Frequently asked questions

There is a subtle difference between fire resistant and fire proof. Fire resistant, in the case of tents, means that when an ignition source is placed in contact with the fabric it may burn. However when the ignition source is removed from the fabric it will self extinguish. Hence if your stove flares up and the tent catches light it will burn. As a general rule I would not recommend anyone to cook in a tent, nor place hot items such as lights or barbeques in tents or awnings.

All good tent manufacturers will be able to provide you with this information. Many have it on their website, so this should be the first place to look.

As with all tents, they are much easier to erect if you know what you are doing. Tunnel tents are one of the easiest styles to put up, but the structural strength of a geodesic tent is an advantage in poor weather conditions. I would suggest that when you buy a tent you should ask the retailer to show you how to erect it and then when you get it home, try it for yourself a couple of time before you become the centre of attention at the campsite!

The type of poles provided with a tent are usually determined by the suggested usage for that product, the price, and weight.

Alloy poles are usually utilised where weight is important. Hence in lightweight backpacking, cycling, adventure racing, or canoeing tents, alloy poles are commonly used as they are strong, durable and light. Alloy poles are also used on some higher priced family tents in order to reduce the overall weight of the tent. There are two disadvantages to alloy poles; the first is that they do corrode in areas where the atmosphere is salty; the second is price, this is usually higher than other options.

Fibreglass poles are utilised in all sizes of tents and provide tent designers with many options for use. They function best when they are bent in to curves. In most conditions they function well, but they are heavier than alloy poles and in extreme conditions (wind & temperature) they may split along their length, or bend near the metal ferules that join the sections together. Some manufacturers use a plastic sheath around the outside of some of their fibreglass poles (eg Vango’s Proshield poles). This plastic sheath helps protect the poles when in transit, or during erecting and striking the tent, plus when in use they add some strength to the poles and protect the tent fabric if the pole does split or fracture.

Regardless of the type of poles used in a tent it is always important to use the guylines. Tent designers do not add these to their products as a colourful addition, they are there for a purpose and if not used then in relatively “normal British weather” damage can occur to your tent. Most manufacturers now attach the guylines to the tent as part of their manufacture, some even include a DVD to show you how to pitch the tent and how to use the guylines. Their basic purpose is to support the poles at their most vulnerable points and have been positioned based on hours of studying tent failures, product usage and for some (such as Lichfield, Vango & Force Ten) wind tunnel testing.

It should NOT be cleaned in a washing machine! The best method is to pitch the tent and sponge clean it, using a solution of tent cleaner, from a reputable brand, such as Storm. After cleaning, it is recommended that you re-proof the tent.