Our single pole 5m & 6m bell tents are designed to be robust and withstand various weather conditions. Their conical shape allows wind to circulate around the tent, reducing the likelihood of wind damage. However, extreme weather can pose challenges.
We recommend not using our single pole bell tents in conditions with wind gusts exceeding 40 km/h. In such weather, the central pole may be at risk if the tent is not properly secured. To ensure stability:
• In new and unused condition
• Complete with all original parts, packaging, and instructions.
• Free of dirt, damage, and wear from use, storage, or transport
• Packed the same way you received it. (Pegs, stakes, parts, poles, doors, and ropes in their bags. Tents rolled, tied, and packed. Stoves disassembled and secured)
• Used
• Lightly soiled or dirty
• Packed improperly
• Returned without original packaging
• Returns initiated 15 days or more after delivery
• Incomplete or missing parts
• Damaged in anyway
• Dirty
• Lost in return transit
• Returns initiated 30 days or more after delivery
• Returns without prior authorization
If you’re looking for a longer lasting, more durable protector the CoolAir protector is definitely the one to go for. It’s made from a lovely quality shade sail material which will protect the tent from the elements, shade the canvas, keeping the tent approximately 2 degrees cooler overall: we carried out experiements last summer with two bell tents set up over summer with one with the CoolAir protector, the other with nothing, the temperature was taken inside the tent at various times of day and on the whole the one with the protector was two degrees cooler.
It will also protect the tent from the rain and wil ensure the canvas lasts longer overall.
Recently the two tents were taken down and the canvas of the tent with the protector was much stronger and less weather damaged overall.
The rain cover regular protector is better suited to casual campers, as it packs down smaller and is great for use when pitching beneath trees and wanting to protect the bell tent from bird poo, lef debris and sap when pitched beneath trees or to add an extra layer of protection against rain.
A chimney can be installed into any of our bell tents using an Exit Flu:
https://www.belltent.com.au/product/bell-tent-exit-flu-45-degrees/
There are many videos on youtube showing how this is done, such as the below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP7PTU92KFQ
These can be installed into any bell tent.
The bell tents arrive with everything needed to pitch them, the heavy duty groundsheet zipped to the canvas, the pegs, poles ang guy ropes.
The additional groundsheets and protectors are all additional extras which some people like to further protect the tent, if camping beneath trees from leaf debris or the additional groundsheet for a quicker packaway.
Or they are items that replacement items.
The bell tents arrive good to go, ideally if you are able to pitch them and give them a good soaking with a hose to really soak the canvas, allowing the fibres of the canvas to expand and the seams to become completely sealed and the waterproofing agent soaks into the canvas.
With time the waterproofing agent will need to be re-applied and there are many products available on the market.
Breathe Bell Tents Australia provide one year warranty against manufacturer defects in the canvas. This warranty cannot be extended to the poles or zips as these are often misused. The Breathe Bell Tents warranty is applicable only to our Australian customers and is not transferable.
The warranty does not cover professional and long term use. If a professional user buys a tent and reports a manufacturing problem within the first month we will consider it under the warranty. However after 28 days use it becomes a permanent structure and it is therefore not being used for the purpose it was sold for (i.e. a tent for camping).
If a private individual buys and then erects one of our tents semi-permenantly we will cover manufacturing defects for the length of the warranty but this does not cover mould, mildew or UV deterioration as we have no control over the conditions the tent is left up in.
Your consumer legal rights may still apply after the warranty expires.
All our bell tents include a heavy duty PVC groundsheet that is zipped to the canvas upper. The additional groundsheets available via the accessories page on our website are simply to help keep the groundsheet of the bell tent cleaner and make for a quicker packaway, where the additional groundsheet can be dealt with and cleaned separately. It is most certainly not essential.
This certainly is possible, the use of shot bags to weigh down the groundsheet first while poles are installed and then pulled out and placed at the end of the guy ropes, see photograohs attached.
These can be covered with styling etc or left bare if in a more industrial setting.
I’ve also seen this done with concrete weights etc.
Most of our items are processed and shipped next business day from Orchard Hills, NSW with Startrack Express usually 2-10 days Australia wide.
If we sell out of an item we will ship direct from our suppliers stock either here in Sydney or direct from Europe with UPS which is usually 4-10 days Australia wide.
Please note all imports and shipments have been affected this past year and couriers are experiencing more delays than usual.
