Aside from their unique aesthetic, the main reason bell tents are a favorite among glampers is their unrivaled durability. With proper care, they can last for a decade or more!
What can I put on my tent floor?
They’re made of thicker and more robust materials than traditional nylon tents. This makes them more expensive than their nylon counterparts, but this also means they’re incredibly durable and long-lasting.
Cotton
The majority of bell tents use a mixture of fabrics including fire retardant cotton and heavy duty polyester for a hardwearing, easy to clean finish. They also prioritise durability over pack size and weight.
They are great for glamping because they have a spacious interior and can easily fit camp beds, air mattresses, camping chairs and even a log-burning stove. They are also more resistant to UV than pure nylon or polyester tents which degrade over time when exposed to sunlight.
Cotton tents are better insulated than synthetic tents and they can be made more cosy with the addition of a zipped groundsheet. A zipped groundsheet can also protect you from rain and dampness while sleeping inside your tent. It is important to weather your tent prior to first use by hosing it down with water and allowing it to dry completely. This will ensure that the cotton fibres swell and nestle together, filling any stitching holes and preventing future leaks.
Polyester
Unlike cotton canvas tents that can become saturated with water and prone to rot and mildew, polyester bell tents are typically easy to care for. They can be a great option for beginners looking to baby step into glamping.
In addition to being easier to maintain, polyester also offers a higher level of breathability. This makes them more comfortable in warmer weather, especially if you use a lightweight ground sheet.
However, it’s important to choose a quality polyester fabric to avoid poor weather resistance. Look for a ripstop design that includes thicker nylon strands to prevent small holes from propagating.
You should also look for durable and sturdy hardware during a bell tent sale. Ensure that the tent’s centre and pegs are made of a strong material, and that it has flame-retardant fabric. Additionally, check that it has a vent to prevent stuffiness and allow fresh air to circulate properly. Finally, check that the tent can be paired with accessories like awnings and stove jacks for wood stoves.
Nylon
The circular, low-walled structures of bell tents are designed to be stable in a wide range of weather conditions. Their stability comes from the use of a single central pole to support the shape and additional guy lines that extend out the canvas walls. These are all tensioned with ropes to keep the shelter standing up, even in windy conditions.
Most people who use a bell tent do so for leisure activities such as camping for several days or glamping. They are also used for events like festivals, weddings or parties.
Unlike normal tents, bell tents provide a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate many people. This space is maximised by the vertical canvas walls, which cool camping gifts offer natural insulation that keeps the tent cool in summer and warm at night. It is also easy to set up, even for novices. The large size, durable materials and high-quality hardware make a bell tent an excellent choice for any outdoor adventurer.
Steel
Bell tents are gaining popularity thanks to the glamping scene but they can also be found at festivals and weddings as they offer a more luxurious camping experience. This style of tent is harder to set up than normal tents and is more suitable for people who are looking to stay at one location rather than moving from place to place.
Their circular shape means that they have a lot of space inside for sleeping, cooking and entertaining. They are also easy to pitch as they only have a single central pole and with the right guidelines, novices can get to grips with these tents with ease.
The material used in these types of tents, usually either cotton or polycotton canvas, is very hard-wearing and will last much longer than nylon. The higher quality ones tend to use a more durable construction, using sturdy steel poles, big wooden toggles and a heavy-duty floor that isn’t dependent on seam taping for its waterproofness.
How much are pop up tents?
