FAQs

• What do I do if my tent gets mold or mildew?
  If your tent is coved in black mold, and the canvas is falling apart there is not much you can do at that point. You can order a replacement tent body.
  
  If you catch mold in the early stages you can save your tent. Set the tent up and with a hose spray the affected areas to remove as much of the mold as possible. Make a solution of 5 quarts water, 1 quart vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Use a rag or sponge to wash the affected area. If needed use a gentle brush. Don’t scrub too hard. After washing, rinse with water and then allow the tent to dry completely. While you should be able to neutralize and kill the mold, you will likely have some stains that will not come out.
  
  Mold and soap can effect the canvas water repellent treatment. You should retreat the affected area with a silicone based water repellent such as Kiwi Camp Dry. Be sure to get the silicone based. Other treatments could clog the tiny pores in the canvas and cause it to loose its breathability.
  
• Waterproofing / Leaking
  Q: Will a Kodiak Canvas tent keep me dry?
  A: Absolutely yes! Kodiak Canvas tents are made with premium Hydra-Shied™ canvas. However, not all tents are completely waterproof out of the box. On occasion a new tent will experience some leaking. Over the life of the tent, occasional, waterproofing maintenance will be required. If leaking occurs, it is an easy fix. Treat the affected area with a SILICONE based waterproofing such as Kiwi Camp Dry®. This should absolutely take care of any leaks, and you should seldom have to retreat. Caution: Do not use other types of waterproofing such as Canvak® on this Hydra-Shield™ canvas, as it could affect the breathability of the canvas. When properly sealed, your expectation should be that a Kodiak Canvas tent will stay completely dry inside, even during drenching rains.
  Q: I grew up with canvas tents and remember when it was raining you could not touch the inside walls of the tent or it would wick water. Is this the case with a Kodiak Canvas tent?
  A: There have been some significant advances in canvas technology since the good old days. Kodiak Canvas tents are made with Hydra-Shield™ canvas that is specially made for tents. The super tight weave and silicone waterproofing combine to make an excellent barrier against moisture that will not wick water. Another great thing about Hydra-Shield™ canvas is that it is breathable. This minimizes mugginess on the inside which means you stay more comfortable!
  Q: Do I need to waterproof my tent when I first get it?
  A: After initial set-up, it is suggested that you spray the tent with water and allow it to dry completely. This “seasons” the canvas. The water causes the canvas to shrink slightly, closing the needle holes where the canvas was stitched. The most effective way to do this is to have the tent out in its first good rain. This process is only required once.
  VERY IMPORTANT—the tent must be completely dry before storage! STORING A WET OR DAMP TENT, EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME, WILL RUIN IT AND VOID THE WARRANTY.
  If you want to be completely sure your tent is sealed and waterproof, it’s not a bad idea to go over the seams, stitching, and stake loops with a SILICONE based waterproofing such as Kiwi Camp Dry®. This should absolutely prevent any leaks, and you should seldom, have to retreat.
  
• How do I clean or wash my tent?
  The best way to clean a tent is to spray it down with water, or wait for a good rain storm. Do not sweat a little dirt—that will give your tent some character.
  
  If you must, you can clean an area with some soapy water and a sponge. Use rubbing alcohol to remove pine tar. Soap and alcohol will affect the water proofing. After washing rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Then retreat the area with a silicone based waterproofing such as Kiwi Camp Dry.
  
  Be sure to air your tent out, and let it dry completely before storage.
  
• What if the difference between a Flex-bow "deluxe" model and "basic" model?
  
  The deluxe model is the full feature version. The basic model is the same tent less some of the features. Here is a list of the differences. Everything else would be identical.
  
  1) The basic models do not have the gear loft or clip on bag and pocket organizers.
  2) The basic models do not have vents. The vents help improve air-flow and temperature management.
  3) The basic models do not have a window inside the door, thus there are two windows (one front, and one back) and two doors (one front, one back). The deluxe model has four windows (two front, two back) and two doors.
  4) The basic models have a duffel style storage bag with a zipper. The Deluxe model has a handy strap-and-cinch storage bag so the bag conforms to the rolled tent. No cramming or stuffing.
  5) The deluxe models use top of the line YKK Brand zippers. The basic models use a generic version of the same zippers. Note that we have used the generic zippers for nearly 5 years in our basic tents and have very few issues. See the video link on the home page that shows the features of the deluxe Flex-bow tent. Just click the “info video” button on the lower left hand corner. This will give you a better idea of the tents features on the deluxe tents.
  
  If you can afford the deluxe version then go for the full features. If you are on a budget, the basic models are a great value.
  
• Are there any special considerations for extended use situations?
  If you are using your tent for extended use situations, periods of continuous use for three weeks or greater, there are some precautions you should be aware of in order to maximize the life of your tent.
  1) Canvas Rot: This occurs when the canvas at the bottom of the tent is in constant contact with moist ground. The canvas never dries out and eventually will begin to rot or decay in the areas of contact. Even if there is no precipitation, this can be caused by moisture from dew. Prevention: For extend use, make sure the tent is placed in an area that is well drained and dry. It could be placed on sand, gravel, or a slated wooden platform. Extended use on grassy areas or moist soil should be avoided.
  2) Mildew: Is more prone to grow in humid climates in dark or shady areas. Prevention: Opening the tent up daily and letting it air out. When possible, place the tent in an area where it can receive a couple hours of direct sunlight a day.
  3) UV damage. While your Kodiak Canvas tent is much less susceptible to UV deterioration than many synthetic fabrics, over time it will eventually degrade the canvas. Life expectancy in full sunlight should exceed one year of continuous use. Possibly much more than a year—there are many factors. Prevention: Placing your tent an area where it receives full sunlight for only a few hours a day is best, and will prolong its useful life.
  
• How can I prevent mold or mildew?
  To prevent mold or mildew remember to always allow the tent to dry and air out (inside and out) before you store it. Even if there has not been rain there could be humidity and moisture from dew, and or condensation.
  
  If you have to break camp when it’s wet, when you get back set your tent up ASAP and let it dry out.
  
  If leaving a tent setup for extended periods (weeks, months) in a humid area, prone to mildew, doing the following will minimize mold occurrence. 1) Place the tent in an area that will receive daily direct sunlight. 2) Allow the inside of the tent to air out at least daily.