Camping can be lots of fun, but your experience depends on how prepared you are for the camping trip. The tent that you choose for your trip is among the most important factors that can play a role in the overall camping experience you and your family enjoy. Besides getting the right tent size and your most convenient style, you must think about the fabric that the tent is made of. There are several options and by knowing the pros and cons of each will put you in a better position to make a good choice.

Nylon

It is one of the most popular fabrics for tents and it is maybe because it is durable and strong, but remains lightweight thus making it easier to carry and store. The material is usually waterproofed and breathable hence it can allow vapour out and at the same time keep you dry. Your nylon tent won’t rot, but mildew can eat on the waterproof coating and when this happens then the tent is left un-useful. Even though uncoated nylon tents do not absorb any water, they are not waterproof. The material is commonly used on tent floors and fly sheets where light weight is needed. Compared to polyester it is a more expensive option.

Polyester

It is almost identical to nylon but the difference is that polyester does a good job resisting UV damage compared to nylon. The ultraviolet damage leads to weakening of the tent because it interferes with the strength of your tent material and even though it affects all tent materials, some experience faster damage than others. Polyester is more affordable and superior to nylon and when used for flysheet it sags less compared to nylon.

Cotton canvas

This all-weather material used to be a favourite for tentmakers before nylon came to be. It is durable and is usually coated with waxing or an oily coating that prevented the absorption of water. The coating allows the tent to remain breathable but this material is not waterproof. You can still get the cotton canvas camping tents today, but they are becoming rarer by the day.

Polyethylene

The best thing about the material is that it is waterproof and will never allow water in unless there exists a hole in your tent. But even though it is durable, it is bulky and heavy and it gets tricky to get it back to original form after you have opened it. Camping tents might not be entirely made of polyethene but you should make sure that your tent floor is made from it especially in wet seasons.

Rip-stop nylon

It differs from regular nylon because it has heavier fabric woven in between stitches. The extra reinforcement threads help in preventing tears on the tent from spreading so you have a durable family tent. This stitching might add a little weight to the tent, but it is worth because of the value it adds to your tent. It is among the best materials you can choose for your camping tent.