Are Scratches on Naturehike & Blackdog Tents Normal? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are Scratches on Naturehike & Blackdog Tents Normal? Here’s What You Need to Know

Dana Sy

Gear Guide • Tent Care & Quality

Why Superficial Scratches on Naturehike & Blackdog Tents Are Normal — and Harmless

Seeing light scuffs on the black vinyl coating or faint lines on the mesh gauze? Good news—these are common with technical tent fabrics and won’t affect waterproofing, strength, or comfort.

The short version:
Cosmetic only Waterproofing intact Mesh strength unchanged Inevitable in handling

What causes these marks?

  • Contact with tooling and rollers during coating and lamination.
  • Folding, compression, and tight packing at the factory.
  • Movement and friction during shipping and retail handling.
Close-up of black vinyl tent coating showing tiny superficial surface scratch that does not affect waterproofing
Superficial scratch on black vinyl coating — a surface scuff that does not penetrate the waterproof layer.
Close-up of tent mesh gauze showing faint weave lines that appear like scratches but are part of the fabric structure
“Scratches” on mesh gauze are usually visible weave lines and do not weaken the netting.

Quick infographic: normal vs. problem

Understanding Tent Fabric Layers

Premium tents like Naturehike and Blackdog use multi-layer technical fabrics similar to the Ti Black system below. These layers work together to provide water resistance, UV protection, and thermal comfort. Even if you notice a superficial scratch on the first inner surface, the PU waterproof coating and other functional layers remain intact—so performance is unaffected.

Cross-section illustration of multi-layer tent fabric including water-repellent outer, colored yarn, reflective layer, insulation, and PU waterproof coating
Typical multi-layer structure: (1) Lotus leaf water-repellent outer, (2) tear-resistant colored yarn, (3) reflective UV layer, (4) thermal insulation layer, (5) PU waterproof coating. Minor surface scuffs on the first layer do not reach the PU coating.

This layered build is why small cosmetic marks don’t cause leaks. If you ever see cuts, holes, seam tape lifting, or delamination, that’s when support is needed.

Will these marks affect camping performance?

  • Waterproofing: The protective PU layer remains intact—the marks are superficial.
  • Strength & wind resistance: Fabric and frame performance are unchanged.
  • Breathability & comfort: No impact on ventilation or interior comfort.

Best practices from EZCamp

  • Do a home pitch before your first trip for peace of mind.
  • Dry completely after rain or dew before storage.
  • Store loosely folded in a cool, dry place to minimize compression marks.

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FAQ

Do superficial scratches affect waterproofing?

No. These are surface-level marks that do not penetrate the waterproof PU coating.

Are mesh gauze “scratches” defects?

They’re usually just visible weave lines from the mesh structure and do not weaken the material.

Why can’t manufacturers eliminate them?

Because technical fabrics are handled, folded, packed, and shipped—light cosmetic marks are inevitable even with strict QC.

When should I contact support?

If you see cuts, holes, seam tape lifting, delamination, or active leaks, contact EZCamp OutdoorHub with photos and your order number.

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