Canvas tents

[Marshmallow]

I remember reading an article once, but I forget where, about using sprays such as Camp Dry on canvas. What Theo is saying goes along with what I remember the article suggesting. Man, where did I read that? It had to be in an Outdoors magazine.

[swebob]

Im just doing my research. Anyway this tent would not be for me since i live in south Florida and the ground is not always hard depending on what camp sites you go to and the spring bar tents depend on the stakes staying in the ground to keep it upright. Just looking for a new tent

[ppine]

I have several canvas tents and tarps. The wall tent is over 30 years old made by Colorado Tent and Awning Co. now out of business, but the tent lives on. I have never treated any of my canvas and it does not leak. Proper storage is critical. Canvas needs to be stored absolutely dry, out of the weather and away from rodents.

Last year we had a 16 hour storm with 50 mph winds, lightning and heavy rain at 8500 feet while elk hunting. The tent did not leak. Get a tent big enough so that you don't rub up against it in a rain storm.

Edit- I spent a week this year in my friend's Alaknak nylon tent from Cabela's with a wood stove. It is adequate in drier weather like we have in Nevada. I missed the smell and look of canvas, the way it relflects light, and the way it acts a beacon in camp at night with a light inside. The sidewalls were a little too short. It would be humid inside as the nylon does not breathe. Few advantages and several disadvantages.

[Judy Ann]

Originally Posted by swebob

Im just doing my research. Anyway this tent would not be for me since i live in south Florida and the ground is not always hard depending on what camp sites you go to and the spring bar tents depend on the stakes staying in the ground to keep it upright. Just looking for a new tent

I camp in sand the majority of the time with the Kodiak tent, and as with all tents, you need to use the best stakes for conditions. I use 12 inch screw in the ground stakes at key stress points always since that is easier that digging a large hole for other options. My REI half dome tent gets the same treatment in tropical storm and hurricane season. It might just be my own personal observation, but the canvas Kodiac/springbar type tent works best in not only the hot, humid south, but in the relatively cold Appalachian Mountains. Check out my Journeys Album for proof!

[swebob]

Originally Posted by Judy Ann

I camp in sand the majority of the time with the Kodiak tent, and as with all tents, you need to use the best stakes for conditions. I use 12 inch screw in the ground stakes at key stress points always since that is easier that digging a large hole for other options. My REI half dome tent gets the same treatment in tropical storm and hurricane season. It might just be my own personal observation, but the canvas Kodiac/springbar type tent works best in not only the hot, humid south, but in the relatively cold Appalachian Mountains. Check out my Journeys Album for proof!

Wow Judy Ann i saw your album and it makes me want to get out of Florida to camp. Between you and PPine you have sold me. I guess you cant always believe what you see in reviews. I was also looking at the Cabela's alaskan guide tent but i really wanted a canvas cause of the room and it could be warmer when its chilly. I see you mentioned having a REI tent and it seems the better dome tents have rain flys that cover the tent all the way to the ground like yours.

I think im gonna give it a shot and get the spring bar tent. Just a thought , i live in a condo and really dont have a yard to set the tent up and spray it with water to season it as they call it, It shouldn't make a difference if i did it at a camp site on my first day of camping with it? i would go to a park first to set it up to make sure it in working order