How Long Do Glamping Tents Last?

Exactly how long do glamping tents last? Well, it depends. And the answer mainly comes down to quality, like many things. But we’re guessing that if you care about the outdoors (like we do here at Life inTents), you want a durable tent that won’t end up in the landfill sooner than expected.

In this guide, we break down how long glamping tents truly last, the main factors and features to look for to ensure they last a long time, and finally, ways to help extend their lifespan.

Read on to learn more.

The Average Lifespan of a Glamping Tent

Not all glamping tents are made the same. They come in a wide range of materials, and the care you provide them can significantly affect how long they last. But… as a general rule, the average glamping tent can last 5 - 15 years (casual weekend use) and 3 - 8 years (full-time living).

High-quality glamping tents can last a lifetime, but they should last at least 15 years.

The Main Factors That Affect Glamping Tent Lifespan

Keep in mind, however, that there are plenty of factors that can extend or shorten the average lifespan of a glamping tent. Factors such as:

• The materials and construction in which it’s made
• The frequency with which it’s used (including setup and teardown)
• Weather and climate conditions in which you take it out
• How diligent you are with maintenance

Let’s explore these factors a bit more in detail.

The Construction and Quality of the Glamping Tent

Several styles of glamping tents exist, including cotton canvas, poly-cotton, and synthetic/nylon.

Synthetic glamping tents are budget-friendly options, but the material will not stand the test of time. Poly-cotton is a step up, and very practical in certain situations, but the ultimate winner for longevity is true canvas (so long as it has a thick GSM). 

For a long-lasting glamping tent, choose one with heavy 11.5 oz (390 gsm) cotton canvas and reinforced seams.

Ideally, the canvas should be treated too. Look for extra treatment coatings, such as waterproofing, UV resistance, mold/mildew resistance, and fire resistance. Anything less can deteriorate quickly outdoors.

Aside from the canvas itself, verify that the tent is constructed with a sturdy steel or aluminum framework. This is incredibly important for taking on heavy winds and snow loads. The last thing you need is your glamping tent collapsing.

And, like the canvas, make sure it’s built with rust-resistant hardware components.

Using the Glamping Tent in Certain Conditions

As you can see, choosing the right quality glamping tent is a start. That’s because it will need to withstand certain weather conditions. But there’s only so much your treatments and frame can do (more on maintenance later), which is why it’s important to consider where and how you’ll set up the tent.

For instance, your glamping tent will last far longer if you only break it out a few times a season rather than leaving it up year-round in the backyard. No matter how strong the canvas and its treatments are, prolonged exposure to the elements (i.e., UV rays, rain, humidity) can break down the tent’s materials over time. Even the strongest center pole and frame can become damaged in high winds.

Choosing the Best Ground or Location for Your Glamping Tent

You can’t always help weather conditions. But what you can help with is where you pitch your tent.

For example, a glamping tent tends to be more damaged when drainage is insufficient during rainstorms. The best way to prolong your tent’s lifespan is to set it up outside a flood zone.

Vegetation and trees can also offer shade from the sun’s UV rays, as well as block high winds that can create strain on the main frame.

A glamping tent’s lifespan can even come down to whether you decide to elevate it on a deck platform or sit it directly on the ground – something to consider!

How Often You Maintain the Glamping Tent

Last but not least, maintenance is super important in making a glamping tent last.

Routinely cleaning your tent is the bare minimum to prevent mold and check it over for tears and leaks.

You should also reapply waterproofing treatments every couple of years and replace any broken stakes or fraying guy lines.

And in the off-season, giving it a deep clean and touch-ups like lubricating zippers takes that extra step.

We won’t delve into the precise steps needed to maintain your tent. (If interested, check out this entire breakdown on how to properly take care of it.) The point is… maintenance is an important factor in how long your glamping tent lasts!

How to Make Your Glamping Tent Last Longer

If you want your glamping tent to last as long as possible, understanding the factors above that shorten its lifespan is crucial. But there are extra time-tested tips and tricks you can borrow from the experts.

Here are a few extra ways to lengthen your glamping tent’s lifespan:

• Pitch the tent on a wooden deck or concrete platform
• Use a groundsheet and/or footprint – an indoor carpet/rug protects too
• Shield the roof from UV rays, rain, and moisture with a rain fly
• Ventilate the tent to prevent mold and mildew growth
• Remove heavy snow loads quickly to minimize stress to the canvas roof and frames
• Pack up the tent dry and store it away from moist environments

Premium Glamping Tents: Investing in Value Pays Off

Knowing how long glamping tents last, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the investment, especially if you want to buy a high-quality canvas tent from a reputable brand that's guaranteed to last for quite a while.

Sure, there are some upfront cost considerations, and even more if you purchase extra protective accessories like a rainfly and groundsheet. But whether you use your glamping tent as a backyard guest room (saving family and friends on hotel costs) or rent it out to couples and parties (making your money back and then some!), investing in a premium glamping tent offers a value that can’t be beat.