accessories can transform your bell tent from a summer shelter into a warm, comfortable retreat for winter camping. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or enjoying a quiet weekend by the coast, a few carefully chosen additions can make all the difference.
A quality wood-burning stove is one of the best investments for winter camping. It provides warmth, allows you to dry damp clothing, boil water and cook simple meals, making your bell tent a cosy home away from home.
Remember, you’ll also need:
A natural coir rug adds an extra layer of insulation between you and the cold ground while also helping to keep dirt and moisture out of the tent. Many campers find it makes the tent feel warmer, more comfortable and much more inviting.
An inner tent creates a smaller sleeping compartment inside your bell tent, helping to retain warmth overnight while also reducing drafts around your sleeping area. It’s particularly useful for couples and families camping during the colder months.
If you’re camping for extended periods or leaving your tent pitched for several days, a protector provides an additional layer of protection from rain, UV exposure, tree sap and debris.
Our Coolair Protector is particularly well suited to longer-term use and can also help moderate temperatures by providing shade in summer and an extra barrier during cooler weather.
Invest in:
Soft lighting helps create a cosy atmosphere during the longer winter evenings. Battery-powered lanterns, chandeliers designed for bell tents and warm LED lighting can make your campsite feel inviting long after the sun goes down.
Adding an awning creates a sheltered entrance where you can leave muddy boots, wet jackets and firewood, helping keep the inside of your tent clean and dry.
One of the joys of winter camping is slowing down—warming your hands by the stove, reading a book while rain falls outside, sharing meals with family and friends, and waking to crisp, quiet mornings.
With the right accessories, your bell tent becomes far more than just a place to sleep—it becomes a comfortable base for enjoying the outdoors throughout the cooler months.
Related FAQs:
Absolutely! In fact, many experienced campers consider winter to be one of the best times of year to enjoy a canvas bell tent.
Unlike many synthetic tents, bell tents are made from breathable cotton canvas, which helps regulate temperature and significantly reduces condensation. This creates a much more comfortable camping environment during the cooler months.
Canvas has natural insulating properties that help create a comfortable environment in a wide range of conditions. During winter, a bell tent offers:
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of a canvas bell tent is the ability to enjoy hot tenting.
With a compatible tent stove, heat-resistant stove mat, correctly installed stove exit and triple-wall flue protector, many campers comfortably extend their camping season throughout autumn and winter.
Always follow the stove manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate safety equipment.
A few simple additions can make a big difference:
Canvas itself isn’t a heater, but its breathable nature helps create a far more comfortable environment than many synthetic tents by reducing condensation and allowing moisture to escape. Combined with good bedding—and, if desired, a properly installed stove—a canvas bell tent can be an incredibly comfortable place to spend winter.
Winter camping offers crisp mornings, quieter campgrounds, roaring campfires and peaceful evenings under the stars. For many of our customers, it’s their favourite time to get outdoors.
With the right equipment and a little preparation, a canvas bell tent becomes a warm, inviting retreat that lets you enjoy nature all year round.
Protecting the floor beneath your stove is an essential part of setting up a safe and enjoyable hot tenting experience.
Whether you’re camping on the tent’s sewn-in groundsheet, a coir rug or a timber platform, a heat-resistant stove mat should always be used beneath your wood-burning stove.
A heat-resistant stove mat helps to:
While quality tent stoves are designed to direct most heat upwards and through the flue, the area immediately beneath and around the stove can still become very hot during use.
A stove mat is one important part of a safe hot tent setup, but it should always be used alongside:
No. We do not recommend placing a wood-burning stove directly onto your tent’s groundsheet, as prolonged heat or accidental embers may damage the fabric.
Always position the stove on a suitable heat-resistant stove mat designed for hot tent use.
Many customers enjoy the warmth and comfort of a natural coir rug inside their bell tent. If you’re using both a coir rug and a stove, simply place the heat-resistant stove mat on top of the rug beneath the stove. This protects both the rug and the tent floor while allowing you to enjoy the added insulation and comfort that coir provides.
When installed correctly, a quality tent stove transforms a bell tent into a cosy retreat, making camping comfortable throughout the cooler months. Investing in the correct accessories helps protect your tent and ensures you can enjoy many winters of safe hot tenting.
Yes—but only if it is installed correctly and used with the appropriate safety equipment.
One of the great advantages of a canvas bell tent is the ability to enjoy hot tenting, allowing you to stay warm and comfortable while camping during the cooler months. Many of our customers use a wood-burning stove to extend their camping season well into autumn and winter.
If you’re installing a wood-burning stove in your bell tent, you’ll need:
These accessories help protect the tent and ensure the stove is installed safely.
If your tent doesn’t already have a stove exit, we recommend fitting a purpose-designed stove exit kit. It should be installed carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the canvas remains properly protected from heat.
When installed and operated correctly, a quality tent stove can provide safe, reliable warmth. However, as with any solid-fuel appliance, you should always:
Unlike many synthetic tents, breathable cotton canvas performs exceptionally well in cooler weather. Combined with a properly installed tent stove, a bell tent creates a warm, dry and comfortable space, making winter camping an enjoyable experience rather than something to endure.
Many campers find that once they’ve experienced hot tenting, they look forward to winter camping just as much as summer adventures.
Absolutely! If you’re unsure which stove or accessories are compatible with your bell tent, we’re happy to help you choose the right setup for safe and enjoyable hot tenting.
When choosing a bell tent, it’s important to allow space not only for the tent itself but also for the guy ropes that secure it.
As a general guide, you’ll need approximately 1–1.5 metres of clear space around the entire tent for pegging and tensioning the guy ropes.
For example:
| Bell Tent Size | Approximate Space Required |
|---|---|
| 3m Bell Tent | Around 5–6m diameter |
| 4m Bell Tent | Around 6–7m diameter |
| 4.5m Bell Tent | Around 6.5–7.5m diameter |
| 5m Bell Tent | Around 7–8m diameter |
| 6m Bell Tent | Around 8–9m diameter |
These measurements are a guide and may vary slightly depending on the terrain and how the tent is pitched.
