Pointers on wall tents and a WTB

[hunt2much]

I know this has been done 1000 times before... But now I'm the one in the market. So with that being said... Whats used out there?

Any pointers on what to look for in a tent... I got the general jist of it... Just seeing if theres anything I'm missing...

I'm looking at...
Beckel
Montana Canvas
Bussard
Bravo


Thanks
Matt

[Spotted Owl]

We have a Montana 14 X 16. Does us real well. Both the kids have break down twin beds with foam pads. Beds stand about 28" tall, all there stuff goes under their own bed. We have break down king size bed at 28" tall with double foam pads, all our stuff and more goes under our bed. Our dog(St.Bernard 160#s) at the foot of the kids. Have room for a small folding table and the stove. We have had this work many times. It can get kinda cramped especially when it's raining and nobody wants to be out side. Our stove is the mid size from Cylinder Stoves everything packs inside of it even the hot water tank. We use the external frame. Seems to shed snow and rain better than internals cause the sides can be pulled tight instead of being draped over. I can get it set up from in the bag to everthing ready for the beds to be made in a little less than an hour. That's the tent up, beds and pads up, gear under the beds, table ready and stove going when we are using a stove.

If you can get the next size bigger than you think you need. No such thing as to much room. Look at lots of them. Go to the show room if you can and set them up just to see what it will take. Set up internal and external frames if possible to see what you like better. I would highly recommend a round stove. Our round ones have never warped but i have been in some camps when the boxes did and the welds broke. Some place has a kit you can buy to make your own stove out of a barrel these work really well but they were alittle big for us.

Donlt rush, look at lots and fingd the right deal for you and your needs.

Owl

[huntercgr]

I just ordered the 15x18 from Bravo. After using my friends Bravo, and comparing the ones at the show, imo the best made tent out there that you can visually inspect.

[stickflicker]

I just got a Kwik Kamp at the show this year .Very please with what i got for the money I got the 14x16 with the alunimuin (sp) packer frame if your ever looking to pack it in it cuts the weight of the frame in half.It ran me about 1900.00 for that i got 14x16 sunfogger treated tent which means it is treated for mildew,water,fire, the frame , the blaze stove(made by kwik kamp) which is one of the only air tight stoves out there for wall tents,bags for everthing,five hook coat rack,latern hanger,tent mates which are hooks that you can hook on the frame anywhere in side the tent,last but not least is good customer service from some very nice peolple here in oregon.Just my $.02

[Gun Rod Bow]

I''l toss in my

I prefer internal frame so you can tarp your tent. At some point, you will.

I prefer the stove pipe out the front wall. (see above)

Be sure when it's strtched that the door will still close, as in flap over a long way.

[ehunter]

We just bought a EEN tent from Beckle this year not sure what size your looking for but this is a 14x14 and weighs less than 40 lbs sets up in ten mins and we can use this tent on drop camps...

[hunt2much]

So GRB... I get what your saying about tarping... so your stove jack is in the door panel? Do you have dual doors? and in my cicumstance (see below) how would you do it? what about out the side of the tent and running the pipe at about a 45 degree

And we are looking at a 12x15 with internal steel frame... heard too many horror stories of getting back to camp in a snow storm only to find their aluminum frame crushed and tent in a pile. We are also gonna get a 10 foot extension cook shack. that way we can go light with just 2 guys and just the 12x15.. but if more come, we have 12x15 for sleeping and a 9-10x15 feet(depending on mfg) for cooking and eating... a little more expensive than just getting a 20+ footer but more versatile.

what do ya think...

I did some late night reading online and all the brochures from the sportsmans show... I'm leaning towards the Bravo.. about $400 more...
But their propaganda seems well written, believable. they seem well built. I think they sold me.

Matt

[huntercgr]

My buddy has his stove jack out the front door. Works good, but you need the brace that Bravo has. I ordered mine with a back door, and I am going to do some "floor designing" to see if it'd work to have my jack through the back door. Some will say it won't draw quite as well at a 45, others will say the wind will force the smoke back down and out into your tent, well, I can now say, YES, that can happen.

