I am interested in purchasing a new Wall tent and need some advice. This tent will be used year round for everything from family camping trips to fishing trips and deer hunting. I have no experience with the different makes of tents, good points and bad as well as the options/features available. After surfing the web on and off for better than a month I have a fair idea of what is out there but, no practical experience. To that end I would be very interested to hear any recommendations you could make regarding what type and make of tent to consider or avoid as well as good and bad features.

Just a few tent makes I have considered are....

http://davistent.com

http://kwikkamp.com

http://outfitterssupply.com

http://cabelas.com


In no order of importance here are some of the features and areas I have been considering....

- weight of cotton fabric 10-12oz other?
- treatments available for fire, mildew etc..?
- flooring used. I will build a platform at camp but, will also be using the tent in remote areas where
that is not possible so I want quality flooring material.
- location of stove pipe/jack roof vs. wall?
- stove jack size..4,5,6....inches?
- fire resistant material for stove jack? (a friend had his tent burn down a couple years ago when this failed.)
- size needed for 6-8 adults in reasonable comfort?
- windows yes/no? I am leaning tword windows for cross ventilation since this tent will be used year round.
- awning yes/no? I also like the idea of some sort of awning.
- frame type...internal from manufacturer or an external frame I can make for myself?
- zippers used...the wall tents I have stayed in ALL had broken zippers. Is this to be expected or will I be able
be able to find one with a quality zipper?
- storm flap...probably a good idea considering the zipper situtation.
- height of wall...I know 5ft is universal but, since many companies will custom alter/make tents I was thinking
sides of possible 5'6" for some extra elbow room?
- stoves...there are many I have looked at. Eveything from converted 55gal drums to scaled down wood stoves to
stoves designed for wall tents and one that is even made out of titanium!!
- lastly, the overal durability and quality of the different tent makes.


Thanks for any help you can offer.

Regards,
Dave

David,

I am in the same boat. I'm looking very hard at the Alaknak from Cabela's. Seems less labor intensive than canvas. Anxious to hear what others have to say.

We always had them made to order by Denver Tent and Awning in Denver Colo. I don't know if they are still around, but an internet search may turn something up. They would make one anyway you wanted and at a decent price.

Ours were alway out of #14 cotton. It gets cold in the Rockies during elk season. If you get one, get one half again as large as you think you will need. It's amazing how many people want to squeeze into the only tent around with a wood stove. Make sure you get a decent set of poles/frame for it (internal is best) and make sure it has at least 5 ft side walls. I don't like zippers and have always had them put heavy duty tie downs on instead. Storm flap is handy. Some come with an alcove in the doorway and I think that would be handy too. I don't like a floor in a wall tent. Too much crude gets tracked in. I have always put the stove in the front right corner about 3 ft from the entrance. Fire resistant material around the stove pipe is an absolute must.

The one I use now is a 10x14 with an 8 ft ridge and that is just about perfect for up to 4 guys. Even with 4 it's pretty crowded. If I had to do it again, I'd go with at least a 12x16 model. Anything less than 2x16 will be way too crowded for 6 people.

Mac

Mac

David-There are alot of good tent makers out there.I personally like to have the local canvas companies make up mine to my spec's.I like the Marine Canvas.Mine is a 10X12 with 5 ft walls.It works for me and my family.

Montana canvas also makes some good tents.I have seen them set up in Coeurdalene Idaho and they look impressive in person.



Rainier also makes some good tents I have seen out in the boonies.



I pay attention to mildew and water proofing and thats why I prefer Marine Canvas.



Good luck on your choice.Jayco.

Reliable Tent



Montana Canvas



One of the nicest fellows to work with for a custom made tent is Leonard at Buckstitch Canvas



Just call any of these people and they will answer all of your questions. If you can't get what you need from these people you can't get it from anyone.



Sunforger or marine/flame canvas is best, around 10 ounce is just fine, not too heavy but durable.