Short Guy Poles can be used to reduce the footprint:
This innovative design reduces the overall footprint compared to many traditional bell tents, making them ideal for:
No. The guy ropes are an essential part of the tent’s structure and must always be used to correctly tension and support the canvas. Properly tensioned guy ropes help the tent withstand wind, shed rain effectively and maintain its shape.
If your campsite or backyard is restricted, consider choosing a smaller bell tent or one of our models fitted with short guy poles to minimise the pitching area required. If you’re unsure which size is best for your space, we’re always happy to help you choose the right tent.
The short guy poles are one of the clever design features found on many of our Breathe Bell Tents and CanvasCamp bell tents.
Rather than running every guy rope directly to the ground, the short poles lift selected guy ropes away from the tent wall before they are pegged out. This creates several important benefits.
The biggest advantage is that the guy ropes can be pegged much closer to the tent, significantly reducing the overall space required to pitch your bell tent.
This makes a noticeable difference when:
By lifting the guy ropes off the ground, there’s less risk of walking into them, making it easier to move around the outside of the tent and reducing trip hazards.
The elevated guy ropes help distribute tension more evenly across the canvas, assisting the tent in maintaining its shape while allowing the walls to remain taut.
For the best performance, we recommend using the short guy poles whenever possible. They are designed to work as part of the tent’s pitching system and help achieve the correct tension while keeping the overall footprint as compact as possible.
Traditional canvas tents often require a large area around the tent for the guy ropes. The short guy pole system is one of the features that makes modern Breathe Bell Tents and CanvasCamp bell tents much more practical, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of a spacious canvas tent without needing an excessively large campsite.
Our coir rugs are intentionally manufactured and sold as semi-circular pieces.
There are several reasons for this:
If you’re looking to cover the entire floor of your bell tent or GeoDome, you’ll need to purchase two semi-circular rugs.
If you’re unsure how many you’ll need for your intended setup, we’re always happy to help before you order.
Yes! As the Australian distributor for CanvasCamp, we supply genuine spare parts for CanvasCamp Sibley Bell Tents.
We can provide replacement:
If you’re unsure exactly which parts you need, simply contact us with:
We’ll help identify the correct replacement parts before you order.
Many quality bell tents are designed to be repairable and maintainable. Rather than replacing an entire tent when a component is lost or damaged, individual parts can be replaced, helping extend the life of your tent for many years.
Browse available spare parts:
If you can’t find the part you need online, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Our single pole 5m & 6m bell tents are designed to be robust and withstand various weather conditions. Their conical shape allows wind to circulate around the tent, reducing the likelihood of wind damage. However, extreme weather can pose challenges.
We recommend not using our single pole bell tents in conditions with wind gusts exceeding 40 km/h. In such weather, the central pole may be at risk if the tent is not properly secured. To ensure stability:
The short answer is yes. The most common options are:
Most users simply place a portable air conditioner outside the tent and duct the cool air inside through a door opening, window vent, or specially designed duct port.
For Australian summer conditions, a refrigerated portable air conditioner generally provides the best cooling performance.
Evaporative coolers can work well in dry inland areas but are less effective in humid coastal environments.
One of the advantages of a canvas bell tent is that canvas naturally breathes, reducing the greenhouse effect often experienced in nylon tents.
You can further improve comfort by:
Many customers find that these measures alone significantly reduce internal temperatures.
For longer-term setups, the Coolair Protector is one of the most effective upgrades available.
Made from a shade-sail style fabric, it:
This is why many glamping operators choose a Coolair Protector even when air conditioning is installed.
Larger tents naturally require larger air conditioning units.
As a rough guide:
| Tent Size | Recommended Cooling |
|---|---|
| 3m–4m Bell Tent | Small portable AC |
| 5m Bell Tent | Medium portable AC |
| 6m Bell Tent | Higher-capacity portable AC |
| Emperor Twin Bell Tent | Commercial or dual-unit setup |
The main consideration is power availability.
A portable air conditioner typically requires:
For glamping sites with permanent power, this is usually straightforward.
Not always.
Many bell tent owners find that:
provide sufficient comfort for most Australian conditions.
However, for commercial glamping, weddings, events, or summer camping in particularly hot regions, air conditioning can be a worthwhile addition and is commonly used throughout the industry.
You may also like:
Our single pole 5m & 6m bell tents are designed to be robust and withstand various weather conditions. Their conical shape allows wind to circulate around the tent, reducing the likelihood of wind damage. However, extreme weather can pose challenges.
We recommend not using our single pole bell tents in conditions with wind gusts exceeding 40 km/h. In such weather, the central pole may be at risk if the tent is not properly secured. To ensure stability:
Yes. We want you to be completely happy with your purchase from Breathe Bell Tents.
If you’ve changed your mind or your purchase isn’t quite what you expected, please contact our team as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to understand the situation and explain the available return options in accordance with our Returns Policy and your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Unused products that are in their original condition and original packaging may be eligible for return, subject to our Returns Policy. Please contact us before sending anything back so we can provide return instructions and confirm eligibility.
Once a tent or accessory has been pitched, used, damaged or is no longer in its original saleable condition, it may not be eligible for a change-of-mind return.
If you believe your product has a manufacturing fault or has arrived damaged, please contact us as soon as possible with photographs and a description of the issue so we can assess it promptly.
If your product has a genuine manufacturing defect, or doesn’t meet the consumer guarantees provided under Australian Consumer Law, we’ll work with you to provide an appropriate remedy. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a repair, replacement or refund.
Simply contact our customer service team before returning your item. We’ll guide you through the process, explain any applicable conditions and provide the return instructions.
Our goal is always to resolve any issues quickly and fairly, so you can get back to enjoying your camping adventures with confidence.
For complete details, please refer to our Returns Policy and Warranty information on our website.
