Canvas tents have seen a decline in popularity over the years, as people have opted for cheaper – but less durable – materials, such as nylon and polyester.
Nylon and polyester tents tend to be thin, light-weight and cheap. And while there are some subtle differences between the two, both are variations of plastic, so for this article, they can be considered essentially the same.
Don’t get me wrong, nylon and polyester tents are great for those whose idea of camping is a long weekend away, once in a blue moon or a quick dash to Glastonbury music festival.
But for those of us who take our camping a little more seriously, we want a tent that is going to stand up to our expectations of durability and performance. So while a polyester or nylon tent might seem like a much more affordable option to begin with, a canvas tent is a far better investment and a must-have for any serious camper.
Let’s Talk About Canvas
Canvas is a heavy, plain-woven fabric typically made from cotton or hemp and has a long history of use as a strong and durable material.
You’ll find canvas used for all manner of things that require strong and sturdy material, such as tents, marquees, backpacks, sails and tarpaulins.
Traditionally canvas was made from hemp but now the most common materials used are cotton and synthetic fibers.
Cotton canvas
Cotton is a medium strength fabric that becomes 10 to 20 times stronger when wet and is the most common fabric used for modern canvas tents This additional strength is caused by the cotton fibers expanding when initial contact with water occurs – a great feature to have when the wind picks up during a heavy rainstorm!
But just keep in mind that this extra strength needs a little more care, as cotton canvas takes a little longer to dry and is susceptible to mold and mildew if not allowed to fully dry-out before pack up.
Cotton is also flammable, so a bit of extra caution should be employed around the camp.
Modern canvas tents are often treated with chemicals and coatings to improve water resistance and reduce flammability.
Synthetic fibers
Synthetic (man-made) fiber canvas is becoming increasingly popular – the most common being polyester canvas.
Note that polyester canvas is a lot higher quality than the basic polyester sheeting used for cheap plastic tents.
Polyester canvas retains the same properties as cotton, while also further increasing the strength of the material and at the same time, reducing the overall weight. Initial water absorption is also reduced, as is the materials susceptibility to mildew and mold.
Canvas vs Plastic Tents
Cotton, nylon and polyester are the three most commonly used materials when it comes to tents. You’ll find tents that are solely constructed from a single one of these materials or a wide range of variations of the three.
Canvas is typically made from cotton, hemp or a blend of polyester canvas giving it more durability and strength.
Whereas nylon and polyester are variations of plastic polymers and are the basic materials you’ll find in cheap, lightweight tents.
Pros of Canvas
In order to compare the two main tent variations, we will break them into two main categories: canvas (cotton and synthetic fibers) and plastic (nylon and polyester sheeting).
Breathability
Due to its woven pattern, a canvas sheet has many tiny holes in its surface. These holes essentially allow the material to “breathe” by allowing a small amount of air to pass through the lining.
This means that a canvas tent will trap less moisture, leading to less condensation inside the tent.
Plastic tents allow virtually no airflow through the material, which makes them very humid and stuffy while allowing moisture and condensation to build up, especially on the inner walls of the tent.
Insulation
Compared to plastic, canvas is a far better insulator.
This means that your canvas tent will stay cooler, for longer periods of time when exposed to hot, direct sunlight.
If you’ve ever slept in a plastic tent during the summer and weren’t fortunate enough to find a tree or something similar to block the sun, then you are familiar with the experience of waking up in an oven, gasping for air…
Not a nice start to the day!
A canvas tent will keep the inside temperature at a much more consistent level, making your overall camping experience much more comfortable.
Noise
Canvas tents are much quieter than their plastic equivalents. Canvas material dampens the outside noise, giving you a much more peaceful rest after a full day around camp. Or maybe you just want to block out those noisy neighbors who popped up their tent right next to yours last night!
This is achieved by the extra thickness and weight of the canvas compared to plastic tents. This also means that your canvas tent will not make as much noise during windy conditions as the extra weight stops them from flapping around so much.
Durability
As well as the extra strength provided by the woven design of canvas, there are two other important aspects to its durability.
The first, is canvas’ ability to handle harmful UV rays that weaken and greatly reduce the lifespan of a plastic tent when left continuously in direct sunlight over a long period of time. The weakened plastic will become susceptible to tears and sagging.
Direct sunlight, may over time discolor canvas fabric but it will not weaken it or affect its durability.
Secondly, while any tent can be torn or ripped by sharp objects, canvas is a far stronger material and will withstand minor contact that would see a plastic tent rendered useless, with a gaping hole in the side.
It’s for these reasons that you really should consider canvas as a far better investment. And if cared for correctly, it needs only to be a once in a lifetime purchase.
Heating
While you want your tent to remain nice and cool during the summer, you don’t want to freeze during the winter either.