You want a 12" sod cloth, you can make a snap-in floor with canvas tarps or have a floor made that has a cut-out under the stove.

I prefer a stove jack through the roof just in side the door on the right.

For as large a tent as you are talking about you will need at least a 5 inch stove pipe.

Reputable tent makers use appropriate stove jacks that will not transfer heat to the tent material.

You are going to need about at least a 14'x16' tent for 6 to 8 people, larger if there will be living or cooking being done in the tent, maybe a little smaller if it will only be used for sleeping.

If you are going to use the tent in summer a door in both ends and a snap or zip in screening is best.

I don't know if you need an awning, but a fly is a good idea in cold weather, holds the heat down a little better and can reduce condensation. An awning over the door for a cooking/living area is nice, but its more poles and guys.

You can make a frame your self right over the floor you make. You can also make poles to go, balsam fir works pretty well, of course lodgepole out West. Two crossed poles front and back, ridge pole, two eave poles.

I like the eight to twelve inche overlap and the buckles, I've had no problems in wall tents that just had ties.

Montana makes a great 12'x12' spike tent with a 6' wall, really makes it roomy. A wall tent with a tall wall is more difficult to keep up in strong winds, just more guying.

Most tent companies will custom size the wall.

The Sims Sportsman stove is a great stove and easy to transport. Several of the box stoves are good too, but you don't want anything over 30 lbs. if you are on the move much. Of course for a semi-permenant installation or if you ahve horses/mules it opens up a lot of options.

I think of the makers above you will get about the best tent you can find.

Good posts so far, just consider what weight you want to pack, how cold it will be, etc.

Also, the stoves sold by most of these outfits (and Cabelas) are made in Utah by some friends of mine. I'm not sure of their prices, but I know they are now going from making 200 tents a year to about 4000, so you might be able to save some money going straight through them and getting the entire set-up. Let me know if you are interested.

Feature wise, you want the rock apron on the bottom to stop drafts, you want a fly, and you want a good porch, which means an oversized fly. If you are in hot weather, get a door on each side and a good fly to put it in the shade. If you are in the cold weather, get a good fly (always!!) and a window on one end, overlapping door on the other. I like th eheavy cloth, but I hunt when it is cold. YMMV

there are lots of options for poles, some light, some easy, just decide what you are doing with it.

Good luck!

Here are a couple of other thoughts. 6-8 people sleeping and eating out of 1 wall tent is going to be tough, you might think about getting a sleep tent and a cook tent.Get one in the 12x14 for a cook tent; plenty of room for a kitchen, table, stove, and chairs. It will give everyone a place to hang out in bad weather and not be tripping over personal gear. You might be able to get by with a little smaller tent for the sleep tent, less cubic feet to keep warm. As far as material, I like canvas. You have to treat them with Canvak occasionaly, but they will last a lifetime if cared for. As far as mildew problems, you must make sure that the tent is completely dry before you roll them up and put them away. I bring mine into my garage and let them hang and air out after every trip. Floors are a pain in the butt. Windows are great for ventilation. Fire resistance- I burned one down years ago, I didn't have enough stove pipe and didn't have a spark arrestor. Frames- Internal are the only way to go.
As far as manufacters go, Most of those listed in the previous posts are all pretty good. I have 1 Colorado and 3 Buckstitch tents and just picked up a range tipi yesterday from Leonard at buckstitch. The comment about finding a local builder is a good idea however, its nice to have someone locally to fix any problems.

These guys make speciality tents but they are close to you.

http://www.tentsmiths.com/

DavidC

Switched from wall tents to Kifaru Tipis last year. Stood up to really high winds, rain, etc; lots of room and warm, goes up in a flash and weight is so much less than a wall tent. Upkeep is also minimal. Check out their website.

Joe

A number of good wall tent makers have been suggested here. I'll suggest one with which I've been familiar for many years. www.coloradotent.net . 1-800-354-8368

I and my hunting parnters have used their tents for many years in all kinds of inclement weather in the Sierra of Calif., the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, and the Cascades. They're as good as you can get.

