How Long Do Nylon Tents Really Last? (Solved)

Amongst the many tent options, nylon tents are a popular choice for many campers. Yet, how long does a nylon tent last, and is it worth the investment?

Our article will answer these questions and look at what you need to know about nylon tents. With our help, you will be armed with the knowledge you need when you need to buy a new tent or use your already purchased nylon tent for your upcoming camping adventures.

Here’s The Answer To Why Nylon Is A Good Material Choice For A Tent:

Nylon is widely considered to be one of the best artificial tent fabrics. It is lighter and less bulky than many natural-based tent fabrics. Nylon can be used with smaller backpack tents and large family tents. Nylon is quick to dry, durable, and can withstand many adverse weather conditions.

What Lifespan Do Nylon Tent Manufacturers List For Their Tents?

We could not find tent manufacturers’ lifespan explicitly for their nylon tents during our research. This is likely because each person will use a tent differently, affecting its lifespan.

However, we established that, on average, a nylon tent would last about ten years, sometimes longer if it has been well looked after and not used often. If a nylon tent is used often and during three or four-season weather during rough camping conditions, it will likely only last between four to five years.

Do Nylon Tents Last Longer Than Other Types?

A nylon tent is better because it has a higher strength to weight ratio than a polyester tent which means it’s stronger and more durable.

Yet when we compare a nylon tent to a canvas tent, it becomes difficult to determine which is better as it will depend on what you’re looking for in a tent.

Nylon Vs. Canvas & Polyester Tents:

Before nylon tents were created, the most popular tent choice was cotton canvas because they were highly functional, but they are not lightweight and are often costly.

Nylon tents quickly surpassed canvas tents in popularity because they are lightweight, durable (granted, not as durable as canvas), smaller, and much cheaper.

Many campers prefer nylon tents because they are much more easily transported and can often fit in a backpack, making them easy to set up and disassemble when camping in remote locations.

However, canvas tents are far more popular for those who want to set up camp for a while because the fabric is thicker and suited to withstand conditions for longer, unlike polyester or nylon. Nylon tents are also not as water-resistant as canvas tents.

As we mentioned previously, nylon tents have a life expectancy of about a decade when treated well, whereas other tents like canvas tents can last longer than 12 to 15 years. Canvas tents can withstand harsh conditions better than nylon, which lasts longer than 4 to 5 years.

However, some nylon tents can last just as long as canvas or polyester tents, if not longer, if they feature ripstop. Ripstop helps prevent holes and tears in a tent, and so if a nylon tent has this feature, it will likely last many years if properly maintained. So there you have it.

A nylon tent can last just as long, if not longer, than other tent types.

Which Factors Impact The Longevity Of My Nylon Tent?

Numerous factors affect the longevity of a tent. Below we have discussed a few factors that are most likely to affect how long your tent will last you:

Moisture & Rain

Most nylon tents are waterproof, which means they can withstand rainy conditions, but this waterproofing does not last forever.

The constant exposure to rain or moisture will decrease the lifespan of a nylon tent because mold and mildew can develop, which damages a tent. Constant condensation within a tent leads to saturation of a tent’s fabric, which gradually weakens the nylon fabric over extended periods.

UV Light

Unfortunately, nylon is not immune to UV light, and this light can cause your nylon tent to fade or lose strength in its fabric which could cause ripping, thinning, and stretching.

In cases of prolonged exposure, UV damage can also lead to disintegration.

If you pitch your nylon tent in high-altitude nearer to the sun with no or little shade, it could become damaged beyond repair in a month or less. Yet, luckily if you apply a UV protectant or set your tent up out of direct sunlight, it will not sustain nearly as much UV damage.

How It Is Stored

Were you aware that how you store a tent can factor into how long it lasts?

If you keep your tent in an area prone to moisture, it will develop mildew or mold and then break down and become irreparably damaged.

Storing a tent in a muggy storage unit, garage, or car trunk invites damage. That’s why you should instead opt to keep your nylon tent in an attic or basement.

Rolling your tent too tightly will restrict the fibers and cause damage so try to use a mesh storage bag instead.

Wind Damage

Since nylon tents are quite lightweight, they are more susceptible to wind damage if not pitched correctly.

For example, nylon tents that are pitched directly without any natural windbreaks are usually directly in the path of the wind, and this can lead to the tent whipping and flapping, which can cause tears and holes. It could also cause the tent’s poles to pierce the tent itself, breaking the poles or irreparably damaging the fabric if the tent is not secured correctly.

Extremely windy conditions with gale-force winds or strong gusts can also lead to tears in vulnerable sections of your nylon tent. Ultimately, tents left to experience very windy conditions frequently tend to break easier and not last as long.

If your nylon tent is well made and pitched properly, it should withstand winds of between 15 to 30 miles per hour.

How Long Do Nylon Tents Stay Waterproof?

On average, a nylon tent will stay waterproof for six to twelve months if a tent is being used continuously.

If you only use your nylon tent for approximately two to three weeks each year, you will only have to waterproof it every two to three years.

How Can I Make Sure My Tent Lasts As Long As Possible?

Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make sure your nylon tent lasts as long as possible.

Below we have briefly listed what you need to do if you want to keep using the same nylon tent for the next few years of camping trips:

• Waterproof your tent regularly.
• Protect it from UV light.
• Ensure it remains clean.
• Use a groundsheet.
• Dry it out after each use.

When Should I Replace My Tent?

Ultimately, when you should replace your tent will be a personal decision.

However, there are a few signs you can look out for that usually let you know that it’s time to consider purchasing a new one. For example, if there are burn holes or rips in the tent fabric bigger than an inch, it could be time for a new tent.

You can patch holes an inch or less in size, but larger holes are more challenging to fix.

Additionally, if your tent’s seams have stretched or are showing signs of ripping, it would be best to consider getting a new tent. Moreover, another sign that you need a new tent is if your poles are not stretching the fabric tight.

If your poles are not keeping the tent fabric rigid, you will get wet during heavy rain.

Citations:

Nylon Vs. Canvas Tents; Which Is Better

The Signs When Its Time To Replace Your Camping Gear