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Best Canvas Tents
Rigid and sturdy poles, fabric that will keep you dry, space to stand up in and move around – these are all features of most canvas tents. Canvas tents are the way to go, whether summer or winter camping! Whatever your reason may be for choosing canvas over synthetic, you have found the list that will help you make the most informed decision.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
This one is fairly straightforward as many canvas tents are made from the same material: cotton duck fabric. Sometimes called just duck or duck canvas this material is a heavy, plain woven cotton fabric. Duck canvas is tightly woven, more so than plain canvas. Duck cloth is used in a variety of ways, from sneakers to painting canvases to tents to sandbags. Duck fabric is woven with two yarns together in the warp and a single yarn in the weft. Cotton duck canvas isn’t the only kind of canvas material out there, but it was the most abundant. There are also some types of polyester canvas, but duck cloth was preferred.
When purchasing a new canvas tent understand that the first time that you use this tent in the rain, it will leak. That is normal. Before cotton can become watertight, the material first has to get wet so that the fabric can expand, once it has expanded (just one time getting thoroughly wet) then it will be watertight. That being said, we suggest that you set up the tent in your backyard and soak down yourself if possible. That way you will be able to use it at your leisure without worrying about rain or damp environments.
Something to keep in mind is whether it is your first time getting the canvas wet, it’s important to properly dry the tent before packing! If you don’t allow the tent to fully and properly dry, then molding and rotting is sure to happen. If it’s rainy and you can’t get it dry, pack it up, but immediately set it back up when you are done traveling. Even if when you get home it is still rainy, set the tent back up, and leave it set up until it can thoroughly dry. It can handle the wetness but not the mold!
Properly taking care of your canvas tent can seriously result in you passing this tent to your child and then even possibly from them to their children.
Size
Tent Size
This is where the size and dimensions of the tent are laid out. No one size is the perfect fit for everyone, so this is where you will have to use a little personal judgement. What are your goals with this tent, and what kind of outings will you be using this on? If you are just looking for solo to two-person trips, then there are a few options for what you are looking for. If you are interested in bigger tents with lots of headroom and space for you and your friends, then there are many options for you. Canvas tents are great for headroom and making space to move around. All the dimensions are given in feet, so you may or may not need to convert to know the actual size.
Pack Size
When shopping for a tent, the pack size isn’t an immediate issue that would arise in your mind, unless you are destination camping and you have to hike in a shelter, but it is still something that many consumers consider. Even if you aren’t hiking to your camping destination sometimes vehicle space is limited, and you can’t be stuffing the trunk with canvas tent alone, you have to make room for the adult beverages too! While pack size may not be important to everyone, we included it so you could make a more informed decision about your purchase.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance may be one of the most important aspects when considering which canvas tent to purchase. Depending on where you live, or where you plan on camping rather, this makes a large difference! Luckily with canvas tents, it doesn’t matter so much whether it is rainy or snowy, sunny or hot, windy or cold; they are great in most environments most of the time!
In this section, we include the window and door types and whether it is good for the summer and why that would be.
We also include whether or not the tent comes with stove, stove jack, or a hookup for stove piping. If you have ever winter camped you know the vital importance of being able to heat your own enclosure during a snowy, windy, and dangerously cold night, having insulated and waterproof canvas, as well as a working stove and pipe, may be the only way you will survive!
Speaking of weather resistance, we also included durability in this category. Durability is important whether you are talking about baby pacifiers or canvas tents, how well something stands up to regular use (and time!) matters, no one wants to have to buy a product over and over again! Canvas tents and the poles can be extremely durable. They are pricier than the cheaper synthetic tents, but with that price tag, you are buying a product that will last you for years to come! With proper care and attention, your canvas tent could last in your family for a generation or two, it isn’t the typical kind of heirloom one thinks of inheriting, but we would argue that it isn’t a bad one at all! Take care of your canvas tent and it can take care of your family for years to come!
Ease of Use
Installation on canvas tents is often a little more intensive than with synthetic versions, but with a little patience and forethought, read the directions once through before setting it up, or at least skim the instruction first, and set up should be no problem with any of these tents. We included approximate times of installation when it was available, but keep in mind that that is no formula, what might take one person 20 minutes can take two people an hour, or vice versa! If you get stuck, don’t fret, there are numerous forums or videos to help with most all of these tents.