• In new and unused condition
• Complete with all original parts, packaging, and instructions.
• Free of dirt, damage, and wear from use, storage, or transport
• Packed the same way you received it. (Pegs, stakes, parts, poles, doors, and ropes in their bags. Tents rolled, tied, and packed. Stoves disassembled and secured)
• Incomplete or missing parts
• Damaged in anyway
• Dirty
• Lost in return transit
• Returns initiated 30 days or more after delivery
• Returns without prior authorization
If you’re looking for a longer lasting, more durable protector the CoolAir protector is definitely the one to go for. It’s made from a lovely quality shade sail material which will protect the tent from the elements, shade the canvas, keeping the tent approximately 2 degrees cooler overall: we carried out experiements last summer with two bell tents set up over summer with one with the CoolAir protector, the other with nothing, the temperature was taken inside the tent at various times of day and on the whole the one with the protector was two degrees cooler.
It will also protect the tent from the rain and wil ensure the canvas lasts longer overall.
Recently the two tents were taken down and the canvas of the tent with the protector was much stronger and less weather damaged overall.
The rain cover regular protector is better suited to casual campers, as it packs down smaller and is great for use when pitching beneath trees and wanting to protect the bell tent from bird poo, lef debris and sap when pitched beneath trees or to add an extra layer of protection against rain.
A chimney can be installed into any of our bell tents using an Exit Flu:
https://www.belltent.com.au/product/bell-tent-exit-flu-45-degrees/
There are many videos on youtube showing how this is done, such as the below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP7PTU92KFQ
These can be installed into any bell tent.
The bell tents arrive with everything needed to pitch them, the heavy duty groundsheet zipped to the canvas, the pegs, poles ang guy ropes.
The additional groundsheets and protectors are all additional extras which some people like to further protect the tent, if camping beneath trees from leaf debris or the additional groundsheet for a quicker packaway.
Or they are items that replacement items.
The bell tents arrive good to go, ideally if you are able to pitch them and give them a good soaking with a hose to really soak the canvas, allowing the fibres of the canvas to expand and the seams to become completely sealed and the waterproofing agent soaks into the canvas.
With time the waterproofing agent will need to be re-applied and there are many products available on the market.
Breathe Bell Tents Australia provide one year warranty against manufacturer defects in the canvas. This warranty cannot be extended to the poles or zips as these are often misused. The Breathe Bell Tents warranty is applicable only to our Australian customers and is not transferable.
The warranty does not cover professional and long term use. If a professional user buys a tent and reports a manufacturing problem within the first month we will consider it under the warranty. However after 28 days use it becomes a permanent structure and it is therefore not being used for the purpose it was sold for (i.e. a tent for camping).
If a private individual buys and then erects one of our tents semi-permenantly we will cover manufacturing defects for the length of the warranty but this does not cover mould, mildew or UV deterioration as we have no control over the conditions the tent is left up in.
Your consumer legal rights may still apply after the warranty expires.
All our bell tents include a heavy duty PVC groundsheet that is zipped to the canvas upper. The additional groundsheets available via the accessories page on our website are simply to help keep the groundsheet of the bell tent cleaner and make for a quicker packaway, where the additional groundsheet can be dealt with and cleaned separately. It is most certainly not essential.
This certainly is possible, the use of shot bags to weigh down the groundsheet first while poles are installed and then pulled out and placed at the end of the guy ropes, see photograohs attached.
These can be covered with styling etc or left bare if in a more industrial setting.
I’ve also seen this done with concrete weights etc.
Most of our items are processed and shipped next business day from Orchard Hills, NSW with Startrack Express usually 2-10 days Australia wide.
If we sell out of an item we will ship direct from our suppliers stock either here in Sydney or direct from Europe with UPS which is usually 4-10 days Australia wide.
Please note all imports and shipments have been affected this past year and couriers are experiencing more delays than usual.
On receiving your bell tent we do recommend ‘seasoning’the tent, which involves pitching the tent and hosing it down, thoroughly soaking the seams and allowing the fibres of the canvas to expand and the waterproofing agent to soak into the canvas making the bell tent completely waterproof.
With time the waterproofing agent will wash away and will need to be reapplied. There are many waterproofing agents on the market.
When heavy snow builds up faster than it can melt, an extendable car scraper with a soft brush is a great tool to brush snow off the canvas on the exterior, or from inside the tent, gently beat the canvas, so the snow falls off the tent.
In order to reduce light snow build-up in winter conditions, Breathe Bell Tents recommends a tent stove which heats the tent and causes fresh snow to melt and run off the canvas. While a tent stove helps reduce snow build-up, it’s not possible to run a tent stove all the time. Also, snow can pile up faster than the tent stove can melt it off.
The Sibley Bell Tent or Tipi with its steep canopy angle and conical shape will collect less snow build-up than a wall tent and is a better option for heavy snow conditions. We’ve taken our Sibley tents into deep snow and find that using a custom 9cm (3-4in) wooden dowel or pole made of hardwood or bamboo increases the vertical load bearing capacity of the center pole; giving you additional support and flexibility in regards to snow build-up removal.
Make sure the guy lines remain tensioned and the tent is pitched properly on a flat surface is essential to the structural integrity of any tent.
What is a safe snow load on canvas tents?
Keeping snow off your tent is critical when winter camping. The canvas tent pole system can withstand a lot of force from wind and rain, but not the weight of a smart car! A large surface area means a larger possible snow load, which increases the possibility for tent collapse.
No two snowflakes are the same. The same with snow load. Wet snow can be three times heavier than the same volume of dry snow. Thus, a canvas of 45m² ( 50yd²) with just 5cm (2in) of average snow weighing 97kg/m² (20lbs/ft²), would add 680kg (1,500lbs) of weight to a tent.
When heavy snow builds up faster than it can melt, an extendable car scraper with a soft brush is a great tool to brush snow off the canvas on the exterior, or from inside the tent, gently beat the canvas, so the snow falls off the tent.
