Tent suggestions and advice needed

[hhughh]

Trying to get into "authentic" camping with my son, who is 6 yo, and "out in the open" would be fine for me, but is going to be a "no-go" with his mother.......I'm looking at purchasing a Wedge/A-frame style tent, and am curious if the CW style tents are ONLY pertinent to that time period. Not really looking at a military camp, just civilians. Are there documented dimensions or something for civilian tent usage from 1780-1820, or would the CW "size" be ok for that time. From studying what I can find, the only major difference between RW A-frames and CW A-frames are the dimensions. If I'm wrong about that, please enlighten me. All suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Hugh

 

[tg]

I am not up on CW stuff but the Bellback wedge might be a good option, I have one of the small ones as shown in TOTW, and it will handle two people if you don't take everything but the kitchen sink, the Bell adds some good storage space.

 

[Poor Private]

Bells are a pre civil war style tent. It is an a earlier time tent, but can be used in early war scenerios along with the Sibley. A standard wedge I believe can be a universal tent. There are plenty of different sizes you can use. Now the next question on the wedge is 1 door or 2 :shocked2:. They both have their advantages and disadvantages.
advantages: provides a bit more security,and when it's cold there is no additional cracks to let cold air in.
Disadvantages: you can open up front and rear for flow through ventilation. If your handy with a needle and thread you can raise up one side and with an additional piece of canvas you can have a 1/2 wall, 1/2 wedge tent. (so you can sleep on a cot. and still have room for that bedroll for a 2nd person.

 

[hhughh]

A standard wedge I believe can be a universal tent.

That's what I'm asking. A wedge of the Civil War style would be pretty much accepted anytime any place?

Thanks again for the replies.

Hugh

 

[phamil]

A wedge is the way to go. It has been used for years pre-dating the American War for Independence all the way through the Civil War to the best of my knowledge.

I picked up one from Panther Primitives a few years ago. It is easy to set up with just three poles, no ropes and about a dozen stakes. I opted for a single door, but would go with two doors. Besides ventilation, it is nice to be able to sneak out the back if nature calls during a cold night.

The bell back also provides a great deal of storage space as mentioned before.

Good luck with your tent hunting!

 

[michael dismukes]

Hello- Just my two cents worth here... I do F&I thru Rev War and if you're going to provide comfortable accomidations for yourself, a son AND your wife and want to have something that is accepted through a broad range of time periods, get a two door large wedge (10w x 11.5L x 7ht) from Crazy Crow for about $350 (shipping included on all order from CC over $150)...

I bought one four years ago and was very (pleasently) surprised to find out it was not only 13oz sunforger canvas, but was manufactured by Panther. It has served us well through rain, heat and even snow one time and given us ample room and privacy. Be sure to get the correct number of stakes when ordering too.

Happy camping friend.

 

[michael dismukes]

My mistake friend... The large wedge tent at Crazy Crow is $310.00 (again... that includes S&H).

 

[Coot]

A visit to the Tentsmith web site (www.tentsmiths.com) may be worthwhile. They are at the higher end costwise but the construction quality is second to none. The website gives a lot of info on sizes & types. Consider versatility and resale when choosing a tent as your needs/taste may change in the future.

 

hhugh, you may want to check out Panther Primitives. They make superior products and their customer service is second to none. You spoke of wedge tents. There is a difference between wedge tents from the Civil War and the Revelutionary war. Check out Panthers, they'll steer you in the right direction.

 

[Bearclaw]

Hugh: Another source for a Quality tent is Tentsmiths. I purchased one of their Bellbacks and am very pleased with it. They are very nice, friendly people and are most willing to help with any questions you may have.
Bearclaw

 

[Poor Private]

Since we're offering places to look see at tents here are a couple that I purchase alot from.
BlockadeRunner, and Falls Creek Sutlery. I currently have a "dog" tent thats starting to show it's age, sooo I am looking for a replacement. They both carry wedge, dog, flies, and wall tents. Prices are reasonable.

 

[JohnnyO]

I've been looking at tents lately, specifically A-Frame tents, and think I may eventually order one from Track of the Wolf. Their flame resistant A-frame rev war tent, made from sunforger marine finished cotton duck, is 9'x9'x7' tall...most other a-frame and wedge tents I've seen are 6' tall or 6'3" by only 6 or 7' long...I believe this tent from Track would offer plenty of room for storage, especially if it rains and you want to bring stuff inside. Cost is $365
Their civil war tent is smaller I believe...but is only $225 :thumbsup: