Are canvas tents *that* much cooler in hot weather?

dutch_henry

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 5, 2018
Messages
256
Location
Vermont
For those of you who own both nylon tents and canvas tents, could you compare and contrast their comfort in hot weather? I already have solid 6 man dome tent which serves me well. Except that it turns into an oven in direct sun.

For hunting and fishing I'm out the door before that happens. But on family trips, that means no nap for our toddler. And truth be told, I think something like a kodiak flex-bow would set up waaaay faster than my cabelas instinct alaskan guide.
 

Superdoo

WKR
Joined
Feb 21, 2020
Messages
1,007
Location
ND
In my experience, both are freakin hot. This summer I am going to try using a nylon tarp to create a layer of shade for my bell tent. I'm hoping that will cool it off a bit.
 
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
478
Location
Oregon
Canvas is definitely cooler. While both are miserable in direct sunlight, this last summer over Memorial Day, there was a noticeable difference in temperatures between my wall tent and the couple of nylon tents setup by my kids
 
OP
dutch_henry

dutch_henry

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 5, 2018
Messages
256
Location
Vermont
Thanks all. Sounds like I need to get with the program.

Next question is one Rokslide can't help me on. What to say to wife when she discovers another yet another tent in our basement.
 

sndmn11

WKR
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Messages
9,170
Location
Morrison, Colorado
Thanks all. Sounds like I need to get with the program.

Next question is one Rokslide can't help me on. What to say to wife when she discovers another yet another tent in our basement.
Probably just flip it around and ask her why the heck she is messing around in the basement and you need a safe space for being you.

#secretstomaritalsuccess
 

sneaky

"DADDY"
Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
10,034
Location
ID
Just tell her "retail therapy". She'll understand

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Oct 8, 2019
Messages
2,956
I understand that in these woke times we’re not allowed to mention color.

But based upon personal experience, a darker object usually will absorb more heat than a lighter object.

Nylon tents tend to be darker and canvas tents tend to be lighter.

Been just as miserable from the heat in a hammock as in a nylon tent as in a Kodiak.
 

young7.3

WKR
Joined
May 16, 2017
Messages
444
We use an older 10x20 montana canvas tent and when it gets to 70-80 in sept the interior is probably 5-15 degrees hotter. But we just keep the doors open and the window in the back open and its comfortable again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Messages
13
Location
Duluth,MN
Canvas is definitely cooler. While both are miserable in direct sunlight, this last summer over Memorial Day, there was a noticeable difference in temperatures between my wall tent and the couple of nylon tents setup by my kids
Agreed. I’ve had both and canvas has a cooler temp in the heat. Sure are heavy
Though.
 

sneaky

"DADDY"
Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
10,034
Location
ID
Cooler? Not by much. More breathable? 100%. Nylon tents are the perfect embodiment of full body swamp ass when it's hot. Canvas breathes so much better.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Messages
1,625
Location
Montana
Having lived in tents most of my adult life, I have a dome tent that is much cooler during the summer as long as I leave the cover off.
 
Top