Frequently Asked Questions

Our Australian climate is notoriously demanding, but Karma Canvas tents are crafted from heavy-duty, high-grade cotton canvas engineered for long-term seasonal enjoyment.

Mould, mildew, and intense UV exposure are the primary environmental factors affecting any natural canvas fabric. How long your tent lasts depends on usage style and maintenance:

• Recreational Camping: When used periodically throughout the year, properly tensioned, and packed away 100% dry, a Karma Canvas tent will deliver many years of reliable shelter.

• Semi-Permanent & Glamping Setups: Continuous environmental exposure accelerates fabric weathering. Tents pitched for extended periods require active routine maintenance, including regular cleaning and reproofing.

For complete details on continuous pitch guidelines, commercial use, and maintenance expectations, please refer to our Warranty Policy. A care guide can be found in the manual provided with each tent.

Karma Canvas tents and structures are engineered for temporary recreational camping, pop-up events, and seasonal glamping. They are not designed, certified, or warranted as permanent, year-round residential dwellings.

If you choose to leave your tent pitched continuously for extended glamping or retreat setups, it will require extra routine care. Long-term exposure to sun, rain, and humidity demands frequent cleaning, UV reproofing, and proactive weather management to prevent environmental fatigue.

Please review our 28-Day Pitch Rule in our Returns and Refunds Policy before planning semi-permanent setups.

Yes, we do ocassionaly offer our products for pre-order to secure incoming stock. For dispatch timelines, cancellation rules, and refund terms, please see our Pre-Order Policy.

All our canvas products are treated with a high quality proofing agent during manufacturing. This agent provides UV protetction and water repellancy as well as mould resistance.

There is actually no such thing as a mould proof canvas tent, mould is a fact of life and all canvas tents require maintenance to keep them perfoming and looking at their best.

To find out more about how to maintain your tent, please refer to the maintenance section of our FAQ.

If it says "In Stock" on our site, it is physically sitting on the shelves in our warehouse, ready to pack and dispatch. We don't play games with dropshipping or list products we don't physically hold. The only exception to this is our Aparrel which is sometimes made to order.

On the rare occasion our inventory system gets out of sync with physical stock, we’ll contact you straight away to offer a replacement, an ETA on restock, or an instant full refund.

Note: All goods are offered subject to availability. If an item is unavailable, we’ll reach out before dispatch to discuss equivalent alternatives or process a hassle-free cancellation.

First of all, all our tents and awnings are made from luxurious 100% real canvas. Many companies' tents are made from synthetic materials and this only becomes obvious when you open the box!

Here's a breakdown of the differences between true canvas and synthetic or blended materials:

Breathability

This is arguably the most important feature when considerinig a tent in our humid, hot australian climate.

Real Canvas: Canvas allows moisture from breath, perspiration and general humidity to escape. This maintains a constant, comfortable temperature inside the tent and makes it a much nicer environment to stay in. This is super important for guests. If they are too hot in the tent they won't return!

Synthetic : Nylon and polyester is non breathable, and can't hold a candle to real canvas. More moisture gets trapped inside the tent making it uncomfortable to spend any length of time inside.

Stoves and Heat

Canvas: So long as basic precautions are followed, canvas is safe to use with wood-burning stoves and is ideal for hot-tenting.

Synthetic: Man-made blends are generally not safe to use with heat sources, not only do smoke and fumes get trapped inside due to lack of breathability, but synthetic fabric stands more chance of melting and releasing toxic fumes inside your tent.

Waterproofing

Canvas: Water and rain causes the fibres of the canvas to swell and the weave becomes naturally waterproof. Surface tension causes the water droplets to bead and run off. We also add a breathable waterproof coating to seal the deal (pun intended!).

Synthetic: Synthetics resist water well initially however eventually when saturated the fabric will absorb water and further impact breathability and comfort.

Durability

Canvas: Canvas is extremely strong, resistant to tearing (unless punctured) and easy to sew and repair. Since canvas can be washed and retreated, if looked after well it can last a very long time.

