CANVAS HUNTING TENTS

What is a canvas hunting tent?

By definition, a canvas hunting tent is a type of tent designed specifically for hunting trips. These tents are constructed with features that cater to the needs of hunters, providing them with a comfortable and functional shelter in the field.

However, canvas wall tents are not specifically designed for hunters. A standard quality canvas wall tent will meet all normal hunting requirements based on my experience living in hunting wall tents for 2-3 weeks at a time. Rich, Owner.

What are the main factors in selecting a hunting tent?

Selecting the right hunting tent involves considering various factors to ensure comfort, functionality, and suitability for your specific hunting needs. Here's a detailed breakdown from my personal experience of 50 years of hunting and camping in hunting tents. I am fortunate that I can still solo hunt 3 weeks annually in the Idaho wilderness areas. Rich, Owner.

1. Types of Hunting:

   Different hunting activities require different types of tents. For example:

   • Backcountry Hunting: Requires lightweight, compact outfitter tents suitable for long hikes and rough terrain. If traveling long distances or moving camp often, an ultralight tent is best. These ultralight hunting tents weigh less than 5 lbs, including the poles. Canvas hunting tents are an option if using horses.
   • Base Camp Hunting: Allows for larger, more comfortable tents suitable for extended stays. I use a canvas hunting tent when I camp at non-wilderness trailheads. I bring many comfort features along, as I usually camp for a minimum of 10 days. The size and weight of the tent are not a factor, as I have one or more friends along to help set up my canvas hunting tent. If hunting by yourself, the weight of your hunting wall tent should be considered.
2. Seasonality & Weather Conditions:
   • Winter Hunting: I have hunted often in the winter with a regular canvas hunting tent with no special insulation or snow load capabilities. The main consideration when winter hunting is the quality and size of the hunting tent stove used. It is paramount to purchase the correct size of stove that will keep you warm and dry out your wet clothes at night. I never leave my hunting tent camp except when I am hunting during the day. No extra roof support is needed as I remove the snow in the morning, when I return from hunting, and before I go to bed. If you are in extreme cold with heavy snow loads, I recommend extra rafters for your outfitter tent.
   • Summer Hunting: Ventilation and breathability are essential to avoid overheating. All hunting tents become very hot inside during the summer in non-shaded areas. I have both doors open and side windows unzipped to get ventilation cross-winds from all directions.
   • Rain & Wind: Hunting tents should be waterproof with sturdy construction to withstand strong winds. Based on my personal experience of a leaking roof, I always use a roof fly regardless of whether the tent is waterproof. I was testing a new supplier's tent, and I had a tent leak at night during an unexpected rainstorm. Fortunately, I had one of my normal Wilderness flys with me in case I needed one.
3. Capacity:

   Consider the number of people who will be using the hunting wall tent. Options range from solo tents to large family-sized tents. Synthetic hunting tents are normally not as large as canvas hunting tents and are normally used for 1-3 hunters. If a large group of hunters is planned, a canvas hunting tent is recommended. Our Wilderness canvas hunting tents range in size from 8’ x 10’ to 16’ x 24’. Always consider the space required for gear storage during tent size selection. If hunting during cold weather, allow for 7' along a side wall for stove and heat standoff distances.

4. Weight & Portability:
   • Backpacking: Lightweight outfitter tents are crucial to minimize the load during long hikes.
   • Vehicle Accessible Areas: Weight is less of a concern, allowing for heavier, more durable tents.
5. Ease of Setup:
   • Solo Hunting: Tents that set up quickly and easily, possibly even by one person, are ideal. Depending on where I hunt alone, I have a lightweight tent and a larger, heavier tent. My decision on tent selection is based on how much extra space I need for a stove, cot, and hunting gear.
   • Group Hunting: Larger tents require more effort to set up, but provide communal space. Working together reduces setup time for small to very large hunting tents.
6. Durability & Construction:
   • Material: Look for high-quality, durable fabrics. A canvas hunting tent is the most durable fabric. If using a stove, most synthetic tents will instantly melt if the fabric touches a hot stove.
   • Frame: Aluminum or fiberglass poles are lightweight yet sturdy options for smaller hunting wall tents. Lightweight frames are not recommended for heavier tents, heavy snow loads, and windy areas.
   • Seams & Zippers: Reinforced seams and quality zippers ensure longevity and weather resistance. YKK # 10 zippers are the industry standard for doors and windows. YKK zippers are standard on our Wilderness hunting tents.
7. Ventilation & Condensation Management:
   • Screen Doors & Screen Windows: Allow for airflow while keeping insects out of your outfitter tent.
   • Vents: Synthetic tents normally have adjustable vents that help manage condensation buildup, especially in cold weather using a stove. If vents are open to reduce condensation, cold air enters the tent. This heating problem is a factor in deciding what type of hunting tent is best for your use.
8. Terrain & Environment:
   • Rocky Terrain: Tents with robust floors and reinforced stakes are necessary. Wall Tent Shop floors are 18 oz, and the heaviest-duty vinyl floors available. Floors cover the entire tent footprint, unlike some competitors who sell a 3/4 floor. We have heavy-duty 18" rebar stakes to help get through rocky terrain. Plastic or thin metal stakes are of little value in rocky terrain.
9. Additional Features:
   • Stove Jack for Stoves: A stove jack is required for all tents that will use a wood stove. All Wall Tent Shop hunting wall tents come standard with a stove jack at no additional cost.
   • Floors: All Wall Tent Shop hunting tents offer floors and flys to protect the tent roofs.
   • Screen Doors & Windows: Essential for areas with high insect activity. We offer front and back screen doors, side windows, and back windows as options.
10. Budget:

    Cost is always a factor when choosing an outfitter tent. Balancing features and quality within your budget is essential. I recommend you view the canvas hunting tent competitor cost comparison chart above. Comparison shows we have the best prices and free shipping with our top-quality products.

