Canvas Wall Tent Camping: Tips and Tricks for a Comfortable and Memorable Outdoor Experience
Canvas wall tents are the perfect option for those who want to experience the great outdoors while maintaining the comfort and safety of a traditional home. The tent’s sturdy construction, spacious interior, and versatile design make it ideal for a wide range of camping scenarios, including hunting trips, family vacations, and wilderness excursions.
If you’re planning to invest in a canvas wall tenta for your next adventure, then you need to be prepared with the right tips and tricks to ensure that your experience is unforgettable. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips and tricks for using a canvas wall tent, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your camping experience.
Why Choose a Canvas Wall Tent?
Canvas wall tents have been around for centuries, and for good reason. Unlike dome tents made from nylon, canvas tents are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow. They are also highly breathable, which means that they can regulate the temperature inside the tent and keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
Canvas wall tents are also very spacious, which makes them ideal for large groups or families who want to enjoy camping together. They typically come with a lot of headroom, so you won’t have to worry about bumping your head on the ceiling.
Choosing the Right Canvas Wall Tent
When it comes to choosing the right canvas wall tents for sale in the USA, there are several factors that you need to consider. The first thing to consider is the size of the tent. You should choose a tent that is large enough to accommodate your entire group comfortably. Don’t forget the kinds of gear you’ll need to bring along and whether you’ll be using a wood stove – a huge perk of a canvas tent!
Next, consider material. You’ve got three main choices: cotton, polyester, and cotton-poly blend. Cotton is the traditional option and it looks more rustic. Polyester is the scientifically improved option that doesn’t require expensive treatments. And blend tent offers a little bit of both. The more polyester in the canvas the stronger the material will be per weight.
From here, you need to consider features. Don’t be fooled when you see that a company has a super low price for their base model, because their base model probably doesn’t include windows (screened or otherwise), the angle kit for a frame, ridge openings, a door (screened or otherwise), a stove jack, etc. I recommend going all the way to the checkout on their website so you can see what the final price is before jumping in all the way. Think about what you will need and who can include most of what you will need for free.
Lastly, consider how long it will take to receive the tent. That sounds stupid and silly, like it’s a matter of just being impatient in a world that’s used to Amazon Prime, but in the market of canvas tents, it is a HUGE deal. Most canvas tent companies customize each tent individually, which sounds cool, and I suppose it is, but the result is that you’ll be looking at a minimum of a month or two to wait. Some tent companies are six months out. Other tent companies are not taking orders currently until their queue can get shorter. By contrast, Elk Mountain Tents, only carries a handful of models that can be continuously produced so that they are always ready to the ship the next day.
Tips and Tricks for Using a Canvas Wall Tent
Once you’ve chosen the right canvas wall tent, it’s time to start planning your camping trip. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your canvas wall tent camping experience:
- Practice Setting Up Your Tent
Before you head out on your camping trip, it’s a good idea to practice setting up your tent. This will help you become familiar with the tent’s features and ensure that you can set it up quickly and easily when you arrive at your campsite. Maybe your an outdoors person who got their Eagle Scout, but a wall tent is nothing like a nylon dome tent. It’s too complicated, but it can also be really frustrating when you’re trying to set up a big heavy tent by yourself in the dark and you’re struggling to read the instructions.
- Choose the Right Location
When choosing a location for your canvas wall tent, it’s important to find a spot that is level and free from rocks, roots, and other debris. You should also choose a spot that is sheltered from the wind and provides easy access to water and other resources. This step isn’t much different from setting up a dome tent, but you will want to consider adding a little extra space for the guy ropes.
- Use a Ground Cloth
To protect the bottom of your tent from damage, it’s a good idea to use a ground cloth. This will help prevent rocks and other debris from puncturing the bottom of your tent, and also provide an extra layer of insulation against the cold ground. Some tents include a sewn-in floor or a tie-in floor while others just use a tarp. We recommend the tie-in floor. Sewn-in floors are a pain in the but since you have to climb inside to set the tent up. Tarps are ok but their wear down pretty quickly since you’ll be walking on it.