On receiving your bell tent we do recommend ‘seasoning’the tent, which involves pitching the tent and hosing it down, thoroughly soaking the seams and allowing the fibres of the canvas to expand and the waterproofing agent to soak into the canvas making the bell tent completely waterproof.
With time the waterproofing agent will wash away and will need to be reapplied. There are many waterproofing agents on the market.
When heavy snow builds up faster than it can melt, an extendable car scraper with a soft brush is a great tool to brush snow off the canvas on the exterior, or from inside the tent, gently beat the canvas, so the snow falls off the tent.
In order to reduce light snow build-up in winter conditions, Breathe Bell Tents recommends a tent stove which heats the tent and causes fresh snow to melt and run off the canvas. While a tent stove helps reduce snow build-up, it’s not possible to run a tent stove all the time. Also, snow can pile up faster than the tent stove can melt it off.
The Sibley Bell Tent or Tipi with its steep canopy angle and conical shape will collect less snow build-up than a wall tent and is a better option for heavy snow conditions. We’ve taken our Sibley tents into deep snow and find that using a custom 9cm (3-4in) wooden dowel or pole made of hardwood or bamboo increases the vertical load bearing capacity of the center pole; giving you additional support and flexibility in regards to snow build-up removal.
Make sure the guy lines remain tensioned and the tent is pitched properly on a flat surface is essential to the structural integrity of any tent.
What is a safe snow load on canvas tents?
Keeping snow off your tent is critical when winter camping. The canvas tent pole system can withstand a lot of force from wind and rain, but not the weight of a smart car! A large surface area means a larger possible snow load, which increases the possibility for tent collapse.
No two snowflakes are the same. The same with snow load. Wet snow can be three times heavier than the same volume of dry snow. Thus, a canvas of 45m² ( 50yd²) with just 5cm (2in) of average snow weighing 97kg/m² (20lbs/ft²), would add 680kg (1,500lbs) of weight to a tent.
When heavy snow builds up faster than it can melt, an extendable car scraper with a soft brush is a great tool to brush snow off the canvas on the exterior, or from inside the tent, gently beat the canvas, so the snow falls off the tent.
In order to reduce light snow build-up in winter conditions, Breathe Bell Tents recommends a tent stove which heats the tent and causes fresh snow to melt and run off the canvas. While a tent stove helps reduce snow build-up, it’s not possible to run a tent stove all the time. Also, snow can pile up faster than the tent stove can melt it off.
The Bell Tent or Tipi with its steep canopy angle and conical shape will collect less snow build-up than a wall tent and is a better option for heavy snow conditions. We’ve taken our Sibley tents into deep snow and find that using a custom 9cm (3-4in) wooden dowel or pole made of hardwood or bamboo increases the vertical load bearing capacity of the center pole; giving you additional support and flexibility in regards to snow build-up removal.
Make sure the guy lines remain tensioned and the tent is pitched properly on a flat surface is essential to the structural integrity of any tent.
The life expectancy of a bell tent really depends on how much it is used, what climate it is used in, how well the tent is maintained (cleaned, re-waterproofed as required, packed away bone dry). Many of the Glamping companies we supply if pitching in a semi permanent situation will factor annual replacements into their business plan to ensure the tents remain crisp and clean. They can often on-sell the used tents to avoid them going into landfill.
Used for events a few weeks each month and pitched just one or two days at a time your tent will last much longer. Just be sure to always pitch the tent well, pack away dry and clean as required.
If your tent does tear we have a product called Tear Aid: https://www.belltent.com.au/product/tear-aid-immediate-repair-of-tears-and-holes/ for small tears or https://www.belltent.com.au/product/tear-aid-all-purpose-repair-roll-type-a/ for larger tears and similarly if you manage to get a hole in the groundsheet we have: https://www.belltent.com.au/product/tear-aid-b-bell-tent-repair-for-tears-and-holes/
If your tent is dirty or gets very mouldy, Vacuwash are in North Sydney and will clean your tent completely, making it good as new:
And if you have a particularly large tear then sailmakers and shade sailmakers can generally help.
The zips on our tents are sturdy SBS zips.
We’ve only had a couple that have broken (that have been reported back to us in any case), if there is an issue with a zip upon receiving your tent, please let us know immediately as we can cover this under warranty. Further down the line, we do not cover the zips under warranty as they can break if mistreated, if the tent is pitched too tightly and/or the zips are forced.
It is sensible to zip the tent door when pegging out the groundsheet as this can help with ensuring the door is not pulled to tight and which causes pressure on the zips.
