Best Canvas Tent? I Tried 4 to Find Out!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- If you want to know the real differences, pros, and cons of different canvas tents that look very similar, this video is for you. I give a detailed side-by-side comparison and hands-on review of four of the most popular and best canvas tents available. This should answer all your questions, but if it doesn't, ask away in the comments and I'll do my best to help out!
Rather read? Check out our written review of the best canvas tents along with details on how we rank them at outdoorempire.com/best-canvas....
Sign up for our anti-boring email newsletter about outdoor gear and deals! 👉 outdoorempire.com/youtube-sig...
UPDATE: Be sure to check out my latest review on the new Springbar Skyliner, an American made hot tent of a similar design to those in this video. • The Most IN-DEPTH Spri...
OUTDOOR EMPIRE'S BEST CANVAS TENTS LIST
1. Springbar Classic Jack
Outdoor Empire score: 4.7/5
Review: • It Does What? Owner Re...
Check price: amzn.to/4bmaiUa
Wood stove: amzn.to/3iLn5Zt
2. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow
Outdoor Empire score: 4.5/5
Review: • 2 Time Owner Gives REA...
Compare prices:
amzn.to/3VG9GAi
alnk.to/4BCKxbK
cabelas.xhuc.net/DVXAao
bassproshops.vzck.net/7mjLKr
3. White Duck Outdoors Prota
Outdoor Empire score: 4.2/5
Review: • Hands-on Owner Review ...
Price: amzn.to/3iJIDWe
Dog bed mentioned: amzn.to/4awDIhL
Log carrier shown: amzn.to/3sjD0TP
Canvas tarp shown: amzn.to/3QtTVwd
4. Teton Sports Mesa
Outdoor Empire score: 4.0/5
Review: • HOLES in a Brand New T...
Compare prices:
amzn.to/3Hn5EbM
alnk.to/eOIHquB
Video on how to season a canvas tent: • How to Season a Canvas...
Link to our tent size chart: outdoorempire.com/tent-size-f...
CHAPTERS
00:00 Overview and Setup
01:55 The Original Springbar Design
02:46 Similarities and Customer Service
04:27 Bags and Portability
06:42 Awnings
08:42 Components and Canvas
13:49 Doors, Windows, and Ventilation
20:55 Flooring and Workmanship
23:20 Space, Comfort, and Features
30:35 Hot Tent Compatibility
34:04 Recommendation
FYI, White Duck and Springbar sent me tents to review, but only on the condition that I could give an honest review, good or bad. This video is not sponsored and the opinions expressed are my own. We have no agenda other than to do awesome gear reviews.
DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links in this description are affiliate links. If you click on a link we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
So which one are you leaning towards? 🤔 If you have one, let us know what you think of it below. 👇
For cold weather the Springbar hot tents Classic Jack 140 and Skyliner seem better as well as for western or low humidity environments. For warm weather with high humdity ie eastern woodlands and midwest or south the Kodiak tents offer more ventalation particualry the VX high end version. They are more stealthy due to color. Purley on a qualitative basis the Springbars seem better but not by much. I have both.
@@stephenyoung4117 Very interesting observations. Thanks for sharing!
Kodiak - had one, lived in it for 3 solid years as a very rural camp manager. No leaks, Just onw small drip, resprayed with Camp Dry, problem solved, no rips, withstood several days with 75 mph wind gusts, just me and my dog. Lots of room for a nice cot and table/chair for eating and computer. Powered everything with solar. Sold it to my replacement. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. Great review.
Deciding on the Kodak (2023) 2 things I wish was my carrying was the same color as yours - instead mine is the same color as the tent. It will get dirty but... moving on. What I really wish is I could compact the tent poles into the tent carrying back. I have to have 2 bags for the tent - wish I could have just one or some how connect the two together... Can't wait to give the tent a test drive this weekend!
@@RayGrau Enjoy, it's a great tent! Also interesting about the color variation.
One of the ost comprehensive and thorough reviews of any outdoor gear I’ve ever seen. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
i have the kodiak canvas 10 14 deluxe. bought 3 years ago for 400 with shipping but the taco style bag was an extra 40 bucks and well worth it. i would have purchased the spring bar even though it was twice the cost but was not available at the time with a long wait list. i keep this up for almost 6 months in my california desert camp for 3 seasons now through high winds and occasional rains and still remains almost new condition. no seam fails or tears at all and the zippers are fine. the rubberized floor and steel poles are incredibly strong. all in all i'm very happy with this tent.
That's awesome! It is a dang tough tent.
For the Spring bar: The Classic Jacks and the Highland's are made over seas, but The Traveler, Outfitter, Compact, and Vagabond are still made here in Utah USA. I have a Traveler and an Outfitter and LOVE them both. Thank you for doing this review. I think you are the only one who did something like this so detailed. I appreciate it.
Absolutely! And thank you for watching. And ya Springbar is definitely still making tents in the USA. I was lucky enough to take a tour of their factory last week. Video coming soon. Take care!
@@outdoorempirecom I will be watching! I've always wanted to see how they do it!
