Editors Choice
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent
This option is our top pick for best canvas tent offering plenty of benefits for a wide variety of situations. For example, while the hydrostatic rating is not provided, Kodiak’s patented Hydra-Shield waterproofing offers some of the best water resistance that we have come across, with the ability to further improve with spray-on silicone.
Beyond the excellent waterproofing, this camping tent is also one of the more durable options we reviewed with a 10 oz ceiling, 8 ½ oz walls, and a 16 oz polyester-reinforced vinyl floor. As if that were not enough to sway you, this model is also one of the lightest models on our list at only 79 pounds.
An additional cherry on top, the Kodiak Flex-Bow Deluxe comes with a large 7’ x 6’ awning to protect you when you want to sit outside. Most surprisingly, given the overall high-level of quality, this model is relatively inexpensive.
Bottom Line: The Kodiak Flex-Bow Deluxe has something for everyone, whether you want a product that lasts, handles extreme weather conditions, or includes some extra features.
The Best Canvas Camping & Hunting Tents
Looking for a Great Canvas Camping Tent?
You’re in the right place! In this guide, we will be covering the following:
- Identify which features to investigate when buying a canvas camping tent
- Why you should prioritise size, durability, and waterproofing over other qualities
- Review nine of the best canvas tents on the market
- Reveal our #1 pick
While a standard tent made out of polyester or nylon might be sufficient in many cases, there is something about classic canvas wall tents that appeals to many. Canvas is a stiffer, more hardwearing material allowing bigger, more rigid tents that can take a heck of a beating.
However, unlike the wide variety of other materials used for tents, canvas is one of the few organic materials which carry several potential issues. So whether you are hunting or camping, figuring out which canvas shelters the right one for you can be a tricky task.
That is why we have put together a list of the nine best canvas tents of 2020, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide so you can better navigate the unique qualities that make for the best canvas tents and determine which is the right one for your next trip.
The Benefits of Canvas Tents
PROS
- Breathability – While not always as breathable as certain synthetic fibers, cotton is inherently breathable yet has additional benefits.
- Quiet – One area where canvas outshines almost every synthetic material is in how quiet it is – no annoying crinkling and rustling!
- Insulation – Other than for a couple of specific synthetic materials, canvas has some of the best natural insulation qualities out of all materials commonly used for tents.
- Durability – Again, there are only a few select materials which are naturally more durable than canvas cotton on a pound for pound basis.
- Resistance – Whether you look at wind resistance or heat resistance, most synthetic materials struggle to compete with canvas. Heat resistance is particularly important if you want to cook inside your tent with a stove.
CONS
- Weight – This is arguably one of the most significant issues with canvas weighing significantly more than a comparable tent made of synthetic fibers.
- Mold/Mildew – As an organic material, cotton canvas runs the risk of developing mold and mildew much more easily than synthetic materials.
- Cost – Tends to carry a higher price tag due to the manufacturing process having more steps and requiring more labor.
How To Choose The Right Canvas Tent – Buying Guide
Size & Purpose
Canvas Camping Tents
The main thing to consider with a general canvas camping tent is that it likely does not need to handle as much bad weather as a hunting tent probably does. Instead, it is often better to look for a tent that provides more breathability with reliable waterproofing.
In terms of size, this will depend on the size of your party, but camping canvas tents come in extremely large sizes.
Looking for something a little different?
Check out our guides to the following:
- The best teepee tent
- SUV tents for camping
- The best tents for tall people
Canvas Hunting Tents
Unless you hunt with an exceptionally large party, the chances are that you do not need the largest canvas tent on the market. However, because most hunting seasons tend to fall in the autumn or winter months, it is more important to make sure that the tent can handle inclement weather.
Weather Resistance
Water
This is easily the most crucial kind of weather resistance to consider. Waterproofing is rated by the amount of hydrostatic pressure a tent’s membrane can withstand and given in millimeters. That said, many manufacturers do not provide the hydrostatic rating of their tent and instead provide the waterproofing material or process.
Wind
Most of the best canvas tents have a thick steel frame and numerous guylines to make sure the tent remains upright. The design of the tent can play a factor as well with dome or bell tents generally handling the wind better than rectangular tents.
