How to Black Out Your Bell Tent

Camping under the stars, surrounded by nature, can be a magical experience. But there’s one thing that can put a damper on that blissful retreat: the early morning sun piercing through your tent, pulling you from your slumber far too soon. Whether you’re a light sleeper or just someone who cherishes those extra morning hours in bed, learning how to black out a bell tent can transform your camping experience. In fact, did you know that getting an extra hour of sleep can improve your life drastically? It can help lower blood pressure, improve glucose regulation and improve hydration as well as decrease your overall sleepiness! Imagine waking up refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle whatever the day has in store! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to block out the light and create the perfect dark haven inside your bell tent. Let’s get started!

Why Blacking Out a Bell Tent is Important

Blacking out your camping bell tent isn’t just about getting some extra shut-eye, although that’s a significant benefit. There are several reasons why creating a darkened environment in your tent is a game-changer for your camping experience.

Better Sleep

The most obvious benefit is improved sleep quality. Our bodies are wired to sleep in the dark, and even the smallest sliver of light can disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. By blacking out your bell tent, you ensure that you can enjoy uninterrupted rest, no matter how bright it is outside.

Privacy

Camping is about escaping the hustle and bustle, but that doesn’t mean you want to feel exposed. A blacked-out tent offers a level of privacy that’s hard to achieve otherwise. Whether you’re changing clothes or just want a bit of solitude, blocking out light ensures no prying eyes can peek in.

Temperature Control

Another often-overlooked benefit of blacking out your tent is temperature regulation. A darkened tent can stay cooler during the day, as it blocks out the sun’s rays. This is particularly useful during the summer months when temperatures can soar, making your tent feel like a sauna.

Light Infiltration Issues

Tents, by design, aren’t always the best at keeping out light. The canvas walls might be thick, but they can still let in quite a bit of light, especially during those long summer days when the sun barely sets. This is where blackout solutions come in handy, allowing you to control the environment inside your tent.

Materials You Need to Black Out a Bell Tent

Now that we’ve established why blacking out your bell tent is essential, let’s talk about the materials you’ll need. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to get started—just a few key items that you can easily find online or at your local camping store.

Blackout Fabric

The cornerstone of any blackout project is, of course, blackout fabric. This specially designed material is thick and often has a rubberized backing to ensure no light gets through. You can find blackout fabric in various colours, but black or dark grey tends to be the most effective for this purpose.

Clips or Velcro

To attach the blackout fabric to the interior of your tent, you’ll need something to hold it in place. Clips are a quick and easy solution, especially if you’re looking for something temporary. Velcro strips, on the other hand, provide a more permanent solution and allow for easy adjustments.

Adhesive Tape

For sealing light gaps around the seams, doors, and windows, a strong adhesive tape can be incredibly useful. Look for a tape that’s designed for outdoor use, as it will need to withstand varying temperatures and humidity levels.

Measuring Tape

Before you start cutting your blackout fabric, you’ll need to measure the interior of your tent carefully. A standard measuring tape will do the job, but make sure it’s long enough to cover the full height and width of your tent’s walls.

Optional: Blackout Liners and Reflective Sheets

For those looking to go the extra mile, blackout liners or reflective sheets can be added to your setup. Blackout liners are pre-made and often come with built-in attachment points, making installation a breeze. Reflective sheets can be placed between the tent’s canvas and the blackout fabric to further reduce light penetration and help with temperature control.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blacking Out Your Bell Tent

Purchase One of Our Black Out Tent Covers

This is the easiest step you can take - we offer a Silver/Black Bell Tent cover that will drastically cut down on the amount of light that goes through your tent. Not only helping to keep your tent darker but regulate the temperature better inside the bell tent.

 

This fits our 4m and 5m bell tents perfectly! Due to its size it will also go over a wide range of competitor bell tents if you don't own one of ours. If in doubt please reach out to our support team who would be glad to help!

 

But lets say you don't have one of our tents and it doesn't fit the one you have...

Well - lets breakdown how you can make your own at home!

Make it Yourself.