- Use a Tent Stove
If you’re camping in cold weather, then a tent stove is a must-have accessory for your canvas wall tent. A tent stove will help keep you warm and comfortable inside your tent, even when the temperature drops below freezing. This is perhaps the biggest advantage of a canvas wall tent. Make sure you get a wall tent that comes with a stove jack. Most companies will charge $100+ to install a stove jack so that’s why we recommend finding one that comes with it standard. You can install it yourself though, but you’ll have to buy it separately and sew it in.
- Pack the Right Gear
When packing for your camping trip, make sure to bring all the gear you’ll need to stay comfortable and safe. This includes warm sleeping bags, thick blankets, portable lighting, cooking equipment, first aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen. This is all pretty obvious though and not much different for a canvas tent, other than the fact that if you’re packing a big sturdy tent like this you’ll probably also be bringing lots of gear since you’ll have to space to house it.
- Ventilate Your Tent
While canvas wall tents are highly breathable, it’s still important to ventilate your tent to prevent condensation buildup inside. Open windows and vents during the day to allow fresh air to circulate, and close them at night to keep the warmth inside. Look for or ask for ridge vents as a minimum. If you have to extra cash get screened windows.
Window flaps – you’ll notice some companies have the flap on the outside while others have it on the inside. The advantage to having it on the inside is that you can easily change the flap while you are inside with your warm stove. The problem, though, is that flaps on the inside mean it’s easier for water to get inside through the windows, so we recommend flaps on the outside (or both!).
- Properly Store Your Food
To prevent animals from raiding your campsite, it’s important to properly store your food. Use a bear-resistant container or hang your food from a tree away from your campsite to keep it safe. There’s nothing different here about canvas tents, but I wanted to mention it because wall tents really do feel like a home, and we want to keep lots of food in our homes 🙂 Don’t forget that this is still a tent despite the warm cozy feelings you may have inside!
- Keep Your Tent Clean
Keeping your tent clean is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and odors. Sweep the floors regularly and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth. It’s also a good idea to remove your shoes before entering the tent to prevent dirt and mud from being tracked inside. And most importantly don’t put it away wet! Cotton canvas will completely rot away if not properly cared for. That won’t happen with polyester, but you can still get a musty mildew growing on the surface even if the fibers can’t rot.
FAQs
- Can I use a canvas wall tent in the rain?
Yes, canvas wall tents are designed to withstand heavy rain and other harsh weather conditions. However, it’s important to properly set up your tent and use a ground cloth to prevent water from seeping into the tent. Polyester canvas will require no rain treatments but cotton canvas will handle rain better if treated. A cotton canvas tent won’t leak if weathered (usually), but the fibers are thick which means they can store that water and become super heavy and then take forever to dry before being able to be stored.
- How do I clean my canvas wall tent?
To clean your canvas wall tent, use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge and mild soap. Rinse with water and allow the tent to air dry completely before packing it away. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially if you’ve got a cotton canvas.
- Can I use a campfire inside my canvas wall tent?
It sounds like a dumb question, but a lot of people ask it. No, it is not safe to use a campfire inside a canvas wall tent. Obviously there are sparks but there’s also the serious issue of condensation, which is why you’ll notice that every wood stove also comes with a chimney.
- How many people can a canvas wall tent accommodate?
The number of people that a canvas wall tent can accommodate depends on the size of the tent. Most canvas wall tents come in sizes that can accommodate 4 to 12 people.
- Can I use a canvas wall tent for backpacking?
No, canvas wall tents are not suitable for backpacking as they are heavy and bulky. They are best suited for car camping or base camping.
Conclusion
Canvas wall tents offer an ideal combination of comfort, durability, and versatility for camping enthusiasts. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can ensure that your canvas wall tent camping experience is safe, comfortable, and memorable. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or a hunting expedition, a canvas wall tent from a reputable company like Elk Mountain Tents can provide you with the perfect home away from home in the great outdoors.
