Anyone who is planning an extended trip into the wilderness or frequently needs a sturdy movable shelter for gatherings, displays or storage can quickly see the advantages of investing in a canvas wall tent. Not only are they much sturdier than tents made with lighter weight materials, they can easily be modified and repaired as the years go by.
One of the biggest and most obvious advantages of selecting a canvas wall tent is the mobility and comfort it provides without sacrificing head room and floor space. Standing walls over 5′ tall combined with pitched roofs create a spaciousness atmosphere. And many models include plastic windows to let in the light and well sealed flu vents so you can hook up a wood burning or propane stove to keep out the cold.
Quality construction is the most important element to consider when shopping for a canvas wall tent. Research into the specifications of construction of different brands reveals a range of styles and levels of durability to consider. Choosing tents made from marine grade dry finish army duck canvas will cost more, but in the long run is worth the extra money. Such high grade canvas resists mold and mildew and is superior at repelling water and withstanding violent storms. To insure that the floor or ‘sod’ canvas does not rot in damp conditions, laminated vinyl is the preferred material because it is durable, portable and easy to clean.
Another aspect to consider is the additional hardware that comes with a canvas wall tent. Heavy duty grommets should be backed up by a sturdy nylon rope sewn into the canvas to provide proper eave support. Reinforcement webbing should be sewn along the bottom portion of the tent wall to add strength and flexibility to the overall structure. Also you want to be sure the seams are sewn with a ‘lock stitch’ that prevents the edges from unraveling. The doors should be equipped with heavy duty zippers and retaining buckles reinforced with a sturdy weatherproof storm flaps.
The ‘cabin style’ model is the most common, but there are many variations on this theme and you can opt for one with doors on either side that provide room for expansion. Some include camp stoves, front porch awnings, and zip up side walls for additional ventilation. To determine the thickness of the canvas wall tent you require, consult with your dealer.