My thinking on this is, I'd like to have an extended snow slide over the front. I do not like going straight through the roof, too easy for burning embers to drop down, and the same goes for out the wall. I'm sure some folks don't have that problem, but it really becomes a personal choice at that point.

We've done 3 guys in the 15x18, eating, cooking, and sleeping, and it was very comfortable.

[mtn300]

I own a 14x16 from davis tent and I have been pleased with the results has an internal frame and is only mildew and water resistant treated. It has been through several nasty storms and hasn't leaked yet. One thing I did find when I talked to the people at Davis is that the fire resistant treatment breaks down the fibers of the canvas a little faster. I have also used a tent from beckel a 15x15 they make a quality tent also. If I was going to buy another it would be from one of these outfits. The davis tent has a stove jack in the roof and the beckel went out the end of the tent. Great tent and I would recomend going one size bigger than you think you need. Goodluck

[Gun Rod Bow]

In answer:

I've owned a few wall tents. And basically have the following basic floor plan that has evolved.

Doors on 1 end. Bed rolls parallel to the side walls side by each across the back. That way your cloths and bed are on a ground tarp and not trampled on. I don't care for cots especially when it's real cold.

No tarp under the rest of the tent, so I can spit on the floor

Front RH side wall next to the door for stove pipe as you say at a 45 degree angle. That front RH corner is my kitchen.

Table or eating area just inside left. Tie back LH door flap only for in and out.

The stove is near the door. Warm days you can cook on it and let cool air in. Cold days, the stove really only heats the tent when you are awake. About any stove will warm a tent when it's going and the tent is sealed up.

Tarping the tent helps snow to slide. And been in too many downpours to rely on treated canvas IMO. Also the "wings" along the outside give shelter for saddles etc.

As I said before. Be sure your door flaps overlap generously so you can seal the wind out. Many tents have like a 6" overlap and if the tent is stretched tight, it's hard to keep it closed up.

We used to always cut tent poles when we got in the woods but most wilderness areas dont allow that any more

That arrangement has sheltered a 6 man camp for a week no problems.

I can post a pic on Monday when I get to my work computer.

[hunt2much]

GRB... how big is your tent with the above layout?

[ehunter]

Why do you guys not go with double doors it allows access either end and if you have a zipper blow out you have another option???

[Bait O' Eggs]

a couple thoughts,

Stove pipe jack on each side of the tent, ya it will cost a bit more, but when you select a campsite, there is a direction you want to point the front of the tent, (usually the middle of the campsite) it may not accomodate the direction the wind is blowing from, I hate having the smoke and sparks blowing back over the tent and like to point the stove jack downwind. 2 stove jacks gives you the option to move the stove downwind.

Internal frame is a must, if they even offer and external frame, I would think twice about what ever they are telling you.

Looks at how the seams are sewn, they are not all the same. Some tent guys lap the seams and sew with a cut edge on each side of the sticking. Some tent guys stack the fabric and sew with both cut edges on the same side of the seam and you end up with some loose ratty looking edges beyond the stiching. I saw some of those at the show this year, not sure but think it was Bravo some tent guys fold each cut edge about 1/2 inch and interlock the 2 folded edges and sew where the fabric is 4 layers thick, IMO its a much better seam for standard canvas, but its more work for the tent maker.

GRB is correct cots are cold, but if you get 4 inches of foam under you on top of the cot, it isnt to bad (not suited for horse packing)

Stove needs to be near the front of the tent, you dont want to be packing wood over the sleeping accomodations.

As far as porches go, just get the frame, and use your tarp for shelter. Its open to the elements anyway on the front side of most of them, and a tarp does enough to keep the rain and snow off your stove and wood pile out front.

Doors are nice on both end for setting up and breaking down camp, other than that, the back door never gets used.

[gottafish]

Originally Posted by ehunter

We just bought a EEN tent from Beckle this year not sure what size your looking for but this is a 14x14 and weighs less than 40 lbs sets up in ten mins and we can use this tent on drop camps...

ehunter , does that tent have a floor in it? How much for everything? I been thinking about that one also. I like the fact its easy to set up and put away.

[huntercgr]

I saw some of those at the show this year, not sure but think it was Bravo

I saw this on the tent from Beckel. With the stove in the back, and with the double door, sleeping quarters stay clean.