The 6m Protech double door has a 28m square footprint and two doors with a frames, one at front and one at back, so plenty of standing space from front to back.
The 6m twin has a smaller footprint as it is 6m wide by 4m deep which makes it approximately 20m square, but it has more usable space in some ways…
Here is a link to a blog post showing photographs of the 6m twin bell tent interior:
https://www.belltent.com.au/dream-sea-surf-portugal-and-the-6m-emperor-twin-bell-tent/
The 6m Protech can be pitched by one person alone, whereas the 6m Twin bell tent needs to be pitched by two people.
Both are very popular as a chill out for parties, I’d say go for the one you prefer the aesthetic and feel of… some people prefer the glamour of the Emperor Twin, others prefer the more traditional bell tent design of the 6m double door…
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions!
More and more people are using our bell tents as semi-permanent structures, pitched for much of the year or all year round. With varying degrees of success.
Our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, pitched for a week here, a weekend there, a road trip… and used in this way, and well maintained, cleaned regularly, packed away dry, your bell tent should last many years.
Pitched as a permanent structure in the varied and often harsh climate in Australia it is hard to predict how the tents will fare.
We have customers who have their tents pitched year round and replace the canvas uppers annually in order to keep the tents fresh and new.
Used in this way our Glamping customers will usually have a maintenance and cleaning plan in place.
Others have pitched their tents, left them up without any cleaning or maintenance plans in place and then are surprised when mould and mildew starts to form.
It is important to keep expectations in place. These are tents made from natural cotton canvas. Designed for camping. But also stunning, and appealing to many as entry level Glamping tents.
Consider the climate in which the tent will be pitched.
Humidity, damp and cold can lead to mould and mildew.
Dry heat is ideal. But the strength of the UV also needs to be considered. Harsh UV rays can also disintegrate the canvas, leading to tears, the area at the top of the tent, from which the whole bell tent hangs can be weakened.
We encourage you to take good care of your tent. Pitch it for when it is in use and pack it away, clean and dry when it is not in use.
If you have a wooden platform on which to pitch your tent, then great, this will keep the area clean and well ventilated for when your tent is pitched.
If you are pitching your bell tents as a commercial venture, factor into your business plan that they will need to be replaced. In some cases annually.
Come the end of the year you can consider on-selling the tents or donating to non profit organisations who may have a use for them.
The idea of putting a bell tent onto a platform is a clever one as this increases air circulation and ventilation.
In colder climates insulation can also be placed beneath the wooden platform.
It can also be a practical solution making pitching your bell tent and packing it away a cinch without the concern of dead grass having to be cleaned from your groundsheet.
We have a blog post featuring many images of different wooden platform designs here.
The difference between the ultimate and the Protech lies in the weight of the canvas and the groundsheet.
The ultimate has a 320gsm canvas and 540gsm groundsheet and the Pro and Protech bell tents have a 360gsm canvas and 650gsm groundsheet making them a heavier duty model.
All our tents have mesh in the windows, vents and doors and the Protech has the additional mesh wall which allows the canvas sides to be rolled up during the heat of the day or on a hot summers night.
More and more people are using their bell tents on a semi-permanent basis and bell tents are a fantastic entry level safari tent.
It is, however, worth bearing in mind our tents were originally designed for casual camping, used a week here and there and packed away clean and dry between uses.
As more and more people are using their tents on a semi permanent basis, we designed the Pro and Protech ranges of bell tents, made from a heavier duty 360gsm canvas and heavier duty 650gsm groundsheet, the pegs, poles and guy ropes are all more heavy duty making these tents more durable overall.
This said, if you choose to use your tent in a semi permanent situation, ensure the tent is well maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. There are many gentle cleaning products on the market. The tent will also need to be-waterproofed as required, using a good quality water-proofing agent, such as Bradproof. This also has an anti-mould agent within it.
Our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, this can be extended to longer camping trips, but we do not recommend living in your bell tent for a long period of time.
If you choose to live in your bell tent, keep your expectations in check, knowing that these are tents made from canvas, which although durable, will get mouldy and will develop mildew if left damp.
If you’re using your bell tent for long periods of time, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the tent is kept clean, re-waterproofed as required, that anti-mould agents are applied regularly and as required.
Any mould spores must cleaned off immediately and agents are used to kill the mould such as vinegar or clove oil or heavier duty agents available in many camping stores or hardware stores.