Synthetic: Much easier to rip and tear, especially if exposed to heat. Almost impossible to repair. A damaged synthetic tent means complete replacement and is destined for landfill.

Wind

Canvas: Canvas is a heavy, sturdy material which means it has much more weight than blended or plastic tents. This means you don't get annoying flapping noises in high winds (especially when you are trying to sleep). Also the aerodynamic shape of our bell tents makes them quite resistant to strong winds. The wind goes around the tent instead of hitting a large surface area of material.

Synthetic: Plastic fibers are light and prone to flapping and making annoying noise when you are trying to sleep or relax. They also stand more chance of being uprooted by the wind due to their lack of weight.

UV Resistance

Canvas: We treat all our canvas with a protective coating which repels UV and protects the underlying fabric. This treatment can be reapplied easily giving the tent excellent longevity.

Synthetic: Have you ever seen what the sun does to plastic over time? 'Nuff said.. :)

Canvas: Canvas is heavy. Heavy is good. Heavy means quality. You aren't likely to take a canvas tent hiking! Sometimes if the campsite is a distance from the car, it's wise to take a trolley for transport, or make sure to have someone to help.

Synthetic: This is a win for plastic. Synthetic tents can't be beaten for lightness. Blended tents are just as heavy as canvas, but without all the plus points we've mentioned.

Beauty

Cotton: Cotton has a timeless feel and beauty to it. It feels great to the touch and doesn't look cheap.

Synthetic: Plastic based fabric is shiny, hot, doesn't wick sweat, and looks artificial and cheap. Which would you prefer on your instagram story?

We have put a lot of thought into the price point of our tents. this can be summed up by the following points.

• Many tents that are the same price as ours are made from inferior fabrics. Check their specs carefully.
• Many tents that are made from canvas are more expensive than ours. Don't pay more than necessary.
• Our tents have unique features that make them stand out from the competition. Built in 360 degree mesh double walls, velcro stove exits, 2m high doors, power cord flaps, timber tensioners, reflective 7mm guy ropes....the list goes on. 

See the "canvas vs synthetic" FAQ for more info.

When using the tent for glamping accomodation, many people are choosing to build dedicated platforms for their tent for which we think there are two main options. One is to build a timber deck and another is to create a raised "pad" out of crusher dust or similar free-draining material.

Here are some points about both options:

• Timber decks look great, allow ventilation to get under the tent keeping the underside of the groundsheet fairly clean and dry, and drain fairly well if designed correctly.
• Crusher dust is easy to build with, has excellent drainage and provides a softer surface to walk and lie on, as well as giving great shape to the tent.
• Timber decks are prone to allowing wind to get under the tent and force it upwards. They are also very firm to walk or lie on (we would definitely recommend one of our recycled mats to make it more forgiving) and because of their rigidity they can force the tent poles higher than usual, sometimes affecting tent shape. They are also time consuming and expensive to build (they need footings or foundations).
• Crusher dust is more messy (however this can be alleviated by wetting and plate compacting your material) and may require the use of a second layer underneath the groundsheet to protect it from any sharp stones.
• A cheaper alternative to timber decking is to use modified shipping pallets and concrete pre made footings which rest on the ground rather than being sunk into holes. This solution may not be right for every situation.

This question deserves a whole page to itself!

In a nutshell:

• Our glamping tents are made from luxurious 100% real canvas, the most durable, breathable beautiful material out there.
• Our PRO Mesh tents have 360 degree canvas / insect mesh walls which can individually rolled up / down. Other tents that have this feature save money by having only one zip track for both walls. We have a separate zip track for both canvas and mesh.
• Our PRO Mesh tents have an integrated "hot tent" stove hole to allow easy fitting of one of our stoves. This means you don't have to cut the hole yourself (which makes people understandably nervous) and there is a custom flap allowing you to keep out the weather when the stove is not in use.
• All our glamping tents all come with "no stoop" 2m high doors.
• We use 7mm thick reflective "no trip" ropes and hardwood sliders for increased longevity where it counts.
• All our glamping tents come with a "zipped-in" groundsheet which is the most flexible and durable type of groundsheet. It can easily be replaced if the need arises.
• All of our tents have a waterproof power cord access.