Value
Value is the last metric because it takes into account all the other metrics and then compares it to the price that is listed, only then can you know whether a product is ‘worth’ it or not. In and of themselves canvas tents appear to fall on the more expensive side for outdoor gear. However, if you compare it to synthetic versions (most which only last a handful of years) you start to realize that the price you pay is paying for something, not just the label. In this case, canvas tents last longer than the synthetic competition, you have more room to stand, and the poles are sturdier allowing you to camp in less than ideal situation. Once you realize this, then you can start to see that canvas tents are fairly reasonably priced, especially if you care for them properly! Once you know the value compared to other versions, you can then start comparing it to direct competition and then you’ll get an accurate feel for whether a purchase is ‘worth’ it or not. Value sums up all the good and the bad in a quick refresher to determine for you why it was worthy of being on our Top 10 Best List.
Top 10 Picks
1. Trek
Get out on a trek and take Trek Tents with you. This incredible tent won’t let you down when the snow comes down. The stove pipe will keep the place exceptionally warm, no matter the outside temperature. If you have ever been winter camping you know how hard it can be to keep the interior of the toasty, but this tent accomplishes it!
Read moreMaterial
Constructed with 100% cotton walls and roof and includes a heavy-duty canvas floor so you don’t have to worry about any extra tarps.
Tent Size
9’ ft x 12’ ft x 7.6’ ft- even tall men can do jumping jacks in this baby! When packed, this tent weighs about 50 pounds.
Weather Resistance and Durability
For summertime this has three extra large windows with no-see-um mesh screens so there is plenty of airflow and heat doesn’t get trapped in. In the winter this tent is a beast! The stove will keep you exceptionally warm, and the canvas will protect you from snow. Use this tent all year round, for years and years to come!
This tent has 1” inch diameter powder coated steel frame so it won’t buckle under the weight. A center ridge was designed in so as to prevent sagging. The material is also flame retardant so rest assured you won’t be in any fire danger with this canvas tent. Consumers have been known to use this tent regularly for over 6 years!
Ease of Use
Tent comes with chain linked poles for easy setup.
Value
This tent is reasonably priced for all that you are getting. Dependability even in the winter and a cool atmosphere in the summer. Flooring is included, which isn’t always the case with competition; no matter what, this tent will hold up for you.
Summary
While you aren’t likely to actually take this Trek Tent on a trek with you, it’s much too heavy for that- unless that is all you are carrying, and even then it is a lot of weight. Trek Tents won’t let you down any other way though, snow or shine, this tent delivers! Winter camping can be rigorous, tents have to be even more so, but this tent does just that, and more! If you aren’t up for winter camping, don’t worry, it’s not too hot in the summer, it really is the best of both worlds!
2. White Duck 4 Seasons
If you are looking to camp year-round, then look no further for the best all year camping canvas tent! This large and roomy tent will give you plenty of space to move around in while providing you with a stove jack and pipe exit so that even cold weather won’t keep you homebound! White Duck does 4-seasons better than the competition!
Read moreMaterial
This tent is constructed from heavy-duty cotton with waterproofing, it is good in the wind but only up until moderate rain. The first time the canvas gets wet it will leak. After it gets wet one time, and the cotton fabric expands, it won’t do that again.
Tent Size
3M/9.8 ft: Floor-9.8’ x 9.8’ ft, Roof height- 8.2’ ft, Door-70” x 62” inches
When packed, the size is 35.4” inches x 11.8” inches x 11” inches
This beaut comes out weighing 48.5 pounds- which is almost nothing compared to what other competition weighs!
Weather Resistance and Durability
There is a vent in the top of the tent for a 5” inch stove piping making it possible to camp throughout the year! No one or two seasons camping for you; bring on all the seasons! The bottom of the tent zips or unzips to allow for airflow or to trap it in.
This puppy can withstand year-round use, it will be in your family for years to come!
Ease of Use
The instructions are easy to follow, and the installation itself is just as easy.
Value
This tent may not be the cheapest, but it is the best rated year-round camping canvas tent. You will get what you spend your money on. The stove keeps you warm come winter and harsh weather- or keeps you nice and breezy with lots of windows and temperature management options.
