A WORD ON LONG-TERM SETUPS
Stout Tents are purchased every day by discerning customers who use our recreational canvas tents as short-term homes, B&Bs, or weekend retreats. We’re grateful for these clients because their feedback and real-world testing have helped us make our tents some of the most solid and trustworthy glamping tents on the market.
We’ve combined our deep knowledge of canvas with customer feedback from around the world to create an extensive Long-Term Maintenance Guide. This Guide provides the best advice for anyone planning a long-term setup with a canvas tent. We’re also happy to send you canvas samples so you can test them in your own environment, and we’re confident you’ll be as pleased with them as we are. Our team is always available for a phone call if you’d like to talk through any issues or brainstorm ways to make your setup successful in a challenging environment.
However, regarding our Warranty & Returns Policy, please note that using a recreational tent for long-term or semi-permanent use is done at your own risk. We’ve seen tents stand for more than five years with minimal maintenance. Still, this kind of success usually comes from careful setup, consistent upkeep, and a bit of luck with environmental conditions.
High Humidity and Moisture
In areas with high humidity, tent lifespans tend to be shorter. Mold develops quickly in these climates—one of our long-term customers, who operates a tented lodge in the rainforest, even reports that mold grows on the bed sheets at times. Regular cleaning and ventilation are key to minimizing this.
High UV Rays and Wind Exposure
Constant sun and wind can be tough on any canvas tent. Many owners successfully manage these conditions, but tents can be damaged when left up a little too loosely or for too long. In hot, sunny regions like Arizona, California, Utah, or Colorado, expect only a single season out of the canvas unless you use a rainfly or sunshade. These coverings also protect your tent from bird droppings and debris that can stain or weaken the fabric.
Snowy Environments
In snowy climates, consistent snow removal and attention are essential to prevent fabric stress and pole damage.
Best Practices for Long-Term Setups
Our most successful long-term setup customers are campgrounds that perform daily maintenance and store their tents during the off-season. If you’re not planning to read the Maintenance Guide carefully and check on your tent regularly, a long-term setup may not be the best fit. Consider how outdoor awnings, patio furniture, and boat bimini tops fare in your area. That’s a realistic comparison for long-term tent performance.
If you’re unsure whether a Stout Tent is the right solution for your intended use, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to discuss your setup and help you make the best decision.
Because of our commitment to quality, excellent customer service, and fair wholesale pricing, Stout Tent has become a leading choice for rental companies, event organizers, and luxury glamping resorts. We’d love to earn your business, too, but we also want to be upfront about what long-term setups require.