Our bell tents arrive to you with a waterproofing agent and anti mould agent upon them.
Ideally, on receiving your tent it should be ‘seasoned’ by pitching the tent and hosing it down thoroughly, ensuring the seams are thoroughly soaked. This allows the fibres of the canvas to expand, sealing any small gaps in the stitching and also this allows the waterproofing agent to soak thoroughly into the canvas.
One of the most common problems to occur in canvas is mildew.
It is most commonly formed when exposed to certain conditions of humidity. Even if the canvas is mildew resistant, mildew will form if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. It most commonly forms when tents are stored damp.
If mildew does appear, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent (preferably in the hot sun) and applying a cleaner, followed by the re-waterproofing of any areas cleaned.
When dealing with mould, use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water to remove as much as possible and to stop the mould from spreading. Only use specialized canvas tent cleaning products for this purpose. Other domestic, chemical products can be too harsh and cause the canvas structure to breakdown and leak.
WHEN DO I NEED TO RE-WATERPROOF MY TENT?
Solar radiation affects the water proofing of your tent. After 4 to 24 weeks of use the fabric will be less waterproof (and this is a vast range of time as there are so many variables, the climate, the weather conditions, the strength of the UV which can eat into the canvas, the amount of rain which can wash off the waterproofing agent, the salt in the air in coastal conditions and thedamp in humidity of more tropical or colder and wetter climates).
This can be resolved with a waterproofing agent such as Bradproof.
HOW TO CLEAN AND RE-WATERPROOF YOUR TENT
The canvas has been re-waterproofed with an anti-mould agent and when using the tent often or in a harsh environment this process should be repeated on a regular basis, for solar radiation affect the water proofing of your tent.
Applying a new coating with care demands time and effort, but extends the life span of your tent considerably. Before EU rules and regulations were applied, chemical products were used to impregnate tents. Although these products lasted longer, they were harmful to the environment. The products we use are 100% biodegradable and can be applied by you without protective clothing.
The easiest way to re-waterproof is:
If the cotton has been affected by mould, mildew or weather conditions, do as follows:
Mould
Before 1995, potentially harmful chemical products were often used to render cotton tents waterproof for life. However, the European legislation banned these products, no longer enabling tent manufacturers to render the canvas of their tents completely water & mould proof. Although our tents have been treated to be waterproof as well as mould resistant, they need to be reproofed in due time to ensure they stay that way.
Mildew has an extremely adverse effect on cotton canvas. It breaks the fibers and creates black stains that are very hard to remove. Additionally, it spreads quite rapidly once the first stains have appeared. It is therefore of vital importance that you protect your tent against fungi in any circumstance.
General tips to avoid mildew on a cotton canvas tent:
Mildew is caused by moisture. It is therefore sure to form on the canvas of your tent if you store the tent wet. Moreover, mould stains often appear on canvas tents if they are no longer waterproof, for they then lack of an important protective layer which would otherwise keep off moisture and mould. To avoid mould and mildew, wipe down the interior and exterior of the tent with clean water before you leave it to dry and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Also, reproof the tent in time to ensure it stays mould resistant and waterproof. For more tips & tricks, check out the list below:
If your tent is no longer waterproof and/or if black stains have formed on the canvas, you need to dry the tent completely and treat it with specialized products.
Set the tent up outdoors or in your garage and open the doors and windows to ensure that it is being well ventilated. If possible, pitch the tent in the sun, for sunlight may help you in your fight against mould and mildew. Avoid pitching the tent in your living room, as mildew can trigger allergic reactions. Do not apply laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, or neat bleach to the canvas, as they will damage the canvas treatments. Dirt or mud can be dry-brushed off with a very soft brush.
The washing and reproofing process is simple and similar to hand-washing your car:
All orders are processed here in Australia, so no international credit card fees!
All prices on our website are inclusive GST and we are able to provide you with an invoice with our company details etc for your tax purposes.
Our bell tents are manufactured in China and we share a factory with CanvasCamp. We have been importing from the same factory since February 2014. Frederik from CanvasCamp has been working with the same factory since 2006 and has stringent quality control.
Prior to collaborating with CanvasCamp we went through a number of different factories and suppliers and found there was always something wrong with the bell tents: the waterproofing agent was too plasticky, the groundsheets too rigid, the zips were faulty or the canvas didn’t meet our expectations.
Since importing our bell tents from this factory in China we very rarely have any issue with our bell tents. Maybe one or two a year are faulty on receiving them. If this is the case, we will always replace the tent immediately.