Summary
If you are like us at Gear We Are, we can’t help but get up and go, no matter the time of the year, rain or shine! White Duck has crafted an incredible 4-season canvas tent that will protect you from the wind and moderate rain. Although with some extra waterproof treatment there is a chance that this will be even more waterproofed. If you are interested in winter camping then check out the metrics below!
3. Elk Mountain
Love canvas tents over plastic tents, but hate wimpy poles? This Elk Mountain 13’ ft x 16’ ft canvas wall tent and angle kit will give you everything you need, except for the poles. Whether you buy Elk Mountains poles or you go to a local store and buy your own if you have pole issues, no one can be blamed but you. Get the best poles to go with this great canvas tent that will be with you for years!
Read moreMaterial
10-ounce polyester canvas- it won’t rot or shrink like cotton canvas is known to do.
Tent Size
13’ ft x 16’ ft
When packed, the size is 30” inches x 20” inches x 16” inches
The hefty beast weighs around 95 pounds, prepare your arms!
Weather Resistance and Durability
The velcro seams on the doors, walls, and windows are known to stand up to wind without any problems. Plenty of windows allow a nice cross breeze while they seal up nicely to trap the heat in. Stove jack is included so you can camp even in the cold!
This canvas tent will stand up to what you through its way- with proper care it will last you years and years! Zipper problems may arise, but the company has excellent customer service so they will work with you to fix the problem!
Ease of Use
No poles are included, and with that being said, it is probably easier and cheaper than you are thinking!
Value
The poles depend on you, that is good or bad depending on your outlook. This canvas tent is on the pricier side, but the consumers were happy with the purchase. When you buy Elk Mountain you are buying quality, dependability, and excellent customer service.
Summary
Elk Mountain is a trusted name in outdoor gear, and that can be said about this tent as well. While the canvas tent doesn’t include any poles, this kit will give you everything else that you need. If you are tired of factory poles failing you on your camping expeditions, buy the kit and get the poles yourself so you know you are getting only the best. The canvas runs on the pricier side, but you are buying quality material that will last you years.
4. DANCHEL
This roomy Danchel tent has a great 360 panorama view. No matter what you are buying this tent for, camping trips with friends, family get-togethers, or hunting expeditions, this high peaked canvas tent will give you and your loved ones plenty of space to stand, move around, and change. No more cramped camping- get out to the mountains with this great tent!
Read moreMaterial
900D Oxford fabric- it is waterproof and mold resistant; 540 gsm thick PVC bottom; the material is flame retardant meaning it will melt but not burn.
Tent Size
13.1’ ft x 16.4’ ft x 20’ ft
When packed, this tent weighs 61 pounds, it’s not light, but honestly, it isn’t that heavy compared to some of the competition.
Weather Resistance and Durability
This canvas tent has windows that roll up on all sides allowing a breezy summer night to sweep through the canvas- or in the winter you can insulate it to keep you warm. A stove jack is also included, but be careful with the stove, intense or prolonged fire will melt the floor.
This tent has an anti-rust pole to help weatherproof it, it also includes a rainproof rubber cap for the top of the pole to keep the wetness out. The material is flame retardant so you won’t have to worry about getting caught in a fire hazard. Use this tent year round, but be careful of the stove jack.
Ease of Use
This tent will go up without much of a fight!
Value
This canvas tent allows for plenty of moving room to soothe a tired baby; room for your tall friends to stretch out, even standing; room to change without having to worry about flailing hands. For the size, the price really isn’t bad- with use year-round, this canvas tent is a winner!
Summary
Danchel comes to the party with their own party tent. How many people you take inside is up to you. It’s a glamping tent for parties, after all, get cozy and invite over everyone you know. Many will come just because the tent design is so stylish and cool! This roomy tent is easy to set up and is flame retardant, so rest easy knowing the tent won’t go up in flames around you. However, do keep an eye on the stove jack, it is made from the same PVC material as the floor and isn’t built to stand up to intense to prolonged fire.
5. Oz RV5
This "30-second tent" from Oz has won many awards. Its innovative design allows it to erected by one person in 30-seconds. What makes this even more amazing is the fact that it is built for up to five people and includes a porch shade. If you are looking for ease of use and a solid shelter, this may be your best option.
