Using your bell tent for occasional camping trips is one thing, but going on frequently, irrespective of seasons and weather conditions, is another ball game. To keep your tent in good condition and have it still functional and useful for each seasonal use, you have to ensure certain measures are taken.
In this article, we explore general bell tent care measures that will have your bell tents up and steady in any weather:
Tips for Using Bell Tents in any Season and Weather Condition
Waterproofing
Waterproofing your bell tent is a must-do when it is in use in the winter or spring. Some bell tents canvases come already waterproofed. However, this protection will need to be reinforced to prevent and prohibit water ingress into your tent. A quality waterproof product for tents will help seamless snow glide off tent canvas and also prevent the build-up of mould and mildew.
Support your bell tent
Giving your bell tent extra support will help it stay up during harsh weather conditions. You may switch the centre pole to a sturdy wood or a solid steel pole or give the original poles extra support during the snow season. Also, A tent fly or a tarp should be used to cover your tent canvas to prevent it from fading as well as wearing and tearing due to UV rays from long use under the sun in summer. Your tent floor can also be padded with a floor tarp so that the ground sheet is not directly on the floor, which can affect it if it is in extended use.
Heat it up
It is reasonable to leave your tent doors and windows open during summer and autumn for proper ventilation. However, doing so on rainy nights and snowy days may seem counterproductive. Therefore, using tent stoves and heaters to keep the insides of your tents warm and thermal is a must during cold weather. It also helps fasten water evaporation and melts moisture on the tent canvas to prevent your bell tent from soaking and ultimately falling apart. It also works to keep you warm while you’re inside the tent.
After-use care and maintenance
While it is pertinent you protect your tent when in use, it is more important to protect it when not in use. Before you put away your tent after any seasonal use, ensure to dust and clean it to rid it of grime, dirt, insects, sand and twigs. Also, air it out to dry properly before packing it up. Bell tents are best stored in cool, dry places without exposure to the elements.
Final Thoughts
Essentially, it is not advisable to overwork your bell tents without adequate measures to keep them in good shape for the next use. Using your bell tents in any season and weather condition can ultimately affect their durability, thereby reducing their lifespan. However, with proper before, during and after use care and maintenance, your quality bell tents will stand tall whenever you need them to.