Warmth
This covers 2 aspects – breathability and heat resistance. Whilst canvas is a naturally breathable fabric additional waterproofing may limit this.
Heat resistance is related to the high temperatures associated with fire stoves that can be placed inside the tent for cooking and warmth. Please note, for safety reasons you should never use a camp stove inside a tent that doesn’t have a specific vent to accommodate it.
Comfort
Cooking
The inclusion of a stovepipe opening is necessary if you want to cook inside a canvas tent to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. Ensure that a tent with a stovepipe opening also has a protective material lining the opening to avoid damage over long term use.
Exterior
Whilst a good canvas tent will tend to be larger than your average synthetic fiber version, one of the reasons for camping in the first place is to spend time outdoors. One of the more helpful comfort features included in these types of camping tents is a canopy or gazebo to protect you from rain or sun while sitting outdoors.
Walls
Whilst a canvas bell tent might provide some inherent resistance to wind, the amount of functional space inside of a bell tent is often dependent on the peak height of the walls. Rectangular tents, though not necessarily as stable against high winds, often provide more comfortable functional space with taller walls.
Set up Ease
Most of the time, you should expect a canvas tent to take some time and potentially multiple people to set up. Granted, smaller tents or those that employ snapping poles can be set up quickly by a single person, but that tends to be the exception rather than the rule.
Make sure to set up your canvas tent before you go camping, so you know how many people and much time it takes to do so.
Weight & Packed Size
As mentioned in the general “cons” list, weight is one of the most significant downsides of this type of shelter. As such, few canvas tents are particularly “haulable”, and many of them are much too heavy to be comfortably carried by one person.
As such, weight should be decided by how close you can get your vehicle to your pitch site and how many trips back and forth to your vehicle would be necessary. The lighter options on this list will obviously be better suited for campsites where you can’t park your vehicle closeby.
Canvas Tents For Camping & Hunting Reviewed
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent
Best Canvas Tent Overall
This is an all-round winner in terms of weatherproofing, durability, and to top it off is an inexpensive option too. For the price you get one of the most waterproof tents that we reviewed thanks to Kodiak’s patented Hydra-Shield waterproofing.
The 100% cotton duck canvas Kodiak Flex-Bow tent is also fairly durable with 10oz ceiling and 8 ½ oz walls, as well as featuring a 16 oz polyester-reinforced vinyl floor. For all of its durability and waterproofing, this canvas tent is lighter than most other models we reviewed at only 79 pounds.
On the other hand, there are known quality control issues with this canvas tent so it is advised to carefully check for any following purchase. Compounding this issue, if you do not check the tent when purchased it has been reported that customer service can be difficult to work with to get a favorable resolution.
PROs
- Only weighs 79 lbs
- Comes with a canopy
- Made with Hydra-Shield waterproofing
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Has iffy QC
- Has poor customer service
Bottom-Line: The Kodiak Flex-Bow Deluxe checks all our boxes with plenty of space, dependable durability, excellent waterproofing, and a canopy for outdoor protection.
Bushtec Adventure Delta Zulu
Best Family Option
The Bushtec Adventure Delta Zulu is arguably as impressive as our overall winner but is better suited for small families of four. The reason this canvas tent is great for family camping comes down to the included gazebo canopy, which provides the largest protected outdoor space out of any model that we came across.
On top of that, the Bushtec Adventure Delta Zulu is durable with ceiling and walls made of 550 gsm ripstop military-grade canvas and a floor made from 19 0z PVC – the thickest floor on our list. Beyond its overall durability, the Bushtec Adventure Delta Zulu provides decent waterproofing with a 550 mm hydrostatic rating and durable seams that hold up against leakage.
However, in achieving these excellent specs this tent also tips the scales having the heaviest weight we reviewed at 127 pounds. The tent and gazebo combination of the Bushtec Adventure Delta Zulu tent also comes out as one of the more expensive models reviewed.
PROs
- Has 550 gsm ripstop walls
- Has a 19 oz PVC floor
- Has a canopy gazebo
- Has a 550 mm hydrostatic rating
- Large windows
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Is a heavy tent
Bottom-Line: With an overall size large enough to accommodate a family and a build strong and durable enough to handle children, the large canopy makes this tent a no-brainer for family camping.