Read moreMaterial
This is made from 8-ounce ripstop poly-cotton canvas material. All of the materials are waterproof and the floor is made from PVC which has been heat-sealed.
Tent Size
This five-person tent, when set up, is 102” wide, 102” deep and 75” high.
When packed up into the included carrying case, it is quite large. It measures 80” long, 15” high, and 11” wide. The fact that it isn’t so compact when packed can be inconvenient to some, but for this reason, it only takes 30 seconds to set up.
The weight of the tent is 54 pounds.
Weather Resistance and Durability
The materials of this shelter are 100% waterproof. Because of its heavy weight, we assume that it will also hold up quite well to strong winds as well.
As mentioned, this tent has been tested in the Australian outback and can survive in many different climates. Oz is so confident in this product that they even include a 2-year warranty.
Ease of Use
Yep, that’s right. 30 seconds, one person. You simply lay the carrying case down on your site and begin to unfold the arms. Afterward, you step inside and push the aluminum poles into place. Setting up this tent couldn’t be easier.
Value
This tent will last for years and years; it is meant for all kinds of extreme weather. You will have a hard time finding something you don’t like about this tent!
Summary
Tried and tested in the Australian outback, this tent was engineered by outdoor enthusiasts. One of Oz’s main goals is to provide you with hassle-free outdoor gear. Whether it be tents, kayaks, or hiking gear, you can trust that an Oz product will be reliable and easy to use.
6. Teton Sports
If you know anything about the Teton Mountains, you know that the weather can be unpredictable, Teton, an outdoor gear company, has crafted a tent that will cover you no matter the weather. It’ll feel like cheating it’s so close to being at home away from home! This stylish canvas tent is sure to win you over with its year-round capabilities!
Read moreMaterial
Waterproof and breathable stong treated cotton canvas; Extra wide doors; #10 SBS zippers; super-duty 19 ounces interwoven polymer flooring.
Tent Size
6-8 people; 10’ ft long x 14’ ft wide x 6.5’ ft tall
This tent packs down to 46” wide x 17” long x 15” deep
Weighing in at 64 pounds, it’s not light, but its lighter than the competition!
Weather Resistance and Durability
Won’t wick moisture even when you are pressed against it. It traps the heat in during cold weather, and it keeps the heat out in hot weather. No matter the temperature, no matter the season, Teton will keep you sheltered!
Poles are sturdy, good against rips and punctures, this tent gets durability!
Ease of Use
Easy set-up, about 5 minutes, the top bar is the secret!
Value
We see no reason not to buy this tent. If you are in the market for party camping, or you are planning on spending extended amounts of time outside, this is the tent for you! It’s actually lighter than the competition, and at 64 pounds, that’s already heavy. Can you imagine even more weight? There is essentially no negative feedback regarding this newbie product!
Summary
The Teton Mountains are rugged and unforgiving, the weather no less so. Finding the right gear to fit the occasion when the environment can be so varied, but this Teton spots canvas tent will keep you cool in the heat, and warm in the cold- and not just you, but a bunch of friends too! This spacious 10’ ft x 14’ ft tent has plenty of square feet for all of your stuff and some friends and their gear too. No need to go camping alone, bring friends but don’t forget the drinks!
7. White Duck One Person
White Duck is here making its second appearance on our list. Wandering and independent souls have their dreams fulfilled with this incredible canvas tent. This tent has been put through the wringer to see how it stands up to the elements and we are impressed. The pure strength of the materials and the water repellency have put this tent on our radar.
Read moreMaterial
Typical of White Duck- DYNA guard 14-ounce tear check 100% cotton duck canvas. This model also includes a comfy 2” mattress pad with a spun bond mattress cover. This tent is also outfitted with top of the line YKK zippers.
Tent Size
About 4’ ft wide by 2.6’ ft high! We had some trouble finding the length of the tent but there have been no complaints.
When packed down, it is a little bulky, but most of that comes from the foam mattress pad.
Packed up, this weighs in at 29 pounds, the foam mattress pad adds only about 3 pounds albeit makes it very bulky. A carrying handle and straps are included to make traveling with this tent a little easier.
