Unless you’re an experienced camper who keeps on top of all the latest industry developments, then buying a new tent can be somewhat of a daunting prospect.
One term you may have seen mentioned over the past few years when buying a new tent is ‘polycotton’ or Technical Cotton’. We wouldn’t blame you for wondering exactly what that means and why you should care about it.
This buying guide will tell you all you need to know about polycotton tents, so if you’ve been wondering whether or not a polycotton tent is the right option for you – stick around to find out.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about polycotton tents…
It’s not rocket science to work out that polycotton is a mix of polyester and cotton. Most polycotton tents will see around a 35% polyester to 65% cotton ratio, although this can vary from tent to tent.
Polycotton tents come in as many shapes and sizes as any other type of tent, so you can get everything from large polycotton air tents to small Tipi-style tents.
Due to the higher amount of cotton than polyester, they’re more similar to a canvas tent but incorporate the properties of both materials. They also require a ‘weathering’ process before they are waterproof, which we’ll get onto shortly.
So now you know what polycotton tents are, but what does that mean for you, as a tent buyer? There are various advantages of polycotton tents that should make you consider them when looking to buy a new tent.
Breathability is talked about a lot when it comes to outdoor clothing, such as walking boots or waterproof jackets, but it’s also important for tents. One of the main benefits of polycotton tents is their increased breathability and ability to adapt to the surrounding environment.
What this means is that when the weather is warm outside, the inside of the tent will stay as cool as possible. Conversely, when it’s cool outside, your tent will be warmer inside and more comfortable.
Being breathable also means that condensation is highly reduced. The breathable fabric allows the moisture to pass through to the outside, again making your tent a much more comfortable place to be.
Another key benefit of polycotton tents is longevity. Polycotton is incredibly durable and will stand up to UV rays better than polyester. This means they’re much less likely to deteriorate. Polycotton tents are generally a little pricier, but this should be offset by their longevity.
Another key benefit to consider with a polycotton tent is the sound dampening properties of the fabric. Polycotton helps to reduce noise within the campsite, increasing the quality of your relaxation.
While we think polycotton tents are undoubtedly some of the best you can buy, it wouldn’t be fair of us not to mention a few minor considerations you should be aware of.
As polycotton tents are usually around two-thirds cotton, they can be a little heavier and your pack size will be larger than with most tents. However, if this isn’t really a problem for you, and you have space in the car, then it’s absolutely worth it.
As we’ve mentioned, polycotton tents do tend to be a little more expensive than other similar tents. But, again, it’s a longer-lasting and better-performing product, so it should last longer if you look after it, making the extra initial outlay well worth it.
Polyester tents are hugely popular and they do have some incredible benefits, but polycotton tents have given them some real competition. So which should you choose?
During dry weather, fibres of the polycotton fabric are open allowing for great breathability, allowing a cooling flow of air which helps to regulate internal temperatures for increased comfort.
When the weather turns wetter, the fibres of the polycotton fabric swell to slow any water penetration. The breathability of the fabric allows for a much quicker drying time when the rain stops.
Most polyester tents are treated with a waterproof coating (some cheaper tents aren’t) and are sealed with a seam tape across all the seams. Polycotton tents also have this coating, but do not have taped seams – this is where the weathering of your polycotton tent comes into place.
When tents made from polycotton are being stitched, during the production stage, there will still be exposed space between the stitch hole and the thread. So, in theory, this is actually a place where water can get into your tent. Stay with us here – there is a very easy solution that will set you up for the rest of your tents life:
Hopefully, you now know a lot more about polycotton tents than you before. Check out our full range today for exclusives from the biggest camping brands.
Whether you’re heading for the mountains or a trip down the coast, cooking on a camping holiday is an essential part of any outdoor trip, and surprisingly often overlooked. Here’s the Winfield’s guide to the best camping cookware equipment.
Everything you need to know on the camping gas and which gas you’ll need for your camping stove.
The right tent can make all the difference to your camping trip – and an inflatable tent is a superb option to save you time, energy, and headaches at the start and end of your trip. Keep reading this guide to learn more about inflatable tents, including some of our favourites here at Winfields.
