From what I remember, it was all about Diablo versus Hartford, which was the same type of tent. I had neither, so I sat on the fence, which I do tend to do most of the time. It was good fun to read though.
I think an important thing with polyester tents is to get one with plenty of doors and vents. We've never felt clammy or overheated in ours because it has three main entrances into the living-space which you can open up like a gazebo, and lots of ventilation. And it has mesh screens all round, and little rain hoods over the porches to keep out the weather even when it's raining. It's a real honey of a tent.
I love my canvas tents, and now only have a few nylon for special uses. Having camped in both, my wife prefers her large nylon tent. I always recommend bell or pyramid tents, but I don't have children, and am not bothered about sleeping pods. My bell tents now all have inners, mainly for winter camping, as it reduces the amount of air space to be warmed. I do remember a few years ago, looking at an old frame tent and thinking why would any one still use one of those things, I've since bought two, and realise how wise those people were.
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
Quote: Originally posted by raf48 on 30/7/2010
I do remember a few years ago, looking at an old frame tent and thinking why would any one still use one of those things, I've since bought two, and realise how wise those people were.
Quote: Originally posted by missElaineous on 30/7/2010
From what I remember, it was all about Diablo versus Hartford, which was the same type of tent. I had neither, so I sat on the fence, which I do tend to do most of the time. It was good fun to read though.
Yes...I think you're right, the great Vango v Outwell war of the podded domes!
Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 30/7/2010
I don't think that there is any need to play "big up your polyester tent" on this thread...
Why not start a new thread on this subject that might get more passing trade than a thread about canvas?
Linz4Jon asked for advice.
I gave it.
End of story.
I'm not actually interested in 'bigging up my polyester tent.' I don't particularly care, and don't consider it necessary. But when someone asks for help choosing a tent, I put in my two penn'orth to help out. There are many posters here, and not many have responded to that particular request.
As you'll see further back in the thread, I was very positive about canvas, and I think I gave a balanced view. I've spent years of holidays in both, but when the subject of tents comes up, everyone does tent lurve. I thought that was what this forum was for.
I was on holiday last week with husband visiting his parents, so not camping, but just had to wander round a camping centre attached to a garden centre that we'd taken them to for lunch.
One tent caught my attention as the fabric looked different and felt beautiful. Also the temperature in the tent was comfortable compared to the others which felt a bit more like being in a greenhouse - quite a noticeable difference.
Anyway, it turned out to be a cotton and polyester Outwell Wolf Lake - a big one! It was easy to see the advantages of the breathable fabric when it was pitched next to the others. Loved it - but at that price, just a dream.
Oh dear, I shouldn't have looked - I shouldnot have looked . . . .
When I was looking for a new family tent back in 2008, it soon became obvious to me that Cotton Canvas would be the tent of choice, as luck would have it the model I opted for the "Cabanon Biscaya 370" was available in 3 Canvas types, "130g/m2 Rip-Stop Polyester" "220g/m2 All Season Polyester(like Polycotton)" and "280g/m2 Quality Cotton" all three types have there pro's and con's, we have just recently returned from a fortnight's camping in the South of France for the second year running with the Biscaya, and find it totally suited for the climate 37C most days, we never intend to go camping in UK, but if we did I would have gone for the "All Season Polyester" model, as I feel it would be more suited to the UK climate. fact is I have only ever owned Cotton family tents, although the tents that I use for backpacking and cycle-camping are both ultralight weight polyester, and ideal for UK use, all the tents I have ever owned are in my gallery, with the exeption of a Cabanon Cotton ridge tent that I had in the early 70's even back then it had a SiG.
That is nice. It's a good size, and paired with the utility looks really attractive and functional. The ad. doesn't say how old the tent is, but I suppose if it hasn't been used a lot, that's not a problem.
I have one of these which I use with my 4m bell tent. It has strengthened holes all around the edge, so you can chuck up poles and guys to change the shape and suit your needs.
Have had both polyester and cotton tents over ther years. have two tents at the moment - a canvas hypercamp Rosas 4 Pyramid tent, and a gelert (can't remember the name) small dome tent. I did have a larger tunnel type tent before I got the canvas one, but in the end it got ebayed, as on reflection it wasn't the best buy; it was a pig to erect (you either needed 4 people, or the arms of an octopus) and i didn't like how noisy it was in the rain, or the degree to which the thing used to deform when the wind blew.
The Rosas 4 I have now I feel is excellent, plenty of room, stable in the wind, and very easy to pitch single handedly. It is however bulky and heavy and takes an age to dry out, so if I'm heading away for only a weekend I take my little old dome tent which has served me well over the years.
I did quite like the idea of a frame tent, but again I thought one would be too comples to erect, and in my opinion, I didn't like the styling of any of them.
Canvas Canvas everytime.....I have a SunnCamp Palace frame tent and its fantastic, its fab...I love it but have now bought an Outwell for shorter trips.. As fantastic as canvas tents are they are really heavy... My SunnCamp weighs 43kgs.
------------- "There is more to life than increasing its speed......"
The Orchard - Suffolk April 2011
Nantcal Waterfalls July 2011
Hi JFK001.
I know what you mean about the weight, my Tent c/w Kitchen Tent and poles weighs in at 72.4kg, but it's all worth it, although a trailer is a must,
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: What is it about canvas?
It was good fun to read though. 
(although I've bought slightly more!)
