Canvas Bell Tents
Bell Tent Accessories
Fabric Guide
Need some help deciding which Fabric to go for?
We got you covered
| Fabric | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford Ultralight 100gsm |
✔ Extremely lightweight & compact ✔ Fast drying ✔ Waterproof ✔ UV resistant ✔ Naturally mould-resistant |
✘ Not fireproof ✘ Not stove compatible ✘ Not breathable |
| Polycotton 285gsm |
✔ Waterproof ✔ UV protected ✔ Stove compatible ✔ Anti-mould treated ✔ Breathable |
✘ Heavier than Oxford ✘ Slower drying ✘ Not fireproof |
| Pure Cotton 285gsm |
✔ Fully breathable ✔ Natural texture & feel ✔ Stove compatible ✔ Anti-mould treated |
✘ Not fireproof ✘ Slower drying ✘ Heavier material |
| Fire Cotton 360gsm |
✔ Fireproof ✔ Stove compatible ✔ Waterproof ✔ UV protected ✔ Fully breathable ✔ Anti-mould treated |
✘ Heaviest option ✘ Slowest drying ✘ Premium price point |
Let's break it down a little bit further, shall we?
Oxford Ultralight - 100 GSM
Lightweight, synthetic polyester that's waterproof and naturally mould-resistant. A more modern and slightly shiny appearance
Best for:
Summer camping, garden glamping, festivals
Not Suited For:
Cold nights, stove use
- Weight & Feel: Lightweight and compact - ideal if portability is key.
- Waterproof: Yes - coated to repel water efficiently in dry and fair weather
- Drying Time: Fastest of all the options - dries in approx 30 - 60 min in the sun.
- Breathability: Non-breathable, so can feel stuffy and cause condensation inside.
- Fire / Stove Safety: Not fireproof and not suitable for use with a stove
- Insulation / Warmth: Will keep you warm, but the cotton options will provide better insulation
Best Use Case Scenario: Casual, dry-weather camping where you are looking for a light great tent to take with you
Polycotton - 285 GSM
A blend of cotton and polyester that balances durability with breathability. Lighter than full cotton with a classic canvas appearance and better ventilation than Oxford
Best for:
Family camping, year-round garden use, weekend breaks.
Not Suited For:
Ultralight Packers or extreme winter without a stove.
- Weight & Feel: Heavier than Oxford but still manageable. More natural feel with added durability.
- Waterproof: Yes – with added UV protection to help withstand sun and moisture.
- Drying Time: Slower than Oxford but quicker than full cotton - dries in approx 2 - 4 hours in the sun
- Breathability: Yes – allows air circulation, reducing condensation and improving interior comfort.
- Fire / Stove Safety: Not fireproof, but safe for stove use (with care - our Polycotton tents don't come with a stove flap installed)
- Insulation / Warmth: Good – provides a noticeable boost in warmth without requiring the bulk of Fire Cotton.
Best Use Case Scenario: Excellent all-rounder for families and mixed weather. Breathable, cosy, and easier to handle than heavier options.
Pure Cotton - 285 GSM
Traditional untreated cotton canvas with a soft, natural feel and excellent breathability. Best for those wanting a timeless aesthetic and maximum comfort in warm conditions.
Best for:
Traditional camping, natural feel seekers, cooler nights
Not Suited For:
Very wet weather unless dried properly
- Weight & Feel: Heavier, with a soft, premium natural feel that many prefer for comfort and tradition.
- Waterproof: Yes – with added UV protection to help withstand sun and moisture.
- Drying Time: Slow – especially after rain or heavy condensation - dries in approx 4 - 6 hours in the sun
- Breathability: Excellent – highly breathable and comfortable in all weather.
- Fire / Stove Safety: Not fireproof, but safe for stove use (with care - our Pure Cotton tents don't come with a stove flap installed)
- Insulation / Warmth: Very good – traps warmth well and stays cosy in cooler seasons.
Best Use Case Scenario: A lovely, breathable choice for those who want a natural experience and don’t mind the extra care in wet weather.
Fire Cotton - 360 GSM
A premium cotton canvas treated to be fire-retardant, with a dense weave that offers durability and a slightly more structured finish.
Best for:
Cold-weather camping, stove use, all-season glamping
Not Suited For:
Lightweight travel or those needing fast drying
- Weight & Feel: Heaviest and thickest option – built for durability and serious comfort.
- Waterproof: Yes – along with full UV and mould protection.
- Drying Time: Slowest – due to its density and weight - dries in approx 4 - 6 hours in the sun
- Breathability: Fully breathable – helps manage condensation and keep the air fresh inside.
- Fire / Stove Safety: Fully fireproof and highly recommended for stove use. Our Fire Cotton Tents come with a Stove Flap installed already
- Insulation / Warmth: Excellent – provides the warmest, most insulated environment, ideal for colder months.
Best Use Case Scenario: The premium choice for all-season use, especially with children or longer stays. Cosy, safe, and robust – ideal for a true glamping experience.
Sizes Offered
From cosy retreats to spacious sanctuaries, our bell tents come in a range of sizes to suit every adventure. Whether you're glamping solo or setting up for the whole family, find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
3m Bell Tent
Perfect for solo escapes or snug couple getaways — easy to pitch, easier to love.
Shop 3m Bell Tent4m Bell Tent
The sweet spot — spacious yet compact. A favourite for weekend wanderers.
Shop 4m Bell Tent5m Bell Tent
Room for friends, family, and that extra throw pillow you can’t leave behind.
Shop 5m Bell Tent6m Bell Tent
When you want to stretch out and still have space to dance — go big, go 6m.
Shop 6m Bell Tent7m Bell Tent
Our grandest tent — host, gather, glamp in true boho luxury with room to spare.
Shop 7m Bell TentFabric Weights by Size and Material
FAQs
Will the tent feel stuffy if it’s waterproof?
No – breathable fabrics like cotton and polycotton are both waterproof and allow moisture to escape, preventing that hot, sticky feeling inside. Synthetic fabrics like Oxford are fully waterproof but can feel more closed in on warmer days.
Do I need to reproof my tent over time?
Yes – especially for cotton and polycotton. We recommend reproofing every 1–2 years depending on use and storage. Oxford fabrics tend to hold their waterproof coating longer but may also need reproofing eventually.
How should I store the tent if it’s damp or wet?
Always let the tent dry completely before long-term storage. If that’s not possible immediately, pitch or hang it out within 24–48 hours to avoid mould. Breathable fabrics are more vulnerable to mildew if packed wet.
Is it safe to use a stove in all tents?
Only in stove-compatible fabrics like Polycotton, Pure Cotton, and Fire Cotton. Never use a stove in Oxford tents, as they are not fire-safe and could melt or catch fire. Always use a flashing kit and proper ventilation when using a stove.
Only our Fire Cotton tent comes with a stove flap pre-installed. If you choose a Polycotton or Pure Cotton tent, a stove flap can be added – but we recommend doing so only if you feel confident with the installation. If not, and you plan to use a stove, we suggest opting for the Fire Cotton tent for convenience and safety.
What size tent should I get?
Please check our size guide for full information on what size tent would be best for you!