And the good news is, most of the larger canvas tents are designed to allow a heating stove to be used inside the tent. The design features that allow this are: the large size of canvas tents, the material used and a specifically designed roof flap that acts as a vent.
As stated earlier – like any tent – canvas can be flammable. But if you take the proper precautions and follow the correct manufacturer’s instructions, this feature is a must-have for any serious camper who wants to get out there in the cold winter months.
This is not possible in a smaller, plastic tent, as it is far too dangerous to have a heat source inside the tent.
Cons of Canvas
Weathering
Your brand new canvas tent may need to be weathered before its first use, in order to make it completely leak proof. This is because of the small holes in the woven design.
But don’t stress – it’s only a one-time thing and is completely normal for most canvas tents.
And the best part…. it’s easy!
Just set up your tent in your yard (you should be doing this anyway before taking it out for its first use) and give it a spray with the garden hose. Or better yet, set it up and leave it in the rain. This will allow the fibers to swell and will make sure your new tent is completely waterproof.
Now is also a good time to find out how much time you need to allow for your tent to dry, so you can care for it correctly and maximize the lifespan of your tent.
Mold and Mildew
As we just discussed, if your tent gets wet, you need to allow it time to fully dry-out before packing it away. Otherwise, mold or mildew could set in.
It means that you need to give a little more thought and time to your pack-up routine.
But don’t worry, it’s all worth it in the end. And if you do this part correctly, you won’t have any issue with unwanted mold or mildew.
Weight
Canvas is a much heavier material than plastic. This is a fact that can’t really be avoided but it’s this added weight that gives a canvas tent its strength and durability.
And of course, as tent size increases, so does the extra weight.
That being said, although a canvas tent is a far better investment for a lot of activities, it is not a great choice for backpacking or bugging out. You just won’t be able to carry the extra weight and still enjoy the experience.
So as long as you aren’t entering your camping area by foot, a canvas tent is the far better option. Just chuck your tent in your car or pickup and you are good to go.
Cost
When talking cons, it’s only the upfront cost that could be considered a negative here. The materials and manufacturing costs are higher than those of plastic tents so this is of course reflected in the purchase price.
But remember, as in all things in life (and especially camping), you get what you pay for.
Quality is the key word here. And if you are a fairly frequent camper this tent will save you money in the long run, as it will far outlast a plastic tent.
Think of it as an investment. An investment in quality. And an investment in your recreation and life balance.
The Best Canvas Tent for You
Now that you’ve decided that a canvas tent is the right tent for you, you need to find the correct design to suit your camping style.
So let’s discuss this in two basic categories – smaller, survival tents and large cabin tents.
Smaller Canvas Tents
The following are tents that are suitable for up to 8 people.
They offer all the advantages of a canvas tent, while still being easy to set-up and take-down, making them a great portable option.
Kodiak 1-Person Canvas Swag Tent
At six feet and eight inches long and almost three feet wide, this one person tent offers a heap of space.
The 100% Hydrashield cotton duck canvas allows for maximum breathability while providing watertight protection.
It features zip-up windows at both the head and foot of the tent to provide maximum airflow and great temperature management.
It also comes with a 2 inch foam pad with cover making the Kodiak Canvas Swag Tent a great option.
A great addition for someone looking to escape into the wilderness or the keen fisherman or hunter alike.
Check out this video for a great overview of this impressive tent.
Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
A personal favorite of mine. The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent is a must-have addition for any pickup owner.
Also made with 100% Hydrashield cotton duck canvas, it’s strong and durable and offers the same great breathability and water resistance as the previous swag tent.
And if you think it must be small to fit on the back of your truck, think again. The massive five foot ceiling height and 5 windows give this tent a very open and roomy feel, while keeping you and your stuff high above ground level. One of the windows even opens up towards your cab, giving you access to your truck’s interior if you have a rear access window.
Here’s a list of compatible trucks:
- – Ford F Series
- – Chevy Silverado
- – GMC Sierra
- – Nissan Titan
- – Toyota Tundra
- – Dodge Ram
Check out this video to see if this tent is right for your truck.
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tents (4 person / 6 person / 8 person options)
With an option for four, six or eight people, the only difference in these three great tents is the height and size.
The 4 person tent is nine foot by eight foot and has a ceiling height of six foot and one inch.
The 6 person tent is ten foot by ten foot and has a ceiling height of six foot and six inches.
The 8 person tent is ten foot by fourteen foot and also has a ceiling height of six foot and six inches.
Flex-Bow Canvas Tents feature the same 100% Hydrashield cotton duck canvas as the previous two tents, giving them the same great breathability and strength.
The Kodiak Bow Flex series tents are designed with two large D-shaped doors in the front and back and features four windows.
They also come with two vent flaps which help control temperature and airflow.
A really impressive, all-round family tent.
