We frequently receive questions about our preference for one canvas over another, particularly when comparing 100% cotton to the canvas blend we use. Now that we have introduced our first synthetic canvas, it’s a good time to reflect on the differences and advantages or disadvantages of each material.

This article does not provide an extensive overview of tent materials, as it primarily focuses on canvas types suitable for larger tents. Specialised materials, such as nylon or Dyneema used for lightweight camping, are not covered here, as they pertain to specific and niche applications.

So what is the ‘best’ material for medium and large tents? As usual, the answer is ‘depends’ and as usual, there are trade-offs between the various types and weights of canvas. Typically it will depend on specific preferences and requirements as well as where you camp and how often. We’ll begin with a brief overview of various canvas types, outlining their distinctive features, and applications, as well as the pros and cons associated with each.

The main material compositions we will compare are: Cotton-based Canvas compared to Synthetic Polyester Woven Canvas

Cotton-Based Canvas:

Advantages for camping:

• Breathability: Highly breathable, regulating tent temperature and preventing condensation.
• Insulation: Natural insulation properties for a comfortable climate in various weather conditions.
• Durability: Known for durability, especially at heavier weights.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Appreciated for its natural and traditional look, enhancing the camping experience.
• Less Condensation: Produces less condensation compared to synthetic materials.
• Quieter in Wind: Tends to be quieter in windy conditions, contributing to a peaceful camping experience.
• Natural Fire Resistance: Naturally more fire-resistant than synthetic materials.

Homecamp’s Choice: Cotton/Poly Blend

At Homecamp, we use a blend of cotton and a small amount of polyester thread (less than 20%). Over years of trialing different canvas types, we have found that this best-of-both-worlds solution is the perfect material for Australia’s extreme weather conditions.

If you check out any of the remaining ‘old school’ Australian tent or swag manufacturers, you will inevitably find that they use some sort of cotton/poly blend and for good reason, this material stands up to the elements.

We use a 385 GSM cotton/poly blend for our Classic Bell Tent Range and a lightweight 220 GSM cotton/poly blend for our Touring Tent, Tipi, A-Frame and Solo Tents.

Cotton/poly has all the advantages of cotton including breathability, insulation, less condensation, quietness in wind, etc., however, it also has some extra advantages over 100% Cotton (and almost no disadvantages).

• Higher Tensile Strength: Superior strength-to-weight ratio for stronger tents at equal or lower weights.
• Higher Tear Resistance: Less prone to rips compared to 100% cotton.
• Abrasion Resistance: Much more abrasion-resistant than 100% cotton canvas.
• Shrinkage: Less prone to shrinkage than 100% cotton fabrics.
• Mold and Mildew Resistance: Generally less prone to mold and mildew.
• UV Resistance: Provides better UV resistance compared to cotton.
• Cleaning: Easier to clean than 100% cotton.

Considerations:

Despite the advantages, a cotton/poly tent remains predominantly cotton, with some risk of tearing in high winds and potential mold growth if stored while wet. These tents demand greater attention and maintenance than 100% synthetic canvas tents.

Oxford Polyester Canvas

A excellent alternative to Cotton based canvas is a woven material called Oxford Polyester which is a type of polyester fabric that is woven in a specific way to create a textured pattern known as an Oxford weave. The Oxford weave is characterised by a basketweave pattern which involves a heavier denier yarn in one direction (usually the weft) woven with a finer denier yarn (usually the warp), creating a distinctive and durable fabric. 

Oxford canvas has some distinct advantages over cotton based canvas as a material for making tents.

• Lightweight: Generally lighter than cotton, offering ease of portability.
• Quick Drying: Dries faster than cotton, reducing mold and mildew risks.
• Mold and Mildew Resistance: Way less prone to mold and mildew compared to cotton or even cotton blends.
• Durability: More resistant to abrasion and tearing than cotton.
• UV Resistance: Tends to have better UV resistance than cotton.
• Affordability: More cost-effective than high-quality cotton canvas.
• Color Retention: Retains color better than cotton over time.
• Hypoallergenic: Less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to natural fibers.

In Conclusion:

Choosing between polyester and cotton canvas involves weighing various factors like breathability, durability, mold resistance, and UV protection. Cotton canvas excels in breathability and aesthetics but demands more maintenance. Polyester offers advantages in weight, quick drying, and mold resistance, making it suitable for specific camping conditions. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual priorities and anticipated camping conditions.