With your materials at the ready, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s a step-by-step guide to blacking out your bell tent.

Step 1: Measure Your Tent’s Interior

The first step in any blackout project is to measure the interior of your tent. This ensures that you cut your blackout fabric to the correct size and avoid any unnecessary gaps.

Start by measuring the height and width of each wall, including the doors and windows. Make a note of any ventilation points, as these will need special consideration later on. When measuring, it’s better to overestimate slightly to ensure full coverage.

Step 2: Install Blackout Fabric

Once you’ve measured and cut your fabric, it’s time to install it. Start by attaching the fabric to the highest point of the tent, usually the central pole. Use clips or Velcro strips to secure the fabric in place, working your way down the walls.

When it comes to windows and doors, you’ll need to be a bit more careful. Make sure the fabric covers the entire surface and overlaps slightly to ensure no light gets through. For doors, consider installing a separate piece of fabric that can be easily pulled back when you need to enter or exit the tent.

Step 3: Seal Any Light Gaps

After installing the blackout fabric, it’s time to address any remaining light gaps. Check around the seams, windows, doors, and ventilation points. If you find any gaps, use your adhesive tape or additional Velcro strips to seal them.

For ventilation points, consider using a lighter material like mesh that still allows for airflow while blocking out light. You can attach this to the inside of your blackout fabric using Velcro or clips.

Step 4: Test the Blackout Setup

With everything in place, it’s time to test your setup. Step outside the tent and close it up completely. Then, walk around and inspect the tent from all angles, looking for any light leaks. If you spot any, make adjustments by repositioning the fabric or adding more tape or Velcro.

Inside the tent, you should notice a significant reduction in light, creating a darker, more restful environment. If needed, make final adjustments until you’re satisfied with the level of darkness.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Tent Blackout

While the basic steps outlined above will go a long way in blacking out your bell tent, there are a few additional tips and tricks you can use to enhance the effect.

Use Blackout Liners

If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, consider purchasing pre-made blackout liners. These liners are designed to fit specific tent models and come with built-in attachment points, making installation a breeze. They’re also reusable and can be easily removed when not needed.

Combine Different Blackout Methods

For maximum effectiveness, consider combining several blackout methods. For example, you could use blackout fabric on the walls and reflective sheets (like our bell tent cover!) on the roof, along with blackout liners for the windows. This multi-layered approach ensures no light gets through and also helps with temperature regulation.

Maintaining Your Blacked-Out Bell Tent

Once you’ve achieved the perfect blackout setup, it’s important to maintain it properly. Here are some tips for keeping your blackout materials in good condition.

Cleaning

Blackout fabric and liners can accumulate dust and dirt over time, especially if you’re camping in a dusty or sandy environment. To clean them, simply wipe down the fabric with a damp cloth. For more stubborn stains, a mild soap solution can be used. Always allow the fabric to air dry completely before packing it away.

Storage

When not in use, store your blackout materials in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding them too tightly, as this can cause creases that are difficult to remove. If possible, roll the fabric instead of folding it to prevent permanent creases.

Durability and Repairs

Over time, even the best blackout materials can wear out. If you notice any rips or tears, repair them as soon as possible using a strong adhesive or patch. This will prevent the damage from getting worse and ensure your blackout setup remains effective.

If you find that your materials are beyond repair, it might be time to replace them. Fortunately, most blackout fabrics and liners are relatively affordable, so you won’t need to break the bank to maintain your setup.

Blacking out your bell tent can make a world of difference to your camping experience. Whether you’re a light sleeper or just want to enjoy a lie-in without being disturbed by the early morning sun, these blackout techniques will help you create a dark and peaceful environment inside your tent.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily transform your bell tent into a serene, shaded sanctuary, perfect for a restful night’s sleep or a lazy afternoon nap. And with the additional tips and tricks provided, you can take your blackout setup to the next level, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy during your camping adventures.

So, are you ready to start your next camping trip with a perfectly blacked-out bell tent? Gather your materials, follow this guide, and enjoy the blissful darkness that awaits you! Happy camping!