r/camping • u/westknight12 • 22d ago
Gear Question Alternatives to plastic tents?
Can you still buy and use pelt, and or cloth tents? I wanna get a tent but i despise plastic and wanna get rid of it as best as i can.
So what alternatives do i have? For small 1 person tents?
I was hoping something like this? Would it be feasible?
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u/Niet_de_AIVD 22d ago
So many modern tents sold as cotton are technical cotton; cotton mixed with plastics for strength. Military tents mentioned here often also contain some plastics.
Full cotton and linen tents are often sold as historical or medieval tents and are likely your best bets for having 0% plastics. Look for reenactment stores that might sell them.
Be aware that pure natural fiber tents do have their downsides and try to understand them before getting one. Although as a reenactor I find them beautiful and you can get many unique variants.
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u/westknight12 22d ago
The main issue i have with plastic, is that it absolutely pollutes our planet. And plastic tents, clothing, fabrics in general are a major contributor. Sucks thats its so damn affordable and malleable.
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u/tankguy33 22d ago
Plastic had its uses though. I think you're more likely to realize a canvas tent isn't what you need and throw it out and end up buying a plastic tent anyway.
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u/3Dbread 22d ago
Big respect for trying to be eco conscious, if only the wealthiest/ most influential on our planet would do the same.
As many have said in this thread, canvas is probably your best bet for a non plastic tent material.
The other suggestion I'd make is buying a 2nd hand silnylon or silpoly tent. Then you get the advantage of a lower weight tent, while still not directly supporting the manufacturing companies that produces so much of the waste.
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u/westknight12 22d ago
That is a good suggestion. Though second hand plastic tends to have issues of its own. As astic ages, especially when it comes in contact with the sun, it loves to release microplastics.
Which is why second hand firm plastic is still better, in a way, than plastic clothing or fabrics.
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u/Arborensis 21d ago
As someone who works in this industry, your concern is valid, but I think there are much much larger fish to fry. Tires are the largest source of microplastics in the environment. Then there's single use plastic items which are terrible.
In reality, if you get 5-10 years out of a well kept plastic tent, you've made excellent use out the materials. If you want to do serious camping, canvas is going to make it difficult.
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u/TheLordofthething 22d ago
Know what else harms the planet? unnecessary journeys. You'll tie yourself in knots with this stuff. A well made modern tent is probably better in the long run too. Definitely check out reenactment tents on eBay and the like if you want one though.
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u/Futt_Bucker_Fred 22d ago
I mean, what if it ends up working though? Then it's not wasted and it's more eco-friendly than plastic. You can also buy plenty of unnecessary plastic things too, and those won't break down in our lifetime.
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u/PatemanArts 20d ago
A 2nd hand plastic tent is better fir the environment than a new cotton tent.
Just buy one on ebay
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u/Downstairs-Parking 19d ago
Dude. You buying a non-plastic tent is doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING meaningful to save the planet. Just get something practical.
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u/Significant-Map-7620 22d ago
I'm with you OP, do be mindful that canvas is a pain to care for properly, it's heavy, takes up a lot of space in storage and needs drying completely after use as any damp will cause mould in a matter of days. That being said, any avoidance of plastic is good.
Plastic will win the war but we can win some of the smaller battles. The average modern plastic tent also only lasts 80(?) days of direct sunlight anyway as UV breaks down standard synthetic materials so quickly. I love my canvas tents and intend to keep using them much longer than that
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u/Winerychef 16d ago
Can I get a link for the 80 days of direct sunlight claim?
I'm also curious how this applies to thru hikers/backpackers? As a thru hiker I'm usually setting up camp 2 hours before sundown, sleeping in it, and packing it up with an hour of sunrise. So like, none of that really constitutes "direct sunlight". Also, is the claim that they stop working or work less effectively? Maybe spray on some DWR or silicone spray for water proofing?
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u/westknight12 22d ago
Which is exactly why i dont want a plastic tent of all things. While its nowhere near as bad for us as things like asbestos, plastic old-er, often tends to release microplastics when disturbed. Especially when its already breaking down by the sun. Fold it, crunch it, do whatever with it when you handle it, is releases microplastics.
I dont want that sh*t in nature, much less in my own body, but that is where much of it ends up too
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u/RottingCorps 20d ago
God, the internet is dumb sometimes. Just answer the OP's question. You don't have to opine on everything.
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u/jeepnjeff75 22d ago edited 22d ago
Springbar, Kodiak, White Duck and a few others make canvas tents.
