The Rise of Living In A Tent & Permanent Camping

Story by Doron Francis

Thinking about a long-term tent setup?

We are seeing more customers use our tents for longer stays, temporary accommodation and seasonal or semi-permanent setups. It can absolutely be done, and we work with plenty of customers who do it successfully. The key is going in with the right expectations.

Our tents are highly durable and designed for real outdoor use, but they are still canvas tents rather than permanent structures. That means long-term use requires a more proactive approach to setup, protection and maintenance.

The customers who tend to get the best result are the ones who plan their setup properly from the start. In most cases, that means choosing the right site, allowing for good drainage and airflow, using the right accessories, and staying on top of general maintenance over time.

Depending on your environment, this may include using a protective cover, ground protection, proper tensioning accessories and regular reproofing and inspection. These things are not just optional extras for long-term use – they can make a meaningful difference to how the tent performs and how long it lasts.

Long-term tent living is not a set-and-forget arrangement. Canvas needs to dry properly, airflow needs to be maintained, and the tent should be checked regularly for moisture, mould, tension and general wear. This becomes even more important in damp, shaded, humid or high-rainfall environments.

So yes, a longer-term setup is absolutely possible, but the best outcomes come when customers understand the limitations of canvas and take a practical approach to setup and maintenance.

For that reason, we strongly recommend reading our guide on semi-permanent use before committing to a full-time or extended setup. It covers the key things that make the biggest difference, including seasoning, covers, mould prevention, seam sealing, pitching and general care.

Please note: while our tents are highly durable, semi-permanent or full-time use falls outside standard warranty coverage.

Read our guide to semi-permanent canvas tent setup and maintenance

Minimum standards for long-term tent setups

If you are planning to live in your tent or keep it set up for extended periods, the following practices are essential to protect your gear and your comfort.

1. Environmental conditions matter

  • Avoid shaded, damp locations where the tent base cannot dry properly.
  • Set up in areas that get morning sun and natural airflow to help the canvas breathe and dry each day.
  • Tropical and subtropical climates are high risk for mould, so active airflow and regular drying time are especially important.
  • Avoid setting up under thick tree cover, as sap, debris and trapped moisture will degrade the canvas over time.

2. Use a protective cover

  • Always use a UV-treated, water-resistant fly or tent cover for long-term setups.
  • Allow a gap between the cover and the tent so air can circulate and moisture does not become trapped.
  • Use trace springs or elastic tensioners to absorb wind load and reduce stress on seams and pegging points.

3. Choose a well-drained site

  • Do not pitch in a gully, on sloped ground, or anywhere water is likely to collect or flow.
  • At a minimum, use a gravel base, raised platform or timber decking for longer-term setups.
  • Elevating the tent floor helps reduce water ingress, mould risk and ongoing dampness at the base.
  • Be mindful of pitching on grass for extended periods, as it will die off and can increase retained moisture underneath the tent.

4. Ensure good ventilation

  • Open vents, windows and doors regularly when conditions allow.
  • In humid areas, use fans or solar ventilators to keep air moving.
  • Remove damp bedding and wipe down condensation when needed, especially in colder or humid conditions.

5. Maintain correct tension and wind protection

  • Use trace springs or shock cords to reduce stress on the tent in strong winds.
  • Check and re-tighten guy lines regularly, as both loose and over-tight lines can cause uneven tension and premature wear.
  • Do not tie guy lines to fixed objects without some form of tension relief.

6. Manage mould early

  • If mould appears, treat it early using a canvas-safe mould treatment.
  • Always reproof the affected area after cleaning, as mould treatments can strip waterproofing.
  • Do not use bleach, alcohol or aggressive chemicals, as they can damage fibres and affect performance.

7. Season and seal your tent

  • Before first use, season your tent by thoroughly wetting it and allowing it to dry completely. Repeat if needed.
  • Heavier canvas may take longer to fully season.
  • If seams still leak after several rounds of seasoning, apply a canvas-compatible seam sealer.

For more detailed guidance on semi-permanent setup and maintenance, you can also read our full guide here:

Read our guide to semi-permanent canvas tent setup and maintenance