FAQs: Pop Up Tents All Year Round

When you are planning outdoor events such as tradeshows or outdoor markets, one style or another of pop up tent has likely crossed your path. The convenience, adaptability, and variety of today’s pop up tents and pop up canopy tents make them a go-to for many individuals and for many applications.

However, regular changes in season and the accompanying weather patterns can bring about a slew of questions regarding the use of pop up tents and canopies. To help you better understand best practices for pop up tent owners, we’ve compiled this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) page to help you keep your tent game strong come rain or shine!

Q: Can You Leave a Pop Up Canopy Up All Summer?

A: Certainly, although it’s best to store your tent in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use (and especially during any summertime extreme weather events). While some people do leave pop up canopies installed in their yards or campsites all summer long, continuous exposure to the elements (including plain old sunlight) will reduce the tent’s lifespan.

Don’t let that advice scare you out of the sun, however. One of the main functions of a pop up tent is to provide shade on sunny days. If you’re an all-summer-long tenter, look for models with high-quality, UV-resistant material that can help mitigate the wear and tear related to sun exposure. Regularly check the canopy for signs of damage, ensure it remains securely anchored, and consider applying an aftermarket UV protection and/or waterproofing product(s) to help it meet the challenges of full-time use. It is recommended to clean the canopy and store it properly when not in use to extend its lifespan.

Q: Is There a Color That Gets Hotter (Is Black Hotter, Is White Cooler)?

A: Yes. You may already be aware that darker colors like black absorb more sunlight. When applied to pop up tents, this scientific principle can indeed make your dark tent’s interior warmer in direct sunlight, sometimes quite significantly. Conversely, when you have canvas and other materials in white and other light shades, this will reflect more sunlight away from the tent, keeping it cooler (at least relative to a darker tent). So, if you’re trying to get the coolest possible atmosphere on sunny summer days, opt for a lighter tent. If you want to absorb maximum heat for late-season events in cooler weather, a black tent is the most heat-efficient option.

Q: Do You Need to Waterproof a Pop Up Tent?

A: Any proper tent is already designed to be water resistant, of course, as keeping out rain is one of the primary functions of a tent. In many cases, though, it can be beneficial to further waterproof and weatherproof your tent. Waterproofing aerosol sprays similar to those used on boots can be very effective on tents; just make sure you read the instructions fully to ensure you’re buying the correct product for your tent’s material. Brush-on liquid seam sealers can also work well if you’re more concerned about bolstering potential weak points in your tent.

Q: How Do You Waterproof a Pop Up Tent?

A: The exact process of waterproofing a tent can vary depending on what waterproofing product you purchase. Readily available, simple-to-use spray-on waterproofing agents make it an easy three-step process:

Clean the tent and let it dry completely.
Apply the waterproofing spray evenly on the tent’s exterior with a particular focus on seams, which can be problem areas for leaks.

Allow the tent to once again dry thoroughly before storing or using it

Q: Can Pop Up Tents Withstand Rain/Wind?

A: While pop up tents are designed to provide convenient, portable shelter from light rain and wind, it’s important to understand that they aren’t built for extreme conditions. Even the most serious, highly rated tents should be taken down and properly stored when extreme weather threatens. This can avoid damage or loss, to say nothing of the potential for injury involved in using a pop up tent during inappropriate weather.

If you are facing extreme weather during professional events, farmers markets, tradeshows, or outdoor markets, don’t panic. Take note of what direction from which the storm is approaching, look for an area with natural features that will help shield you from the storm, and then make sure you set up your tent properly, with all lines secured and properly staked. If you do need to use your tent in a serious rainstorm, get out periodically to check that heavy rainwater is not pooling on top of the tent.

Q: What Is the Best Canopy for Bad Weather?

A: The best “bad weather” canopy for you will vary depending on what sort of conditions you’re dealing with in your region. For adverse weather conditions in general, it’s best to choose a canopy tent made of heavy-duty, water-resistant materials, as well as one that has a solid, robust frame. High-end features like reinforced stitching, wind vents, aftermarket waterproofing treatments, and aerodynamic design can also aid significantly in a tent or canopy’s weather resistance capabilities.

Q: Are Pop Up Tents Good for Winter?

A: Some pop up tents can be used in winter in some places, but it’s crucial to choose tents designed for the right conditions. High-end cold-weather tents have special features like insulated fabric, reinforced framing, and snow skirts. If you use any sort of pop up tent or canopy while it’s actively snowing, you’ll want to make sure to brush any accumulation off of your tent at regular intervals. That fresh snow may look light and fluffy, but its weight can add up deceptively fast, potentially damaging canopy seams or tent poles.