Large Cabin Tents
These tents are very large and are intended for use at larger events, excursions or even as temporary housing. They are shaped like a large cabin, are strong and very durable.
Elk Mountain Canvas Tents
Elk Mountain is a top choice for large sized, canvas cabin tents. They are designed to comfortably sleep up to 10 people and have three different sizes available:
- – 13 ft by 13 ft
- – 13 ft by 16 ft
- – 13 ft by 20 ft
They are made with synthetic canvas, reducing the risk of mold and mildew problems while increasing the overall strength of the tent.
Elk Mountain Tents’ synthetic canvas is up to two times stronger than other competitors on the market, with a tear strength of 67 lbs (warp) and 40 lbs (fill) and a breaking strength of 449 lbs (warp) and 382 lbs (fill).
These massive cabin tents incorporate six windows into their design, allowing for privacy one moment and maximum airflow and openness the next. They also feature vent flaps at both ends to further increase the temperature stability and airflow.
Every tent comes with a built-in stove jack flap, allowing the easy addition of a wood stove to keep you warm through those cold winter nights.
The sturdy internal frame is constructed from steel poles that can stand up to the biggest rainstorms and heavy snow.
And importantly, the polyester canvas is more durable, stronger and more water resistant than other cotton competitors.
Another great thing about this company is that you are buying direct from them. So, no middleman seeking to take a cut of the profits along the way. And their customer minded, no-frills approach to supply means that the savings are being passed directly down to you – the consumer – making these tents unbelievable value for money.
So if you are in the market for a large, single room, canvas, cabin tent, look no further than Elk Mountain Tents for a superior product at a great price.
Check out the video below for a detailed review of the Elk Mountain 13 x 16 Wall Tent.
Who Is A Canvas Tent For?
Well, short answer…. everyone!
That is, everyone who wants a top quality tent that will last them for generations.
But to be more specific, let’s run through a bit of a list of people who will really benefit from the use of a canvas tent.
Avid Campers
First on this list is, of course, the avid campers. The type that are out there every opportunity they can find, come rain or shine, hail or snow. While you may have started your camping days with a cheaper plastic tent, anyone planning to camp often should invest in a canvas tent. After all, you are getting a higher quality product with increased durability and insulation, that will ultimately increase your comfort and enjoyment out there in the wild or at the campsite.
Remember, although the initial purchase price may seem high, a canvas tent will save you money in the long run, as you won’t be repairing or purchasing a new tent every few years.
Fishing Enthusiasts
After a full day’s fishing, you want to kick back and relax as much as possible at camp, and having a good quality canvas tent to return to definitely helps.
Furthermore, the taller height of canvas tents makes them ideal for storing your fishing rods inside without having to break them down. More time for frying up that big one you landed earlier in the day.
And for those keen on getting out there on the ice for a fish, canvas tents provide a much warmer and better-insulated environment than any plastic tent could hope to do.
Hunters
Just like their fishing counterparts, hunters will seriously benefit from adding a canvas tent to their checklist. Not only will a canvas tent provide a perfect base for multi-day trips, it will allow for maximum comfort when returning back from a big day of hunting.
With ample room for all your supplies and gear, it’s the ideal spot to sit back, relax and plan your next adventure.
Rescue Operations
The large size and favorable inside conditions of a large canvas tent makes them the first choice for rescue operations. Warmth and a large usable area may be critical when dealing with injured or sick individuals or as a base to plan or oversee a rescue.
Expeditions
Likewise, canvas tents make a perfect base for an expedition, providing an ideal spot to plan and prepare and a welcome bit of luxury to return to at the end. Also, if worst comes to worst, it can be transformed into a base from which to conduct a rescue operation.
Special Events
Large, cabin style tents can be used for all types of special events. They make a great stall at street food and farmers market events, provide good cover for a backyard wedding or even an intimate concert experience for a small group. Especially in the colder months, when guest will appreciate the extra warmth of the wood stove.
The ease at which these tents can be set-up or taken-down and ease of transportation to events, means they are perfect temporary structures for events lasting from one day to several months.
Temporary Housing
In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster occurring in your area, you want to be prepared. You don’t want your family to be without a home for an extended period of time.
A high quality canvas tent will provide you with the support and comfort needed at these trying times and allow you to focus your energy on more important matters.
What’s Next?
Get out there and get yourself a canvas tent, of course! Well, okay, as we discussed earlier, a canvas tent might not be suitable for everyone. But even if you only go camping a few times a year, I recommend that you seriously consider going canvas over plastic.
Because of the added strength, durability and temperature regulation a canvas tent provides, at the end of the day, it just makes camping that much more comfortable and therefore enjoyable.
Your kids will love camping in your new canvas tent, your friends will appreciate relaxing after a long day of hunting, fishing or exploring and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t buy one sooner. This is a must have investment for any camper.