Whats the difference between the Touring and Classic Tents (and which is best for me)?

For most campers, the Homecamp Touring Bell Tent is an ideal choice, offering nearly all the features of the Classic model but with a key difference in the canvas material. The Touring Bell Tent is crafted from 285 GSM CottonGuard™ canvas, compared to the 385 GSM canvas used in the Classic.

While many campers believe that thicker canvas is inherently better, this isn't always the case. Traditional 100% cotton canvas often requires a heavier weight to avoid tearing and ripping under high tension, such as in strong winds. However, our technical fabric, CottonGuard™, is nearly twice as strong as equivalent weights in 100% cotton canvas. This results in a canvas that surpasses traditional options in several areas: it offers an improved weight-to-strength ratio, better resistance to mould and UV damage, and maintains the breathability of older-style canvas.

The heavier canvas in the Classic Bell Tent results in approximately 5-7kg of extra weight compared to the Touring Bell Tent. This is an important consideration for campers who frequently pack and unpack their tents or are concerned about vehicle weight capacity.

The Classic range also includes an additional fire-resistant treatment during the production of the canvas, providing an extra layer of precaution for those who want to use a hot tent. This feature is especially important for commercial businesses that may need to comply with fire prevention regulations or with family camping where safety if the priority.

The Touring Range now features a fireproof stove jack, which provides adequate precaution for most campers.

Therefore, the 285 GSM CottonGuard™ canvas is an excellent choice for general camping. We now recommend the heavier canvas used in the Classic range for those who plan to use their tents as semi-permanent accommodation or for very specific cold weather camping or hot tenting needs.