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u/Kilgore_Trout69 22d ago
Yup my cousin has a Springbar canvas tent and it’s awesome. Only downside is setup is a little more involved than a normal tent and it’s more expensive, but could definitely be worth it
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u/leostotch 22d ago
Setting up a springbar is super straightforward, especially if you replace the rebar hooks with 12” lag screws and an impact driver
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u/Downtown-Fee-4050 22d ago
Let’s see some pics, I’m intrigued!
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u/leostotch 22d ago
I don’t have any handy. A springbow’s structure depends upon a strong connection to the ground, so they frequently come with rebar J-hooks to use to stake it out. It’s a hassle to pound a dozen rebar stakes into the ground, but if you use large large screws instead, you can use a battery-operated impact driver to drill them into the ground.
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u/Downtown-Fee-4050 22d ago
So just the lag screws, nothing special to fasten them to the tent loops? How do they hold up in windy conditions?
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u/Downtown-Fee-4050 22d ago
I have a 10x14’ springbar tent, I feel setup is pretty simple and straightforward compared to other tents I’ve used. I can easily set it up and take it down by myself.
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u/_dogelbows 22d ago
have a Springbar and love it, couldn’t imagine a higher quality tent. Also will plug DoD Outdoors! I’ve been amazed by the quality of their “canva” tarps.
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u/melonsmellin 22d ago
How does DOD canva compare to Springbar? I was looking at their canva tents since they look more portable
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u/_dogelbows 22d ago
Im using them for different purposes (have an enclosed springbar tent and a dod tarp), but both are set up long term this summer. I’d say they compare similarly. neither have had leaks and both would be great choices.
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u/Futt_Bucker_Fred 22d ago
Kodiak is open about using PFAS, so if you're trying to get away from plastic because of bad stuff being unleashed from it into the earth, then the Kodiak tents aren't really much better.
I've tried looking into the other two brands to see if they use them too but can't find anything. Currently saving for a springbar lol
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u/DIYfailedsuccessfuly 22d ago
Sure you can get canvas tents still. They wont be $200 though. And they heavier for sure. This was my kodiak 9×13 with awning i had for about 2 camping seasons. Very nice tent, easy to add a window a/c if your camping in swamp a$$ country. Now, with canvas u have to actually care about your tent, it HAS to be bone dry before you store it, or mold will ruin it. It has to be stored in a dry location too. Still, canvas tents are awesome, not the least because they are designed for 4 seasons, and the cloth wont drip water on your head like a faucet in the middle of the night because of condensation. The fibers do a better job at diffusing the moisture, though it still will be wet to the touch in the mornings.
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u/Abject-Impress-7818 22d ago
You can just not use a tent if you want. That's an option too.
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u/westknight12 22d ago
Outside? Yeah, no thanks😅
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u/Abject-Impress-7818 22d ago
I don't know what that emoji is supposed to mean. Too hot? Pick a shadier spot.
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u/doubtful_dirt_01 22d ago
Check with suppliers for Renaissance Faires, Civil War re-enactments, etc. There are suppliers online or you can attend one and browse the various vendors there. Canvas and felt tents are popular with these groups.
But... keep in mind that even the most waterproof of these tents will still leak, they are treated with chemicals to fireproof them, and they are HEAVY. And once they get wet, they are slow to dry and are even heavier.
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u/RoyDaBoy88 22d ago
Hmm I have a canvas bell tent (brand is called canvascamp from Belgium I think). First time it gets wet it needs to swell a bit and gets a tiny bit wet. Afterwards its perfectly dry. Really nice tent. Insanely heavy tho
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u/Avery_Thorn 22d ago
Kodiak Tents, Davis Tent - these are some companies that make canvas tents. You can get kind of an idea of what’s available, find other similar companies.
You might want to look for Aussie style Swags, as well as cowboy rolls.
Note that canvas is heavy, bulky, and expensive. Framing for many canvas tents is also extra heavy and bulky.
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u/glorious_cheese 22d ago
We have a Kodiak Canvas that we love. Bought it about 10 years ago and it's still going strong. I've had to re-apply waterproofing a couple of times but that's it. The beauty is I can put it up by myself.
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u/Oitti 22d ago
If you are in Europe, check Nordisk (Denmark) Canvascamp (Belgium), Spatz (Switzerland) and Nortent (Norway). Many other brands are doing it as well, those kind of tents are growing in popularity. Decathlon and Obelink also have few models.
