Even though canopy tents are simple things, you need to take into account several aspects for a buy that is suited to your needs. One of the main factors that you will need to consider in detail is the tent material used in its construction as it will dictate how well you will be able to keep the weather away and keep your visitors and employees comfortable. A brief examination of the pros and cons of the most commonly used canopy tent fabrics:
Cotton
Apart from giving you an authentic feel and smell, cotton is a great tent material for those in humid climates as it permits more flow of air due to its breathability, according to Textile School. Being a good insulator, it is also easier to keep warm inside a cotton canopy tent. Unlike synthetic materials, you will not have condensation building up inside the tent when using a cotton canopy.
However, cotton tents have fallen out of favor because generally, they are quite expensive besides being bulky, and heavy, making them difficult to fold and carry. Even after weathering, cotton tents are at best water-resistant and can catch you out in a heavy downpour.
Polyester
Polyester is among the most popular canopy tent materials nowadays. It is similar to nylon but has better durability. Being a rugged material, it can stand up to rough and repeated use. Unlike nylon that degrades fast with exposure to sunlight, polyester lasts longer. It is a lightweight material and easier to collapse into a compact space, which means you will have no trouble carrying a 10×10 canopy tent around to various events you are taking part in or storing it. Because polyester does not absorb moisture, it is also not prone to mold and mildew. It is a cheap material, which makes canopy tents affordable.
Using a polyester tent in a hot climate can be uncomfortable if the material does not breathe. The restricted airflow also means that you will encounter condensation inside the tent if the weather is humid. In windy conditions, it can get noisy.
Polycotton
A blend of cotton and polyester, polycotton combines the best of both materials. While it is heavier than polyester, it is much lighter than cotton, making it easy to handle and store. It is almost as resistant to mildew as polyester and provides good protection against the UV rays in sunlight. Due to the cotton blend, the material is more long-lasting than polyester. It not only has a good feel and smell but also breathes well. It resists condensation and provides better insulation than polyester.
Unfortunately, because of their excellent performance, polycotton canopy tents are more expensive than polyester ones. However, you may need to weather them before using them in the rain.
Conclusion
If you do not want the weight and bulk of cotton and prefer the high-performance characteristics of polyester, polycotton tents are your best option. However, if love the feel and texture of cotton and don’t mind its weight and bulk, you can go with cotton. However, if you prefer the ease of transport and setting up, you can’t go wrong with polyester popup tents.