So, are canvas tents really worth the money you ask? well, let’s find that out now. This will definitely depend on how you intend to use the tent. We all go camping in different ways and in different places, Because of this a canvas tent may or may not work for you and what you plan to do with it. So, to help you with this decision of Whether or not a canvas tent Is worth the money for you? I have put together this write-up!
In order to give you the proper outlook on canvas tents, I have done some serious digging around on the web. I have dug through all the Reviews, Forums, Comments, & Concerns people have on this topic. So, I can bring to you a complete view of what it’s like having, and owning a canvas tent.
You see, I wanted to get as to the core information as I possibly can. I didn’t want to make this in any way solely my opinion-based. Because that won’t suffice here. The opinion of the many far outweighs the opinion of one…
Below we will also be going over the pros and cons of canvas, vs nylon and polyester tents.
Questions To Ask Yourself
Firstly there are some questions you must ask yourself if you were planning on purchasing a canvas tent. You see, a canvas tent will better suit different situations versus others
For example: For family outings, hunting trips, family reunions… so on. As long as you are not required to carry the tent some distance by hand, a Canvas tent will likely be a great option, and well worth the money! However, if you do a lot of backpacking, and you plan to use the tent for that. It may not be a great choice… You see, Canvas tents are much bulkier, and heavier than most other nylon tents. For this reason, Trying to carry a canvas tent with you up the face of a mountain on foot likely will be much more of a struggle…
Though they do make single man canvas tents, that may work for those of you who are backpackers. But you may only prefer to use it on your winter trips…
- What are your means for transportation (Can you get to your campsite by vehicle)?
- Will you be required to carry the tent (By Foot) some distance to get to Camp?
- What weather conditions are you camping in?
- What time of year are you going camping?
- What climate will you be camping in?
- Do you have the budget for canvas?
- How many people are going to be staying in it?
Canvas tents are great year round. During the winter months, they stay warm inside, due to the thickness in the walls and the materials used (Cotton Canvas). During the summer months, they stayed fairly cool inside, even in direct sunlight.
What Do Others Have To Say, Is Canvas Worth The Money?
This is where I’ll give you the main positives and negatives that people are saying about their canvas tents. Obviously, dependant on the manufacture of the specific tent you have or plan to purchase. Some of these may not apply so much. However, It will be aimed more toward overall canvas tents in general, rather than toward one specific tent…
Others have to say:
A lot of people have brought up the weight. Weight tends to be one of the larger of the drawbacks. But not so much that it causes dissatisfaction. Many are saying things such as “If we have space and the Muscle we take the canvas tent”.
For short Trips, such as single night trips. Canvas tents tend to be more of a hassle than its worth. Nonetheless, for extended trips such as 1 week plus, Canvas is amazing. “Canvas Feels more home-like and cozie”.
If you plan to be spending a lot of time around camp, and inside of the tent. Canvas is the way to go. But if you plan to be doing a lot of outdoor activities throughout the day, just using the tent for sleeping, then nylon may be the way to go.
Canvas rot is a problem, but mostly for those who live in very humid locations. And of course, those who don’t adequately let their tents dry completely before packing.
I came across Many reviews by Boy Scout Leaders, or parents. They all, for the most part, say “These canvas tents tend to last longer the majority of the tents they have”. This surprises me because I know from experience. Boys in that 10 – 18 Yrs old range, tend to be harder on stuff. These reviews show the durability of these tents well!
These Tents last a long time. Many are saying they will be passing the canvas tents down through the generations. Whether this happens? I don’t know. But many users as saying similar things
I’ve even heard people refer to canvas tents as Minnie cabins! Who wouldn’t want to sleep in a cabin, am I right?
Finish Though
There are literally thousands of reviews on the canvas tents listed on Amazon, Cabelas, Sportsman’s Warehouse…etc. Go read through some of them yourself if you’d like. Yes, obviously these are reviews for specific tents, but I do believe some of the reviews are interchangeable.