Happybuy Canvas Tent
Largest Canvas Camping Tent
Happybuy may not be well-known for canvas tents, but they made their mark by offering more space than any other large canvas tents that we came across. With a size of 16’4 ⅘” x 16’4 ⅘” x 13’2 ½”, Happybuy tops the category for largest canvas tents having one of the largest diameters, as well as providing one of the tallest clearances as well. Making it suitable for 10 people (and maybe a little more at a push).
In terms of general durability, this tent uses 300 gsm cotton canvas for the ceiling and walls and 540 gsm PVC for the floor. Even more impressive, the Happybuy is one of the best waterproof canvas tents we encountered with a hydrostatic rating of 3000 mm for the walls and ceiling, and 5000 mm for the floor.
That said, this canvas tent has nowhere near the same waterproofing as other models we reviewed due to the shoddy seams which let in far too much water. On top of that, the size of this large canvas tent, combined with the durable materials and thick waterproof coating, make this version heavier than most.
PROs
- Has a 300 gsm walls
- Has 540 gsm PVC flooring
- Has a 3000/5000 mm hydrostatic rating
- Comes in 5 sizes
CONs
- Seams not very good
- Is a heavy tent
Bottom-Line: The HappyBuy offers solid construction and a high hydrostatic rating. The 16’4 ⅘” x 16’4 ⅘” x 13’2 ⅖” dimensions make this a great option to fit in more people than most.
Toogh 3-4 Person Dome Tent
Best Budget Canvas Wall Tent
Toogh is also a relatively unknown brand but makes its mark on our list thanks to its outrageously low price, easily making it our best budget canvas wall tent. While not the most durable, this tent still provides solid durability with 210D oxford canvas walls and a 210T oxford canvas floor.
If you have a big enough party to distribute the gear, this might also be one of the few canvas tents you consider for backpacking trips as it weighs 11 ¾ pounds. Even better, this canvas tent comes with the highest hydrostatic rating on our list with the ceiling and walls boasting a rating of 3000 mm and the floor an incredible 10000 mm.
Unfortunately, this fantastic hydrostatic rating gets overshadowed and undercut by inferior seam work that allows too much water into the tent during even moderate rain. Also, while this tent is easy to set up thanks to its pop-up style, it is one of the least stable on our list in high winds.
PROs
- Only weighs 11 ¾ lbs
- Has a 3000/10000 mm hydrostatic rating
- Made of 210D/210T oxford cotton
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Not that stable
- Seams not very good
Bottom-Line: The Toogh is the lightest canvas tent on our list, as well as one of the easiest to set up, but it is its low price that puts it in a category of its own.
DANCHEL 6 Person with Two Stove Jacket
Best Canvas Cookout Tent
The DANCHEL comes with plenty of great features, but its most unique quality is the inclusion of 2 separate stovepipe openings. To accommodate these, this tent also competes in being one of the largest that we reviewed.
At 16’7 ⅕” x 16’7 ⅕” x 9’9 ⅗”, the DANCHEL provides the most floor space and plenty of headspace to go with it, more than comfortably accommodating 6 people. The walls and ceiling are made with 285 gsm canvas and floor made with 480 gsm PVC, and so compete with other models in the durability stakes– not to mention having a hydrostatic rating of 1500 mm.
The exceptional quality, also reflected by its durable seams, is further reflected by the more expensive price tag it has when compared with many other models. Furthermore, the DANCHEL is also on the heavier side weighing in at 110 pounds, and is not especially easy to set up.
PROs
- Is 16.6’ x 16.6’ x 9.8’
- Has a 1500 mm hydrostatic rating
- Has 285 gsm walls
- Has 480 gsm PVC flooring
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Is a heavy canvas tent
Bottom-Line: As the only model on our list with 2 different stove pipe openings, the DANCHEL offers versatility and warmth for large groups.
