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After a rather soggy bank holiday weekend camping in a Coleman Bi-space 400 we are seduced by the "completely waterproof" claims of the Outwell Bear Lake 6 (also an excuse for a bigger tent to accomodate our growing family).

Does the polycotton fabric take much longer to dry out than polyester if it gets saturated? The Coleman tent has been great for 4 years and coped well with morning dew or slight showers - drying out relatively quickly in the sun/a breeze, but not being completely saturated. Don't really relish the thought of packing the Bear Lake away wet (or very damp) if it can be avoided.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Neither fabric should become soaked through.  If it does, it's time for a reproof.

The polyester can quite safely be shaken, or beaten like an old fashioned carpet to throw the water droplets off.  However, if you try the same thing with the cotton tent, the mere fact of touching the surface will allow the water to soak in, and then becomes wet.  You won't necessarily have to wait much longer for it to dry though.

Z