With the wind we encountered this last season, it wouldn't have mattered where the stove pipe was. The swirling wind blew smoke back down the pipe, and forced it into the tent. Luckily the back door allowed us to let it escape.

[hunt2much]

Beckel didnt have a wall tent at the portland show... they had that goofy center pole 2 foot walled thing... with so much wasted space is was crazy.

So BOE: If you dont mind... would you go to bravo's web site and see if thats the correct seam or incorrect seam that your refering too... it looks like a great seam to me!

Beckels tents are nice my buddy has one and no rough edges on seams either.

So let me get this staight...

No back door... maybe window with screen and good storm flaps.
2 stove jacks both up front one on each side.
Big storm flaps on doors and windows.

I'm gonna buy outdoor carpet (not astro turf, actual carpet but more like commercial but is for patios) at home depot like $0.49 sq ft.... so 10 ft is under 50 bucks

[ehunter]

It is not goofy and I will stand it up against any tent on the market we can set it up and take it down in 10 mins plus for early season bow hunting we can lift the sides and get a breeze, also it weighs 40 lbs we can use it for a drop hunt or put a stove in it for winter..I been in several different styles of wall tents they all work this has its advantages and disadavantages.

[TheTexan]

Search for Ken's Tents in Idaho. I have a 16x21 and it is very well made. If I were to buy again, I would certainly look at his first.

[hunt2much]

EH: Sorry about the goofy comment... unique i guess is a better word... our tent is either gonna be where we can drive too or using horses... so weight is...but isnt too big of an issue...

So to all the Bravo and Beckel people out there...Is the extra 800 worth all his hype. they do look nice... but 800 dollars... geesh!!! and thats building the frame myself with his fittings. Apples to apples he's $800 more than Beckel. $810.62 more to be exact.

And to all the non local companys suggestions... I'm sure theyre excellent builders but I dont wanna pay frieght on all that wieght...and if i do have a problem i want a human being to scream at and a shop to drive too.

Matt

[ajfishfinder]

Salem tent & awning makes a very good product that is worth a look. Pm if you want to ask me about one of their tents that I have used trouble free for 12 seasons.

[StickFish]

Originally Posted by TheTexan

Search for Ken's Tents in Idaho. I have a 16x21 and it is very well made. If I were to buy again, I would certainly look at his first.

I will 2nd Ken's in Idaho. He packed for years and got tired of stuff that just didn't cut it - so he started making his own. He will go through all the options with you and isn't a fan of stove jacks through the wall, but let him explain to you why. The seams and construction or top notch everything is doubled over, especially the eaves. Those are reinforced with 2" heavy canvas webbing a guy who went with us this year has used a ton of different tents over the years and he thought this was the best one he's seen.

I tried to call Beckel and talk to them about their tents - they lost my business after the third un-returned phone call.

Ted Culin for those who care.

For my stove I went with a Idaho Wall Tent Stove the large on and it is very well built and hold a ton of wood.

[baltz526]

another kens tents fan, and they are right accross the snake from chukar heaven oregon

[bigd]

KWIK KAMP 14 X 16

[RoscoeP]

If you hunt 5 or more guys I would go with the 16x20 for sure. I 'm a big fan of doors at both ends. We put a tarp down inside and put carpet rems over that to keep the feet warmer and to keep from tripping. Internal frame is the only way to go. The wood stove is set up in a corner and works great. However, recently we have tried using the Big Buddy propane heaters and they work very well. Two of the double burner type will heat my 16X20 in no time. With 5 guys there is still plenty of room for a table, cook stove, and storage for food. I would also highly recommend tarping the tent. We make a dining fly out of ours and the tarp will keep the tent drier and help the snow slide right off.

[Don Becker]

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

Doors are nice on both end for setting up and breaking down camp, other than that, the back door never gets used.

