Can You Use Bell Tents in Winter?
Can you use bell tents in winter? Short answer: yes, absolutely—if you don’t mind a bit of snow on your morning coffee. With the right prep, glamping tents turn into cosy winter havens. Read on for tips, hacks, and how to stay warm without hugging a space heater all night.
The Inherently Water-Resistant Nature of Bell Tents
Canvas Material: How cotton fibres naturally swell when wet to create a tight, water-resistant barrier
Bell tents made from canvas benefit from the natural properties of cotton. When it gets wet, the cotton fibres swell, closing up gaps in the weave.
This process helps create a reliable water-resistant barrier, without the need for synthetic coatings. It’s a simple but effective feature of traditional canvas materials. Many campers trust it for this reason alone.
Factory Treatment: Most quality bell tents come pre-treated with waterproofing agents
Most high-quality glamping tents are already treated with waterproofing solutions when they leave the factory. This boosts their ability to resist water from the start.
However, over time and with use, these treatments can wear down. That’s why ongoing care is essential to keeping the tent performing well. A little upkeep goes a long way.
Heavy-Duty Groundsheet: Integrated or zip-in PVC groundsheets prevent water from seeping in from below
Another key feature is the thick groundsheet. Many bell tents come with integrated or zip-in PVC groundsheets.
These act like a barrier between you and the damp ground. In wet or snowy conditions, they help keep everything dry and clean inside. It’s especially useful during winter.
Key Factors That Determine Real-World Waterproof Performance
Quality of Canvas/Fabric: Material density (GSM) and weave quality
Not all canvas is created equal. Heavier canvas — measured in GSM (grams per square metre) — tends to provide better protection.
The weave also plays a big role. A tight weave leaves fewer gaps for water to sneak through. Look for both weight and quality when choosing a tent.
Hydrostatic Head Rating: Especially relevant for synthetic or polycotton, typically 3000mm+ is good
If your bell tent is made from synthetic or polycotton fabric, check the hydrostatic head rating. This measures how water-resistant the material is.
A rating of 3000mm or more is a good benchmark for reliable rain protection. It's particularly useful for harsher winter conditions.
Proper Pitching: A taut, well-pitched tent allows water to run off effectively
Pitching matters more than people realise. If your tent is loose or sagging, water can pool in places it shouldn't.
Make sure all guy ropes are taut and the canvas is stretched evenly. This lets rain and snow slide off smoothly rather than soak in. Good pitching is simple but vital.
Maintenance and Care: Ongoing re-proofing and proper storage
Even the best tents need love. Over time, water-resistance fades if the tent isn’t maintained.
Re-proof the fabric when needed and always store it dry. Skipping these steps can shorten your tent's lifespan and lead to leaks. Prevention really is better than cure.
Maximising Waterproof Performance and Preventing Leaks
Essential Steps for Initial Waterproofing (Seasoning)
What is "Seasoning" a Bell Tent?
Seasoning is the process of soaking and drying your canvas tent a few times before serious use. It allows the fibres to swell and tighten up.
It’s one of the easiest ways to improve water resistance — especially in new tents. Think of it as a pre-camping ritual.
Why Seasoning is Crucial for New Canvas Tents
Even pre-treated canvas tents often have tiny stitch holes from manufacturing. Without seasoning, these can leak during the first rain.
When seasoned properly, the fibres swell and help close those holes. It's a natural way to boost waterproofing — and avoid any damp surprises.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Your Bell Tent
-
Pitch your tent in dry weather.
-
Spray or soak the entire canvas with clean water.
-
Let it dry fully, ideally in the sun.
-
Repeat the wetting and drying cycle 2–3 times.
-
Check seams and re-seal if needed.
Ongoing Maintenance and Best Practices for a Dry Tent
Regular Re-proofing: How often and with what products
Over time, canvas loses its water-repellent finish. Re-proofing helps restore it.
You can use products like Fabsil or Nikwax, depending on your tent type. Apply once a year, or after heavy use or deep cleaning. Always test on a small patch first.
Seam Sealing: Inspecting and sealing seams, especially around stress points
Seams are common leak points. Pay attention to areas near the central pole, doorways, or A-frames.
Inspect them regularly and apply seam sealer if needed. A quick fix now can prevent a soggy night later.
Proper Pitching: Always pitch on level ground, ensure guy ropes are taut
Level ground helps prevent puddling and drainage issues. Taut guy ropes support the tent’s structure and shed water more effectively.
Avoid soft, uneven surfaces. A little extra setup time makes a big difference in wet weather.
Avoid Touching Wet Canvas
Wet canvas can allow water to wick through if touched from inside. It breaks the surface tension and draws moisture inward.
Teach campers (especially kids) not to poke at it during rain. That small touch could mean a wet sleeping bag.
Thorough Drying Before Storage
Never store a wet tent. Even dampness can lead to mould and mildew.
Dry it completely inside and out before packing away. If needed, pitch it again at home or hang it in a well-ventilated space. This keeps both canvas and waterproofing intact.
Using an External Flysheet or Tarp for Added Protection
In harsh weather, an extra tarp can give your tent added defence. It keeps rain off the canvas and protects against UV wear.
Make sure it's well-secured and doesn’t interfere with ventilation. Think of it as a raincoat for your tent.
Common Waterproofing Questions and Solutions
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why does my new bell tent leak on the first use?
A new bell tent might leak slightly at first due to unsealed stitching. This is normal and why seasoning is so important.
Once seasoned properly, these small leaks usually disappear. It's part of breaking the tent in.
Dealing with drips around the central pole or A-frame
Leaks near poles often come from seam stress. Check the stitching, re-seal if necessary, and make sure the tent is pitched tightly.
Sometimes adjusting the tension is all it takes. If not, apply seam sealer to reinforce the area.
How to identify when your tent needs re-proofing
When water no longer beads on the canvas, it’s time to re-proof. Another sign is dark patches where the fabric absorbs water.
Do a quick spray test if you're unsure. Prevention beats scrambling to fix leaks during a storm.
Bell Tents in Different Weather Conditions and Ground Protection
Performance in Heavy Rain and Storms
With solid pitching and prep, bell tents can handle serious weather. But every tent has limits.
A stormproof setup includes taut guy lines, proper drainage, and maybe even a secondary cover. Don’t wait for the rain to start before taking action.
Breathability vs. Waterproofing (minimising condensation)
Canvas is breathable, which helps reduce condensation inside. This makes it warmer and drier than plastic-based tents.
Still, ventilation is key. Open vents slightly or crack a window to let moisture escape. Balance warmth with airflow.
Groundsheet Integrity: Importance of a "bathtub" style or zip-in groundsheet
A bathtub-style groundsheet wraps up the sides of your tent a few inches. This blocks water from running in during rain or snowmelt.
Zip-in versions are also handy for cleaning and ventilation. Just make sure it’s properly zipped and sealed during wet weather.
Other content you might like:
Share this
Popular posts
Leave a comment