If you are an outdoor enthusiast in Australia, you have to prepare for the harsh climate. When hit with extreme weather conditions from blazing hot sun to torrential rain and wind, campers need protection to stay safe, comfortable and happy (Who wants to melt under a patchy tarpaulin or ring out soggy socks from your tent?). So if you are planning to shop for camping shelters such as tents, campervans, tarpaulins, or camper-trailers, talk to the sales technicians about the construction materials so you can choose the best products. Or you can read on to do a bit of research before you go to a retail store.
Luckily, Australia is known for producing some of the highest quality canvas fabrics in the world. These technical textiles are tightly woven from extremely strong threads and create durable materials ideal for shelters. When you’re shopping, you will likely hear about several different chemicals used in the manufacturing process for these materials. Here is a breakdown of several popular textiles and how they are used for camping shelters and accessories.
Contents
Nylon 210 Denier by Ricky Textiles
This fabric is woven nylon with a polyurethane finish underneath. It is lightweight, yet heavy-duty and repels water. Also available in six colours, it is ideal for backpacks, bags, and other camping gear.
DX12 by Wax Converters Textiles (WCT)
This highly durable canvas is water and mildew resistant as well as UV-safe. It is ideal for tepee roofs, tarpaulins and campervan roofs and walls. It is available in 18 colours.
Companion Stripe Annexe Canvas by WCT
This is WCT’s 100 % polyester canvas that was designed for caravan annexes and tent walling. It is also:
- Water-resistant
- Mildew resistant
- Rot-resistant
- UV safe and fade-resistant
This canvas measures 220 cm wide x 50 metres long and is available in 13 striped patterns.
Bullduck TT Ripstop by WCT
Produced with Terylene and cotton, Bullduck is an extremely strong canvas. Its core spun threads are woven in both the warp and weft directions. This textile is ideal for tents, trailer-truck tarpaulins and campervan roofs and walls. It is:
- Water-resistant
- Mildew resistant
- UV safe and fade-resistant
Bullduck TT Ripstop is available in 10 colours.
Billabong Tenting Canvas by WCT
Billabong is a light to medium weight canvas made of a polyester/cotton blend. This is a high-quality material for campervan roofs and walls as well as large-frame tents. Other qualities are:
- Tightly constructed
- Water-resistant
- Mildew resistant
- UV safe and fade-resistant
Billabong Tenting Canvas is available in 17 colours.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Fabric by Wonpoong
Wonpoong produces PVC-coated polyester fabrics. This product is heavy and has one side painted with acrylic lacquer making it ideal for mudflaps, trailer covers and camping shelters. One thing to remember is PVC fabrics need to be well ventilated to prevent condensation. Good features of PVC are:
- Fire retardant
- UV safe and fade-resistant
- Easy to clean
PVC fabric is available in five colours.
Coastline by Wonpoong
Coastline is a very versatile PVC textile that is known for its waterproofing. It was designed for camper annexes and marquee walls, but it is also ideal for caravans and tents. Compared to the other textiles, Coastline has additional antifungal and opaque qualities. But make sure it’s breathable to prevent condensation. It is also:
- Fire retardant
- UV safe and fade resistant
- Easy to clean
Coastline is available in three striped patterns.
Superscreen 103 by HIRAOKA
Need a tarpaulin? Superscreen 103 is a mesh, coated PVC material that is used in tarpaulins, screens and awnings. Thanks to its 72 % shade factor, you can be protected from the afternoon sun. Superscreen 103 is also:
- Anti-fungal
- Fire retardant
- UV safe and fade resistant
Visit Your Textile Wholesaler
Here are a few questions you can ask your textile wholesalers australia about the fabric of your preferred camping item:
- What is the weight?
- If it’s canvas, does it meet the military standard AUS 2001.2.18.1987?
- What is its tear strength?
- What is the warranty?
Once you learn about the many applications of outdoor textiles, you’ll be able to see their presence in other industries. Besides camping accessories, you’ll find sports mats, healthcare mattress covers, flags and banners, and boat covers with similarly engineered materials. So if you are impressed by the tent you bought with a PVC coated fabric, maybe the next trip will be to purchase a technical textile awning for your patio