All prices on our website are inclusive delivery and GST.
We send our bell tents and other large items with Startrack couriers who will not deliver to a PO box address. We have, on occasion, delivered ‘Poste Restante’ to a post office address and this works well, particularly if you are known at your local post office.
Usually, with full delivery address, if you’re very remote your local Startrack depot will contact you, prior to delivery, to arrange a time to deliver or, on occasion, to collect from their depot.
If Startrack attempts delivery and no one is home, they will usually leave a card asking you to contact them rearrange delivery.
Our bell tents have been tested extensively, for instance at the Burning Man festival. This Nevada desert-based festival is well known for its wind gusts and dust storms. The strong winds and dust storms did not affect our bell tents at all, while regular igloo tents literally flew away. Bell tents are thus not only durably built, but also extremely aerodynamic. If you leave your tent standing outside in very windy conditions without taking care for it, adjusting the guy ropes or properly pegging down your tent, the central pole may break. We advise you not to use our bell tents in harsh weather conditions with wind gusts over 40km/h. We can also vouch for the fact that we have been in some huge storms in our bell tents and the conical shape means they stay up to the wind amazingly well, the wind circulates around the tent and there are no flat surfaces to catch the wind.
Bell tents are intended for regular camping and leisure use.
Although many people are using bell tents for temporary glamping accomodation, bell tents have not been designed to be a permanent shelter. They are primarily a temporary structure.
Bell tents are classed as a Touring Tent (type T) in accordance with ISO 5912. The average touring tent user will use their tent for up to two week long bursts, up to three times a year. They will pack and store their tent away dry in-between uses.
We are aware that many bell tents customers do choose to use their bell tent for long periods at a time, and in some instances as a permanent shelter (some with far more success than others).
Specifically, our bell tents are designed for use in temperate climates during spring and summer. Using bell tents outside of this scope will likely affect their longevity.
If using your bell tent for extended periods of time we do recommend re-waterproofing your bell tent every 4-24 weeks depending on the climate or as required.
Always keep an eye out for mould spores and check that water falling onto the canvas is beading and rolling off.
Our products come with a one year manufacturing defects warranty. Usually if there is a manufacturing defect this is noticeable immediately on opening the item or at least the first time the item is used.
Our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, this can be extended to longer camping trips but we do not recommend living in your bell tent for long periods of time, or at least if you do so keep your expectations in check, knowing that these are tents made from canvas, which although durable, will get mouldy if left damp/if not drying out properly etc.
Additionally, if you’re using your bell tent for long periods of time, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the tent is kept clean, that waterproofing and anti-mould agents are re-applied regularly and as required. That any mould spores are cleaned off immediately and agents are used to kill the mould such as vinegar or clove oil or heavier duty agents available in many camping stores or hardware stores.
Should there be an issue with your item we will send out a replacement tent immediately and have the faulty item collected by courier.
We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, using the best materials available.
If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, or change your mind, please contact us within 3 working days of receiving your parcel & we will do our best to resolve the matter quickly.
Please refer to our Returns Policy for further info. Looking after our customers is our #1 priority.
We are always interested in discussing creative projects & collaborations. Just drop us a line and let us know what you had in mind. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
We do not offer wholesale prices.
We ship to every and any destination across the globe! Our items are shipped via UPS and should reach you within 3-7 days of ordering. Please contact us for a shipping quotation. Please note: Freight costs, import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the responsibility of the buyer & will not be paid for in part or full by Breathe Bell Tents, unless expressly agreed upon before the time of purchase.
All of our items are listed and sold in Australian AUD dollars.
Please contact us by email and we would love to discuss your ideas and requirements.
Breathe Bell Tents have three vents at the peak of the tent. These are lined with a mosquito mesh. The vents must be kept clear at all times. Never block the vents, doing so will compromise the tents performance and the occupant’s safety.
For printable detailed descriptions on how to set up and pack away your bell tent see the PDF on our specifications page. You will also be provided with printed instructions with your bell tent.
There is a legible notice permanently attached inside your tent, to the left of the entrance as you enter the tent. Do not remove it. These Fire Precautions should be noted and followed each time you use your tent. Never block the exit of your tent on the inside or the outside of the tent. In the event of an emergency the exit will need to be clear of obstacles to allow the occupants to vacate the tent as quickly as possible. It is advisable to include a small hand held fire extinguisher as part of your camping kit. The Breathe Bell Tent does not have a designated cooking area. Cooking equipment should be used outside the tent. Please carefully follow the instructions that came with your cooking equipment. Never use gas cooking equipment inside your tent.
