Weathering your polycotton tent
Many polycotton tent owners wonder whether weathering is necessary, especially when using a high-quality fabric like Robens HydroTex® Polycotton. Although this dense, durable textile is designed to perform well straight out of the bag, the traditional weathering process can significantly enhance its ability to withstand rain and maintain a comfortable indoor climate. Weathering helps the cotton fibres swell and tighten the weave, improving water resistance and ensuring the tent performs consistently across all seasons.
This process is also the ideal way to familiarise yourself with your tent before you head into the outdoors. By pitching and soaking the tent at home, you can inspect seams, identify any minor needle holes left from the manufacturing process, and make sure everything is working as it should. Weathering is a simple, hands-on method that accelerates the natural sealing properties of cotton while maintaining the breathability and condensation-reducing benefits that polycotton is known for. For anyone who wants optimal performance from day one - whether for glamping, family camping, expeditions or long-term basecamp use - weathering remains a valuable step in classic tent care.
Weathering a polycotton tent is not strictly required, particularly with Robens HydroTex® Polycotton, which features a naturally dense weave designed for reliable performance. Even so, we recommend weathering your tent after purchase and again if it has been stored for a long period. This ensures that the fabric is fully prepared for rain, minimises the chance of initial water ingress, and helps the material deliver its best all-season performance from the start.
The weathering process is quick and straightforward. Pitch your tent securely, soak the flysheet thoroughly with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before repeating the process a couple of times. As the cotton fibres absorb water, they swell and tighten, closing the tiny gaps that naturally exist between yarns in the weave. This improves water resistance without reducing breathability, allowing the tent to repel rain effectively while still letting vapour escape. The result is a more stable indoor climate with significantly reduced condensation.
Weathering also gives you the opportunity to carry out a full inspection of your tent. During production, sewing needles can leave small, visible holes along the seams. These are a normal part of the manufacturing process and typically seal themselves quickly once the fibres swell. In rare cases, a needle hole may produce a small drip. By weathering the tent at home, you can easily identify such spots and apply a small dab of seam sealer if needed, ensuring complete waterproofing before your first trip.
Ultimately, weathering your polycotton tent is a personal choice, but it remains a highly recommended part of traditional tent maintenance. The process enhances waterproofing, improves comfort in wet conditions, reduces condensation and helps you gain confidence in your tent before you encounter real weather in the field. Taking the time to weather your tent will help ensure a more enjoyable, reliable and stress-free experience on every outdoor adventure.
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