Our lavvu and gamme tents are made from durable cotton/polyester fabric. The fabric is impregnated, rot-resistant, and protected from UV rays. The cotton/polyester blend allows the fabric to breathe well, while the impregnation prevents water droplets from penetrating the fabric, making it both waterproof and breathable.
Generally, the fabric requires minimal maintenance. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Storage: Make sure the fabric is dry before storing it. If the weather isn't dry when packing up the campsite, you can unpack the fabric at home and hang it to dry in a garage or similar space.
- Re-impregnation: When necessary, the fabric should be re-impregnated. The recommended impregnation is a silicone-based textile impregnation, which can usually be found in stores or chains. We also sell impregnation products in our online shop or you can contact us to purchase.
- Re-impregnation frequency: The need for re-impregnation will depend on the climate where you use your lavvu or tent and how often it is used. For instance, customers who have a permanent setup (such as preschools using the Traditional Lavvo as their permanent campsite) often need to re-impregnate every other year. If you don't have your lavvu or tent set up permanently, you probably won't need to re-impregnate for the near future. Just make sure the fabric is dry when stored, and you likely won’t need to maintain it for several years.
Uncertain when to re-impregnate?
If you notice water leaking in, it’s time to re-impregnate the fabric. Keep in mind that water leakage is different from condensation. If you don't have a fire in the lavvu or tent, condensation can form on the inside. This will dry off when you heat the tent, and the fabric will release the condensation after a while since it breathes. The condensation will disappear faster if you ventilate better by opening the top hat, vents, or keeping the door partially open.
How to re-impregnate
- Ensure the fabric is dry. Set up the lavvu or tent on a dry, mild day. Brush off dirt, sand, twigs, leaves, and other debris. We recommend filling the impregnation in a low-pressure sprayer and evenly spraying it over the entire fabric. Using a ladder will help reach the highest areas. Let the fabric dry outdoors in fresh air. It’s also possible to lay the fabric on a tarpaulin to impregnate it.