Always store the tent when it is absolutely 100% dry. Never store the tent if the canvas flysheet or the groundsheet is damp or wet. Both the groundsheet and the canvas must be completely dry before storing. If you are forced to pack your bell tent away when it is damp or wet then it must be set up again within 24 hours. Store in a dry place. Extremes of temperature will harm the structure of the canvas. Ideally store at room temperature. Do not store anything on top of the tent as this can distort the canvas or damage components. The tent should be taken out of storage at least once a year allowing it to recover from its compacted and stored state. Rodents and insects can cause damage to stored tents.
The lifespan of your Breathe Bell Tent is very much dependent upon the camping conditions and the way in which you care for and maintain your tent. Air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, natural dirt and domestic dirt all limit the lifespan of your cotton canvas tent, as will the level of care and maintenance that you choose to apply. In our experience bell tents have lasted generations: the bell tent we had as children was only very recently replaced almost thirty years later!
Our bell tents arrive to you with a waterproofing agent and anti mould agent upon them.
Ideally, on receiving your tent it should be ‘seasoned’ by pitching the tent and hosing it down thoroughly, ensuring the seams are thoroughly soaked. This allows the fibres of the canvas to expand, sealing any small gaps in the stitching and also this allows the waterproofing agent to soak thoroughly into the canvas.
One of the most common problems to occur in canvas is mildew.
It is most commonly formed when exposed to certain conditions of humidity. Even if the canvas is mildew resistant, mildew will form if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. It most commonly forms when tents are stored damp.
If mildew does appear, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent (preferably in the hot sun) and applying a cleaner, followed by the re-waterproofing of any areas cleaned.
When dealing with mould, use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water to remove as much as possible and to stop the mould from spreading. Only use specialized canvas tent cleaning products for this purpose. Other domestic, chemical products can be too harsh and cause the canvas structure to breakdown and leak.
WHEN DO I NEED TO RE-WATERPROOF MY TENT?
Solar radiation affects the water proofing of your tent. After 4 to 24 weeks of use the fabric will be less waterproof (and this is a vast range of time as there are so many variables, the climate, the weather conditions, the strength of the UV which can eat into the canvas, the amount of rain which can wash off the waterproofing agent, the salt in the air in coastal conditions and thedamp in humidity of more tropical or colder and wetter climates).
This can be resolved with a waterproofing agent such as Bradproof.
HOW TO CLEAN AND RE-WATERPROOF YOUR TENT
The canvas has been re-waterproofed with an anti-mould agent and when using the tent often or in a harsh environment this process should be repeated on a regular basis, for solar radiation affect the water proofing of your tent.
Applying a new coating with care demands time and effort, but extends the life span of your tent considerably. Before EU rules and regulations were applied, chemical products were used to impregnate tents. Although these products lasted longer, they were harmful to the environment. The products we use are 100% biodegradable and can be applied by you without protective clothing.
The easiest way to re-waterproof is:
If the cotton has been affected by mould, mildew or weather conditions, do as follows:
Mould
Before 1995, potentially harmful chemical products were often used to render cotton tents waterproof for life. However, the European legislation banned these products, no longer enabling tent manufacturers to render the canvas of their tents completely water & mould proof. Although our tents have been treated to be waterproof as well as mould resistant, they need to be reproofed in due time to ensure they stay that way.
Mildew has an extremely adverse effect on cotton canvas. It breaks the fibers and creates black stains that are very hard to remove. Additionally, it spreads quite rapidly once the first stains have appeared. It is therefore of vital importance that you protect your tent against fungi in any circumstance.
General tips to avoid mildew on a cotton canvas tent:
Mildew is caused by moisture. It is therefore sure to form on the canvas of your tent if you store the tent wet. Moreover, mould stains often appear on canvas tents if they are no longer waterproof, for they then lack of an important protective layer which would otherwise keep off moisture and mould. To avoid mould and mildew, wipe down the interior and exterior of the tent with clean water before you leave it to dry and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Also, reproof the tent in time to ensure it stays mould resistant and waterproof. For more tips & tricks, check out the list below:
If your tent is no longer waterproof and/or if black stains have formed on the canvas, you need to dry the tent completely and treat it with specialized products.