In order to reduce light snow build-up in winter conditions, Breathe Bell Tents recommends a tent stove which heats the tent and causes fresh snow to melt and run off the canvas. While a tent stove helps reduce snow build-up, it’s not possible to run a tent stove all the time. Also, snow can pile up faster than the tent stove can melt it off.
The Bell Tent or Tipi with its steep canopy angle and conical shape will collect less snow build-up than a wall tent and is a better option for heavy snow conditions. We’ve taken our Sibley tents into deep snow and find that using a custom 9cm (3-4in) wooden dowel or pole made of hardwood or bamboo increases the vertical load bearing capacity of the center pole; giving you additional support and flexibility in regards to snow build-up removal.
Make sure the guy lines remain tensioned and the tent is pitched properly on a flat surface is essential to the structural integrity of any tent.
The life expectancy of a bell tent really depends on how much it is used, what climate it is used in, how well the tent is maintained (cleaned, re-waterproofed as required, packed away bone dry). Many of the Glamping companies we supply if pitching in a semi permanent situation will factor annual replacements into their business plan to ensure the tents remain crisp and clean. They can often on-sell the used tents to avoid them going into landfill.
Used for events a few weeks each month and pitched just one or two days at a time your tent will last much longer. Just be sure to always pitch the tent well, pack away dry and clean as required.
If your tent does tear we have a product called Tear Aid: https://www.belltent.com.au/product/tear-aid-immediate-repair-of-tears-and-holes/ for small tears or https://www.belltent.com.au/product/tear-aid-all-purpose-repair-roll-type-a/ for larger tears and similarly if you manage to get a hole in the groundsheet we have: https://www.belltent.com.au/product/tear-aid-b-bell-tent-repair-for-tears-and-holes/
If your tent is dirty or gets very mouldy, Vacuwash are in North Sydney and will clean your tent completely, making it good as new:
And if you have a particularly large tear then sailmakers and shade sailmakers can generally help.
The zips on our tents are sturdy SBS zips.
We’ve only had a couple that have broken (that have been reported back to us in any case), if there is an issue with a zip upon receiving your tent, please let us know immediately as we can cover this under warranty. Further down the line, we do not cover the zips under warranty as they can break if mistreated, if the tent is pitched too tightly and/or the zips are forced.
It is sensible to zip the tent door when pegging out the groundsheet as this can help with ensuring the door is not pulled to tight and which causes pressure on the zips.
The 6m Protech double door has a 28m square footprint and two doors with a frames, one at front and one at back, so plenty of standing space from front to back.
The 6m twin has a smaller footprint as it is 6m wide by 4m deep which makes it approximately 20m square, but it has more usable space in some ways…
Here is a link to a blog post showing photographs of the 6m twin bell tent interior:
https://www.belltent.com.au/dream-sea-surf-portugal-and-the-6m-emperor-twin-bell-tent/
The 6m Protech can be pitched by one person alone, whereas the 6m Twin bell tent needs to be pitched by two people.
Both are very popular as a chill out for parties, I’d say go for the one you prefer the aesthetic and feel of… some people prefer the glamour of the Emperor Twin, others prefer the more traditional bell tent design of the 6m double door…
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions!
More and more people are using our bell tents as semi-permanent structures, pitched for much of the year or all year round. With varying degrees of success.
Our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, pitched for a week here, a weekend there, a road trip… and used in this way, and well maintained, cleaned regularly, packed away dry, your bell tent should last many years.
Pitched as a permanent structure in the varied and often harsh climate in Australia it is hard to predict how the tents will fare.
We have customers who have their tents pitched year round and replace the canvas uppers annually in order to keep the tents fresh and new.
Used in this way our Glamping customers will usually have a maintenance and cleaning plan in place.
Others have pitched their tents, left them up without any cleaning or maintenance plans in place and then are surprised when mould and mildew starts to form.
It is important to keep expectations in place. These are tents made from natural cotton canvas. Designed for camping. But also stunning, and appealing to many as entry level Glamping tents.
Consider the climate in which the tent will be pitched.
Humidity, damp and cold can lead to mould and mildew.
Dry heat is ideal. But the strength of the UV also needs to be considered. Harsh UV rays can also disintegrate the canvas, leading to tears, the area at the top of the tent, from which the whole bell tent hangs can be weakened.
We encourage you to take good care of your tent. Pitch it for when it is in use and pack it away, clean and dry when it is not in use.
If you have a wooden platform on which to pitch your tent, then great, this will keep the area clean and well ventilated for when your tent is pitched.
If you are pitching your bell tents as a commercial venture, factor into your business plan that they will need to be replaced. In some cases annually.
Come the end of the year you can consider on-selling the tents or donating to non profit organisations who may have a use for them.
The idea of putting a bell tent onto a platform is a clever one as this increases air circulation and ventilation.
In colder climates insulation can also be placed beneath the wooden platform.
It can also be a practical solution making pitching your bell tent and packing it away a cinch without the concern of dead grass having to be cleaned from your groundsheet.
We have a blog post featuring many images of different wooden platform designs here.
The difference between the ultimate and the Protech lies in the weight of the canvas and the groundsheet.
The ultimate has a 320gsm canvas and 540gsm groundsheet and the Pro and Protech bell tents have a 360gsm canvas and 650gsm groundsheet making them a heavier duty model.
All our tents have mesh in the windows, vents and doors and the Protech has the additional mesh wall which allows the canvas sides to be rolled up during the heat of the day or on a hot summers night.
More and more people are using their bell tents on a semi-permanent basis and bell tents are a fantastic entry level safari tent.
It is, however, worth bearing in mind our tents were originally designed for casual camping, used a week here and there and packed away clean and dry between uses.
As more and more people are using their tents on a semi permanent basis, we designed the Pro and Protech ranges of bell tents, made from a heavier duty 360gsm canvas and heavier duty 650gsm groundsheet, the pegs, poles and guy ropes are all more heavy duty making these tents more durable overall.
