Polycotton tents provide a more comfortable camping experience. They breathe to release humidity and insulate to keep in warmth. Polycotton tents are also durable, have a more natural hand feel, and are quiet in the wind. DOD uses polycotton that is 60-70% polyester, 30-40% cotton.
As a mix of synthetic and natural fiber - polycotton possesses the best characteristics of both. Synthetic tents don’t breathe, so they become humid when occupied overnight. And synthetic fabrics tear and melt more easily than natural fabrics. Synthetics have almost no ability to hold warmth. At the other end of the spectrum, all-cotton tents are comfortable, durable, and hold warmth but they are heavy and bulky. They also require treatment to achieve waterproofness. Polycotton tents are comfortable, durable, waterproof, and hold warmth without being heavy and bulky.
Pros
Breathability: Polycotton tents breathe. Humidity, stickiness, condensation forming on the walls and a tent and dripping on you every time the tent moves, all make for a less comfortable camping experience. Polycotton lets the moisture escape so tents don't get humid.
Temperature Regulation: The cotton in polycotton tents helps to regulate internal temperature. These tents stay warmer when it's cold outside, and have ample vents for circulation when it's warm out. This provides a more comfortable camping experience in a wider range of temperatures.
Durability and Strength: Polycotton tends to be more durable and tear-resistant than polyester or nylon. This makes polycotton tents more resilient to wear and tear, extending their lifespan with proper care.
UV Resistance: Polycotton fabric generally offers better resistance to UV degradation than polyester or nylon. This means the tent fabric is less likely to weaken or fade over time due to sun exposure.
Reduced Noise: Polycotton fabric doesn't rustle in the wind as much as synthetic fabrics. The result is a quieter and more peaceful environment inside the tent, especially in windy conditions.
Aesthetic and Feel: Polycotton tents have a more natural fabric feel and a less 'plasticky' appearance compared to synthetic tents.
Fire Resistance: Polycotton chars rather than melts when exposed to fire, which can be a safety advantage. Polycotton tents are less likely to drip molten fabric in the event of a fire, unlike purely synthetic materials.
Cons
Higher Cost: Generally, polycotton tents are more expensive than polyester or nylon tents. The higher price is due to the cost of natural fibers and the more complex manufacturing process. In an effort to introduce polycotton tents to the North American market, DOD is offering our line of polycotton tents at prices competitive to polyester tents.
Longer Drying Time: Cotton absorbs more water than synthetic fabrics, so polycotton tents can take longer to dry out once they get wet. As with all tents, they should never be stored wet.
Sensitive to Stains and Dirt: Polycotton is more prone to staining and can show dirt more easily than purely synthetic fabrics.
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Polycotton Tarps
Polycotton tarps offer a more comfortable camping experience. They breathe to allow air circulation and are durable, have a more natural hand feel, and are quiet in the wind. DOD uses polycotton composed of 60-70% polyester and 30-40% cotton.
As a blend of synthetic and natural fibers, polycotton combines the best characteristics of both materials. Synthetic fabrics are prone to tearing and melting more easily than natural ones. On the other hand, all-cotton tarps, while durable and quiet, are heavy, bulky, and require regular treatment to maintain waterproofness. Polycotton tarps provide comfort, durability, waterproof qualities, and quietness without the bulkiness or heaviness.
Pros
Durability and Strength: Polycotton is more durable and tear-resistant than polyester or nylon, making polycotton tarps more resilient to wear and tear and extending their lifespan with proper care.
UV Resistance: Polycotton generally offers better resistance to UV degradation than synthetic materials, which helps the tarp fabric resist weakening or degrading over time due to sun exposure.
Reduced Noise: Polycotton fabric does not rustle as much as synthetic fabrics in the wind, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment under the tarp, especially in windy conditions.
Aesthetic and Feel: Polycotton tarps have a more natural fabric feel and a less 'plasticky' appearance compared to synthetic tarps.
Fire Resistance: Polycotton chars rather than melts when exposed to fire, providing a safety advantage as it is less likely to drip molten fabric in the event of a fire.
Cons
Higher Cost: Generally, polycotton tarps are more expensive than polyester or nylon tarps due to the cost of natural fibers and the more complex manufacturing process. DOD offers our line of polycotton tarps at competitive prices to introduce them to the North American market.
Longer Drying Time: Since cotton absorbs more water, polycotton tarps can take longer to dry out once wet. They should never be stored wet.
Sensitivity to Stains and Dirt: Polycotton is more prone to staining and shows dirt more easily than purely synthetic fabrics.
The tips are great so the grommets don't fall off easily.
S
Sarah
Solid
Good poles.
F
Fred
Good quality but expensive
I like the poles but again, a little pricey. But, they don't seem easy to bend so hopefully I won't need to buy more in a couple years.
A
Aaron
Adjustable is cool
I use these poles for the opening flaps of my Ichi L tent and also my tarp. I like that you can adjust the height so if you need the tarp low because the sun is low, you can.