Except, maybe, for that occasional middle-of-the-nite airing-out . . . Don

[MarlinMark]

I have a 15X21 Beckel tent with doors at both ends and a window in the middle of the wall opposite the stove that is in the corner. Beckel says "anywhere but the roof" when it comes to putting in your stove pipe jacket. I agree. No holes in my tent after many trips. The one thing I'll add that I haven't heard is that I had a propane line made to run lanterns off of in the tent. The hose starts at a cylinder outside the back door. It comes in at the gable through the velcro access hole for putting a porch frame on. The hose line then runs down my center ridge tension wire with carabiners. Along the way down the hose there are 3 evenly space lantern attchments. I usually just run 2 but sometimes 3 lanterns. When it's time to go to sleep the guy closest to the back door, or the last man up will unzip the back door up to the top of the cylinder and close the valve. He then is in a race against time to get into bed before the fuel burns out of the line and darkness falls. If your smart you make sure the lanterns are on low and then you have plenty of time to tidy up and maybe even throw one more log on the fire.

Not bashing other tents but be aware that if the canvas is really thick you will have to run lanterns during the day. My uncle (in Montana) has a Montana canvas tent and they have to run lanterns in the bright daylight. He has taken to setting up his cot in my Beckel and making all the boys sleep in the Montana Canvas tent. Tarping your tent will do the same. I have never tarped my whole tent. I have a large tarp that can be set up to cover 1/3 of the tent and makes a huge porch/kitchen area outside the front door. I have never had rain drip in my tent. I have never been in too much snow that it wasn't being melted off or sliding off all on it's own. With the variety of fellas coming to camp it is usually certain that if the weather is that nasty then someone will be running the stove pretty regularly. It also only takes a second inside the tent to get all the snow off of it. That being said this spring/summer my tent will get set up in the backyard and a fresh treatment of Thompson's water seal.

Hope this helps,

Mark

[cougfan]

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

As far as porches go, just get the frame, and use your tarp for shelter. Its open to the elements anyway on the front side of most of them, and a tarp does enough to keep the rain and snow off your stove and wood pile out front.

I've done exactly wait he's saying here. We have a 10 X 14 tent and bought a 10 X 10 frame for the porch and cooking shack. We top the whole thing with (1) 30' X 15' Tarp.

[Salmo trutta]

Ever look at a Kifaru Teepee? They are super light weight, pack small and are not too bad at putting up.

I have the 16 man model.

http://www.kifaru.net/TIPI.HTM

[Chesapeake]

I dont remember reading how you plan to use your tent.

If you vehicle camp this is an option. If you pack in forget about it.

This year we used a 16x32 GP medium tent. They run about $400.

The thing weighs around 200#'s not including the poles.

But it sets up easily (4 guys about an hour) and is plenty big.

We had 4-7 people in it and the entire camp. And I mean entire camp, even the fire wood pile. For a vehicle based elk camp I think it is neer ideal.

As far as construction it is rock solid. All the stressed seams have canvas belting sewn into them and the hardware is all aluminum.

[ElkChaser]

One thing I would reccomend doing is going to the Davis Tent Website http://www.davistent.com/ and check out their FAQ page. Lots of good info on canvas tents and some things to look for. Their tents seem reasonably priced too. As for what I would want in a tent.
Zippered door on both ends
Stove Pipe in front side corner
Windows are nice for early season hunts
Front porch
Internal frame

[Hunt'nFish]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

This year we used a 16x32 GP medium tent. They run about $400.

Rick......what does GP stand for? Any links? This is my kinda size tent!!!!
My buddies tent (the one I had on the predator hunt) is not near that big. It also has the stove pipe hole run out the roof and I like it that way. The pipe simply sits right on top of the stove and gravity holds it on. And what little bit of rain comes in boils off on the stove pipe anyway.
Personally I like 6ft walls...it makes the whole tent have usable headroom. Everone doesn't feel compelled to stand only in the center. And if you tring a cargo net from the internal fram you can hang a lot of coats and gear up above your head to dry.
Hunt'nFish

Outside:



Inside:

[Chesapeake]

Hunt'nFish,

GP stands for General Purpose, its an army tent. They make GP small (17 foot hexagon?) GP medium (16x32) and GP large (16x54?).

I will add a link in a few.

http://www.colemans.com/miltent.htm

This link has pictures of all the different models available. The $1000 dollar models are the new vinyl coated synthetic material. The older canvas ones can be found for $400-$600 in good shape.