This said, if you choose to use your tent in a semi permanent situation, ensure the tent is well maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. There are many gentle cleaning products on the market. The tent will also need to be-waterproofed as required, using a good quality water-proofing agent, such as Bradproof. This also has an anti-mould agent within it.
Our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, this can be extended to longer camping trips, but we do not recommend living in your bell tent for a long period of time.
If you choose to live in your bell tent, keep your expectations in check, knowing that these are tents made from canvas, which although durable, will get mouldy and will develop mildew if left damp.
If you’re using your bell tent for long periods of time, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the tent is kept clean, re-waterproofed as required, that anti-mould agents are applied regularly and as required.
Any mould spores must cleaned off immediately and agents are used to kill the mould such as vinegar or clove oil or heavier duty agents available in many camping stores or hardware stores.
Our bell tents arrive to you with a waterproofing agent and anti mould agent upon them.
Ideally, on receiving your tent it should be ‘seasoned’ by pitching the tent and hosing it down thoroughly, ensuring the seams are thoroughly soaked. This allows the fibres of the canvas to expand, sealing any small gaps in the stitching and also this allows the waterproofing agent to soak thoroughly into the canvas.
One of the most common problems to occur in canvas is mildew.
It is most commonly formed when exposed to certain conditions of humidity. Even if the canvas is mildew resistant, mildew will form if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. It most commonly forms when tents are stored damp.
If mildew does appear, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent (preferably in the hot sun) and applying a cleaner, followed by the re-waterproofing of any areas cleaned.
When dealing with mould, use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water to remove as much as possible and to stop the mould from spreading. Only use specialized canvas tent cleaning products for this purpose. Other domestic, chemical products can be too harsh and cause the canvas structure to breakdown and leak.
WHEN DO I NEED TO RE-WATERPROOF MY TENT?
Solar radiation affects the water proofing of your tent. After 4 to 24 weeks of use the fabric will be less waterproof (and this is a vast range of time as there are so many variables, the climate, the weather conditions, the strength of the UV which can eat into the canvas, the amount of rain which can wash off the waterproofing agent, the salt in the air in coastal conditions and thedamp in humidity of more tropical or colder and wetter climates).
This can be resolved with a waterproofing agent such as Bradproof.
HOW TO CLEAN AND RE-WATERPROOF YOUR TENT
The canvas has been re-waterproofed with an anti-mould agent and when using the tent often or in a harsh environment this process should be repeated on a regular basis, for solar radiation affect the water proofing of your tent.
Applying a new coating with care demands time and effort, but extends the life span of your tent considerably. Before EU rules and regulations were applied, chemical products were used to impregnate tents. Although these products lasted longer, they were harmful to the environment. The products we use are 100% biodegradable and can be applied by you without protective clothing.
The easiest way to re-waterproof is:
If the cotton has been affected by mould, mildew or weather conditions, do as follows:
Mould
Before 1995, potentially harmful chemical products were often used to render cotton tents waterproof for life. However, the European legislation banned these products, no longer enabling tent manufacturers to render the canvas of their tents completely water & mould proof. Although our tents have been treated to be waterproof as well as mould resistant, they need to be reproofed in due time to ensure they stay that way.
Mildew has an extremely adverse effect on cotton canvas. It breaks the fibers and creates black stains that are very hard to remove. Additionally, it spreads quite rapidly once the first stains have appeared. It is therefore of vital importance that you protect your tent against fungi in any circumstance.
General tips to avoid mildew on a cotton canvas tent:
Mildew is caused by moisture. It is therefore sure to form on the canvas of your tent if you store the tent wet. Moreover, mould stains often appear on canvas tents if they are no longer waterproof, for they then lack of an important protective layer which would otherwise keep off moisture and mould. To avoid mould and mildew, wipe down the interior and exterior of the tent with clean water before you leave it to dry and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Also, reproof the tent in time to ensure it stays mould resistant and waterproof. For more tips & tricks, check out the list below:
If your tent is no longer waterproof and/or if black stains have formed on the canvas, you need to dry the tent completely and treat it with specialized products.
Set the tent up outdoors or in your garage and open the doors and windows to ensure that it is being well ventilated. If possible, pitch the tent in the sun, for sunlight may help you in your fight against mould and mildew. Avoid pitching the tent in your living room, as mildew can trigger allergic reactions. Do not apply laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, or neat bleach to the canvas, as they will damage the canvas treatments. Dirt or mud can be dry-brushed off with a very soft brush.
The washing and reproofing process is simple and similar to hand-washing your car:
All orders are processed here in Australia, so no international credit card fees!
All prices on our website are inclusive GST and we are able to provide you with an invoice with our company details etc for your tax purposes.
Our bell tents are manufactured in China and we share a factory with CanvasCamp. We have been importing from the same factory since February 2014. Frederik from CanvasCamp has been working with the same factory since 2006 and has stringent quality control.
Prior to collaborating with CanvasCamp we went through a number of different factories and suppliers and found there was always something wrong with the bell tents: the waterproofing agent was too plasticky, the groundsheets too rigid, the zips were faulty or the canvas didn’t meet our expectations.
Since importing our bell tents from this factory in China we very rarely have any issue with our bell tents. Maybe one or two a year are faulty on receiving them. If this is the case, we will always replace the tent immediately.
All prices on our website are inclusive delivery and GST.
We send our bell tents and other large items with Startrack couriers who will not deliver to a PO box address. We have, on occasion, delivered ‘Poste Restante’ to a post office address and this works well, particularly if you are known at your local post office.
Usually, with full delivery address, if you’re very remote your local Startrack depot will contact you, prior to delivery, to arrange a time to deliver or, on occasion, to collect from their depot.
If Startrack attempts delivery and no one is home, they will usually leave a card asking you to contact them rearrange delivery.