We are an online retail business and don't have a showroom or shop floor, but if you contact us, we're confident we can answer all your questions, giving you guidance and greater comfort to purchase online.

For large orders we may be able to arrange viewings in the Byron Bay / Lismore area but this is strictly by appointment only. Please email us at sales@karmacanvas.com.au.

Bell tents are natually aerodynamic and wind resistant compared to other styles of tent. Due to their conical shape, the wind tends go around the tent however, we don't recommend you keep the tent up in wind gusts more than 60km/h.

Our awnings, star shelters and bell tent protector covers are less resistant to wind and so we don't recommend that you leave these products up in wind speeds or gusts exceeding 30km/h.

In our experience, if our products get damaged due to wind it's generally because the product hasn't been pitched correctly, so ensure you follow our instruction manual at all times. During high winds, always ensure that the ropes are kept taut as any flappy bits will soon get damaged by a strong gust!

It's always best to pitch your tent or other product in a location which is sheltered from the wind if possible to give you some peace of mind.

Yes. Please note that the limit on Afterpay transactions is $2000 per order. This is set by Afterpay, not us and can't be modified.

Please don't contact us asking if we can split payments between Afterpay and other payment methods, it's not possible and may impact your consumer rights.

All tents must be ordered through the website. Sometimes for larger or custom orders we can raise a customised invoice for which we can provide a payment link.

We accept all major credit cards, GPay, Apple Pay, Paypal and Afterpay. We can also accept bannk transfers but the funds will need to clear before we ship your order, which may cause a slight delay.

If you wish to pick the tent up locally in the Northern Rivers you need to pay for the tent online before visiting us and produce your receipt.

Our pickup address is 75 Duncan Rd, Numulgi, NSW 2480

The good news is - it’s simple! 

• Unpack your new tent and roll out the entire tent, groundsheet down, canvas up.
• Orient the doorway to take advantage of the local views, or if you prefer, to give you some privacy. It’s a good idea not to pitch the doorway facing a prevailing wind.
• Sometimes, the zips come undone slightly in transit. Check that all zips are done all the way up and there are no flapping bits! Note: On our Pro Mesh tents there are two zip tracks around the circumference of the tent, one for the canvas layer, and one for the anti-bug mesh. Both of these should be zipped up fully.
• Peg the tent out using the eyelets on the groundsheet. It’s best if you start on one side and then move to the opposite side, you can use the pegs in a lever fashion to stretch the groundsheet out for the best shape, all the time ensuring there are no folds or creases in the groundsheet.
• Tie on the guy ropes and sliders to the reinforced canvas loops around the outside of the tent (just above the wall). The longer rope should be used for the loop at the top of the doorway.
• Unzip the door and go in with the main centre pole. There is a steel ring close to one end of the pole, this should be closest to the roof, allowing you to hang a light or other accessories.
• Place the plastic sucker of the pole in the reinforced section of the middle of the roof, ensuring it’s completely centred for the best shape, and place the bottom sucker centred on the groundsheet. When new the canvas is quite tight so this needs a bit of muscle power to push it into the centre. Stand back and check that the pole is completely centred in the tent.
• Grab the A frame pole out of the bag and take it folded into the tent. Push the spike at the apex through the eyelet in the apex of the doorway.
• Fold out the A frame on both sides and put the plastic tips into the pockets provided on each side of the doorway.
• Step outside the tent. Support the doorway by pegging down the rope at the apex of the doorway using the 400cm rope (one is longer than the others). Then peg down the other 200cm ropes on that side of the tent, followed by the opposite side. Don’t tension the ropes too much at this stage, and follow the seam line on the roof of the tent with the rope for the perfect shape.
• Tension the guy rope sliders one by one until the perfect pitch is achieved.
• Place the plastic rain cap on the doorway spike.
• (Optional) grab your beverage of choice, stand back and circle the tent to admire your handiwork.
• Most important step of all…..chill out, slow down and cheer up, you now own a Karma Canvas tent!

