Wall tent size ?

cdnrokon

cdnrokon

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I am looking at buying a wall tent for hunting, what size is good for two people? We would need one that uses a ridge pole setup and would like input on stove ring placement. We had a 14 x 12 x3 ft wall but the tent was a used MNR tent with many repairs and the side wall a little short.We had a stove pipe ring installed in the left front door flap this seemed to work well for us.I would value any input from seasoned wall tent hunters.
 
To start with you will find that 5' walls make a much more comfortable tent then tents with short walls. How big the tent should be depends not only on the number of people using it but also the amount of gear you have and the size of stove you intend to use. Don't discount bell tents either, a large bell tents tends to feel bigger than a prospector tent of similar size. It can be easier and quicker to set up in a storm or in an emergency, and you can leave a portion of it collapsed if you are alone. I think 2 guys should be comfortable in a 12'X14' tent for up to a couple of weeks, but 3' walls are less than ideal. I also like to take a couple of tarps so I can build a vestibule outside the tent. This is a good place to put the stove, a good place to dry clothes without overheating the main part of the tent, and it prevents the wind from cooling off the tent when someone needs to go outside.
 
I agree with what Boomer said. I'd add that I like the stove pipe hole in the roof, just left of the door. That location works in Sask. because we don't have very much precipitation during hunting season, as compared to BC or the Yukon. You don't need to support stove pipe elbows if you go straight up. Here is a pic of my 12x14x5. If the weather was wet we'd add a fly over the tent and a tarp vestibule about where everyone is sitting.
moosecamp-1.jpg
 
I agree. 12X14X5 is great for two guys with a stove. 3 would be cozy for an extended stay, unless you rig a vestibule (which is a great addition anyway). 5' walls are a must. We have the stove hole in the same spot as Longwalker. It necessitates having a stove jack in your tent fly/tarp, which can be a real pain at times. A wall jack could be handier that way. In Mb it may not be an issue, but in B.C our tent never goes up without the fly.
 
cdnrokon said:
I am looking at buying a wall tent for hunting, what size is good for two people? We would need one that uses a ridge pole setup and would like input on stove ring placement. We had a 14 x 12 x3 ft wall but the tent was a used MNR tent with many repairs and the side wall a little short.We had a stove pipe ring installed in the left front door flap this seemed to work well for us.I would value any input from seasoned wall tent hunters.
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heres a pic of a 14x16 woods tent with the 4 ft walls..we used this tent a few years in a row,using just a propane heater..
when we bought the tent,we bought the stove pipe flange..but we always just used the propane heater..
tent was plenty big to sleep 4 ppl along with all our gear..also inside the tent we had a huge table set up..


00510006.jpg
 
One way to make a little more room in the tent is to fab up some collapsible bunks. Wall to wall across the back. They will allow 4 guys to sleep in the tent and still have some room. Make the bottom bunk high enough to slide rubbermaid totes under for mouseproof gear storage. If only two guys are hunting then you can use the top bunks for storage. They aren't as comfortable as cots, you need a good thick foamy, but they can be a great space saver.
 
I have a Cabelas deluxe alaknak tent, mine is 12x20 but there are smaller sizes. It has 5 ft walls and is 9.5 at the peek. We use it in northern Sk during archery moose and it has worked great. It comes with all the poles,rope, floor,and packed all in a duffle bag. It was $1200 shipped a couple years ago. It sets up really easy (about 20 min). with 2 guys there is a lot of room for cots and all the gear inside. The best part is there is no musty smell like my old canvas wall tent. We have used this tent for a couple years and it has been great.
 
We used to add a front enclosed "porch" out of 2X2 frame and cover with 6 mil plastic vapour barrier. Great to sit out of the rain. It's clear so lets light in during the day. At night it's a great spot to sit around, play cards, watch the hockey game. It lets the guys that want to go to bed early have a little peace in the tent while the others sit up. Open the tent flap and the stove keeps it cozy.
 
Here is a pic of the one I use (can't find any other pictures right now) it is only 10' X 12' but it is perfect for 2 people and 3 will fit.

I also put a tarp across the front and set all of our cooking gear there.

It also has the stove pipe thru the roof but the key to a good tent is the quaility/thickness of the canvass there are tents out there that are made from the thinnest material that you could imagine I mean you can almost see thru it.

So be aware and only buy the a tent that has thick material.

This pic was taken several days after I shot my grizzly last year we had taken down the camp and moved it to the Tchentlo Lake Lodge in region 7-28 to do some fishing.

Grizzly_Hunt_June_2008_044.jpg
 
I prefer to have the airtight on the back wall for safety purposes. That way in case of a chimney fire, the occupants can get out through the door. Whenever you sleep in a tent ALWAYS have a knife close at hand in case you need to make an exit and the door is blocked.
 
Lots of good information given.
Why is the stove on the left side? That is only for Saskatchewan! In BC the sove is on the right.
The mention of good, heavy canvas is important.
Size? Somewhat of a personal matter, but I prefer sizes smaller than most mentioned. The little stove won't have to heat so much air.
I don't have a picture of our long time, favourite, a Pioneer brand, but the first thing I did was cut holes in the gable ends below the roof, so the ridge pole culd be inserted through them, and be inside the tent. Use improvised hooks, or light rope around it, to make an excellent place to hang things to dry.
Also, very important, you need a fly over the entire roof. It should be the same material as the tent, but use some kind of plastic, or those coloured tarps, if you don't have the proper one. Whatever you use, don't leave home without a fly for your tent.
This is the main reason a real tent, designed for tough bush work, has the chimney ring in the end, beside the door. It leaves the roof clear for a fly.
Note the big fly on this tent, being used for tough, winter bush work.
TREE013-1.jpg
 
I have a 12x14x5 tent made by the Fort McPherson Tent and Canvas Company. I's big enough for 4 guys and all their gear for a week or more. When we used it on the barrens we took a second tent to store gear in and set up a table and the stove inside with some chairs. Lots of room. If I was using one for 2 guys and gear I would be more inclined to go with a 10x12 though I have used the 8x10 for shot trips with myself and one other guy. That's a bit tight in the winter but doable.
 
H4831 This is the main reason a real tent, designed for tough bush work, has the chimney ring in the end, beside the door. It leaves the roof clear for a fly.
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That's very interesting, I have never even thought to put a fly over a wall tent and I have been in some majorly miserable weather conditions most I've done is dig a trench for water to run away in plus I have only used stove pipes thru the roof I totally see your points.

Thanks again for posting your thoughts/experiences... :)
 
Edmonton Tent & Awning sells/makes Norseman but no frame. Great tent 14x16x5 - ours was the "deluxe" model. Bought new in fall of 1996 for setting up in the mountains for snowmobiling. Ordered frame from Kwik Kamp out of Montana.

14x16 with 5' wall and internal aluminum frame would be good. Lots of room for just 2 guys-maybe too much....but when you have more guys you have the room. There use to be 2 of us for hunting trips, then went to 3, then 5 now 6 for sure with 7 for one of my friend's fatherinlaw.

With 5-6 ok just a liitle tight so last year we bought a new 16x20 with 5' walls and a 8' porch extension from Deluxe Wall Tents with internal frame- GREAT SETUP
 
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