Our bell tents have been tested extensively, for instance at the Burning Man festival. This Nevada desert-based festival is well known for its wind gusts and dust storms. The strong winds and dust storms did not affect our bell tents at all, while regular igloo tents literally flew away. Bell tents are thus not only durably built, but also extremely aerodynamic. If you leave your tent standing outside in very windy conditions without taking care for it, adjusting the guy ropes or properly pegging down your tent, the central pole may break. We advise you not to use our bell tents in harsh weather conditions with wind gusts over 40km/h. We can also vouch for the fact that we have been in some huge storms in our bell tents and the conical shape means they stay up to the wind amazingly well, the wind circulates around the tent and there are no flat surfaces to catch the wind.
Bell tents are intended for regular camping and leisure use.
Although many people are using bell tents for temporary glamping accomodation, bell tents have not been designed to be a permanent shelter. They are primarily a temporary structure.
Bell tents are classed as a Touring Tent (type T) in accordance with ISO 5912. The average touring tent user will use their tent for up to two week long bursts, up to three times a year. They will pack and store their tent away dry in-between uses.
We are aware that many bell tents customers do choose to use their bell tent for long periods at a time, and in some instances as a permanent shelter (some with far more success than others).
Specifically, our bell tents are designed for use in temperate climates during spring and summer. Using bell tents outside of this scope will likely affect their longevity.
If using your bell tent for extended periods of time we do recommend re-waterproofing your bell tent every 4-24 weeks depending on the climate or as required.
Always keep an eye out for mould spores and check that water falling onto the canvas is beading and rolling off.
Our products come with a one year manufacturing defects warranty. Usually if there is a manufacturing defect this is noticeable immediately on opening the item or at least the first time the item is used.
Our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, this can be extended to longer camping trips but we do not recommend living in your bell tent for long periods of time, or at least if you do so keep your expectations in check, knowing that these are tents made from canvas, which although durable, will get mouldy if left damp/if not drying out properly etc.
Additionally, if you’re using your bell tent for long periods of time, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the tent is kept clean, that waterproofing and anti-mould agents are re-applied regularly and as required. That any mould spores are cleaned off immediately and agents are used to kill the mould such as vinegar or clove oil or heavier duty agents available in many camping stores or hardware stores.
Should there be an issue with your item we will send out a replacement tent immediately and have the faulty item collected by courier.
We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, using the best materials available.
If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, or change your mind, please contact us within 3 working days of receiving your parcel & we will do our best to resolve the matter quickly.
Please refer to our Returns Policy for further info. Looking after our customers is our #1 priority.
We are always interested in discussing creative projects & collaborations. Just drop us a line and let us know what you had in mind. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
We do not offer wholesale prices.
We ship to every and any destination across the globe! Our items are shipped via UPS and should reach you within 3-7 days of ordering. Please contact us for a shipping quotation. Please note: Freight costs, import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the responsibility of the buyer & will not be paid for in part or full by Breathe Bell Tents, unless expressly agreed upon before the time of purchase.
All of our items are listed and sold in Australian AUD dollars.
Please contact us by email and we would love to discuss your ideas and requirements.
Breathe Bell Tents have three vents at the peak of the tent. These are lined with a mosquito mesh. The vents must be kept clear at all times. Never block the vents, doing so will compromise the tents performance and the occupant’s safety.
For printable detailed descriptions on how to set up and pack away your bell tent see the PDF on our specifications page. You will also be provided with printed instructions with your bell tent.
There is a legible notice permanently attached inside your tent, to the left of the entrance as you enter the tent. Do not remove it. These Fire Precautions should be noted and followed each time you use your tent. Never block the exit of your tent on the inside or the outside of the tent. In the event of an emergency the exit will need to be clear of obstacles to allow the occupants to vacate the tent as quickly as possible. It is advisable to include a small hand held fire extinguisher as part of your camping kit. The Breathe Bell Tent does not have a designated cooking area. Cooking equipment should be used outside the tent. Please carefully follow the instructions that came with your cooking equipment. Never use gas cooking equipment inside your tent.
Always store the tent when it is absolutely 100% dry. Never store the tent if the canvas flysheet or the groundsheet is damp or wet. Both the groundsheet and the canvas must be completely dry before storing. If you are forced to pack your bell tent away when it is damp or wet then it must be set up again within 24 hours. Store in a dry place. Extremes of temperature will harm the structure of the canvas. Ideally store at room temperature. Do not store anything on top of the tent as this can distort the canvas or damage components. The tent should be taken out of storage at least once a year allowing it to recover from its compacted and stored state. Rodents and insects can cause damage to stored tents.
The lifespan of your Breathe Bell Tent is very much dependent upon the camping conditions and the way in which you care for and maintain your tent. Air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, natural dirt and domestic dirt all limit the lifespan of your cotton canvas tent, as will the level of care and maintenance that you choose to apply. In our experience bell tents have lasted generations: the bell tent we had as children was only very recently replaced almost thirty years later!
A quality canvas bell tent is an investment that’s designed to provide many years of camping and glamping adventures. Like any premium outdoor equipment, it performs best when it is properly cared for and maintained.
As the owner of the tent, there are a few simple responsibilities that will help maximise its lifespan and ensure it continues to perform as intended.
Canvas is a natural, breathable material that will reward good care with exceptional longevity. Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents that are often considered disposable, quality canvas tents are designed to be maintained, repaired and enjoyed for many years.
Many components—including poles, pegs, guy ropes, groundsheets and other spare parts—can be replaced if required, making your bell tent a long-term investment rather than a short-term purchase.
With routine care and sensible use, your Breathe Bell Tent can provide countless memorable camping trips for many years to come.
One of the most common problems to occur in canvas is mildew.
It is most commonly formed when exposed to certain conditions of humidity. Even if the canvas is mildew resistant, mildew will form if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. It most commonly forms when tents are stored damp.
If mildew does appear, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent (preferably in the hot sun) and applying a cleaner, followed by the re-waterproofing of any areas cleaned.