As to size, I own a 14'x16'x5' with 9 feet ridge. (I'm 6'2" tall and have never found I needed more than those standard five feet sidewalls.) I bought the steel tent angles from Kwik Kamp and then cut one inch steel electric conduit to fit the angles and tent for a very convenient and EASY TO PUT UP/TAKE DOWN frame.

My wood burning stove is my old Sims Folding Sheepherder's Stove, which works fine, but I bought it years ago when I was still horse packing with my hunting equipment. Its pipe runs through a stove jack in the roof, about four feet from the front door and three feet from the sidewall. I keep firewood stacked right against the front canvas wall panel near the stove. If the wood is kinda wet, the stove will dry it out. No matter, it is convenient. I've never had one bit of problem with burning very hot fires in very cold weather.

If I were not horse packing, I'd buy a regular non-folding Three Dogs box stove. They are fantastic. There are other good ones out there, but none better, and their prices are more reasonable than most. Mgf. in Minnesota, or Wisc. (?)

I've not had more than four of us hunters in camp at any one time, so here's what works for me/us. As I do all the cooking, I am the only one who sleeps in the 14'x16' tent. All the kitchen equipment, food box, propane burners, food, misc. gear, large water jugs, folding dining table, folding chairs, my cot and gear and hunting equipment, blah blah blah, etc., etc., are housed in my tent.

Two of my buddies own together a 12'x14'x5' Colorado A-Wall, with a Two Dogs stove. They are very comfortable in that. A couple of cots, couple of folding chairs, a small folding table, and their gear, is in there.

My other hunting partner is a very heavy snore dude, kind of a cross between an F-16 taking off and a steam locomotive passing by. Two years ago, he bought a Colorado Tent 10'x12'x5' A-wall, and a Two Dogs stove. He has his cot, folding chair, stove, gear, etc. in that tent... and his snoring doesn't wake the rest of us up every night.

All our tents have the sod cloth sewn around the base of the tent. Keeps the wind out. Do not get a tent without a sod cloth. My older tent does not have a zipper on the flaps. Doesn't bother me at all. Other people like them. My buddy's new tent does. He likes it. Whatever. If you're going to do a lot of summer camping, I suggest a window in the rear. If not, don't get a window. You'll not use it in late fall and winter camping/hunting.

None of us likes a tent floor. Others have mentioned just what a mess a tent floor can become.

We use the "oldies-but-goldies" red, single mantle Coleman white gas lanterns. Can't beat 'em!!! I use two in my tent, and my buddies use one each in their tents. Look at garage sales, etc., for the older red ones. You won't be sorry.

Always have plenty of rope around, a good ax and file, bow saw and extra blades, buckets for creek water, fire extingusiher and GOOD First Aid kit.

That's about all the damage I can do. Have fun and good luck.

L.W.

DavidC,
Ours started out as a 14X16X5. We have a Quikamp internal frame and bought enough frames for a 10 foot front porch. The porch now is manufactured Kitchen. Ours was made by Yakima Tent out of 12 oz. canvas. It will shrink after the first 3 or 4 times it gets wet. The 14X16 portion will sleep only 5 guys unless you use those bunk beds but it will be crowded. Last year we had our normal 4 guys in the tent in the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho (November 8 thru the 18th). Two other tents of friends ate with us for a total of 10 eating. That worked out fine. We have a cylinder stove - from Utah as mentioned. Five inch stove pipe. It is a great stove, will hold a fire all night and has a stainless water jacket on one side. We had a fireretardant stove jack installed.

We have built a ridgid wire frame that allows us to put a water proof tarp above the tent and allow air between the tent and the tarp. It was our first time to use it this year and we are still refining it but it was the driest the tent has ever been. In the past we just put a blue tarp over ours and the canvas was always wet from condensation.