Set the tent up outdoors or in your garage and open the doors and windows to ensure that it is being well ventilated. If possible, pitch the tent in the sun, for sunlight may help you in your fight against mould and mildew. Avoid pitching the tent in your living room, as mildew can trigger allergic reactions. Do not apply laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, or neat bleach to the canvas, as they will damage the canvas treatments. Dirt or mud can be dry-brushed off with a very soft brush.
The washing and reproofing process is simple and similar to hand-washing your car:
One of the most common problems to occur in canvas is mildew.
It is most commonly formed when exposed to certain conditions of humidity. Even if the canvas is mildew resistant, mildew will form if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. It most commonly forms when tents are stored damp.
If mildew does appear, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent (preferably in the hot sun) and applying a cleaner, followed by the re-waterproofing of any areas cleaned.
When dealing with mould, use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water to remove as much as possible and to stop the mould from spreading. Only use specialized canvas tent cleaning products for this purpose. Other domestic, chemical products can be too harsh and cause the canvas structure to breakdown and leak.
WHEN DO I NEED TO RE-IMPREGNATE MY TENT?
Solar radiation affects the waterproofness of your tent. After 12 to 25 weeks of use the fabric will be less waterproof. This can easily be resolved with an impregnation agent.
HOW TO CLEAN AND RE-WATERPROOF YOUR TENT
The canvas has been impregnated with anti-fungi but when using the tent often or in a harsh environment this process should be repeated on a regular basis, for solar radiation affects the waterproofness of your tent. Applying a new coating with care demands time and effort, but extends the life span of your tent considerably. Before EU rules and regulations were applied, chemical products were used to impregnate tents. Although these products lasted longer, they were harmful to the environment. The products we use are 100% biodegradable and can be applied by you without protective clothing.
The easiest way to re-waterproof is:
If the cotton has been affected by mould, mildew or weather conditions, do as follows:
Use Anchor Extra or Ultramar Protector to protect the cotton against fungi, algae, filthy water, etc. A perfect impregnating agent to make cotton tents waterproof is ANCHOR EXTRA®. It is an environment-friendly product, non-toxic and biologically degradable. Tent rental places and army tents have used it with excellent result since 1943. The product is water based, without solvents or hydrocarbons. The usage varies between approximately 8 m² and 12 m² a liter. It is possible for a gray shine to appear on dark-coloured cotton after treatment; after a few downpours, but this will disappear. Some companies industrially impregnate cotton in case you don’t want to do it yourself. The cotton is first cleaned and then impregnated under high pressure. This, however, is quite expensive.
Mould
Before 1995, potentially harmful chemical products were often used to render cotton tents waterproof for life. However, the European legislation banned these products, no longer enabling tent manufacturers to render the canvas of their tents completely water & mould proof. Although our tents have been treated to be waterproof as well as mould resistant, they need to be reproofed in due time to ensure they stay that way.
Mildew has an extremely adverse effect on cotton canvas. It breaks the fibers and creates black stains that are very hard to remove. Additionally, it spreads quite rapidly once the first stains have appeared. It is therefore of vital importance that you protect your tent against fungi in any circumstance.
General tips to avoid mildew on a cotton canvas tent:
Mildew is caused by moisture. It is therefore sure to form on the canvas of your tent if you store the tent wet. Moreover, mould stains often appear on canvas tents if they are no longer waterproof, for they then lack of an important protective layer which would otherwise keep off moisture and mould. To avoid mould and mildew, wipe down the interior and exterior of the tent with clean water before you leave it to dry and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Also, reproof the tent in time to ensure it stays mould resistant and waterproof. For more tips & tricks, check out the list below:
If your tent is no longer waterproof and/or if black stains have formed on the canvas, you need to dry the tent completely and treat it with specialized products such as Ultramar Shampoo and Ultramar Protector. Set the tent up outdoors or in your garage and open the doors and windows to ensure that it is being well ventilated. If possible, pitch the tent in the sun, for sunlight may help you in your fight against mould and mildew. Avoid pitching the tent in your living room, as mildew can trigger allergic reactions. Do not apply laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, or neat bleach to the canvas, as they will damage the canvas treatments. Dirt or mud can be dry-brushed off with a very soft brush.
The washing and reproofing process is simple and similar to hand-washing your car:
Our bell tents were originally and still are, designed and intended for casual use, for Glamping occasions where the tents are set up and packed away and cleaned regularly.