When dealing with mould, use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water to remove as much as possible and to stop the mould from spreading. Only use specialized canvas tent cleaning products for this purpose. Other domestic, chemical products can be too harsh and cause the canvas structure to breakdown and leak.
WHEN DO I NEED TO RE-IMPREGNATE MY TENT?
Solar radiation affects the waterproofness of your tent. After 12 to 25 weeks of use the fabric will be less waterproof. This can easily be resolved with an impregnation agent.
HOW TO CLEAN AND RE-WATERPROOF YOUR TENT
The canvas has been impregnated with anti-fungi but when using the tent often or in a harsh environment this process should be repeated on a regular basis, for solar radiation affects the waterproofness of your tent. Applying a new coating with care demands time and effort, but extends the life span of your tent considerably. Before EU rules and regulations were applied, chemical products were used to impregnate tents. Although these products lasted longer, they were harmful to the environment. The products we use are 100% biodegradable and can be applied by you without protective clothing.
The easiest way to re-waterproof is:
If the cotton has been affected by mould, mildew or weather conditions, do as follows:
Use Anchor Extra or Ultramar Protector to protect the cotton against fungi, algae, filthy water, etc. A perfect impregnating agent to make cotton tents waterproof is ANCHOR EXTRA®. It is an environment-friendly product, non-toxic and biologically degradable. Tent rental places and army tents have used it with excellent result since 1943. The product is water based, without solvents or hydrocarbons. The usage varies between approximately 8 m² and 12 m² a liter. It is possible for a gray shine to appear on dark-coloured cotton after treatment; after a few downpours, but this will disappear. Some companies industrially impregnate cotton in case you don’t want to do it yourself. The cotton is first cleaned and then impregnated under high pressure. This, however, is quite expensive.
Mould
Before 1995, potentially harmful chemical products were often used to render cotton tents waterproof for life. However, the European legislation banned these products, no longer enabling tent manufacturers to render the canvas of their tents completely water & mould proof. Although our tents have been treated to be waterproof as well as mould resistant, they need to be reproofed in due time to ensure they stay that way.
Mildew has an extremely adverse effect on cotton canvas. It breaks the fibers and creates black stains that are very hard to remove. Additionally, it spreads quite rapidly once the first stains have appeared. It is therefore of vital importance that you protect your tent against fungi in any circumstance.
General tips to avoid mildew on a cotton canvas tent:
Mildew is caused by moisture. It is therefore sure to form on the canvas of your tent if you store the tent wet. Moreover, mould stains often appear on canvas tents if they are no longer waterproof, for they then lack of an important protective layer which would otherwise keep off moisture and mould. To avoid mould and mildew, wipe down the interior and exterior of the tent with clean water before you leave it to dry and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Also, reproof the tent in time to ensure it stays mould resistant and waterproof. For more tips & tricks, check out the list below:
If your tent is no longer waterproof and/or if black stains have formed on the canvas, you need to dry the tent completely and treat it with specialized products such as Ultramar Shampoo and Ultramar Protector. Set the tent up outdoors or in your garage and open the doors and windows to ensure that it is being well ventilated. If possible, pitch the tent in the sun, for sunlight may help you in your fight against mould and mildew. Avoid pitching the tent in your living room, as mildew can trigger allergic reactions. Do not apply laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, or neat bleach to the canvas, as they will damage the canvas treatments. Dirt or mud can be dry-brushed off with a very soft brush.
The washing and reproofing process is simple and similar to hand-washing your car:
Our bell tents were originally and still are, designed and intended for casual use, for Glamping occasions where the tents are set up and packed away and cleaned regularly.
More and more people are using our bell tents for longer periods of time and for this purpose we recommend the use of our Pro and Protech bell tents have been designed for use over longer periods of time.
If using for extended periods of time the manufacturing defects warranty still stands, but any defects in the canvas will not be covered as the durability comes down to care and maintenance, position of bell tent and climate.
The warranty is not valid when you live inside your tent or when you use it for commercial applications, although we will try to prevent and correct any problems that may arise under those circumstances.
Our Pro and Protech bell tents are produced using a heavier-duty canvas (360gsm), a mesh door, heavy-duty guy ropes and pegs and have been treated thoroughly against mould. Consequently, these tents are a heavier duty, more durable bell tent.
Our Pro and Protech Tents are equipped with a heavy duty 650 gsm groundsheet that is attached to the tent by means of a heavy duty zipper.
This said, our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, this can be extended to longer camping trips but we do not recommend living in your bell tent for long periods of time, or at least if you do so keep your expectations in check, knowing that these are tents made from canvas, which although durable, will get mouldy if left damp/if not drying out properly etc.
Additionally, if you’re using your bell tent for long periods of time, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the tent is kept clean, that waterproofing and anti-mould agents are re-applied regularly and as required. That any mould spores are cleaned off immediately and agents are used to kill the mould such as vinegar or clove oil or heavier duty agents available in many camping stores or hardware stores.
The components used on Breathe Bell Tents have been selected for their durability and ease of maintenance. Small rips in the canvas can be stitched using a common needle and thread. Larger rips and tears will need to be patched. If applying a patch, use a diamond shape with the peak of the diamond at the top, allowing rain run off.
Any holes left by the needle will fill with the expanding fibres of the canvas when it becomes wet. Any damage to the groundsheet should be fixed with circular using a patch of the same (or similar) material and a good, strong contact adhesive and should be applied to both sides of the ground sheet.
Breathe Bell Tents have not been designed to be used in snowy conditions. Should your tent be used in the snow ensure that the snow is removed from the tent before too much sagging occurs.
Seasoning your bell tent is a simple one-time process that prepares the canvas for years of reliable performance. It allows the natural cotton fibres to swell and seal the tiny needle holes created during manufacturing, improving the tent’s water resistance.
While many people refer to this process as seasoning, you may also hear it called weathering. Both terms mean the same thing.
