Material types of Tent Fabrics

The material used to make your tent is one of the most important factors in selecting a new tent. It will affect its strength, weight, durability and breathability.

Nylon and Polyester
The most common materials used to make tents are nylon and polyester. Nylon is a lightweight, durable fabric with excellent tear and abrasion resistance.

Poly is lighter than Nylon and also has good abrasion resistance, tear and weathering qualities. It has a high strength to weight ratio and is often used in heavier tents because it is strong enough but still lightweight.

Ripstop Nylon
A special type of nylon with ripstop threads woven into it is called ripstop nylon and has extra strength. This helps to keep holes and tears from getting bigger and causing more damage over time.

Silicone Coatings
A silicone coating on the fabric allows water to easily slide off, which increases a fabric’s tear strength. This is especially useful for water-resistant fabrics.

UV Protection
The outer foil of your tent should be made from a material that is resistant to sunlight, as the ultraviolet rays from the sun can weaken the materials and cause them to fade over time. Some tents have adjustable UV protection so that you can change the amount of UV light that gets through the fabric.

Breathability
The fabric should allow air to pass through it and the moisture vapour inside to evaporate, preventing condensation from building up on walls. This is particularly important if you are camping under a lot of rain, as the moisture vapour can condense on the tent walls and rot the fabric.