Before I spend some big bucks on a canvas outfitter tent I would like your input on the subject. I need a semi-perminent shelter for a remote south Texas deer camp, near Goliad. The tent will remain set up for the entire season. I plan to use a rigid frame canopy over it like the car or boat shelters that Northern Tool sells.

Here are my questions.

What size do I need for two people?
What frame set-up should I use?
All canvas or a canvas/RELITE hybrid?
What weight of canvas?
Anything that you can add?

For 2 people, a 10x12 or for more room a 12x14 / 14x16. Make sure to get 5' high walls. This makes for a tent easy to stand in next to the walls.
As for the frame, the aluminum set-up from Kwik-Kamp or similar is the way to go.

Our canvas tent (Norseman) (10-12 oz Fire Retardant fabric) is a 14x16x 5'wallx 9.5' peak. We set this up in the mountains for snowmobiling in the winter from January to end of April. We also use it for our 10-12 day Moose Hunting trip in the fall. This tent & frame setup has been thru it all-Heavy snow blizzards to strong winds in the fall.
Had 5-6 guys in camp for the snowmobiling, and started with 2 at moose camp, but now have up to 7 .

I dont think you'll need the heavier oz. fabric being in Texas, so the lighter may be your best bet.
You can order the frame & tent so everything fits perfectly directly from Kwik Kamp. I believe they are in Montana.

One thing we did and I suggest is to get the front flaps zippered. This is alot better than tying it up. If a big gust of wind comes, or a drunk buddy in the night has to go outside quickly, its easier to pull on a zipper than untie a string flap.

Good luck in your choice

Hope this helps.

First off, you have to stop hunting with a 7x57. It's embarrasing, really. I mean, who does that?
Ok, seriously. My dad uses what is called a Sheep herders tent, I'll have to get the dimensions for you, but it's pretty large and has comes with a place to put a stove with a small chimney if necessary. I'll ask him where he got it and get back to you.
In the mean time, please start using a "normal" rifle caliber....hehe.

I own and really like Reliable tens. I have a 10 x 10 with two poles that is easy to set up, quite, warm/cool, and easy to take down. Can't beat canvas in my opinion!

I would seriously consider the Kodiak from Reliable Canvas. It is big enough for two people to LIVE in comfortably, it is light and easy to put up, it sheds wind pretty well and will shed snow with the optional fly, and it is affordable. You don't need a heavy, hard to put up frame for it. $1000 plus shipping in flame resistant 10 oz. canvas with a XL-Tex fly.
http://www.reliabletent.com/eTrans/showdetl.cfm?&DID=29&Product_ID=223&CATID=9

Ryan,

They don't allow sheep herder tents in this deer camp. The rule is 'one man to a bunk, drunk or sober, it doesn't mater, only one man to a bunk'.

Mine is 12 x 14, and from Sheridan Tent and Awning in Sheridan, Wyoming.. Dedfinatly get zippers and screens, I suspect you have some insects down there. The internal frame is great you can hang lots of stuff from it.I made lots of hooks to fit over the pipes, packs etc. hang from them .I put a "plastic" tarp over mine it helps shed snow and keeps the interior surface dry to the touch. I run the tarp past the side ropes and it keeps all moisture away from the tens, including snow melt. We set up in Sept. and tear down in December, never a problem.

Ok, then you'll have to call it something else. How does goat herder strike you? You could say cat herder but that has so many negative aspects to it that your wife might not appreciate it.

South Texas has a boatload of humidity going for it. Would high humidity have an impact on canvas? I simply do not know. You don't want to get something that is going to be a mold factory.

I suggest you get in touch with Colorado Tent Company, from Denver. I and my hunting partners have used their canvas A-wall tents for years, in all kinds of harsh weather with perfect satisfaction. You'll not find any better tents.

For two men, over a period of several days camping, etc., I would never get smaller than 12x14x5.

At the moment, they are having a 10% reduction sale. Get their catalogue.

www.coloradotent.net
1-800-354-8368

L.W.

Not a direct answer to your question, but how about one of those light weight carports with the sides and ends enclosed and you can leave it year around?

Course it could be a lease and you can't do that, but not likely a whole lot more money than a tent and a LOT more weather resistant (IF properly anchored for TX breezes ( ))

Just a thought

I finally got tired of cramming everything into a small area. For elk, I normally go up at least two weeks. I have a Montana canvas Realite 14x17 with 5' sidewalls. I have a woodburning stove that is always used. A large 3 burner propane stove and a 4' folding table. It sleeps two or three like a mansion or up to seven on cots even if it is a little crowded. I have the Kwik Camp internal frame. Sets up easily and stands the winds great. If you do buy a KwikKamp internal frame set of poles. I can give you some hits on putting the poles easier than the instructions. the one thiing I would change if I bought my tent today is that I would buy one with a sewn in floor. Might also be great for keeping snakes etc out of the tent while you're sleeping.

The website is: http://www.montanacanvas.com/additionaltents.cfm

Good luck with whatever you choose.

great information guys , have been thinking about some type of tent setup and here is the info!