Can I use my bell tent for semi-permanent use?
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.