More and more people are using our bell tents for longer periods of time and for this purpose we recommend the use of our Pro and Protech bell tents have been designed for use over longer periods of time.
If using for extended periods of time the manufacturing defects warranty still stands, but any defects in the canvas will not be covered as the durability comes down to care and maintenance, position of bell tent and climate.
The warranty is not valid when you live inside your tent or when you use it for commercial applications, although we will try to prevent and correct any problems that may arise under those circumstances.
Our Pro and Protech bell tents are produced using a heavier-duty canvas (360gsm), a mesh door, heavy-duty guy ropes and pegs and have been treated thoroughly against mould. Consequently, these tents are a heavier duty, more durable bell tent.
Our Pro and Protech Tents are equipped with a heavy duty 650 gsm groundsheet that is attached to the tent by means of a heavy duty zipper.
This said, our bell tents have been designed for casual camping, this can be extended to longer camping trips but we do not recommend living in your bell tent for long periods of time, or at least if you do so keep your expectations in check, knowing that these are tents made from canvas, which although durable, will get mouldy if left damp/if not drying out properly etc.
Additionally, if you’re using your bell tent for long periods of time, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the tent is kept clean, that waterproofing and anti-mould agents are re-applied regularly and as required. That any mould spores are cleaned off immediately and agents are used to kill the mould such as vinegar or clove oil or heavier duty agents available in many camping stores or hardware stores.
The components used on Breathe Bell Tents have been selected for their durability and ease of maintenance. Small rips in the canvas can be stitched using a common needle and thread. Larger rips and tears will need to be patched. If applying a patch, use a diamond shape with the peak of the diamond at the top, allowing rain run off.
Any holes left by the needle will fill with the expanding fibres of the canvas when it becomes wet. Any damage to the groundsheet should be fixed with circular using a patch of the same (or similar) material and a good, strong contact adhesive and should be applied to both sides of the ground sheet.
Breathe Bell Tents have not been designed to be used in snowy conditions. Should your tent be used in the snow ensure that the snow is removed from the tent before too much sagging occurs.
If using your tent frequently, or for long periods of time, a cleaning and re-proofing treatment should be applied more frequently. Spot clean as necessary. The sooner a dirty or stained spot is dealt with the better. Dust and dried mud can be wiped away with a soft brush before a cleaning agent is applied.
Ideally after cleaning a waterproofing agent should be re-applied.
There are also various canvas cleaning specialists who provide this service. Do not clean your tent in a washing machine. This will damage the canvas fibres and may also damage your washing machine!
If using your tent frequently, or for long periods of time, a cleaning and re-proofing treatment should be applied more frequently. Spot clean as necessary. The sooner a dirty or stained spot is dealt with the better. Dust and dried mud can be wiped away with a soft brush before a cleaning agent is applied. Ideally after cleaning a waterproofing agent should be re-applied. There are also various canvas cleaning specialists who provide this service. Do not clean your tent in a washing machine. This will damage the canvas fibres and may also damage your washing machine!
On receiving your canvas bell tent we recommend doing a test run to make sure everything is there and functioning properly and, as with all canvas tents, this is when the tent should be ‘weathered’ or ‘seasoned’ (saturated with water). This will ensure your tent is completely watertight in heavy downpours. Following the pitching instructions that arrive with your bell tent and hosing the tent down and soaking the canvas will allow the waterproofing agent to soak into the canvas properly and the fibres of the canvas to expand, sealing the tent completely.
Bell Tents are treated with a waterproofing agent. This combined with the natural fibres of the cotton canvas expanding when they come into contact with water, ensures our cotton canvas tents are waterproof. Sometimes, tents might need to be ‘weathered’, which means they actually need to come into contact with some water to become completely waterproof. The waterproofing agent can, over time, become less effective through UV, wind and rain degradation and might need to be reapplied to ensure the durability of your tent.
Breathe Bell Tents are made from 100% cotton canvas. As this is a natural material, there may be subtle variances in colour or minor imperfections. These imperfections do not affect the overall performance of the tent. When it is brand new, the cotton may let some air through and leak a little around the seams. Once the canvas has been wet, the cotton expands, making the tent 100% waterproof. Cotton canvas provides a natural waterproofing and breathability. Cotton fibers swell when damp, the tight weave prevents rain from penetrating and the surface tension of moisture on the outside combined with the angle of the canopy allows water to run off. Moisture held in the air on the inside is still able to escape directly through the fabric, keeping internal humidity low and mitigating condensation.