Weather Resistance and Durability
This tent zips back to become a screen sheltering for hot summer nights with included mesh panels to keep out the no-see-ums. - or completely zips up for that random winter camping excursion. You never know where life might call you. Each tent is finished with a cotton treatment to ensure the breathability of the fabric.
These tents are made to endure any weather. White Duck also offers a one-year warranty on all of their products, should any issue arise.
Ease of Use
Everything you need to set up the tent is included. While the first couple of times may not go so smoothly, it certainly isn’t a difficult tent to erect.
Value
There is virtually no negative feedback with this product. Other than a few minor designer flaws, this tent was well received! The price is not outrageous on either end of the spectrum, and for such high-quality, we believe it’s actually a bargain We only wish this product was a little bit lighter but the straps and handles help to lighten that burden.
Summary
Coming from a brand that is full of outdoor enthusiasts and do-gooders, White Duck is reliable and produces quality products. They are active members of their community in Idaho and does their best to provide shelter for everyone. Consumers have spent a lot of time in this shelter and have nearly nothing bad to say! That speaks volumes- in a day and age when consumers review everything- and they are hard to please- this tent stands up to what customers throw its way. No matter the weather, hot or cold, sunny or snowy- as we are always saying here at Gear We Are, get out and go!
8. Kodiak
On the market for a new tent? Do you own a truck? If so this is the perfect tent for you! Conveniently stash this tent in your truck, pull it out when you and a friend out camping! No longer does it matter if its raining or not, or what kind of quality the ground is like- simply park and pop and you have a near instant shelter for your hunting trip. Rain will no longer hold anyone back! Coming in as one of the Top 3 choices is another Kodiak tent!
Read moreMaterial
Hydra-Seal 100% cotton duck canvas, it’s watertight yet breathable. 3/4th” steel frames make this a sturdy structure. Complete with YKK quality zippers.
Tent Size
6’ ft and 8’ft truck bed versions, Compatible models include the Ford F Series, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan!
When packed down, it is little bulky, but it never needs to leave your truck, so does it matter?
Weather Resistance and Durability
There are 5 windows which make this airy and breezy, good for hot weather, but it has hydra-seal so it is good in wind and rain. There is no floor on this ‘tent’ so it is truly more like a truck ‘canopy’- that leaves some gaps and openings. Very windy and very rainy may be too much for this truck canopy.
It is Kodiak durable- a company you can trust. Packs well, with proper care, should last years.
Ease of Use
The first time might be a little tricky but the directions will lead you to the right design. Follow the instructions and possibly have a handy video pulled up from online. Once you get it- you get it.
Value
Durable, watertight, breathable, convenient, reasonably priced. It’s obvious why this truck tent came in on our Top 3 Best Canvas Tents. Kodiak is a name that defines canvas tents- no matter what you are in the market for you will find what you are looking for with Kodiak!
Summary
It is no accident that Kodiak Canvas Tents made our list, these tents are simply incredible! Consumers haven’t been disappointed in the years that they’ve been shopping with this brand. Kodiak is known for its durability, watertight weave, and breathable canvas.- now they’ve introduced a convenient tent truck! Available for 6’ ft tail beds and 8’ ft tail beds, and it’s compatible with many varieties of trucks! Whatever you are looking for- party camping, solo camping, or truck bed camping- Kodiak will be the company you turn to time and again!
9. SPRINGBAR
With 50 years of experience backing the company, Springbar knows a thing or two about tents- canvas tents in particular. This large 6-person tent is roomy and comfortable, even camping with your baby is enjoyment with this easy access tall door and spacious interior. Even on the rainiest camping trips, you can still have fun camping with Springbar- Coming in at Top 3 of Best Canvas Tents!
Read moreMaterial
100% cotton duck canvas- that’s a tight woven canvas ensuring watertight and mold resistant fabric. The floor is constructed from a heavy-duty vinyl waterproof material. Durable steel poles of the frame finish off the tent.
Tent Size
Once set up, it measures in at 10’ ft x 10’ ft x 6.5’ and can hold up to 6 people, or a few people and all the gear. Also includes a decent awning that spans the external doorway.
When packed down, the dimensions are 12” in diameter by 40” long.
This beast weighs in at 76 pounds- that’s pretty heavy, hopefully, you’ve been working out those upper arms!
