Canvas wall tents are a popular choice among campers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a sturdy and comfortable shelter in the wilderness. However, choosing the right canvas wall tent can be overwhelming with various options available in the market. In this article, we will explore how to choose a canvas wall tent, and how Elk Mountain Tents can help with your selection.

Elk Mountain Tents:

Elk Mountain Tents is a company that specializes in high-quality canvas wall tents for outdoor use. They offer a wide range of canvas tents, with different sizes, styles, and features to suit different needs and preferences.

Choosing a Canvas Wall Tent:

There are several factors to consider. These include:

Size:

The size of the tent will depend on the number of people who will be using it and the amount of gear that needs to be stored inside. 8×8 is about as small as canvas tents come, but we find that most people end up preferring sizes 13×13 or larger, especially for groups with gear, so our wall tents begin at that size. Headroom is pretty standard for wall tents, with side walls – the lowest point in the tent – being 4 or 5 ft, making most of the room very tall-friendly, allowing you to comfortably stand. But the biggest factors in determinging the right size will likely be how many people and how much gear. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our canvas tent sleeping capacity article.

Material:

Canvas tents are usually made from cotton or polyester or a blend of the two. All are very durable and suitable for most needs. You’ll find that the weight of the material generally varies from 8-14 oz with the industry standard being more like 10-12 oz. The weight of the material correlates pretty closely to strength but it’s not a one-to-one match. For example, the unique material used by Elk Mountain Tents is an 11 oz weight but a break and tear strength closer to 13 oz. Cotton is considered more breathable, but that too can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and becomes irrelevant with proper ventilation. Lastly, understand that cotton is an organic material that is subject to mold and rot if not properly treated and taken care of.

Features:

Canvas tents can come with a range of features, such as windows, doors, awnings, stove jacks, and ventilation systems. These features can greatly impact the comfort and convenience of your camping experience. However, they can greatly impact the price as well. When getting quotes from tent companies, be sure to include all of the features you want in your request. Many companies will include a variety of features in their standard model for a flat fee. Others focus on custom orders which add flexibility but require a longer wait for the tent to be completed.

Weather Resistance:

The tent should be able to withstand different weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and sun exposure. Any canvas should be able to withstand all of these given the proper preparation. If you go with cotton canvas, be sure to have the material treated for water and sun at a minimum. Fire treatment is additional and recommended if you want to use a stove. 100% polyester canvas is naturally waterproof and requires no treatments for rain and sun. Treating polyester canvas is possible but most choose not to bother. Polyester canvas can be treated for fire as well but most choose to purchase a heat shield as these are easier. Whether you choose polyester or cotton, getting a rainfly will protect the tent from the natural wear and tear of the weather.

Ease of Setup:

Some canvas tents can be more challenging to set up than others, so it’s important to consider how easy or difficult the setup process will be. Remember that these are large tents, so any option will be more challenging than a dome tent. It’s possible to set these up by yourself but much easier with another person. Lastly, a sewn-in floor can make setup a pain.

FAQs

Q: What size canvas tent should I choose?

A: The size of the tent will depend on the number of people who will be using it and the amount of gear that needs to be stored inside. Elk Mountain Tents offers canvas tents in different sizes, ranging from medium 10×13 tents to extra large 13×20 tents, with bell tents ranging from 13 ft diameter to 20 ft diameter.

Q: What material should I choose for my canvas tent?

A: Canvas tents can be made from cotton or polyester or a blend. All of these are made of a durable material, while polyester will be slightly stronger for its weight and easier to care for. Elk Mountain Tents uses a unique polyester canvas for their tents.

Q: What features should I look for in a canvas tent?

A: Canvas tents can come with a range of features, such as windows, doors, stove jacks, awnings, and ventilation systems. Additionally, there are a variety of treatments for cotton canvas available. Remember that some treatments need to be redone every few years.

Q: How weather-resistant are canvas tents?

A: Cotton canvas tents can be weather-resistant if they are treated properly. Elk Mountain Tents uses a material that requires no additional treatments for sun and rain.

conclusion:

Choosing the right canvas wall tent involves considering several factors, such as size, material, features, weather resistance, and ease of setup. Elk Mountain Tents offers a wide range of high-quality canvas tents, with different sizes, styles, and features to suit different needs and preferences. By considering these factors and choosing a canvas tent from Elk Mountain Tents, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable camping experience in the great outdoors.