Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
For tent zips, spiral zips in sizes 8 or 10 with two-way, double-sided sliders without locking are most commonly chosen. The spiral is flexible and follows the curved shape of the entrance, while double-sided sliders allow the tent to be opened and closed from inside. Finer sizes, such as size 5, are used for insect mesh and small pockets.
Why spiral zips are the standard for tents
Tent entrances are rarely straight – they are usually shaped as an arch, the letter D, or a semicircle. Spiral zips bend with a small radius without jamming and withstand the uneven tension of the tent fabric caused by wind and pegs. Another advantage is that if the zip slightly separates, the slider can often be moved back to re-close it.
- Flexibility – follows the curves of entrances and ventilation openings.
- Lightweight – important for hiking and ultralight tents.
- Quiet operation – does not clatter at night, unlike metal teeth.
- Moisture resistance – polyester spiral and tape do not rust.
- Easy to cut to length – convenient for various tent models and sizes.
Choosing tent zip size by location
| Location | Recommended Size | Sliders |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance of outer tent | Size 8 or 10 | Two-way, double-sided |
| Inner tent entrance | Size 5 or 8 | Two-way, double-sided |
| Insect mesh | Size 5 | Double-sided |
| Ventilation openings and windows | Size 5 | Single or two-way |
| Pockets and organisers | Size 3 or 5 | Single |
| Tent storage bag | Size 5 or 8 | Single or two-way |
For large family and camping tents, awnings and marquees with wide entrances and heavy fabric, size 10 is the safer choice. For lightweight hiking tents, size 8 is the most common, balancing weight and strength.
Sliders for tent zips
Double-sided
The tent must be opened from both inside and outside. A double-sided slider has a pull tab on each side of the zip, solving this without extra parts.
Two-way
Two sliders on one zip allow partial opening – for example, only the top part for ventilation – or full opening. For arched entrances, sliders are usually placed at the bottom corner or middle of the arch.
No locking
Locking mechanisms hinder quick opening and closing, especially in the dark. Therefore, tents use freely moving sliders.
Pull handles
Cord pull handles with end caps or rubberised pullers are convenient – easy to grip with gloves, do not clatter on the tent, and do not scratch. For cord pulls see cords and cord ends.
Why tent zips separate
The most common problem is a zip that closes but immediately separates behind the slider. Typical causes are:
- Worn slider. Its jaws have loosened and no longer press the spirals tightly enough. This is the most frequent cause.
- Excessive lateral tension. The tent fabric is stretched too tightly, putting stress on the zip.
- Sand and dirt in the spiral and slider accelerate wear.
- Too fine size for the entrance width.
Temporarily squeezing the slider jaws with pliers can help but may deform the slider body. The permanent fix is to replace the slider with a new one of the same size and type. When designing a new model, allow size margin and check that the entrance closes without excessive fabric tension.
Design and sewing tips
- Sew the zip with enough distance from the spiral to avoid the slider catching the fabric.
- Provide a fabric flap over the outer tent zip – it sheds rain and protects the spiral from UV rays.
- Use a sturdy stopper or reinforced cross stitch at the bottom end of the entrance.
- When using cut-to-length zips, seal the ends with a hot knife.
- Test prototypes with the tent fabric under real tension, not just on a table.
Water resistance and UV protection
The outer tent zip is exposed to rain and sun. A fabric flap is the most effective water protection; reverse coil coated zips are used in more technical models. The general rule is to choose materials intended for outdoor use and approve the zip tape colour with a fabric sample of the tent.
Tent zip care
- Shake out sand and dirt before packing.
- Do not pull the zip if the tent fabric is tightly stretched – first loosen the tensioners.
- Dry the tent before storage to prevent mould on the tape.
- Use zip lubricant if it sticks, not oil.
What to specify in your inquiry
- Type of tent – hiking, family, camping, marquee or awning;
- Lengths of zips for entrance, mesh, windows and pockets or request cut-to-length zips;
- Sizes currently used, if any existing model;
- Number and type of sliders per zip – double-sided, two-way, single;
- Zip tape colour matching a fabric sample of the tent;
- Pull handle type – cord, rubberised or with brand logo;
- Approximate quantities for the production run.
With this information, we can offer a matching set of zips and sliders and send samples for prototype testing.
Tent and outdoor zips from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We supply spiral zips in ready lengths and cut-to-length, double-sided and two-way sliders, pull handles with logos, and related accessories. Samples are sent before production. Contact us via the inquiry form with your entrance dimensions, order quantities and desired colours.