The Pros & Cons To Canvas Tents
I have heard stories of canvas tents that have been surrounded with 3 to 4 inch of water the entire base of the tent was submerged yet the inside was completely dry – this story amazes me I did not realize a tent could withstand being surrounded with this amount of water. They even had pictures for proof! otherwise, I don’t think I would have believed it.
To be honest, I wouldn’t believe it but this review had pictures and it was incredible how much water was around this 10 yet it was dry inside… Who would have thought!
Pros:
- Temperature: Canvas tents can be used year-round, they stay warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.
- Heating: Most canvas tents can be set up to run a stove or other heating device inside
- Repairable: Much easier to repair then nylon.
- Durable: Canvas tents are strong and sturdy, oftentimes made with steel poles (If Take care of well)
- WaterProof: Holds up to heavy downpours
- Breathable: Keeps humidity to a minimum
- Quiet: Much quieter then nylon tents
- Comfort: Because of the listings above, Canvas is very comfortable to stay in.
- Thicker material which helps retain heat.
- Great for families
- Great for Extended Stays. One week plus…
Cons:
- Weight: Oftentimes much heavier and bulkier than other polyester and nylon tents.
- Time: can take longer to set up, then other free-standing tents
- Not Self Standing: Some canvas tents are not self-standing – Require steaks in all four corners in order to keep the tent from falling down
- Rot: Mold will rot and damage the canvas very easily. (Must dry completely before storing). But will Last a long time if taken care of properly
- Not ideal for backpackers, and thru-hikers.
- Not ideal for single night stays.
Reasons Why You Should Buy A Canvas Tent
If you do a lot of camping Year-round, it likely is a good idea to purchase a canvas tent versus other nylon and polyester materials.
canvas does a great job retaining the Heat during the cold months and exporting the heat during the hot, summer months. my personal opinion, if you plan to be doing a lot of year-round camping? A canvas tent is a great option! Hence the reason why I have one of my own!
I don’t mean to make this sound salesy in any way, however, I do believe canvas tents are worth the money if you have the budget to purchase one. Though I would recommend you do your research on the one you intend to purchase before purchasing.
there are few manufacturers out there that do a great job. One that I prefer and that has a great reputation in the canvas tent Market is “Kodiak canvas”. These guys produce a very sturdy, durable tent. The one I own is actually the Kodiak canvas Flex-bow.
I’ve been happy with it since the day I purchased it. However, it is quite a hassle to take, Because of the weight. Nonetheless, I do get a great night’s sleep when I take it with me. it literally feels as if I am sleeping at home.
Reasons Why You Should Not Buy A Canvas Tent
Weight is probably one of the biggest factors or reasons why most may not go with a canvas tent.
You see, canvas tents probably weight about double, maybe even triple the weight when compared to most other nylon and polyester tents
However, if you don’t plan to be carrying the tent by hand a canvas tent likely is a great option for you. the reason why most canvas tents weight so much and are so large and bulky is due to the fact that the walls are extremely thick and provide a Great barrier between you and the outside elements.
If you are planning on doing a lot of backpacking the canvas tent likely won’t be a good option for you due to the weight and bulk of them.
though they do make one man and two men canvas tent that very well may be a great option for Backpackers who are going out in the Mid of winter
those that I have canvas tents typically use them for family outings such as family reunions, hunting trips, fishing trips and so on…
if this is you, a canvas tent very well is likely a great option for you, it all will depend upon what you plan to do with the tent. Weight is probably the biggest deterrent.
Conclusion
In finishing, Based on my experience, and the experience of others. I do think Canvas Tents Are Worth The Money. But only if your situation fits. Like was said above “You can’t expect to take a canvas tent with you on a backpacking trip” It just isn’t practical.
But if your purchasing for family outing, hunting trips and so on… A Canvas tent is perfect for you! Id definitely recommend it, and I’m sure many others would as well. Just be sure to do your research or the tent you’re looking to purchase before buying.
Here is a link to the one I currently use and I absolutely love it!
I hope this helps you in your search! Happy Camping!