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u/Oitti 22d ago
If you are in Europe, check Nordisk (Denmark) Canvascamp (Belgium), Spatz (Switzerland) and Nortent (Norway). Many other brands are doing it as well, those kind of tents are growing in popularity. Decathlon and Obelink also have few models.
Edit: just read you are looking for 1 person, in this case Nortent has the Vern 1 PC model. I don’t have it but there are many reviews at YouTube. Apparently it is very good (but not ultralight)
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u/remembers-fanzines 22d ago edited 22d ago
Canvas tents exist.
They are extremely heavy, expensive, require extra maintenance -- including spraying with waterproofing on a regular basis -- and prone to mold. They take a ton more laundry detergent, water, and labor to wash, when they get dirty. Picture a small stock tank's worth of water to soak the tent in detergent, then several changes of water for rinsing.
For casual camping, honestly, my advice is to get a synthetic tent from a reputable manufacturer (I like Kelty, if buying new) and stay away from Dyneema, which does break dow, if you're worried about longevity. Nylon tents, stored in a cool, dry indoor place when not in use, will last you decades. I've camped in a forty-year-old Eureka tent that was still as good as the day it was made. They're "plastic" but it's not single use plastic, it's a lasting product.
Cotton tents have an environmental impact, too. The cotton has to be farmed, spun in a factory, treated with chemicals to be fire-retardant and water-resistant, they're heavy enough to have an impact to fuel consumption in vehicles + shipping when you buy them, they tend to be bigger overall so a bigger "footprint" of damaged vegetation if you're dispersed camping rather than in a campground.
In both cases, however, they're long-lasting products that likely have minimal impact when you look at the lifespan of the product.
Source: Have done everything from extended backpacking (just got back from 11 days solo) to camping for weeks at a time (including setting up a home office) in a canvas tents.
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u/FartBrulee 22d ago
You sound like you know your stuff so can I ask you a question...
I am sick of waking up in an absolute oven when I camp a few times a year in the UK.
I have a plastic blackout tent but it is still a furnace in the morning.
Any recommendations?
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u/remembers-fanzines 22d ago
Honestly, I wake up at dawn to avoid that, I just go to bed shortly after the sun goes down. If it's cool enough, sometimes I can sleep in a few hours by pulling my sleeping bag over my head.
You might try setting the tent up under a tarp so it's shaded, or maybe a pop-up shade, if the tent itself is small enough to make it feasible. Or under a big tree.
You can also set up a fan to vent the tent, though once the sun is out and really beating down, the effect may be minimal. Potentially, find one with a timer, that can be set to come on at a specific time. It will help a little, but your best bet is just finding a good shady spot to keep the sun off.
The blackout tent might be worse than a tent with big windows from a heat standpoint, though without seeing it, I can't be sure. No ventilation.
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u/LazerBear42 22d ago
Ventilation ventilation ventilation. Mesh is more expensive than the normal polyester or nylon fabric that tents are made of, so cheap tents skimp on it. If your tent has an inner and an outer, the inner should be made almost entirely of mesh except for the floor, and the outer/fly should have plenty of vents that can be opened. If the weather is clear, ditch the outer entirely. Or if you're ok with a little more weight (and a little less privacy), and have trees available, set the mesh inner up with a tarp a couple feet above the tent. That gives you plenty of wide open space for air to circulate, while giving you shade and rain protection.
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u/singul4r1ty 21d ago
Blackout makes it worse I think, unless you've got one with a reflective outer. Various places seem to be working on that to make it more reflective & not absorb heat. I have an early blackout tent and it just absorbs so much heat so fast.
Like other people said, ventilation is key - if you find yourself awake earlier then open the inner door and possibly the outer. Get a tent with vents. Or cover it with another layer that's well ventilated e.g. a tarp.
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u/Florreke_Jeirbees 22d ago
We’ve got a cotton tent for 27 years now. Never leaked, never had to spray with waterproofing. Good Dutch quality, De Waard tent. Can tollerate strong winds as well. It is getting thinner on some spots now, but we will still go camping with it in a few days. Downside as said by others: heavy.
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u/srekar-trebor 16d ago
It just is wild to promote plastic over a natural fibre when it comes to environmental impact. 🫠
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u/Slyfoxuk 22d ago
What's the use case? Multi day, single day or?
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u/westknight12 22d ago
Multi day. Primarily for pilgrimage. As many of us tend to camp outside inbetween major cities. Like i said its just for one person though. So a small triangle as shown in the image should suffice.
