Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
For a tent zip, the usual choice is a No. 8 or No. 10 nylon coil zip with two-way, double-sided non-locking sliders. The coil is flexible and follows the curved shape of the entrance, and double-sided sliders allow the tent to be opened and closed from the inside too. For the insect mesh and small pockets, finer sizes such as No. 5 are used.
Why nylon coil zips are the standard for tents
Tent entrances are rarely straight – they are usually arched, D-shaped or semicircular. A nylon coil zip bends to a small radius without jamming and withstands the uneven tension of the flysheet from wind and pegs. Another advantage is that if the coil separates slightly, it can often be closed again by running the slider back and through once more.
- Flexibility – follows the curves of the entrance and vents.
- Low weight – important for hiking and ultralight tents.
- Quiet operation – does not rattle at night, unlike metal teeth.
- Moisture resistance – the polyester coil and tape do not rust.
- Easy to cut by the metre – convenient for different tent models and sizes.
Which tent zip – size by position
| Position | Recommended size | Sliders |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance of the flysheet | No. 8 or No. 10 | Two-way, double-sided |
| Inner tent entrance | No. 5 or No. 8 | Two-way, double-sided |
| Insect mesh | No. 5 | Double-sided |
| Vents and windows | No. 5 | Single or two-way |
| Pockets and organisers | No. 3 or No. 5 | Single |
| Tent bag | No. 5 or No. 8 | Single or two-way |
For large family and camping tents, awnings and marquees, where the entrance is wide and the flysheet is heavy, No. 10 is the safer choice. In the light hiking segment, a balance between weight and strength is sought, and No. 8 is the most common.
Sliders for tent zips
Double-sided
A tent must open from both inside and outside. A double-sided slider has a puller on both sides of the zip and solves this without additional parts.
Two-way
Two sliders on one zip allow the entrance to be opened partially – for example just the top for ventilation – or fully. On arched entrances, the sliders usually meet in the bottom corner or in the middle of the arch.
Non-locking
A locking mechanism gets in the way of quick opening and closing, especially in the dark. That is why freely moving sliders are used on tents.
Pullers
Cord pullers with a cord end or rubberised pullers are convenient – easy to grip with gloves, they do not rattle against the flysheet and do not scratch. For cord pullers, see our cords and cord ends.
Why a tent zip splits
The most common problem is a zip that closes but immediately splits open behind the slider. The causes are usually:
- A worn slider. Its jaws have spread and no longer press the coils together enough. This is the most common cause.
- High lateral tension. The flysheet is pitched too tight and the zip is working under load.
- Sand and dirt in the coil and the slider, which accelerate wear.
- Too fine a size for the size of the entrance.
Temporarily squeezing the slider with pliers sometimes helps, but it deforms its body. The lasting solution is replacing the slider with a new one of the same size and type. When designing a new model, specify a size with some margin and check that the entrance can be closed without the flysheet being under heavy tension.
Design and sewing tips
- Sew the zip with sufficient distance from the coil so the slider does not catch the fabric.
- Provide a fabric flap over the zip on the flysheet – it sheds rain and protects the coil from UV rays.
- At the bottom of the entrance, use a strong stop or a reinforced bar tack.
- With zip by the metre, seal the ends with a hot knife.
- Test the prototype with the flysheet actually pitched, not just on the table.
Water resistance and UV
The zip on the flysheet is exposed to rain and sun. A fabric flap is the most effective protection against water; coated reverse-coil zips are used on more technical models. The general rule is to choose materials designed for outdoor use and to approve the zip colour on a sample together with the flysheet fabric.
Caring for the tent zip
- Shake out sand and dirt before packing away.
- Do not pull the zip if the flysheet is under heavy tension – loosen the guy lines first.
- Dry the tent before storage so mould does not form on the tape.
- If it sticks, use a zip lubricant, not oil.
What to state in your inquiry
- type of tent – hiking, family, camping, marquee or awning;
- zip lengths for the entrance, mesh, windows and pockets, or a preference for zip by the metre;
- the sizes you currently use, if there is an existing model;
- number and type of sliders on each zip – double-sided, two-way, single;
- tape colour to a sample of the flysheet fabric;
- pullers – cord, rubberised or with the brand logo;
- approximate quantities for the series.
With this information we can propose a set of zips and sliders that work together and send samples for testing on the prototype.
Zips for tents and outdoor products from Polkom
Polkom is a Sofia-based manufacturer and wholesaler of accessories for clothing and textiles with over 30 years of experience. We supply nylon coil zips in finished lengths and by the metre, double-sided and two-way sliders, pullers with logo and related accessories. We send samples before the series. Write to us via our inquiry form with the entrance dimensions, the number of products and the desired colours.