I own a 10x10 Kodiak tent , just love it . Kodiak tents offer a wide range of accessories from tarps , chairs , lofts etc .
Indeed, I want to try out some of their other gear like their heavy duty sleeping bags, bed rolls, and truck tents. Oh my!
I love my 10x14 Kodiak Tent ! Ive had it about 5 years now going on 6. So happy with my purchase. 53 yr old female here. I camp in it alone most of the time. Once in a while a sister joins me. Its roomy , well made, dry and beautiful.
Best review I have seen regarding these springbar type tents. As thourough as it could be. Clear, consise, and well organized. Thank you!
You're welcome and thank you so much for watching and for the compliment! Happy camping.
I have four different Kodiaks . The 9X 12 Cabin design with the attached front awning and optional side walls, 10X 10 Flexbow VX which I love for one or two campers, an adorable 8.5' X 6' two person Flexbow that I call "The Cubby" and the 10 X 14 Screen room which is not quite a canvas design. Excellent quality, never ever a leak in any and always a conversation piece in any campground. One thing you mentioned regarding zippers, you referrenced that Kodiak did not use YKK zippers. Unless they have changed recently, all my tents have the highest quality of YKK zippers. Work flawlessly! Also worth noting is that you can use the loft supplied in the Kodiaks in "Sling Mode" as well as a loft mode. I prefer this storage lay out mode over the loft because of head restrictions over head. You did an EXCELLENT comparison video. Oh and BTW.......That stove jack option on the Springbar is bomb!
Thanks for the comment! And that's awesome about your experience with all those Kodiak models. Great tip about the "sling mode" with the loft, I'll be doing that next time. Regarding the zippers, not sure if it was on this video or another, but a couple other viewers mentioned the same thing, that their Kodiak tents had YKK zippers. I double-checked and mine has SBS zippers. Perhaps Kodiak recently changed suppliers, was trying to reduce cost, or it varies by production run. Still great quality though.
I use the loft as a sling also, holds plenty without overloading the roof too!
@@outdoorempirecomthe basic versions do not use YKK zippers. The other versions still use ykk zippers. Checked on one that's over a year old and on one that's 2 months old.
I'm surmising the loft was designed to air out / dry clothing overnight (e.g. wool) while you sleep.
Great comparison & nothing beats a Soringbar. Mine is probably 50yrs old & I bought it used 25yrs ago for $3. I can still get parts for it & they will service it for me.
Best deal ever!
Fantastic video! Obviously a ton of work went into this. Very helpful!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I purchased the Kodiak, the exact same one in the video, and I love it. I've used it at 10,000 feet in Colorado in November. Snowed on me twice but the tent did well. I have a propane catalyst heater that did quite well and yes, I just slipped the hose through the door and zipped it up snug like you mentioned in the video. The heater kept the tent at a warm 55 F at night while it was in the high teens outside. But with my 15-degree bag on my cot and mattress, I was quite comfortable. One accessory I would like to mention that you didn't cover in the video is the vestibule. That was very handy. It wraps partially around the base of the awning and extends up to the awnings roof which offers protection of your gear outside which gives you more room inside. Great video. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing. I've never tried the vestibule, but it sounds interesting.
Dude.. greetings from Fort Worth Texas! Glad I found your channel and subscribed.. VERY informative and VERY thorough and well presented.. good delivery of the important information.. looking forward to your channel growth👍.. take care!
Wow thanks so much for the sub and for your kindness! I've got lots of ideas and will be making a real go of this so more videos coming soon.
Fantastic, thorough reviews. You even contacted customer support! Really helps us make an informed decision.
Glad it was helpful! That's what we're shooting for.
I've had a Kodiak 2 person tent for years and love it! Great video.
Indeed, it's hard to go wrong with a Kodiak. Glad you liked the video!
Excellent review, thank you, this was immensely helpful!
Glad to hear it!
Great review, lots of good info and well presented. Thank you.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.
I have the Kodiak 6086 2 person tent. Best tent I have ever been in. I couldn’t imagine how nice standing up in that 6 person model.
Very cool! I've never been in a canvas tent that small but I can imagine it's nice too.
Also have the kodiak 6086.Great tent and in australia, longway leisure, they sell a UVprotective top that fits perfectly.makes it colder and darker in hot weather. All was send to denmark with import tax,, but very happy with this compact tent f.or longterm use. Can easy fit on a terasse. Big water bottles in corner if you stay on a terasse when you cant take down. ! Feels bigger than it is, and good headspace. It feel airy and very good airflow ! Doors and windows are all both mesh and canvas, so good it summer climate to regulate from inside. dont move much even in high winds. Had mine in use in rain storms. Never a drop of water inside ! A tip is that you can fit a saroon or ligh tblanket on the end sides to protect from strong sun and makes it even more cosy or dry clothe easy. Aniother great tent is the crua outdoor TRI if you want a super 4 season tent with a medium size and small porch area. 160 height. Its a bulletproff tent and special for those who want more dark to sleep and keeping you warmer with their insulated inner cabin. PVCwindows to look out is a plus in bad weather and keep warm. Both tent i long term testet. kodiak about 4 month and crua TRI a year in total. Tri add on is a sunreflective flysheet. Love it in summer to keep cooler. reverse it and it helps to stay even warmer in cold weather. Both are good for longterm use, wellmade and very durable.