Kodiak Canvas 1-Person Canvas Swag Tent
Best Canvas 1-Person Tent
The Kodiak Swag stands out on our list for options primarily designed to accommodate a single person. What is most impressive about this build is that it uses the company’s proprietary Hydra-Shield waterproofing to keep you and your gear dry. Because the Kodiak Swag houses only one or, perhaps, a couple, it is also an inexpensive option.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that as a one-person canvas tent, the Kodiak Swag is only 6’8” x 3’ x 2’3”, meaning you may not even be able to sit up inside the tent. To compound this issue, this tent is not the most stable and prone to sagging.
PROs
- Comes with a sleeping pad
- Has 8 ½ oz water repellent HydraShield walls
- Only weighs 17 ½ lbs
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Is a smaller tent
- Has iffy stability
Bottom-Line: While canvas tents tend to be made for larger groups, the Kodiak Swag bucks the trend and offers a great option for single campers.
White Duck Outdoors Avalon
Most Breathable Canvas Material Tent
The White Duck Outdoors Avalon shares plenty of excellent features with competitors to make it a solid choice, but it’s breathability is virtually unmatched. This is thanks in large part to the inclusion of 8 mesh windows, as well as heat vents at the top of the tent.
Beyond breathability, this is another product with reliable durability thanks to a ceiling and walls made out of 101 oz army duck canvas and a floor made from 16 oz poly-vinyl. When you consider that the White Duck Outdoors Avalon also comes with a 5” stovepipe opening and a 450 mm hydrostatic rating, it easily ticks more boxes.
Still, as with all high quality canvas tents, this model is expensive, especially when you consider that although a decent size it is not the largest we have reviewed. On top of that, this is another heavy duty canvas tent, weighing in at 105 pounds, and is not easy to set up by yourself.
PROs
- Is 13’1” x 13’1”, 8’6”
- Has 10.1 oz walls
- Has a 16 oz PVC floor
- Has a great construction
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Is a heavy canvas tent
Bottom-Line: The White Duck Outdoors Avalon offers plenty of space and durability, but it is the sheer volume of ventilation it offers and therefore its breathability that sets this model apart from the rest.
Trek Tents 246C Cotton Canvas Cabin Tent
Best Cold Weather Canvas Bell Tent
This cabin style tent offers plenty of solid features, but its greatest quality is in how well it handles freezing temperatures, especially as compared to the competition. It has a solid build, using 10 oz cotton canvas for the walls and ceiling and 10 oz vinyl-coated canvas for the floor.
While not the largest, this option more than makes up for this with a rectangular walled design that affords a more functional room than some of the larger bell tents. Even better, this is one of the lighter canvas cabin tents that we reviewed at only 64 pounds and can be assembled by a single person.
Unfortunately, all of this quality has to cost something, and the cabin style Trek Tents 246C is an expensive option– especially considering that it does not come with a stovepipe opening. It also does not help that while this entry is excellent at dealing with cold temperatures, it does not fare well with heavy winds.
PROs
- Only weighs 64 lbs
- Has 10 oz cotton walls
- Has a 10 oz vinyl-coated floor
- Has tall walls
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Not good with wind
Bottom-Line: This tent buttons up better than any other model we reviewed, perfect for protecting you against bitterly cold weather conditions.
Glamcamp Bell Tent
Best Newcomer
Our last entry is the Glamcamp camping tent, which meets most industry standards without having some of the glaring flaws as its competitors. Additionally, this tent is excellent value since it has been produced by a newly formed company.
This cotton bell tent is made with 285 gsm ceiling and walls, and has a floor made from 540 gsm PVC. This is one of the larger canvas camping tents that we reviewed at 13’ x 13’ x 8’2” and has made reinforced seams a priority, unlike some older companies.
That said, Glamcamp provides less information than most other companies, so we do not know the waterproof rating, only that the company advertises its ability to withstand heavy rain. The Glamcamp is a bit heavier than some at 93 pounds and cannot handle the strongest winds.
PROs
- Is 13’ x 13’ x 8’2”
- Has 285 gsm cotton walls
- Has 540 gsm PVC flooring
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Provides little manufacturers information
- Is a heavy tent
Bottom-Line: While the Glamcamp is a bit of an unknown contender at this point, all of its specs fall within the ideal, and make it a reliable option.
Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API