This is however the first time i tag along in years and in these past few years i really started to push back on plastic use. For the environment but also mostly for me, since i get these bad rashes for nearly a year now. I thought it was my detergent, but it just ended up being the synthetic fibers.
I also stopped using plastic cutting boards because we do inject lots of micro and macro plastics using them. And we start noticing many more bad health effects from it.
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u/SAI_Peregrinus 22d ago
Used to do reenactment of the old Norse. We made our own tents. Based on archaeological evidence that meant A-frames. Canvas, parrafin wax, waxed hemp thread, untreated lumber, leather, paint, and a heck of a lot of time & effort.
To transport you'll need a boat, oxen & a wagon, or a pickup truck, depending on preference.
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u/Hell-Yea-Brother 22d ago edited 22d ago
Big box stores sell painters tarps, and you can treat it with weatherproofing. Get a grommet kit and punch holes into the corners and edges.
Edit to add: if you dont want to use chemical coatings, use paraffin or linseed oil.
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u/Miguel-odon 22d ago
I cut them up (cheap canvas drop cloths) to make bags for tents, stakes, etc., but haven't tried anything as big as a tent.
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u/Reasonable-Marzipan4 22d ago
I have spent many a night in these at historical re-enactments, as well as green army tents at scout camp. I like them.
I owned one just as is pictured. It was great in the hot sun, but you must pack a fooot print. Also the supports are big and heavy. Impossible to put up solo.
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u/realsalmineo 22d ago edited 22d ago
Beckel Canvas Eena tents are excellent. We had a large wall tent with sod cloth and 5-rafter frame and stove hole that we bought in the mid-80s for elk season, and a baker tent with floor that we bought in the late 80s, along with a front porch for the wall tent. Someone sold the big one about ten years ago, but I still have the baker tent. They build a great product that lasts. Their tents are the kind of thing that you pass down to your kids and grandkids. Their catalog is HERE.
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u/subpotentplum 22d ago
You can probably find a working ten in the trash at most campgrounds tbqh. People are whack this would not increase nylon production and keep it out of landfill for longer. If I understand your objections.
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u/Wild_Opportunity_187 22d ago
As mentioned many times above, the Kodiak Canvas is a great option. Just got back from a quick trip this weekend. Sets up super fast and is really durable and roomy, but you're not going far from your car or truck
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u/FireRisinWith1n 22d ago
My Kodiak tent feels like something I could live in long term for a year, winter through summer. I camped in it last year during a night where it rained 20mm with 70km/h wind and I woke up bone dry, and the awning even stayed up.
I also have a small backpacking tent for when I'm camping somewhere I can't access with a vehicle.
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u/Snake-boot 21d ago
Canvas tents are still a viable option. Heavy, but comfortable. As long as you’re car camping or have mules. Don’t plan on packing it in unless you’re a glutton for punishment.
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u/211logos 22d ago
Plastic?
I assume that's just a pejorative for synthetic? if so, and assuming cotton does not offend, there are lots of canvas tents out there.
And surplus places can probably sell you an ex military used canvas tent like the one pictured. Check ebay.
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u/DOADumpy 22d ago
Synthetic tents are literally plastic. That’s what the synthetic “fibers” are made of.
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u/211logos 22d ago
True. But there is rayon, which IIRC is cellulose, and not plastic. I've seen it only in clothes though, not tenting. I think cotton canvas would be the best choice though.
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u/Abject-Impress-7818 22d ago
is cellulose, and not plastic
It's a plastic made from cellulose.
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u/Samantharina 22d ago
Cellulose is made from plants. Plastic is made from petroleum. But I haven't heard of rayon tents, are they a thing?
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u/Abject-Impress-7818 22d ago
Petroleum is made from plants too. It's all just carbon. IDK about rayon tents. That was a different commenter.
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u/westknight12 22d ago
Yeah, synthetics. Polyester, nylon etc.
I am at war with it😅 getting sick of it
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u/FreddyTheGoose 22d ago
Plenty of canvas tents out there. I love my Psyclone Tent. Be advised that they're heavy and take proper caring for, like cleaning, waterproofing (after the manufacturer's degrades), and proper storage to avoid mold. Mold will kill it rapidly so you can't forget to dry it after use even once.
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u/211logos 22d ago
Cotton has its own issues, but at least it degrades. So maybe that wiil work for you.