Set up your bell tent on level ground and ensure:
A properly pitched tent allows water to run off the canvas effectively.
Using a garden hose, gently soak the entire outside of the tent, including:
Alternatively, leave the tent pitched through a steady rainfall.
The goal is to completely saturate the canvas so the cotton fibres can naturally expand.
Leave the tent fully pitched until it has dried completely.
As the canvas dries, the fibres contract while remaining tightly sealed around the stitching, creating a highly weather-resistant fabric.
For the best results, many experienced campers like to repeat the process a second time. While not essential, it can provide additional peace of mind before your first camping trip.
During the first wetting, you may notice a small amount of moisture around stitched seams. This is completely normal and is simply part of the seasoning process.
Once the canvas has been properly seasoned, these minor leaks generally disappear.
Seasoning takes very little time, but it makes a big difference. By allowing the natural cotton canvas to perform as intended, you’re helping ensure your Breathe Bell Tent stays dry, comfortable and ready for many years of camping, glamping and outdoor adventures.
Cleaning your bell tent regularly will help keep it looking its best and significantly extend its lifespan. The good news is that premium cotton canvas is easy to care for, and with a little routine maintenance, your tent can provide many years—even decades—of adventures.
Before packing your tent away:
Keeping your tent clean after each trip helps prevent stains, mould and unnecessary wear.
For most cleaning, all you’ll need is:
Gently brush away loose dirt before rinsing the affected area with clean water. For stubborn marks, lightly wipe with a damp sponge.
Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the canvas fibres or remove the protective water-repellent finish.
We generally recommend avoiding household soaps, detergents, bleach or pressure washers.
Many cleaning products can strip the canvas of its waterproof treatment or leave residues that attract dirt and moisture.
If a deeper clean is required, use a cleaner specifically designed for cotton canvas tents and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your tent has been packed away damp and mould has developed:
The best way to prevent mould is simply to never store your tent while it’s damp.
The heavy-duty PVC groundsheet can simply be swept, vacuumed or wiped clean with water and a soft cloth. Mud and dirt are easiest to remove once they’ve dried.
Over many years of use, particularly if the tent is exposed to frequent rain or cleaned regularly, you may wish to apply a canvas waterproofing treatment to restore its water repellency.
This is part of normal long-term maintenance and helps maximise the life of your canvas.
A quality canvas bell tent is designed to last. With regular cleaning, correct storage and occasional maintenance, your tent will continue to perform beautifully for many seasons to come. Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents, canvas tents are made to be maintained, repaired and enjoyed year after year.
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.
The process couldn’t be easier:
Once dry, your tent is ready for years of adventures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Our Breathe Bell Tents are made from premium breathable cotton canvas that is designed to keep you dry in wet weather while still allowing moisture vapour from inside the tent to escape. Unlike many synthetic tents that can suffer from condensation, quality canvas naturally breathes, creating a far more comfortable camping experience.
Our tents are treated with a water-repellent finish and feature heavy-duty PVC groundsheets with a bathtub design to help prevent water from entering through the base. When correctly pitched with the walls taut and the guy ropes properly tensioned, rain simply beads and runs off the canvas.
Yes, like all quality cotton canvas tents, we recommend seasoning your bell tent before its first extended camping trip. This simply involves thoroughly wetting the canvas and allowing it to dry naturally. As the cotton fibres swell, they close the tiny stitching holes created during manufacturing, improving the tent’s waterproof performance.
Seasoning is a simple one-time process and helps ensure your tent performs at its best for years to come.
During the first heavy rain before seasoning, you may notice a small amount of moisture around stitched seams. This is completely normal and is why seasoning is recommended. Once seasoned, the canvas becomes highly weather resistant.
It’s also important not to touch the inside walls of the tent during heavy rain. Pressing against wet canvas can temporarily break the surface tension and allow moisture to wick through.
While our tents are exceptionally weather resistant, they are designed as camping and glamping tents rather than permanent structures. For extended setups, we recommend adding one of our roof protectors. These provide additional protection from UV exposure, bird droppings, tree sap and prolonged rainfall, helping to extend the life of your canvas.
To maximise the lifespan and waterproof performance of your tent:
With proper care and maintenance, a quality canvas bell tent can provide many years—even decades—of reliable waterproof performance.
Our Breathe Bell Tents are made from premium, breathable cotton canvas and are designed to provide many years of reliable camping and glamping. Every component has been carefully selected for durability, comfort and performance in Australia’s varied climate.
The tent itself is made from high-quality technical cotton canvas. Unlike synthetic polyester or nylon tents, cotton canvas is naturally breathable, helping to reduce condensation while creating a more comfortable indoor environment. It stays cooler in summer, provides better insulation in cooler weather, and offers the timeless look and feel that canvas tents are renowned for.
The canvas is treated to provide excellent water resistance while still allowing moisture vapour to escape, helping keep the interior comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions.
Our bell tents feature a heavy-duty PVC groundsheet that is waterproof, durable and easy to clean. The groundsheet uses a bathtub design, where the edges rise up the sides of the tent, helping to prevent water from entering during heavy rain.
The groundsheet is also zipped to the tent walls, allowing it to be completely enclosed or unzipped and rolled away around the perimeter for improved ventilation or to create an open-air living space.
The centre pole and A-frame doorway are manufactured from galvanised steel, providing excellent strength and corrosion resistance. These robust poles are designed to withstand years of regular use while remaining easy to assemble.
Each tent is supplied with heavy-duty steel pegs and high-quality guy ropes designed to keep the tent securely tensioned in a variety of ground conditions. Correct pitching is essential for both stability and weather performance.
Unlike many budget tents made from lightweight synthetic materials, quality canvas bell tents are designed to be maintained rather than replaced. Individual components—including poles, pegs, guy ropes, groundsheets and many other spare parts—can be replaced if required, helping extend the life of your investment for many years.
With proper care, regular maintenance and correct storage, a premium cotton canvas bell tent can provide decades of memorable camping adventures.
