Tent Information

Common questions in purchasing a tent from Allweathers:

• Do I have to pay postage? Yes, if you would like to have the tent delivered there is a small postage charge. Most UK postcodes are £4.95 per delivery (not per item), some areas like Northern Ireland and the Highlands and Islands are £9.95. For a full list of postcodes see our 'Delivery & Returns' page.
• Do you have a display where I can see tents on show? Yes, we have a showroom and tent display 10 minutes from junction 29 / M25. During the season (April - August), we have a good selection of family tents on show. For directions, please see our 'Contact' page.
• Do you offer a package price? We do not offer specific package deals, but you will find in most cases if you order tent additions (e.g. carpets & footprints) at the same time as the tent (using the drop down boxes on the tent page), you will get reduced prices.
• Why has my tent has been re-packed? Some of the tent models we sell are over 30kg in one box. Due to courier restrictions on weight, we sometimes remove parts of the tent (usually bedroom units or ground-sheets) and pack them separately. Once the tent has been received the parts can be placed back in the original tent bag/box.

Common questions when using tents & warranty information:

• What if it’s windy?
  Family Tents - These tents are designed for use in moderate camping conditions (if pitched correctly) . I.E. Wind speed below 30 mph for fibreglass framed tents and 45 mph for steel framed tents. The pegs supplied are for good camping ground. For windy areas we recommend purchasing sturdier pegs. Always use all the guy-lines, whatever the weather. From our experience, Outwell steel framed tents offer the best wind-resistance for family tents.
  Lightweight /Mountain Tents - These vary between models, in most cases those tents with alloy poles which crossover, are designed for high winds, whereas those tents with alloy poles, which do not crossover are designed for low weight, not high winds.
• Will I get wet? Tent manufacturers make tents as waterproof as they can, taking into account price and features. No tent is guaranteed 100% waterproof by us or the manufacturers. With polyester tents taped seams help keep the water out, but use of seam-seal may still be necessary. Zips are not waterproof, but are covered to help prevent water ingress under most conditions.
• Will there be condensation? Condensation is often confused with leaking. Even a well ventilated tent can get condensation causing puddles inside the tent or a fine mist caused by wind shaking condensation off the inside of the flysheet.
• Will things break? Fibreglass poles can break in windy conditions, when pitched incorrectly or undue strain is put on them during pitching. Replacement sections can be purchased from most camping shops. The shock-cord which keeps the poles together can be easily damaged when emptying the poles out of the bag – repair kits can be purchased from most camping shops. As a tent nears the end of its life span (see below), the material becomes weaker and more prone to tearing. Damage caused by wear & tear and misuse (including wind damage) is never covered under warranty.
• How long will my tent last? Due to UV exposure, Polyester tents have a life span of approx. 12 weeks use depending on quality. Poly-cotton tents have a life span of 25+ weeks (if cared for correctly).
• Which tent material is best? Listed below are some advantages and disadvantages:
  Polyester tents: Advantages - Price, weight, ease of care and waterproofness. Disadvantages - Life span, condensation and noise.
  Polycotton tents: Advantages - Life span, breathability, lower noise. Disadvantages - Price, less waterproof, weight and size.
  Extra Information for polycotton tents: Polycotton tents may need their seams sealed before and after use. Polycotton tents are not as waterproof as polyester tents and water may penetrate in heavy rain.