Choosing the Perfect Tent Fabric: Cotton-Based Canvas&Oxford Polyester Canvas

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, advantages, and disadvantages of each material.

When deciding between polyester and cotton canvas, it’s crucial to consider factors like breathability, durability, mold resistance, and UV protection. Cotton canvas stands out for its excellent breathability and appealing aesthetics, although it requires more upkeep and can be susceptible to mold under certain circumstances. On the other hand, polyester offers advantages in terms of weight, quick drying, and mold resistance, making it well-suited for specific camping scenarios. However, condensation can be a concern with polyester, although this can be mitigated by keeping windows and doors open at night or utilizing an additional fly on your tent.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual priorities and the expected camping environment.

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

Canvas Types and Weights: What is Best for Medium and Large Tents?

The answer to the best material for medium and large tents is, as usual, "It depends." There are trade-offs between the various types and weights of canvas, depending on specific preferences, requirements, camping locations, and frequency of use. We’ll begin with a brief overview of the canvas types, outlining their distinctive features, applications, and pros and cons.


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 much 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.

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 extreme weather conditions.

If you check out any of the remaining ‘old school’ 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 utilize a 385 GSM cotton/poly blend for our Classic Bell Tent Range and a lighter weight 220 GSM cotton/poly blend for our Touring Tent, Tipi, A-Frame, and Solo Tents. Through extensive testing and consideration of tensile ratings, we’ve found that our 220 GSM blend is stronger than a 350+ GSM cotton canvas, making it unusual (but not impossible) for our tents to experience rips or tears.

The inherent softness and lower resilience of cotton fibers in comparison to polyester fibers impact the overall strength of the fabric. Consequently, 100% cotton canvas tends to exhibit lower tensile strength when compared to cotton-poly blends of equivalent weight. By incorporating polyester fibers, which boast a high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to stretching, cotton-polyester blends typically offer enhanced durability and performance.

Additional Advantages of Cotton/Poly Blends:

• 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

An 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 characterized by a basketweave pattern that 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.

Advantages of Oxford Polyester Canvas:

• Lightweight: Generally lighter than cotton, offering ease of portability.
• Quick Drying: Dries faster than cotton, reducing mold and mildew risks.
• Mold and Mildew Resistance: Far 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.

Choosing the perfect tent fabric involves weighing the pros and cons of each material with your specific needs and camping conditions. Both cotton-based and synthetic options offer unique benefits, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision for your next outdoor adventure.