On a camping group someone has bought an ex demo polyester tent, an outwell .They've put it up and its torn, out well say that 10 weeks outside constantly has worn the material out...I know this .
Someone has suggested getting a vango because their polyester tents don't degrade, I disagree, dont all polyester tents have the same life expectancy?
There will be several factors - higher denier polyester tents will last longer, and some manufacturers apply a UV coating that claims to make the material last longer, Outdoor Revolution comes to mind for this. Also a tent used for hot camping in France will degrade quicker than one used for wet weeks in the UK!
My last Cotton canvas tent was 30 years old when I got rid, for a more modern design Cotton tent with ZiG. current tent was new 2008, manufactured during 2007.
So far it has only seen 12 weeks use, and the Canvas is still in as new condition, not sure that I will get another 22 years out it, but already it's £699 cost has been well worth the money.
Average for a polyester tent might be 16wks erected. If by ex demo you mean it has been erected for 10wks in a retail tent display with people tramping in & out of it all the time then it would be ready for the bin after that, I would have thought?
Yes opensauce, I think that's what they meant. I know canvas and even polycotton will last way longer but ex demo polyester that's been outside for God knows how long....hmmm
A higher denier rate polyester tent will last longer than a lower one but not a significant amount.
Kampa say 150 denier should last between 20 and 30 weeks, apparently it's because the UV light dries out the oils in the fabric and the fabric then becomes brittle and fails. This drying out of the oils is also why you have to be carefull about how you clean your tent. UV protector sprays/liquids can extend the life as can reducing UV exposure by using temperature moderators etc.
If mine can give me 10 years use, using it two or three weeks a year, every year then I will be happy.
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Topic: polyester tent life