11. User Reviews & Recommendations:

    Reading reviews from other hunters can provide insights into real-world performance and durability. I recommend you read fellow hunters' comments on the Rokslide forum concerning our top-quality products and outstanding customer service.

12. Brand Reputation:

    Reliable products backed by warranties and customer support. Wall Tent Shop has a 2-year warranty, and we have few issues due to our top-quality products. Most other companies have a 1-year warranty.

By considering these factors in detail, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a hunting tent that best suits your needs and preferences.

Is an elk hunting tent package available?

The elk hunting tent package includes a hunting wall tent, stove, poly tarp fly, and a complete frame. We also have a deer hunting tent package. The deer tent package is the same, except it has an angle kit to make a frame. Both packages will provide a top-quality hunting camp tent.

How soon will a canvas hunting tent ship?

1-3 days after ordering. I am a hunter, and understand that unexpected problems happen. For example, unrolling your current tent and finding holes from mice chewing their way to the center of the outfitter tent, or finding mildew and rot when unrolling your current canvas hunting tent. If you need a hunting camp tent shipped the next day, we will make every effort to meet your hunting schedule. Rich.

What is the guarantee on canvas hunting tents?

Two-year guarantee on material and workmanship. Call or email to explain an issue. Send photos to have the return expedited. We believe we have the best hunting tents, and we rarely have a warranty issue. We take great pride in customer service, and we resolve any issue quickly. A hunter's tent should be strong and durable. Our guarantee shows the quality of our hunting wall tents.

Is a tent roof tarp fly really necessary?

I strongly recommend that you buy a fly or a heavy-duty poly tarp to protect your canvas roof. There are thousands and thousands of needle holes in your roof. Ordinarily, these needle holes close up when spraying the canvas with water to shrink it. Sometimes there are needle holes that don't close up. A fly or heavy tarp helps prevent surprise leaks during hunting camp. Canvas tents for hunting are expensive, and a fly will extend the lifespan of your outfitter tent.

Additionally, a fly protects the roof from stove sparks burning holes in the roof. It also prevents tree sap from landing on the tent roof when camping under trees. Removing sap requires a harsh detergent, which can destroy the tent canvas, water, mildew, and fire treatments.

Is a wall tent the best hunting tent?

A wall tent is often considered the best hunting tent for several reasons:

1. Size & Space:
   • Roominess: Wall tents used for hunting tents are spacious, providing room for hunters, gear, and a stove. Our largest Wilderness hunting wall tent is 16’ x 24’, which accommodates 5 or 6 campers.
   • Height: Vertical walls provide more headroom and make it easier to move around inside. Optional 6-foot side walls increase usable space. Standard side wall height is 5' on all Wilderness hunting tents.
2. Durability:
   • Sturdy Construction: Designed to withstand varying weather conditions. Canvas is more robust than many modern tent materials.
   • Frame Support: An inside frame provides added support and stability, especially in windy conditions. An outfitter tent with an internal steel frame is best for snow loads and windy conditions.
3. Seasonal Versatility:
   • All-Season Use: Works across seasons. Provides insulation in cold weather and ventilation in warm weather. Windows and screen doors improve airflow.
4. Stove Compatibility:
   • Stove Integrations: Stove jack compatibility allows use of a wood-burning stove, which provides reliable heat in cold climates.
5. Customization:
   • Adaptability: Add vestibules, awnings, or accessories to increase comfort and functionality.
6. Long-Term Investment:
   • Durability & Reusability: With proper care, they last many hunting seasons. I have used my 12’ x 14’ canvas hunting tent since 1997.
   • Protect Your Investment: Store the hunting wall tent and eave ropes completely dry. Wet canvas or ropes against canvas lead to dry rot.

Tent selection depends on personal preferences, hunting conditions, and needs. Wall tents have many advantages, but you should also consider mobility, weight, and ease of setup.

What are cold-weather hunting tents and winter hunting design features?

Cold-weather hunting tents require a tent stove that heats the tent from the front to the back. All Wilderness winter hunting tents with a stove have a fire-resistant stove jack that adjusts to fit stove pipe from 5 inches to 6 inches in diameter. Camp and Wilderness stoves come in 3 sizes and can heat tents from 8’ x 10’ to 16’ x 24’. Wilderness and camp stoves ship 1-2 days after purchase. The Riley stove is our lightweight stove and normally ships 1 week after ordering. A canvas hunting tent with a stove requires a stove with both a stove pipe damper and an air intake adjustment.

The Wilderness cold-weather hunting tent uses Army Duck double-fill canvas, and includes marine-grade waterproofing treatment. All winter hunting tents have durable YKK 10 zippers. The Colorado storm flap on doors protects zippers from snow, ice, and rain. Storm flaps also help block strong winds and extreme temperatures. During snowstorms, I bury the vinyl sod cloth in snow to help seal the tent and keep warm air inside.