I love outdoor adventures and people who know that I’m a DIY soundproofing guy often as me, Mummy Sam, is the anything like a soundproof tent?
Like I indicated in my article on how to noise unwanted noise coming from windows, soundproof is just but another name for noise reduction.
So, the so-called soundproofed tents don’t block 100% noises- but they’re much effective than traditional tents.
If you’ve done any DIY soundproofing project, you probably know that there are two ways to deal with noise problem when out camping.
You can either invest in a sound insulated tents or soundproof the tent using locally available materials. In my today’s article, I’m going to show you some of my recommend insulated tents and methods you can use to reduce noise problem in any traditional tent.
Why soundproof tents?
If you’ve ever been out for a music festival or outdoor parties, you know how things can get crazy out there especially during sleep time.
Loud stereo, drunk noise partygoers make getting a peaceful night sleep impossible.
But what if I told you that you could enjoy some peaceful night sleep next time you attend outdoor parties in the woods.
Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Crua Tri Luxury Winter Tent: Family Tent
Designed to accommodate three persons, the Crua Luxury Family Tent does an excellent job in dampening external noises.
The tent was designed in Ireland by a man called Derek O’Sullivan. He spent most of his time camping and discovered how traditional tents offered no protection from scorching summer heat and freezing temperature of the night.
He began a Kick starter campaign; see it here which led to the invention of Crua Outdoor Tent formerly known as the Thermo Tent.
What makes it unique?
Crua Outdoor tent offers thick microfiber insulation sandwiched in two layers of polycotton which you won’t find in your traditional tents.
These unique features make it possible to regulate temperatures as well as dampen unwanted sounds. The design and materials used make the tent ideal for use in any part of the world.
From the scorching sun in the Sahara Desert to the freezing temperatures in Iceland- this is a perfect tent for you and your family.
Other than sound and noise insulation, there are other features I think you should be aware of:
- It’s fitted with luminous guide ropes. No more tripping when navigating back to your tent at night
- It’s mildew resistant and flame retardant. These are some of the most overlooked features- but very important.
How to Soundproof a Traditional Tent
I know that you got a tent stashed somewhere in your garage, right? Would you like to know how to soundproof it?
Sure,
In this section, I’m going to be showing you some of the methods you can use to reduce noise in a tent.
1. Try Carpets
Placing some carpets on the tent floor can make a big difference especially if you’re trying to reduce bass frequencies that travel through the grounds.
You can try placing several layers for better results Fluffy and thick carpets like these ACTCUT Super Soft Fluffy Rugs work better than thin ones. But if you can find any carpet that would be a good fit for this, you should try using some old rugs and place them in layers.
2. Acoustic Barriers
a) Inside the tent
Acoustic barriers are simply a layer of material like Mass Loaded Vinyl or acoustic panels designed to block out unwanted sounds…
You’ll find such materials in recording studios, along busy roads, and on construction sites.
But since all acoustic barriers are designed for noise proofing homes, you won’t find any that can fit your tent. So you’ll have to cut it down in desired pieces.
The reason why I like acoustic barriers is the fact that they are effective in blocking out high-frequency noises and bass sounds.
b) Outside the tent
If you find that despite your efforts in placing a barrier inside the tent that noise is still able to make its way through- it time to try outside.
You can set up an acoustic barrier outside- similar to those used in construction sites. These are just simple walls made of acoustic foam.
They are expensive, so I wouldn’t recommend them unless money isn’t a problem for you. Instead, you can invest in a soundproofed tent.
3. Use Noiseproofing curtains
I’m sure that you already know the basics of how sound travels and the rule of thumb that- the more the mass, the more better the material is in soundproofing.
I got some of these curtains to solve the noise problem at my home, and I was pleased with the results. Here are some ten noise reducing curtains I recommend to anyone.
One thing you should be aware of is that they are not your ordinary curtains. They are made of heavy sound dampening materials, and that’s why they are effective. You can read this article and learn how they work and how you should install them once you’ve purchased them.
Of the different curtains I’ve used before, I would particularly recommend Nicetown Full Shade Heavy Drapes. They are not only effective in noise reduction, but they are also affordable.
While they should reduce noise problem, it’s important to know that they will not fully deaden the sound.
4. Try a more permanent structure
I don’t know whether you’ll like or hate this idea it works. It works similarly to an acoustic barrier, but the only difference is that you will have to design a wooden frame that would enclose your tent.
You’ll have to attach sound insulating materials on the wooden frame. The best part is that it’s a one-off activity. So once you’re done designing it, you can use it next time you go camping. You will only require assembling the wooden frame, and you’re good to go.
5. Destructive Interference
Here you’ll need to apply some bit of physics.
So what is destructive interference?
It’s a phenomenon that in which two waves superpose to form a wave of lower amplitude. But this doesn’t completely “kill” noise but does reduce.
The concept behind this is to focus sound where it’s needed, for example pointing the speakers to the audience in a semi-circle which causes destructive interference.
While this technique doesn’t involve soundproofing the tent, it is a good way of ensuring that the sound does not escape from the dance floor. If you combine this method with the ones mentioned above, you will be pleased with the results.
6. Use moving blankets
Moving blankets have been dubbed soundproofing blankets because of their efficiency in dampening sound. In fact, they are in my list of the most affordable sound deadening materials you can get today. Sure-Max Moving & Packing Blankets is a good example of noise proofing blankets.
You can hang these blankets from the inside of your tent to get the maximum noise insulation. Alternatively, you can use the old heavy rug, and they’ll do just fine.
7. Try a white noise machine and ear muffs
Since soundproofing, a tent can be time-consuming and probably won’t be staying for long in the woods, here is a good alternative.
Why not try white noise?
White noise machines are not only used in a baby nursery but are used by adults. You can play soothing white noises to counter the effects of outside noises.
It’s effective in drowning out other sounds that might prevent you from falling asleep or sounds that might wake you up when asleep.
Alternatively, a quick fix is using soundproof earmuffs. I know that earmuffs can make you feel uncomfortable like my little sister complains all the time. But if that’s the case, you can try some noise proof earplugs.
8. Speakers off the Floor
If you want to soundproof your tent because of an event, raising the speakers above the floor can help. This is because; bass vibrations can be easily transmitted to the ground especially if the speakers are in contact with the ground. You can either mount your speakers on stands or place them on top of a noise insulating material.
You can try and use some anti-vibration pads– they are designed to reduce noise problem. However, if you can’t find them, you can use some thick foam as long as there’s a clear distance between the speakers and the floor. You can also use several layers of carpet.
Can you completely soundproof a tent?
As I mentioned above, soundproof is just but another name for noise reduction. In my experience, it’s impossible to quiet a tent completely. However, it is possible to reduce external noises to manageable levels.
On Soundproof Tent
There you have it my friends. Which one is better? Soundproofing your tent or buying an already insulated tent? To my opinion, investing for a sound insulated tent is much economical. If you can’t source for the tent online or in your local store, then you’ll have no other option but to soundproof your normal tent. Which one is better? Let me know in the comment section down below.