Good demo. Answered questions I was thinking about.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent information, thank you for taking the time!
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful.
Awesome detailed review. Thank You!
You're most welcome! Thanks for watching.
I've been looking for a good comparison video before I purchased a canvas tent. I really couldn't find one. After looking at individual reviews, I went with the Teton Mesa 10×14. I just bought it in November and have been gradually adding supplies for my first outing this coming spring. It's just my wife and I and this tent appears easy to set up and "glamp" in. I wanted a trailer but after seeing these "spring bar" type tents, I figured it would work just as well and not break down!
Thanks for a very informative video. I am now very pleased with my choice 😀
Glad it helped Jim! I love some good validation on my major purchases too. Happy camping!
This was the absolute best, thorough review of all these tents side by side! Excellent job! I had been struggling to decide on one of these. After this review, i have now made a decision. Again, excellent job!
Awesome! I'm so glad it helped. If you don't mind me asking, which one are you leaning towards?
@@outdoorempirecom
Springbar! They all have decent pro’s, but I think after watching your well done review, that the build of the Springbar gives it the edge in longevity and versatility. A big pro for me was that rope around the bottom seam for the stake loops. From an engineering viewpoint, it looks a lot more durable for long term health of that bottom seam.
Very astute observation. I think you'll love it!
Fantastic review! Great job! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Learned a lot, thank you.
You bet, glad you enjoyed it!
Outstanding video, very impressed thanks for the effort.
My pleasure thanks for watching!
I have the Kodiak 10x14 deluxe and love it. I've had it camping in the 20's near Cherry, AZ with a Big Buddy propane heater on a 20 lb tank with a very stiff wind blowing. It was generously warm to say the least.
I've also camped in it in the rain on the other side of the mountains near Jerome, AZ and it held up perfectly. I moved one leg of the awning to let water drain off so it wouldn't pool up. I've additionally camped in it in the heat of the summer with a portable AC unit inside running off of a Harbor Freight inverter generator. That was really nice glamping to be perfectly candid. .
A note about the dark colors. I like the light color of the Kodiak. I have camped on the beach in the summer in my Kodiak and those dark colors on the Prota just scream extra heat to me.
Great insight thanks for sharing! I've had a couple of these tents in nasty weather too and they definitely hold up quite well. And I hear ya on the colors. Though, fortunately that Prota has a lot of big windows so you can get some massive airflow through there.
Thanks for this! My notes:
- Kodiak Canvas
- No awning accessory attachment. Does newer model have?
- window on one side, only other side is door
- grey roof
- vent zips at top
- loops for hanging stuff
- Teton Mesa
- most compact - poles go in thirds instead of halves
- roof bar is worse - buckles up with codder pins to hold
- one large door/window on side, not split
- ventilation zip ups at top
- imperfect sewing
- power cord opening
- Springbar
- adjustable notch awning poles
- triangle opening door
- only door on one side, big window on other
- power cord opening
- organizers
- White Duck Prota - deluxe
- All aluminum poles
- velcro on awning sides for side panels
- second stake grommet on bathtub floor
- floor comes up bathtub style - unique
- bottom of door seals with velcro
- door rolls up and out of way
- has YKK zippers uniquely
- darkest roof
- no organizers but loops for attaching stuff
Excellent student! A+
good video and informative. Thanks. Thinking springbar now
Glad it was helpful!
Your videos are great. I got a Classic jack 100 recently, partly due to your reviews.
Great to hear! I'm glad they were helpful. Get outside and enjoy that tent!
Great review! I’m rockin the Kodiak 9x8 for one person it’s amazing
That's awesome, I love the idea of that smaller footprint for solo camping.
I have the Kodiak 10 x 10 I love that being a short lady I can set it up by myself. One thing. I have not figured out is it’s hot! I need to work on the ventilation with fans or something. I got it to with stand wind, but the day time heat is too much sometimes.
Ya that's a tough one! I don't think any tent is great in the heat. While you can warm up a tent in the winter with a stove or heater you can't really run an A/C in the summer. Your best bet is opening all the windows you got. An electric fan couldn't hurt. In my experience they're better than a synthetic tent though, so there's that. Good luck!
Great video man well done. Only thing I would point out more Is the springbar stake system with the rope is by far the strongest of all of them. Not to say that the others are not good but in strong winds and bad weather the springbar will hold
Agreed, that rope-filled hem is a clever but simple design that holds super well and even sheds water away from the walls. Thanks for pointing that out!
I just watched the two cooler reviews and now this one, back to back. My compliments to your thorough, methodical, comprehensive, well thought out reviews!
If you're looking for new review ideas, I'd like to see a review of truck tents and soft toppers. You know, the ones that mount directly on the bed. Cover the tent features as you did here, and give special attention to mounting methods and size availability. I have a 96 single cab short bed F150, less than common. In particular, I'd be curious to know if one can be used with existing bed side rails. Just a thought for you to consider. Besides, you have a truck....