We have a window in the back and a zipper in the main tent and the front of the Kitchen. the zippers are holding up fine but they are not as old as the tent. Ours was bought 12 years ago and it is not lilly white but it is still holding up fine. The kitchen is only 2 years old.

I think if you are going to sleep 6 to 8 you might even consider 2 tents for sleeping.

Wall tents are not my expertise, but as an occasional user, here are some comments:

1) There are better materials than canvas. It is always a struggle to get our tent folded up, off the mountain, and set back up to dry out before the mildew sets in. One of our local manufacturers (outfitters pack station) makes a tent from the same material they make boat covers from. Lighter, lifetime warrantee, no mildew, but it doesn't have that "old timey feel".

2) 5 foot walls. At least.

3) flooring: we bought a roll of indoor/outdoor carpet. You should see the faces of visitors when they come in to warm up. It's a hassle to bring to camp, but boy, is it nice! Keeps the feet warm.

4) I like zippers, especially when you are pitched on a ridge in the wind.

HTH, Dutch.

Guys,

Thanks a bunch!!!< !--color-->

You certainly have given me alot to consider before I make my decision....It's just one of the reasons why I love AR so much. The amount of information and experience available here is staggering.

The only item that still really bothers me is what to do for the tent floor.

Regards,
Dave

I have spent quite a bit of time living in tents, canvas and otherwise and I do not care for canvas tents-when I have a choice.

For floors, try painter's drop cloths cut to fit and with cords to tie them from the inside to the outer tent stakes; cheap, easy and it works. If, horse packing, I would just burn them with all the other garbage in a pit at the end of the trip and re-fill the soil after everything is burnt. This saves packing extra weight out on horses, important if you have meat. Since the cloths are canvas, there are no toxic fumes produced. All in all though, I prefer to do without a floor as it is simpler.

You might want to try a single medium size cooking and eating tent of canvas and individual mountaineering dome tents for sleeping; this with a portable shower has worked very well for me with crews up to 75 persons.

I have a 12x14x5 Norseman,made in Calgary.10 oz Sunforger.It sleeps two with stove and table.I don't think there is a right place for the stove or it's pipe.Mine is by the door which is nice for clean and room,but the through the roof prevents a tarp fly.I am thinking the best might be through one of the doors.I made connectors for 1 1/4" EMT tubing interal frame.Two men can set up camp in under an hour.I use a GWS tin-airtight,put a damper in the stove pipe,these suckers can meltdown if you are not careful.

After living under canvas '40 to '44 in England,my Dad hated tents and canvas.

I've used a 12 X 14 tent for years now.It's ideal for 4 guys and a woodstove.Cooking is done in a seperate tent that we make out of tarpaulins.We've used 12 X 14's for sleeping and cooking before but it's just way to crowded.I don't have a floor amnd we've found that plastic tarps are just fine for flooring as well.
The tent is made of 14 oz Egyptian cotton which is way too heavy unless the tent will be set up year round.I'd would highly reccomend 10 oz or 12 oz as the maximum as some of the other guys have mentioned.One other thing worth mentioning is to get a tent with 5 foot walls.I once had a 14 X24 tent with three and a half foot walls and it give very little more in the way of standup space than the 12 X 14 X 5 tent that I have now.
Dave

Check out Alaska tent & tarp. I recently picked up a
Arctic Oven 10 (AO-10)
I have never seen a better made tent!!

http://www.alaskatent.com/ < !--color-->

I use a 14x12 "Woods" and have no complaints. Last year we had a -30 spell in mid Nov during the full moon. Thank heavans for that wood stove!

[url=[url="http://www.hunt101.com/?p=75230&c=500&z=1"][/url]]deer camp[/url]

tsturm:
Yup! The Arctic Oven is the only way to go if ya don't have to backpack it. Mine stood up to the rigors of Afognak for 2 weeks last Oct. Just like being in a hotel - well, almost. Nice & toasty & no condensation at all.
Bear in Fairbanks