Wall Tents
Hunters spending a great deal of time in the wild know that choosing the right tent will mean many years of successful hunting trips. Hunters fuss a lot over the type, size and the weight of the tent before buying one. An ideal tent would mean a comfortable and successful hunt. The tent is going to be the hunter’s home in the wild. Big game hunters have to typically trek on steep mountains or wade through dense forest and cross water bodies with all the hunting gear hence it is also essential that their gear is light but sturdy. Hunting in the mountains often involves sitting around for days on end, waiting for the weather to improve. The tent should have enough room for two people, hunting gear, cooking stove, drying space, and some space to lounge around and read a book while waiting out the storm. Basically there are two types of tents. 1. Single wall tent 2. Double wall tent.
Single wall tents have only one waterproof layer of fabric. These fabrics have to be breathable to prevent or minimize condensation.
Double walled tents have two layers of fabric. The outer layer, or rain fly, is waterproof and extends all the way down to the ground. The inner layer is made up of fabric that insulates the space inside the tent from the elements. Hunters hunting in areas that have heavy snowfall, rain and storms prefer this tent. Even ultra light backpackers prefer to use double wall tents. There are several advantages in using a double walled tent. Perhaps the biggest advantage a double walled tent has is that it keeps the rain fly away from the inhabitants and there is zero condensation. On days when the weather is good and the skies clear the rain fly can be removed.
When purchasing a wall tent there are many options in material available. Hunters prefer a tent that is durable, lighter and easier to transport especially on horse hunts. Heavier weight canvas is durable and offered in both 12 oz. and 14.9 oz. weight. However it is recommended that treated canvas, which is generally, lighter and offered in the 10.10 oz. weight be used. This tent is also very popular as it is lighter, breathes well and is mildew and waterproof.
Size is another important consideration, it is recommended that 30 sq ft for each person plus additional space for wood stove, table, and other hunting gear is ideal. Sewn in floors are not recommended as it is difficult to leave your tent in a hurry should the need arise, in case of an impending storm. Separate floors that can be staked down or attached to tent walls are ideal. A sod cloth 10 – 12″ sewn to the bottom of the tent wall will protect from the weather and critters. This sod cloth can be buried or tucked under the floor.
Most people prefer to set up their tents the traditional way by cutting poles in the woods, however the ease and functionality of internal frames cannot be ignored. Free standing, sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame with detachable angles that needs no tool to install is recommended. The aluminum tubing is strong and durable and light enough to pack on a horse.
Some general considerations that have to be taken into account before choosing your canvas wall tent are
- Once you decide the number of people the tent is going to accommodate leave enough room for stove and stand off area.
- Zipper doors are preferable over tie doors as zipper doors keep the warm air in and cold air out.
- Neoprene Zippers are better suited than metal zippers as metal zippers have a tendency to freeze and get bent making them useless.
- Floors of the tent should have a cut out area for the stove; never place the stove over the synthetic tent floor for.
- Generally tent sizes differ by three or four inches so make allowance for this discrepancy.
- Do not leave the tent set up in the sun for prolonged durations without a fly. Always store the tent dry as it will get mildew even if the fabric is mildew treated. Mud and dirt to be brushed off with a soft bristle brush.
A good quality tent if cared for properly will easily last 20 to 30 years.
