Canvas Tents

Canvas tent hire is one of our specialities.

 

Our Canvas Tents

Over The Moon supply a range of tent styles that use canvas. Canvas tents have a special place in our hearts as they were the first tents we camped in as scouts and then later the first marquee we bought, a vintage British army tent that we still have 25 years later! Here is some of our crew looking a bit fresh faced with our tent in 2004. The tent may have aged better than us!

See the range in carousel below.

What is Canvas?

 The Canvas Story: From Hemp to Modern Masterpiece

The word “canvas” whispers of artistic expression, but its journey began in the practical realm. Back in the 13th century, it emerged from the Anglo-French “canevaz” and Old French “canevas,” possibly stemming from the Latin “cannapaceus” meaning “made of hemp.”

 

From Humble Hemp to Versatile Fabric:

For centuries, hemp reigned as the king of canvas. Its sturdy fibers were perfect for sails, tents, and even armor. But as time marched on, cotton and linen entered the scene, offering softer textures and easier dyeing.

Plain Weave vs. Twill Weave:

Though often mistaken for denim, canvas stands apart with its unique weave. Unlike denim’s diagonal twill pattern, canvas boasts a simple, interlocking “plain weave.” This creates a more breathable fabric, ideal for applications where air circulation is key.

Duck Canvas: The Tightly Woven Champion:

Within the canvas family, “duck canvas” holds a special place. Its threads are woven even tighter, resulting in a stronger, more water-resistant material. This makes it the go-to choice for tents, backpacks, and other heavy-duty applications.

The Secret of Canvas’s Waterproof Magic:

One fascinating quirk of canvas lies in its relationship with water. When wet, the fabric’s fibers swell, closing the gaps between them. This natural tightening acts like a built-in waterproofing mechanism, making canvas a reliable shelter from the elements.

Tents that Breathe and Adapt:

Experienced campers know the importance of tent “sag.” When dry, canvas tents are pitched with a slight looseness. This allows the fabric to tighten naturally as it gets wet, preventing undue stress on poles, ropes, and the canvas itself.

In essence, canvas is more than just a fabric; it’s a testament to human ingenuity.


From its humble hemp beginnings to its modern versatility, canvas continues to inspire artists, adventurers, and everyday folks alike. So, the next time you admire a painting on canvas or snuggle into a cozy tent, remember the remarkable journey this material has taken.

Need something old skool or authentic?

  • We have worked with lots of canvas tents…
  • From Bell Tents and 6 man patrol tents in the days of our youth in Scouts…
  • with Hemp fibre ropes and wooden dogbones…
  • to modern day with Regentex and Polycotton canvas materials in our UK made Curved Canvas
  • We are the premier supplier of vintage canvas GS marquees dating back to 1945. 
  • We also have Tipis
  • We also have Yurts

Send Us A Message

Mail

info@overthemoontents.com

Weekdays

9 AM -6 PM

Weekends

Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM

Contact

Phone

+(44) 7983 969 826

Office Address

1a High Street, Nunney, Somerset BA11 4LZ

Store Address

Wincanton, Somerset