I am excited to share that I have just acquired my first camping tent, the Vango Joro Air 450XL. While I am new to the world of camping and have no experience with larger tents, I did notice an issue with the tent's design that has left me feeling concerned.
Upon inspection, I found that the zippers on the tent's doors do not go all the way around, and the bottom portion is fixed with velcro in just three different locations. This design makes me worry that bugs may be able to find their way inside the tent quite easily, despite the mesh and tightly closed upper parts of the doors and windows.
I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate some guidance on. Firstly, is this design typical for camping tents, or is this unique to my tent model? Additionally, is there a way to seal the door that I am unaware of, or is there another solution to prevent bugs from entering the tent?
Thank you and cheers!
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I think many of us would say, if you can’t cope with bugs, then camping might not be the ideal hobby. We have a Motorhome but have been plagued by midges that have sneaked inside, and wee midges can get through any tent mesh which is mosquito sized.
But bugs tend to be unable to negotiate a Velcro closed gap, so relax & enjoy your camping. Take antihistamine tablets & antihistamine cream in case you get bitten.
Velcro at the bottom of the door is more practical than a zipper. with walking in and out there is a chance that you will step on the zipper and damage it. not with Velcro. and bugs in the tent? they also come when you walk in and out.
Welcome to the forum tomipetteri. The Velcro tabs thing is normal for tents. I found that the better the tent is pitched, the more effective they will be, so it’s worth pegging the little pegging points round the base of the walls. Do let us know how you get on!
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Over the years had several tents with velcro/press studs, or even no fastening on bottom edge of door(s) rather than continuous zip, pretty much the standard system I'd say. It has an upside in improving ventilation and reducing condensation buildup in the tent!
Can't say I've ever had a significant problem with bugs crawling in through 'the gap', what bugs you get normally fly in when the door is opened, or actually hitch a ride on you or items you bring in from outside - that's gonna happen with a continuous zip as well! Always tended to keep the fly mesh in place as much as possible rather than 'air the tent' with everything open to the world (and it's bugs!). Upside is in summer months at least, the daytime temp inside tent tends to kill them off so they are a short lived problem if at all, apart from clearing out the corpses from time to time! A bit of sun and a tent can easily become intolerably hot for all creatures, including people!!!!
If bugs are a serious issue for you, then not sure camping and the countryside are terribly compatible for you - that's where most of them live! A few precautions though, check the ground for signs of ants, not just ant hills/nests, but the ant pathways they tend to use regularly, and obviously avoid. Look at nearby trees/shrubs for obvious nests (bees, wasps, caterpillars etc.) and keep away.
DO NOT be tempted to spray insect killer/repellent on the tent fabric around the door (or anywhere else on the tent fabric for that matter!), it is likely to damage the tent fabric and/or compromise the waterproof properties.
As to improving the situation regarding invading bugs, ensure all foodstuffs, especially open packets and sweet things, are sealed in airtight containers, to discourage foraging bugs hunting them down. Keep your waste packaging/food scraps either sealed in airtight bags/containers, away from tent, or disposed of in proper waste points ASAP, don't leave it lying around, it's a bug magnet!
..... Oh yes, the bugs are more at risk from you than you from them, don't worry about them. ..... apart from the Mozzies!
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: Concerns About Door and Bug Protection
via mobile 07/4/2023 at 10:23pm
..... apart from the Mozzies!