Wow, thanks so much for watching my videos! And that's a great idea about truck tents and soft toppers. If I can drum up the budget for it, I'd love to. I've actually been looking at those myself for my pickup so ya it'd be interesting.
I would consider getting a Springbar over all of them if the price wasn't so high. For now I am thinking of going with Kodiak 10x10 I really like the look at this tent and how it has two doors.
That's a good choice for sure. Similar to that, and at a similar price, is the Springbar Classic Jack 100 (it's a 10 x 10) or their Highline series. Though, I don't have direct experience with those. But if you like two doors then the Kodiak is great.
Great tent review video! Very thoroughly done. This is the first time watching your channel and we have now subscribed. We purchased a Springbar Classic Jack 140 hot tent and a Winnerwell large stove over a 2 month ago, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. We also got the rain fly and ground pad. I feel the Springbar is the best!
Thanks for the sub! We're a brand new channel but we hope to make a great channel. I'm glad you like the video and I think you're gonna love that Springbar. Curious to see what you think of the larger size stove. I just went snow camping in mine this week and had to restock the medium Woodlander about every hour and a half so I think the large will be a nice improvement.
@@outdoorempirecom We got the larger stove for larger logs and longer burn time. We also got the water box to heat and then hang on the side - for hot water and radiant heat.
Good call! Knowing what I know now, I would do exactly that same thing.
I own a 10 X 14 Springbar that is over 35 years old and Made In America! If you want a quality canvas tent Springbar is the way to go save your money just a little longer and buy the Made In America version and be done with it! There's a reason quality costs more! I forgot to mention if you have children and need more room in your tent look at the cots that are stack able.
That's awesome! 35 years is amazing. And I've seen those stackable bunk bed style cots. Kinda spendy but maybe something I'll add next summer. Thanks for the tip!
They are all made in china probably by the same person
@@tylerhorner2392 I've wondered the same thing. Indeed the ones in this video were all made in Asia, but most of Springbar's models are made in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
@@tylerhorner2392I order containers of products from China for resale, if China builds cheap it’s because you didn’t want to pay for the quality version. They will build anything at the price point.
I own an Asian-made Kodiak. Multiple seasons in, camping around 5-6 times a year with some trips as long as two weeks, and I’ve had zero issues and zero leaks. Putting any canvas tent away dry and clean and doing the occasional water repellant treatment is all you need for a tent to last decades. I’d love a US-made Springbar, and maybe one day I’ll own one, but it’s not in the budget right now. Country of manufacture does not always equate to quality.
I've had more tents-and used them all over the world-than God. Your review is the BEST, MOST THOROUGH review on this subject I've ever seen! Currently, we have a Kodiak 10X14, a Hilleberg Nammatj 3, KUIU Mountain Star 1 and 2, and an REI Hobbitat-the bigger one, and we've used them all for various applications, so I know what I'm talking about. The Kodiak is the proverbial Taj Mahal of tents, and I use it for elk & deer hunts, as well as trout camps. If I'd seen your review on the hot tent before I got my Kodiak, I'd have bought that one. All are fabulous tents, but it's a tough decision as I'm now looking for a 10X10. I need more reviews of the Teton, but price wise, that may well be the one! Thanks for a terrific and totally thorough review!
Wow, man thank you for the compliment! And dang, that's a lot of tents you've had. I've seen some guys DIY convert Kodiaks to a hot tent, but I'm uneasy about cutting holes in roofs. Not sure if you've seen it already, but I did an individual review on the Teton Mesa that covers a bit more detail just on that one. Only real issue I've had with it is a couple minor sewing defects that I mention in that other vid. Not quite as high quality as the Kodiak or Springbar IMO but also a fair bit cheaper so still a great deal.
@@outdoorempirecom Yes, I did see it, and again, probably the most thorough review out there! 2 strikes against the Kodiak hot tent though- I really don't like the placement, even on the 14! and the kit from Amazon is for a 5-inch hole, so it'd let in plenty of rain or snow. Another point in the Teton's favor is it's a true 10X10, while the equivalent Kodiak is smaller by a few inches each dimension.
Hello. This is God speaking. You and I need to have a little talk.
I've got a 10x10 Teton Mesa and it does the job. Plenty of rain and snow trips with no leaks- seasoned every summer. Stays warm using a mr buddy hearter.
Nice! The price is hard to beat on that Teton Mesa.
Awesome videos thank you
Great vid! I own 2 Kodiak tents.The basic 10x14 and the 9x8.The Springbar and Kodiaks are the only ones to compare as far as Quality.
They are definitely awesome!
Wow, this is probably the most thorough and comprehensive comparison video I've ever seen!
Thanks for your work on this, much appreciated. I'm leaning toward the Teton Mesa. I like the price, plus they have a 20% off sale right now till the end of May (2023)
Glad you liked at and thank you for watching! For the price, the Teton is hard to beat.
I have two Kodiaks, the 9X8 and the 2 man. Love them both!!
Nice! I've never used one of the smaller ones like that, but I'm very curious.
I think I want a Springbar or Kodiak. This was fantastic thank you.
You bet and thanks for watching!
