Geodesic shapes are made up of poles crossing each other to form a dome effect and have the benefit of a good use of space. It will depend on the design of the tent as to whether it pitches inner or outer first and overall stability will depend on the number of poles and pole material used. Larger dome tents will generally require two or more people to pitch them. Tunnel tents are a tunnel shape and poles generally do not cross over each other. All of our tunnel tents are pitched outer first or simultaneously with the inner and have the benefit that all the poles can be put in place before raising the tent up.
Fabric Benefits
Most of the larger family tents shown have a P.U coated polyester flysheet which provide good all round performance, have excellent waterproof properties and represent good value for money. The use of Nylon flysheet material is generally used on more expensive tents as it can have a greater strength to weight ratio so is better suited to specialist tents when the overall weight is a critical factor. Nylon flysheets can be coated with PU or treated with silicone on one or both sides, which will provide excellent water protection.
Technical Cotton (TC) is a polyester/cotton blend with a PU coating. The benefit of this fabric is the cotton content, which helps keep the tent cooler in warmer weather and warmer in cooler weather. It is also a heavier material, which tends to be quieter in use and does not flap in the breeze as much as a polyester or nylon tent.
Polyester/cotton and lightweight cotton as used on some Outwell and Eureka! tents do not use on a coating to make them waterproof but rely on a renewable fabric treatment. The key benefit to this option is the breathability of the fabric and is the best option for use in hot weather.
Ventilation
All tents require ventilation especially with a P.U or silicone coated flysheet, as moisture is unable to pass through it. Failure to ventilate the tent will result in increased condensation build up on the inside of the flysheet. Most tents have ventilation panels and vents and care should be taken to make sure they are used correctly.
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