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u/YukiAFP 22d ago
I've seen a lot of canvas tents. They look super nice and can definitely be treated for water resistance if it wasn't already. The ones I've personally seen are usually hot tents so they are more pricey and are big so as long as you have the budget and not hiking with it there are tons of options! Good luck!
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u/Blucifers_Veiny_Anus 22d ago
For the pic shown, im thinking just get a canvas tarp and some wood poles. You could get a 12ft x 12 ft waxed canvas tarp for like $200.
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u/octahexxer 22d ago
2 polish canvas shelter halves will form a mini teepee that is very loved in the bushcraft community tons of reviews on youtube. Or you can pay a small fortune for some brand and get the same thing.
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u/BillLudwig 22d ago
Canvas tents are an option but they come with a lot of downsides. I sometimes get nostalgic for the one I camped in when I was in high school but I’ll never go back.
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u/CalmSignificance639 22d ago
We had a canvas bell tent. Lasted one summer. Constant issue with mildew and like others said-- it smelled awful.
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u/carlbernsen 22d ago
Bell Tents are a great design but they need proofing against wet, mould and UV at the start and end of every season if they’re going to last.
Polycotton covers are the best, all the advantages of cotton but fast drying and stronger for less weight. A good polycotton canvas will last a decade of continuous use.
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u/CalmSignificance639 21d ago
I did follow those instructions but maybe it worked too well. The mildew/mold was on the inside and increased when used consecutive nights. Almost like the moisture couldn't escape through the fabric.
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u/BaylisAscaris 22d ago
Natural fibers get moldy easily if you aren't very careful, and sometimes they do anyways, so keep that in mind. You can also buy a used plastic tent so you aren't contributing to the plastic problem.
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u/Helpful-cauli 22d ago
In the military surplus world, either a Dutch army tent or a lavvu if you can find them are great. Heavier than plastic, but somewhat manageable depending on how much weight you want to carry. I’ve got a lavvu and it’s great
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u/cnc_1985 22d ago
Everything you use will practically have plastic in terms of tents… use a leather tent? Leather? Only if you don't have to hit a trail! It weighs too much
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u/Lead-Forsaken 22d ago
Cotton canvas tents still exist. They're heavy though. Especially when wet. And if you pack them wet, you need to unpack and dry them within 24h.
There are inflatable versions too (in Europe at least).
One brand asked their customers a few years ago if they could show off their oldest tent that was still in use. There was one that was 25 years old and still going. Plus, they can often be repaired by specialty sewists. Often sailcloth repairpeople.
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u/Own-Nefariousness-79 22d ago
The Vango Force 10 Mk5 was a canvas classic, A frames, ridge pole, bell end (yes, really), big porch to cook in and the real game changer was the built in ground sheet.
If you can find a good one of these, you're on a winner.
https://www.blacksofgreenock.co.uk/force-ten-classic-std-mk5-tent
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u/daynanfighter 22d ago
Waxed canvas is what i’ve been leaning towards. I’ve been looking into this foe a while now, the coatings on the rain flies are terrible for you from what I understand.
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u/RealCleverUsernameV2 22d ago
Back in the 90s we did weeks at summer camp in Canvas tents on wooden platforms. Didn't keep the spiders out but they were fine.
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u/Junior-Health5127 22d ago
Canvas. You can make it waterproof by rubbing candle wax into it then hang it into the hot sun so the wax can melt into the fabric grids. Just as good as a plastic tent.
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u/Briaaanz 22d ago
https://youtu.be/HedRbIsM75M?si=jp9bhbWgzgDUKSNc
There are better ways than doing just candle wax
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u/StutzBob 22d ago
The reason tents are "plastic" is because it's a fraction of the weight. You can use canvas, but you aren't going backpacking with it or doing anything except keeping it in your car trunk until you're ready to set it up. Also, you won't have a floor or window netting, so good luck keeping bugs off you.
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u/Futt_Bucker_Fred 22d ago
I made a 100% cotton hammock, complete with a cotton bug net, waxed cotton canvas tarp, and manila rope to tie it up! I can post pics later if anyone is interested.
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u/Educational-Look-343 22d ago
I have a springbar tent and it is great. But it is bulky and heavy. I can put it up myself in about 20 minutes. 140 sqft all of it useable. Cooler in the heat. Warmer in the cold. Doesn’t leak or collect condensation. In fact the more wet it gets the better it sheds water. Another bonus is that you can put a wood stove in it which is fun but not very practical for keeping you warm through the cold night. Stove goes out after 4 hours so you have to constantly add wood throughout the night. I love it.