The GP medium has 2 pipe jacks, one at each end of the peak, a door at each end that the door panels completely overlap each other, and usable space goes all the way to the walls.

For our setup we put the stove at one end and the beds go around the stove. On the other end of the tent is the wood pile, cooking tables, and storage. They are dark canvas so dark inside, you need a few lanters but who cares, you shouldnt be at camp durring daylight anyway. The tent has two internal poles one at each end of the peak. We string a rope from one to the other for a clothes drying line.

Search Ebay for some of the better deals.

[nunyet]

Huntomuch

I have a 16 by 20 that I used on the deschutes , it has a inside steel frame and is completely waterproof. I have a smaller 12 by 12 with a inside heavy a aluminum frame , my baggage guys put this up in about five min.. If I was going to use the larger tent more I would have the aluminum frame made for it but since retiring I have no need.

If you are interested I would sell the larger one for 450.oo I live out of tygh valley .... not to far from you ,I also have a very good ,heavy welded , airtight stove that has never been used ....I picked it up at a Idaho outfitters meeting years ago and never used it....200.oo.

nunyet

[Elk Hunter]

If you are going to be using a stove in it, I would suggest the fire resistant material. Before I bought my tent I asked the manufacturer to send me a sample of each material type. I then proceeded to fire test each one. Some went up in flames with just a match. The fire resistant just had a hole in it from the blow torch. That was the only way to get it to burn and it only burnt where the direct flame from the torch touched. The reason is clear. If something were to go wrong, I would rather have a small hole in the tent rather that lose the whole camp. A friend was setting up camp a few years back. They had 2 tents. The brand new one was not flame resistant. The set it up, started a fire in the stove and proceeded to set up the next tent. While inside the 2nd tent, they heard something that didn't sound right. Running out they saw the brand new tent consumed in flames. Needless to say, when they replaced that tent, they got flame resistant material. I have had my 14X20 for 16 years now and it is still in great shape. We have the pipe jack in the roof and have not had a problem with any embers. Make sure your pipe extends above the ridgeline and you shouldn't have to worry. We tarp the top and bottom. Then put some old rubber backed carpet on the floor. Walking barefoot in the tent is nice. Especially at night. We use cots but have padding on them. Great way to camp for 2 weeks of more.

[DTSportsman]

Check out Canvas Cabins made in Hillsboro, they are high quality and at the time(8years ago) substantially less expensive than other local dealers. They have excellent fire protection around the stove pipes and many options. Ours is 15x21 with 2 doors, and 2 stove pipe vents, we then added a 9' addition for a kitchen, total 15x30. With external frame the one we have is $1,545 plus $609 for the addition today, give them a call 503-538-5335, or Google serch Canvas Cabins, they also custom make for your needs.

[MarlinMark]

Elk Hunter,

Did they figure out how they lit their tent on fire? Might be a lesson to share with us there.

Mark

[hunt2much]

Nunyet,

Pm sent... I'm intersted...

[Hog King]

Bravo.

Your choice is made.

End of discussion.

Seriously, I looked at every tent that's been at the Sportsman Show for the past 4-5 years. Bravo is the best. Quick Camp is a very close second. The rest are way behind.

My brother & I bought a Bravo 2 years ago, a 14x18, and are very happy with it. There are 4 of us for about 9 days while my brother & I are there for about 15 days. We have a separate cook/shower/storage tent. It's very well made and very comfortable.

I know a guy that's had one for about 8 years or so and he has never regretted his purchase.

Bravo.

You won't be sorry.

[Elk Hunter]

They were not sure how the tent caught fire. It had a side mounted pipe jack. They had started a fire and were setting up the second tent. He said it looked like it had started around the jack. Possibly the canvas flap that covers the hole had come in contact with the pipe. He said it never really flamed on but it spread in more of a wicking method. Another article I read a while back, the same thing happened. Only it happened while the group was out hunting and they lost everything. The retardant canvas will not burn except for a small hole. No wicking.

[gottafish]

One more thing to concider is some states will not allow you to heat a non retardent tent. IE they will ticket you if the see ya heating it in anyway. I learn this the hard way in Michigan