A rainfly is an essential component of any tent, but there are some campers who do not understand its importance. A well-made rainfly can make the difference between waking up in a puddle and staying dry throughout your trip.
A canvas tent fly can protect your sleeping area from rain, snow, and wind while providing insulation value. It also keeps your canvas tent clean by keeping tree pitch and tar away from the roof.
Waterproofing
A rainfly helps protect your tent from water, but it also reduces heat loss and adds insulation. This makes them especially important if you're camping in cold climates or in areas with high winds. Some rain flies provide full coverage, so they wrap around your tent and offer protection from both the wind and the rain. Others are designed to provide partial cover, so they work more like a fabric pavilion and allow you to enjoy the sun.
It's important to waterproof your canvas tent as often as you waterproof the rest of your gear. You can use a tent seasoning treatment to make an untreated canvas tent more water-resistant by encouraging the cotton fibers to swell and seal the seams. Alternatively, you can buy a quality waterproofing spray or paint that can be used on canvas and other materials to keep it protected from the elements. We recommend 303 Fabric Guard, which is safe and effective.
Ventilation
A rain fly protects you from rain but can also serve as a sun shade. Canvas tents are treated for UV resistance, and the light color of the fabric invites in the warm sunshine. This helps reset your circadian rhythm and keep you looking your best.
A full rainfly is usually bigger than the tent, meaning it extends far past both sides. This prevents the eave trough from collecting water which can rot and mildew canvas, even with a waterproofing solution applied.
In addition to keeping you dry, a full rainfly can help prevent hypothermia in extreme conditions. It can also double as a makeshift shelter in emergency situations. It’s important to clean your rainfly regularly with a mild soap and water solution to keep dirt, mold, and mildew from building up over time. Then, reapply your waterproofing solution as needed. This keeps your canvas tent safe and dry for camping and glamping trips. With a good quality tent and a rain fly, you can rest assured knowing you’re prepared for anything the wilderness throws at you.
Durability
The rainfly you choose should be durable enough to stand up to the elements, including wind and rain. It should also be light and easy to set up. Many manufactured rain flies are made of nylon or polyester and have either polyurethane or silicone coatings that make them very waterproof.
Some models have adjustable attachment points that allow you to alter the tension of the rainfly over your tent to reduce sagging and keep water from pooling in sagging areas. Other features to look for are vents that open and close depending on the weather conditions and a reflective coating that helps you find your tent in the dark.
You can also use a tarp as a rainfly, although it won’t be as strong or as lightweight as a model designed specifically for your canvas tent. Just be sure to purchase guy lines (long strands of thin rope) and stakes so that you can properly secure the tarp to your tent.
Custom Sizes
If you want to camp in areas with high winds, it's essential that your rain fly is properly attached. This prevents it from blowing around your tent and potentially becoming a kite. It also ensures that the rain fly is positioned over your tent in a way that doesn't block any windows or doors.
Depending on your preference, you can choose from polyester or nylon rain flies. Polyester is more expensive, but it dries much faster than nylon and doesn't expand as much when wet. It also offers superior UV resistance that protects against the sun's harsh rays over time.
Aside from protecting your tent from the elements, a rain fly can provide additional privacy in shared campsites. It can also help regulate the temperature in your tent, especially during summer trips when tent poles heat can build up. The most important thing is to make sure that the rain fly you choose is custom-sized for your canvas tent so it can adequately cover the main body of your tent.