Canvas is a natural fibre and whilst we treat our tents to be mould resistant, eventually the proofing will degrade. How long this takes is dependant on the climate and the length of time it is exposed to the elements.Keep a look out for mould at all times. It's ideal to get onto the mould as soon as you see it appear. This way cleaning will be straightforward.

If you find mould on your canvas product, don't panic. Here are some tips:

It's best to clean the tent on a sunny day to allow the sun to dry the tent quickly.

If the mould is slight, just a few spots, it should be possible to spot clean it with warm water, a sponge and a very mild bleach solution (just a few drops of white king in a spray gun full of warm water should work) however if the mould is severe then you'll ned to follow the instructions below.

• Brush all loose dirt off your tent with a soft brush whilst erected.
• Spray the tent to moisten it.
• Contaminants may need a mild soap, warm water and a wet sponge or cloth to remove the top layer (think bird poo or sap).
• Use a mild mould killing agent and mix as per the instructions (we recommend Wet and Forget, available at Bunnings and other hardware stores) you can also use a 1:6 solution of white king bleach and water. If you choose to do this you should only leave the solution on the tent for 15 minutes maximum before rinsing. 
• Spray the tent with the solution using a garden sprayer or similar.
• With Wet and Forget, the solution can be left on the tent for up to 3 weeks for the best results. Read the instructions carefully.
• If using the bleach solution, after 15 mins or less, rinse the tent thoroughly
• Allow the tent to dry.
• Stubborn stains may require a second treatment.
• Apply a waterproofing agent to the dry tent. There are many on the market but we recommend Bradmill Bradproof or  which is a specialised canvas proofing compound.
• Always follow the instructions of the specific product you are using,
• Allow the tent to dry.

Our couriers do not deliver to PO boxes or parcel lockers!

In certain circumstances if you are in a remote location you may be able to get the products delivered to the local LPO. It's the customers responsibility to arrange this with the LPO beforehand and advise us of the correct address.

This is another question that is difficult to answer definitively. We don't make promises s as the delivery times are totally dependent on the carrier.

Generally we suggest that you allow 1-2 weeks for receipt of our order, especially if you are living in a non-metro or remote area. This is partly due to our products being very large and heavy. Often the courier will store the goods at their depot until a suitable vehicle becomes available, and this can cause delays, especially during busy periods such as Christmas or Easter.

We can't work to deadlines, so if you have an event or project which you require the product(s) for please make sure you plan ahead and order them in plenty of time.

If you have any concerns about the order not being recieved on time, please contact us to discuss before the order is placed and we can contact the courier for an estimate.

Once the shipment has left us, timeframes are completely out of our hands, however we have a great logistics team and they will chase up any items that have been delayed significantly (longer than 2 weeks).

Please note - If you order more than one item, even if they get shipped from us as a package, it's common that they get split up by the courier as they see fit and delivered in stages. Again, this is out of our control.

You will, of course,  get a tracking link which will allow you to track your consignment.

No refunds or replacements will be given for products which arrive later than you expect. Ensure you allow plenty of time for delivery.

We are currently offering free shipping when you spend $200 or more to NSW. VIC, ACT, QLD and SA. Prices will be advised at checkout and are based on your distance from Byron Bay NSW. 

You will receive a tracking notification via email once your shipment has been booked in with our logistics company.

Generally we use one of the big courier companies to deliver your order. This is normally Team Global Express (formerly TOLL)  depending on your area. 

Please allow up to 3 weeks for deleivery of your order (especially to WA). If, after this you still haven't recieved it, please contact us at sales@karmacanvas.com.au and we will try to get an update for you.

Yes, our products come with express manufacturer warranties (including a 24-month limited warranty on canvas for recreational use). For full terms, continuous pitch limits, and commercial rules, please view our Returns Policy.

We adhere strictly to Australian Consumer Law. For details on reporting defects, major failures, or returns, please view our full Returns & Refund Policy.