Super thorough coverage. Great job. Thanks for all the details. Now, after all that info,... I'm still not sure which one's best for me. Go figure!
You're welcome and I'm glad it was helpful! Good luck in your final decision.
I've had two springbar tents and I absolutely love this tent! Their patent rights to this tent expired and all other company started making tents like this. I can't go wrong with this tent spring bars the best!
Good to know thanks for sharing and for watching!
Springbar hot tent option is cool. I've got the 10x14 VX. Love it so far. I've only gotten to use it on a 5 night trip so far. It rained 3 inches in a little over 24 hours and didn't leak a drop. So impressed with that. Everyone we ran into that were in nylon or polyntenst got absolutely soaked.
Sounds about right! That's definitely a tough tent and I'm sure you'll love it for many years.
Now this is a goddam review thank you!!! I’m a solo female nomad & though I have always leaned towards the SpringBar this review put the nails in the coffin. 4 years ago I was going to buy one, but really wanted a high top ram promaster instead. Now that the prices are somewhere in outer space I’m strongly re-considering my original tent/minivan setup…I have to make a choice bec the SpringBar has increased in price by $400 or so bux since my first query. I appreciate you so friggin much with including other tents. I have also subscribed bec I need to learn some chit lol xoxo bro MADE IN THE USA!!!💃🏽
Oh man, you made my day with this, thank you! 🙏 So glad to hear it was helpful to YOU! You might want to check out some of the other videos I've done on Springbar tents to dial in more of the details. Thanks again and good luck!
Thanks I have the Teton 6m bell tent with the bathtub floor is sad to see they didn't add it to these. Looking to make a porch
Very cool. I hope to test out the bell tent next.
I almost forgot, it's the Springbar for me, hands down. Besides the quality and features, I like the light colored material because it will reflect more of this Texas heat.
I think that's a good call!
THANK YOU!
You're welcome!
Thanks for this info
You bet! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for making such a detailed review and comparison. It is also good to learn that Springbar is the design's originator, that they offer an American made version, and that they offer a hot tent option. I have both a backpack-able, ~3 lb collapsible titanium stove for use in teepee tents, and a larger ~15 lb stainless 'Gstove'. That makes Springbar's tent stand out if I were to get a tent that is so much bigger and heavier. It's not clear to me why this type of tent design can supposedly be setup so much faster than a standard wall tent. Is it just because of fewer poles?
You're most welcome and thank you for watching! Sounds like you've got the stove for a canvas hot tent. Indeed it's easier to set up than a regular wall tent because there are only a few poles. You stake it out, set the roof bar, then stand up two upright poles, one on either end. Compare that to assembling the entire frame of a wall tent then setting the corner poles and sometimes center poles. The Springbar design is just more compact and quicker to deploy. Perhaps I'll do a comparison one day.
@@outdoorempirecom Thanks for the reply. I subsequently watched your video specific to this tent and the hot tent setup.
Getting my Kodiak soon, iam going to make a insulated roof panel for hot summer days..love that roof on the white duck..but I would never want that velcro door
Ya it's sort of a love it or hate it feature. Being able to fully open the door and tie it up top is nice sometimes too, but the Velcro is not ideal.
Proceed! Love it. I’m really liking that Springbar…
It's a good one for sure!
Solid review
Thanks for watching!
What a greeat comparison!! Thanks for taking the time to do it. Are you Sam Rockwell's Brother? We have a bet going.... If not, you should contact him to act as his stunt double. :D
Hahahaha! Nope but good to know I've got a backup plan in case RUclips doesn't work out. 😂
Thanks, ended up buying the White Duck Prota 10x14
Nice! Great tent.
My Wife & I have a Kodiac canvas tent and love it. It is not light by any means. But we like it because we actually put a queen size bed spring home mattress in it! It fits inside with no problems. It would easily fit a King size mattress but I think a California King would be best as it is a little bit
narrower and can easily fit the extra length. At first I thought that was ridiculous but after the 2nd night sleeping on it I am convinced I can't get a better night sleep! Can those other tents accommodate a full size mattress through the door?
If you have space try bringing a full size mattress, you will never regret it!
Sounds awesome! You could get a full size mattress through there upright, I'm sure.
Been watching your videos for a couple months trying to decide which brand. I know lots of people with kodiaks so i was able to check them out or spent time in them before. Couldnt find any other brands owned by friends so i followed the masses and just ordered the kodiak 10x10 vx
You can never go wrong follow the masses, right?! 😂 But really, it's a good tent. I think you'll like it.
I have the older 10x14 Springbar made in Utha, it is one of the highest-quality tents I have owned, however, It is too small for what we do now so I upgraded to a large 5m Bell tent to accommodate a hammock w/ frame, a queen air mattress, table and chairs, potty, etc. It is more like a small cabin than a tent.
If you ever review Bell tents, after much research and 50+ years of camping experience, the Aussie brand Psyclone is hands down my choice of the best quality Bell tent available.
Great insight, thanks for sharing! Ya, I'm looking into some bell tents now but hadn't heard of that brand, Psyclone. Are they easy to get in the US? What do you like about it?