Weather Resistance and Durability
Two vents in the top with spacious mesh windows, this tent has great ventilation. The canvas is thinner than the competition; it’s not the best for cold weather, but with plenty of windows this is great for summertime!
Simple design with quality material and a trustworthy company. Comes with a Lifetime Warranty. This canvas tent should last years!
Ease of Use
Easy installation whether you are by yourself or with a hectic family. Mom and dad, this is something you can even make your kids do!
Value
This tent is not as pricey as some of the competition- plus it comes with a Lifetime Warranty. What’s better than that? Well- how about a tent that is roomy, comfortable, and will last for years? Yea, that sounds pretty good- well you get that with Springbar!
Summary
Springbar has been helping families camp since the 1960’s- that’s a long time! Camping has never been so glamorous, this isn’t ‘glamping’ but it almost feels like it! This 10’ ft x 10’ ft tent is large enough for six individuals, or a couple friends and all their gear. With a tent this size it’ll be tempting to throw party camping trips- or maybe you’ll pop it up in the backyard and invite some friends to a good old-fashioned sleepover! Covered under a Lifetime Warranty it is easy to understand how this made it to our Top 3 Best Canvas Tents!
10. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow
Coming in at our #1 Best Canvas Tent is Kodiak! It’s no wonder they rope in customer satisfaction- consumers couldn’t rave enough about how amazing this tent is. From 0 degree Fahrenheit to 100-degree Fahrenheit, good weather to bad weather, this tent stood up to it all! Kodiak makes a number of appearances on this list. After all, they do say when you do something well, you do it well. Kodiak knows canvas tents!
Read moreMaterial
8.5 ounces of 100% cotton duck canvas with silicone finish. The 1” inch poles creating the frame is constructed with Flex-Bow tempered spring steel rods.
Tent Size
This roomy 8 person tent is 10’ ft L x 14’ ft W x 6.5’ ft H- you will find plenty of room for a few friends and some gear!
This tent packs up to a size of 30” L x 16” W- not too small, but for the expanded size it sure isn’t bad!
This hefty puppy weighs in at 79 pounds. You won’t want to pack it out far- or if you do make sure you have some solid friends to help carry the
weight!
Weather Resistance and Durability
Consumers used this in 0-degree weather, they used it in 100-degree weather; in sunny and hot and cold and snowy; for a weekend here or there, or whole weeks at a time, it stood up to it all! Even Burning Man deep in the desert with all of its dust wasn’t enough to give consumers a reason to complain. It really does stand up to it all!
This tent, when properly maintained, will last you for years! If you take care of this canvas tent, it will take care of you and your family for years to come! Not convinced, it even comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. There was some concern over the tent leaking, but the vast majority of reviewers had no problem with water. Should you be concerned, use some extra fabric waterproofing product. The one negative thing that people said- and there wasn’t much!- was that the zippers were the weakest link to the tent, and those are not covered in the warranty.
Ease of Use
The installation is very simple; the directions may not be the clearest, but videos online answer any snags you might encounter. Tearing down is just as easy once you know what to do.
Value
Limited lifetime warranty, an 8-Person spacious interior, usable year round, and easy set up: whatever the reason, consumers couldn’t get enough of this canvas tent. It easily made the #1 Best Canvas Tent as Kodiak is the go-to for quality tents. Don’t believe us? Consult the hundreds of consumers on Amazon, they’ll leave you as convinced as us that this Kodiak 8-Person Tent is the Number one Choice!
Summary
Kodiak holds nothing back in their design or manufacturing of canvas tents. No matter what size tent you are interested in, Kodiak has one for you! Coming in as our #1 Best Canvas Tent is Kodiak’s 8-Person (party) tent! Whether you use this once a month or you leave it set up for months, this tent won’t let you down! Waterproof, dustproof, 4 large windows with no-see mesh and two air vents at the top of the large 6’ 6” high ceiling. If you are worried about buying a larger and more expensive luxury item, rest easy knowing that it comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For all those reasons it’s clear to see why it made it onto Amazon’s Choice List, and our top product of Best Canvas Tents!
Sources
- , 16 Best Canvas Tents For Camping in 2019 – For All Seasons, Camping Guide
- , Canvas Camping Tent Buyer's Guide, Buying Guide