Canvas Tent - soaking in question

Won't make any difference, enjoy it and soak it later.

Soak it first before using it.. I cant understand why they say a hose wont do the job over 'rain'.. but yea, used a garden hose on ours every day for a week...

You’ve got to think of why you are soaking it. Most modern day canvas tents don’t leak but the seams might! This is the main reason to soak a tent, to swell the seams. I’d suggest you still put a fly over your tent no matter what for two reasons. First, too protect the tent from bird pooh and others. Second, it helps keep it dryer and warmer in the colder Months. Bear in mind you may still find condensation in your tent after a cold night and the family has been tucked up inside. This is no your tent leaking of course but still try to not touch the sides of the tent.

If your gonna pack it up tomorrow then don't hose it down, do it after you come back, but try to do it before you go camping in the rain. You need to get the stitching wet so it will swell and fill the little holes left by the needle.

Just use it. Unless it's an ancient canvas job. Modern tents don't need it. Maybe spray with water repellent... Still shouldn't need it. The 'swelling' only happens when it's wet... then when it dries, you are back to square one. IMHO