The modern Springbar tent family is a welcome design in a sea of stuffy synthetic tents. Their interesting history and design language show how innovation was made with traditional fabrics common to their birth era. These days, Springbar has done a good job helping to explain what may be some common forgotten benefits of canvas. Such as:
- Durability
- Breathability
- Longevity
But perhaps in one regard, quality synthetics do rise above: water resistance. Not only that, but with the Springbar designs in particular, keeping out rain means all those beautiful mesh windows need to stay zipped tight.
In the case of hot, humid climates, waiting out a rain storm as such becomes a stuffy proposition. Enter: Springbar Stormfly.
Form
The concept of a tarp, or “rain fly” for a double-walled tent is not new. What is new (as far as I can tell) is having one so well integrated with an existing canvas tent.
Essentially, the Stormfly utilizes a long, zippered sleeve that secures it to the top metal ridgepole of the tent. The result is a very well located and secured tarp which has a series of tie-out points which can be secured to the included straps and staked to the ground.
At first, the geometry may appear a bit strange, but what I see is a series of shapes that minimize the amount of material required while still covering all of the important areas of the tent.
That is to say, the Stormfly provides full coverage of the roof, partial coverage of the short ends and rear of the tent, and can be its own front awning if desired.
Function
Admittedly, the simultaneous use of the canvas awning with the Stormfly’s is not exactly per the instructions. However, I find that the configuration provides improved stability because more guyouts better distribute wind loads. Additionally, the configuration forms a drainage path for water that usually collects in the center of the canvas awning.
Campers can adjust rear and side coverage of the Stormfly to fit closer to the tent, or further away, just by varying the angle they stake out the guylines.
Overall, the result is the ability to at least partially unzip all of the windows for airflow while fending off falling water. The feeling is a lot like sitting on a screened in porch during a thunderstorm. Pure nostalgia.
The Stormfly hardware is quite sturdy, using hook style ladder locks. The areas that contact the actual “springy” bars are reinforced with an extra layer of fabric. The corner areas of the side panels are elasticated to allow for flex in wind and uneven terrain.
Room For Improvement
The main ridgeline under the Stormfly where the zippered sleeve is sewn in has a taped seam. This is good manufacturing and prevents water intrusion. Unfortunately, the seam formed by the triangular side panels with the main roof section (seen above with the black piping) is not seam taped. The result is that depending on the intensity of rain, water can migrate through that seam and drip down on the mesh of your side windows. If they’re open (as you would likely have them), you need to be aware there is a risk of water intrusion into the tent.
However, it would be very easy to apply seam sealer to remedy this problem. Perhaps in future manufacture, Springbar can incorporate a factory solution.
Lastly, keep in mind that when it comes to waterproof fabrics, PU-coated variants can and will eventually degrade. Essentially, the PU coating will start to break down and flake off. At the same time, however, I think it’s reasonable to view the Stormfly as a somewhat sacrificial item. It provides a lot of weathering and UV protection to your main investment: the canvas. When the PU eventually degrades, the Stormfly can be replaced.
A Complete Level-Up
The Stormfly is a fantastic addition to an already very sturdy, durable, weather-resistant tent. Campers with snow-load experiences should weigh in, as I’m sure performance in winter conditions is very helpful. It would also be nice to know how the whole thing integrates with the stove chimney.
What I can say for spring/summer/early fall conditions is that the Stormfly brings a level of comfort to camping that I’ve never had before. The breathability of canvas, the airiness of mesh windows, and a high level of protection from (even very heavy) rain.
