It is not a typical thought to consider a tent that might muffle outside noise. Soundproofing the tent is a challenging endeavor because of the lightweight and thin fabric that it is constructed from. Because of this, there is not a large selection of soundproof tents available at retail outlets.
There are a variety of steps you may take to lessen the amount of noise produced within your tent; however, it is not possible to eliminate noise.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages of doing so, as well as seven different strategies for attaining the level of stillness that is sought when one is outdoors under a tent.
In the interest of full disclosure, let’s get this out of the way: a tent cannot be made entirely soundproof. Inevitably, some noise will seep through the cracks you fail to close. However, with the help of the hints provided, you should be able to bring it down to a more manageable level.
Noise Blocking Or Moving Blankets
These blankets are built to dampen noise to a significant degree. Moving blankets are thick and dense to protect your furniture in the moving van, but soundproof blankets are designed expressly for this purpose. You need just these characteristics to block out noise completely. One benefit of using moving blankets instead of soundproof ones is the significant cost savings you’ll likely see.
Alternatively, you may stitch the blankets directly onto the tent’s interior walls for a more permanent solution. But, depending on their thickness, they may make it difficult to pack up the tent after use. In any case, you could always use cords to secure the blankets to the tent’s framework. Because they are designed to be hung, soundproof blankets are ideal for this purpose and usually come with a convenient fastening.
The blankets’ additional ability to block out light and retain warmth should help you get some extra shut-eye.
Invest In Heavy-Duty Vinyl
To achieve optimal results in soundproofing, mass-loaded vinyl is typically employed. The material is offered in sheets about a quarter of an inch thick, and it is both thin and flexible. Vinyl with added mass can either absorb or deflect sound, depending on the situation.
Again, vinyl is often black, so it will shield your tent from light pollution just like the blankets did. At an event where there are numerous fires and bright lights, this is an additional perk.
Vinyl is thin, pliable, and light, making it simple to sew into the interior of your tent to protect you from the weather. Being so lightweight, it shouldn’t prevent you from folding up your tent normally.
Make sure as much of your tent as possible is covered. If there are any cracks or crevices, the noise will be able to get through. Using a Stanley knife or sharp scissors, you should be able to trim the vinyl to the exact dimensions of your tent. Also, double-check that it is securely sewn in place. If it breaks loose once you’ve arrived at your final location, fixing it will be a lot more of a hassle.
Put Down Flooring
Blankets and mass-loaded vinyl are efficient noise reduction methods against higher frequencies, however, low frequencies can easily penetrate these materials. These are the kinds of sounds that have more of an effect on your body than on your ears, like the rumbling bass of a song.
Surprisingly, low-frequency sound travels quite far into the earth. Your tent’s surfaces can also act as sound reflectors. This is why it’s a good idea to put some extra weight in your tent to act as a buffer between you and the floor.
Putting down a thick rug or carpet inside the tent is a great way to muffle outside noise, retain warmth, and improve the quality of your night’s sleep. However, this may not be feasible if you have a long hike before you reach your campsite.
Mass-loaded vinyl comes to the rescue once more if this is the case. It won’t do much for the tent’s warmth or comfort, but it will act as a sound barrier. It’s possible to use two layers for a more dramatic effect, though this will depend on the width of the roll you buy.
Furthermore, a soundproof floor is just as useful as soundproof walls, so consider purchasing movable or soundproof blankets for both purposes. Choose a quilted soundproof blanket, because they’re engineered to dampen low-frequency noises.
Purchase a Low-Noise Generator
A silent generator, while not a tent per se, can greatly improve the quality of your camping experience.
The use of a generator on a trip can be both an annoyance and a source of the noise. It can also be annoying to nearby campers, so opting for one with a low decibel level is always a good idea. Check out the quietest portable generator for camping here.
Build An Outdoor Barrier
This is a more involved undertaking, so only think about it if noise is a serious problem and your visit will last more than a few nights. These obstacles are common on building sites, so you have probably seen them before. Foam or fiberglass sheets are used to create the walls.
Creating a comparable barrier would be costly, therefore, it would only be worthwhile if the noise problem were severe or if the acoustic sheets were needed for some other purpose. There are, however, less costly alternatives. You can use mass-loaded vinyl or moving blankets to swaddle a huge clothes airer, for instance. While it won’t completely stop the flow, it should slow it down significantly.
This choice is available only when the noise is coming from a single source. Unless your car is going to be parked very near to the campsite, it isn’t going to make sense to bring individual stands to enclose your tent. It would cost a lot of money, too.
Install Curtains That Absorb Sound
In most cases, soundproof curtains may reduce the amount of noise entering a home by half or more. Tents aren’t as sturdy or soundproof as permanent structures, so you won’t enjoy the same advantages. The tent will be darker and warmer, and it will reduce the amount of outside noise.
These can be used in place of regular curtains in a large tent. You should cover as much of the walls as you can to get the best results. As soundproof curtains cost extra, they probably won’t be worth it to purchase just for this purpose. You can rehang them in your house to further improve the acoustic environment there.
Curtains can be attached to the walls of a tent in the same manner as moving blankets and mass-loaded vinyl are. You’ll have to sew them on, but if you can find sturdy Velcro strips, you can attach them to the tent and the curtain backs instead.
Conclusion
Camping is a great activity, but if you have trouble sleeping in noisy environments, you may not like it as much. This may make you feel like you’re missing out on things because it limits where you can travel.
Don’t fret, though; perhaps all that’s needed are a few tweaks to the soundproofing.
While it won’t be feasible to eliminate noise, you should be able to reduce it to a level that allows you to camp in more locations. You may select the best soundproofing strategy for your needs and budget by giving careful thought to both. You’ll have the world at your fingertips.