Best Canvas Tent? I Tried 4 to Find Out!

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!

OUTDOOR EMPIRE'S BEST CANVAS TENTS LIST

1. Springbar Classic Jack
Outdoor Empire score: 4.7/5

2. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow
Outdoor Empire score: 4.5/5
Compare prices:

3. White Duck Outdoors Prota
Outdoor Empire score: 4.2/5

4. Teton Sports Mesa
Outdoor Empire score: 4.0/5
Compare prices:

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.

[theoutdoorempire]

So which one are you leaning towards? 🤔 If you have one, let us know what you think of it below. 👇

[haroldmilroy]

One of the ost comprehensive and thorough reviews of any outdoor gear I’ve ever seen. Thank you

[tentsrus]

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 stove jack option on the Springbar is bomb!

[kaspar_]

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.

[smileysun]

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.

[stargazingscotty]

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.

[pearsjer]

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.

[breakdownbill]

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.

[thebigd]

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.

[alexmacdonald]

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!

[GUNSLINGEROUTDOORS]

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

[moussethymeadventures]

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.

[jimlaird]

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 😀

[parodoxis]

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

[reyleondelaselva]

I've had a Kodiak 2 person tent for years and love it! Great video.

[WayneTheSeine]

Best review I have seen regarding these springbar type tents. As thourough as it could be. Clear, consise, and well organized. Thank you!

[habituallinestepper]

I think I want a Springbar or Kodiak. This was fantastic thank you.

[nealh]

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!

[danieljames]

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!

[timg]

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.