@@outdoorempirecom I just edited my Amazon review for spelling errors and might take a day or 3 for it to be re-published. Sam
I have a 10x10 kodiak and a 10x14 Teton. I have added a stove jack to both and love them in the winter time.
That's awesome! I'd be curious where you put the stove jacks and how you went about that. Any leaks or issues so far?
@@outdoorempirecom No issues, I stitch 2 passes with a Speedy Stitcher and waxed thread. I have videos posted.
Well done, sir.
Thanks much, it was fun to compare them side by side!
A darker colored tent will get a lot hotter in the summer. I live in the southeast so I always use the lightest colored tent in summer and winter.
Ya I figured as much. That Springbar is a nice light color.
Super helpful and well done video man. Love my 10x14 Kodiak but wish it had a stove jack
You and me both! I'm planning on doing a vid on how to put a stove jack in a tent so keep an eye out for that.
Just grabbed the teton last second before a hunting trip. The top bar can be sketchy, but it really doesnt have to be. Moving slowly and intentionally, I've had no issue. Ive got no reference for comparison but i like the Mesa!
Yeah, it's not a bad tent by any means. True, I'm not a fan of that top bar, but I love the big doors and the price. Good value in that tent.
@@outdoorempirecom I have noticed a few squirrely stitches in places and thread hanging around
Been wanting a canvas tent and was on the fence between spring bar and kodiak. I definitely want something that I can use in the brutal steelhead months in Erie. I already have a buddy heater but thay stove is enticing.
Good luck! I'm not a fan of Buddy heaters, saw one burn down a truck once. I sure like these tents though. I just put a DIY stove jack in the Kodiak too. Did a video on that if you want to consider it. ruclips.net/video/JyrIV8foKqQ/видео.html
I own the Kodiak Canvas 10x10, I also have the vestibule which goes with the awning…
How is that vestibule? I've never had one but I've wondered about it. Is it worth it?
I went with the Kodiak 10x14 deluxe vx . Because of the strict fire regulations in California it is more permissible for me to use a propane sourced heater for warmth in most places, even during Stage l & ll fire restrictions, which I couldn't necessarily do if I was using a wood burning stove. (mostly mountain areas).
If I was located or camping in a place with more relaxed fire regulations I would have went with the slightly more expensive option of a Springbar Classic Jack 140 with wood stove.
Of course I could have used the Springbar Classic Jack or other similar hot tent in both scenarios affording me the flexibility to utilize either fuel sources.
Also the smell of smoke in the tent and the amount of space to supply a wood burning stove with enough fuel when camping for weeks on end was another factor that I took into consideration when making my decision.
Very interesting. And a good point, with fire regulations as they are these days a wood stove may not be an option. The irony is I feel a lot safer, personally, with a wood stove than those propane ones. A little buddy heater burnt my brother's truck down to literally the metal shell alone. I just don't trust em.
@@outdoorempirecom I hear you about the safety concern. Of course I only use a buddy heater with diligent monitoring.
I had the Teton canvas tent in this video. I returned it. During the day, it turns into an oven inside. So I upgraded to the Kodiak VX tent with windows on all 4 walls.
Interesting. That darker color and less ventilation must be the culprit.
@@outdoorempirecom The less ventilation - or should I say, lack of - was definetly the culprit.
I have a Kodiak VX 10x10 and it is great!
How do you like those extra windows on the sides?
@@outdoorempirecom Great air flow in the summertime!!
Any ideas about an additional hole in the hot flap for Winnerwells external air stove?
I checked that out and I'm not sure what the best solution would be. If the external hose reaches, you could maybe add another hole to the stove jack panel. That would be the least intrusive. I'd hesitate to punch a hole in the canvas, but that is probably an option especially if you can properly sew an access panel in and waterproof it. But also I'm not sure that external air stove is worth it in a canvas tent. The purpose of it is to bring in more outside air as opposed to recycling the already warm air inside and consuming oxygen people are breathing to fuel the fire. But in a canvas tent you have rather excellent air circulation and exchange with the outdoors thanks to the breathability of cotton canvas. That negates half the benefit of the external air stove, in my opinion. And in my experience those stoves are more than capable of heating the whole tent just fine, so much so that I'm often wearing a T-shirt inside when it's freezing outside. I believe that external air stove was designed primarily for saunas or hard sided structures where you want to preserve as much internal heat and oxygen as possible. Personally, I'm not interested in that external air stove for a tent. But now I want to build a sauna with it!
Thanks!!!!
Thank you for watching!
I think I’m going to grab the spring bar
It's a solid tent, and the wood stove compatibility seals the deal for me.
nice review was going springbar until you mentioned the door issue/ I want 2 doors and often put a screened gazebo off one that my dogs and I really enjoy. Maybe white duck like the bathtub floor but most of all really appreciate your reviews tyvm I am also considering the MKcamp as I have a hybrid vehicle.
Fair enough! Personally, I don't care for the extra door, but I've heard from many people like you who do. And there are plenty of good options for it from Kodiak, Whiteduck, and Teton. That MKCamp looks interesting. I've never used a tent like that, but I'm curious. My main concern is that it seems like you'd be more limited on where you can camp since there's not always space or level ground where you park.
If you can find a used one, springbar did make a Eurotent model with 2 doors that is slightly larger than a 10x14, I have one and half is a screen porch area that can be sectioned off with a zippered divider with door. They are rare these days, but you can find them.
Kodiak flex-bow for me!
It's a good one!
Gonna be gettin the Kodiak. Adventures await.
You won't regret it. Enjoy!
I have the TETON MESA 10x14. I like the tent overall but the cross bar is simply dangerous. You MUST insert one of the cotter pins before attempting to collapse the lever. I did not and ended up in the hospital having my finger reattached. It's a really serious flaw.
Wow! That is no joke. Sorry that happened to you.
I am a little bit late in finding this video. Very well done by the way... One comment I would have is I am a little bit surprised that the White Duck is the only model with a bathtub style floor. I would have expected that from Springbar and Kodiak. They have been in this market a LOT longer than White Duck. I would think their engineers would see the wisdom in not having a seam on the ground during times of rain. My issue with the White Duck is that velcro on the bottom of the door. That would be a no bueno for me. But to be honest the hot tent option in the Spring Bar kind of overshadows all of that. Like a lot of guys I own several tents and use them in the late fall for hunting. The comfort of a wood stove when temps are down near or below freezing cannot be understated. The wood stove also produces DRY heat that is great for drying out wet socks, boots, etc...whereas Buddy heater (propane) is nice but produces a damper heat that will raise the humidity level in the tent. As I recall the Springbar is the more expensive brand, but that hot tent option is a deal maker for me. Buy once Cry once...
An excellent synopsis. Thanks for taking the time to share!
Liked the Springbar, but in the videos I've seen there is a lot of wall sagging that appears in the videos, and not any added guy loops or attachments that I can see, especially in the corners (and especially around the end with the hot tent feature. IME, especially in the West, unless you guy-out walls, corners, etc., more effectively you won't enjoy the tent and it won't offer it's best performance in shedding weather. I understand one can add these things themselves, but these tents that exhibit so much sagging should have had that solution planned in to start. Seems missing on the Springbar, despite it's positive points. Not sure why anyone would present a tent with sagging walls in any video? Anyway, your vid commentary /editing was very good and nicely paced, and appreciated. Thanks,
Thanks for watching and for the feedback! While it's a bit counterintuitive, my experience with this Springbar design has been that a bit of slack in the walls allows it to move with the wind. It trades some rigidity for flexibility. I've never had it blow over or have a wall give out, even in 40-50 mph gusts. You can guy it out from the awning, which can help, and you could also guy it out from the crossbars on either end on top. I've never felt like I had to do that though. And this also applies to any of the tents in this video. It's just more noticeable in the Springbar here since it is a bigger size (10x14 ft) where as the others are all 10x10 ft. That extra weight, material, and span on the larger size does seem to weigh in on it a bit more. Perhaps this is a design limitation that explains why none of these companies make a tent bigger than 10x14 in this design. I live and camp out west year round, and it's served me well so far.
Nice video, thanks. I don't recall seeing a break down of weight. They all seem to have two "bundles", one for the tent and one for the poles. I am leaning towards the Teton. After back surgery I'm afraid the setup may be an issue for me, as well as the weight when packing from the truck to the setup area. Do you have a breakdown of what the two bundles weigh? Failing that, any recommendations for a lighter (nylon) tent with the same 10x10 foot print that a Teton XXL cot would fit in?
Great questions! I just weighed all the tents and pole bags individually and here's what I got (rounded to the nearest pound):
Teton Mesa 10x10 = tent bag 38 lbs + pole bag 28 lbs = 66 lbs total
Kodiak Flex-bow Deluxe 10x10 = tent bag 37 lbs + pole bag 29 lbs = 66 lbs total
Springbar Classic Jack 140 14x10 (quite a bit bigger than the others) = tent bag 54 lbs + pole bag 25 lbs = 79 lbs total
White Duck Prota Deluxe 10 x 10 = tent bag 58 lbs + pole bag 21 lbs = 79lbs total
As far as a lighter alternative, I don't have personal experience with these, but my sister's family enjoys the Nemo Wagontop tent. It's pretty nice and sets up real fast with plenty of room. I believe the REI Wonderland is another fan favorite, but it ain't cheap!
@@outdoorempirecom Thanks, based on the breakdown and your reviews I'm leaning towards either the Teton or the Kodiak. The Kodiak seems like the quality control is the better of the two, but I sure like that bigger door on the Teton. In another video I saw where the stitching on the Teton had a few issues. I reckon I'll address those issues with Teton should I go that way. Your thoughts?
@@dschenk952 Honestly I think you'll be happy either way. The Kodiak does seem to be a bit better on the quality side and they simply make and sell a lot more tents and have a big following. The big Teton doors are great and you can usually find a better deal on those than the others. If coat doesn't matter is probably go for the Kodiak unless you like those big doors more then that could be reason enough to go for it.
@@outdoorempirecom Thanks, I've ordered the Kodiak 10X10 using your Amazon Affiliate link. I was a little gun shy about the quality of the Teton regardless of the door size. :)
@@dschenk952 Wow that's great, thank you for the support! I think you're gonna love the Kodiak.
I flip the awning over the roof on our kodiak to make it darker.
Good idea.
I have owned my Teton Mesa 14 and going great
Good to hear!
@theoutdoorempire I should clarify. I had my Teton Mesa 14 for 5 years. Also, I have to agree on the center roof poles. With that tension, someone could get hurt
Does anyone have recommendations on how to air dry these after a camping trip? I live in a city and park in the street, so I don't have a backyard to lay them out. I was thinking that I could drape it over my vehicle and attach it somehow to the vehicle.
Ya, that's a tricky one. I drape mine out in my garage over top of random junk if it's really wet. In the summer though, if it's not actually raining when I'm camping, I just start taking it down midmorning on the day I leave after the canvas is dry. Then I fold it in half and let the bottom of the floor dry in the sun. Then fold it again a bit later to let the next part dry. I'll use a towel to wipe the vinyl floor down too to speed things up. Within a couple hours it's good to go before I leave.
Hey what cots are those? How do you like them? Thanks
Coleman Trailhead. Nothing special but they do the job.
White duck canvas bell tent any tent that can handle 80 mile an hour straight line winds more than once in Oklahoma is my tent..mine did 16' white duck canvas bell tent..
I've heard great things about those tents. Hoping to check one out myself. Thanks for sharing!
I have the Teton and and am not a fan of the ridge pole as you said . Do you think it would be possible to buy a different pole from one of those company’s to replace it ? Or would it not fit properly ?
That's a great question and idea. I'm not 100% sure the lengths would match up exactly, but my gut says the Kodiak one would be the best bet since the T-ends have the male pole connector like the Teton. Next time I pull these out I'll see if I can measure them and let you know.
I appreciate it thanks
@@outdoorempirecom also on my Kodiak 10 x 10 the top pole is able to be finely adjusted for tension with screw on the one pole where the two meet. That could possibly help for changing too.
@@wifibum Not sure about these other guys, but I haven't used my Teton over the winter so no further issues yet with the stake loops or anything. Don't remember if I mentioned it in this video (I did in my Teton Mesa review video), but when I got mine new, there were a couple sewing defects where there were holes or buckles in the seams. They haven't caused any further issues yet, and I probably could have gotten them taken care of under warranty, but I didn't want to mess with sending the tent back and all that. Not a dealbreaker, but not quite as high quality construction as the others in this video.
This review is amazing thank you. I know these are quality tents but $2000 cdn is a little much if you ask me. I'd really like to own one but I just cant bring myself to drop that kind of money on one tent.. Tenton Sports wants $800 just for a tarp that goes under the tent and in their amazon add they only show picture of the tent, not of a tarp. Are they hoping people will buy it thinking they are buying a tent? Also people complaining about the company completely ignoring them. Very shifty
Thanks for watching! Too bad to hear about what you're seeing with Teton. Might be worth going direct or buying in a retailer if you have the opportunity.
Nice. These look to maybe pack down smaller than an oz tent
Ya they pack down decently small compared to a canvas wall tent or cabin tent. A lot fewer poles.
Still a good video.
Glad you liked it!
Skyliner springbar!!!!
Yep, I made this video before the Skyliner came out. But I have since gotten one and dome some review videos on it you can check out. Love it!
Do they have shoot through screens
Interesting question. Not really. The only one that has a panel other than a door that you could open to take a shot (I assume you mean while hunting) would be that Springbar Classic Jack 140. There is one window that is removable where you can then zip in the stove jack so I could see how you could peel that back for a shot.
You should do a test in the rain
Heavy rain
That would be super interesting. I'll have to watch the weather carefully this fall and storm chase a bit to make it happen.
Kodiak's warranty is trash. I had my awning rip, called them up and they said to take it to a local tent shop in town and they'd reimburse me. After the repair they told me to email the invoice so they could repay me, I never got my money. I called them up and they kept giving me the runaround. They eventually would just hang up on me when I'd call asking what was going on. that was like 6 years ago, I'll never buy another Kokiak product.
Ouch! That's a major bummer. Sorry that happened.
I think Davis can hold its own with these brands.
Indeed, I'd really like to give a Davis tent a try.
I do believe that Kodiak has a stove set up some of their tents
Yes, I believe their cabin tent has a built in stove jack.
The american made Springbar is the best. Being able to walk into their store and pick up supplies and get work done on site is great.
Definitely a fantastic option, especially if you can swing through SLC.
How u know the difference
@@coleman8267 A lot is the same between the American made and Chinese made Springbar tents but the US made ones use some different components, mostly American made also. There are some design differences as well. I did another video on that if you're interested.
Teton is running a sale on there mesa at really really good price
Good to know, thanks for sharing!
Kodiak leaked last year and was horrible. I re sealed it this year and hope it holds
Dang that's a bummer! How old is the tent and where was it leaking?
Spring bar is the best.
They do make great tents.
Ellis Shackleton is the best tent by far.
Ooo, ya that looks like a sweet tent! Hope to try one some day, but they ain't cheap.
Springbar hot tent
Yep!