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u/Educational-Look-343 22d ago
One other alternative is the Shiftpod. Awesome structure and even easier setup compared to the canvas tent. 4 seasons comfort and is actually used as shelters in refugee camps.
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u/Smart-Difficulty-454 21d ago
I.prefer cotton canvas tents but don't currently have one tho I did purchase the canvas to make one. I'll use a pattern from Wildwood Wisdom by Ellsworth Jaegar.
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u/Vash_85 21d ago
My elk camp has been a 10x12 canvas wall tent with wood stove inside for the last decade or so. It works really well and is very comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Bit of a pain to haul around for quick trips, but for week long runs, I generally prefer it. One thing with canvas tents though, you really need to watch them when it rains. You can water proof them to a degree, but if it's raining hard and you touch the canvas from the inside, it can start leaking in that location.
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u/0akleaves 21d ago
A quick YouTube search should be enough to find instruction on making a waxed canvas tarp (or oilskin/tincloth recipes). A waxed/oiled high thread count king size sheet should make a relatively (compared to the pictured tent) light tarp that can be arranged into a tent or other shelter.
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u/VegetableSquirrel 21d ago edited 21d ago
Historical reenactment people get period tents from companies like these.
https://fcsutler.com/fccanvas.asp
Looks like you might be happy with a wedge tent or maybe a pyramid tent.
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u/WishPsychological303 21d ago
No, I'm sorry. When Nylon came into the market in the 30s, and Polyester in the 40s, the old waxed cotton and linens used for canvas ceased to function anymore. Now the rain just goes right through them and lands on your face while you try to sleep.
(Sorry I couldn't resist. Those are amazing tents--just sooooo dang heavy. There's a reason they had a train of pack mules for those old timey wilderness expeditions).
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u/rainbowkey 21d ago
Historical re-enactor here. Both modern and historically accurate canvas tents are available. Cotton, linen (flax) and hemp canvas were all used in tents historically. Cotton canvas is the most common now due to cost. For Renaissance faires that are a bit less sticklers for historical accuracy, I have used polyester canvas, which is even less expensive but just as sturdy. Here are some advantages and disadvantages I can think off of the top of my head.
Advantages
- Sturdiness. I have seen many nylon tents blown over in thunderstorms, where canvas stood strong
- No ropes (tripping hazard). A simple A frame like the one picture uses no ropes for simple setup, just poles and stakes
Poles can be made (and replaced) cheaply from hardware store materials. Fiberglass poles are harder and more expensive to source
Disadvantages
Cost. Nylon is less expensive
Weight. Nylon is far lighter. Plus the usually wood poles are heavier too. Though aluminum poles are possible
Thicker material dries more slowly
Thicker material takes up more space for storage
A wash between
- Heat. Nylon tents are often thought of as cooler, because they almost always include a rain fly, which is also a good sunfly. Putting a fly on a canvas tent, supported by the same poles, keeps it much cooler. A canvas tent with good waterproofing doesn't need a rain fly however
- Mold. Putting either type of tent away cold will create mold and mustiness. Natural materials will decompose, where nylon doesn't, but I don't see this as a huge difference. The big difference is that thick canvas needs more drying time
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u/Mister_Fedora 21d ago
You can get yourself a canvas tarp. If it doesn't have tie out points on the corners, a long the edges and down the middle you can sew some on or use grommets and put some in that way. If it's not a waterproof canvas, get a pound or so of wax and melt it onto the canvas. Boom, tarp tent. A bit heavy, but depending on your comfortability with nature you don't need anything else but a bundle of cordage to tie it up into various shelter types.
Or, if you want to see if you can even stand the concept, get yourself a cheap 9×9ish tarp/sun shade of another lighter material and try it out. I've got one I picked up off temu for like ten bucks, it weighs less than a pound and packs small enough that I can fit it in a cargo pocket if I want to. Either way, a proper canvas premade tent can be incredibly pricey, and even canvas tarps aren't exactly cheap anymore. Best be sure you want to commit.
Or you can go REALLY rustic and make something out of hides or something, but that can be not only exorbitantly expensive, but also time consuming as well as requiring specialized gear care. Wouldn't recommend
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u/BillyOutside 20d ago
Define ..... "plastic" .....
Canvas is nice but its a bit of work to look after it.
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u/miconn69 20d ago
I have evolved to hammocks, but I still see canvas tents advertised often. Ironically, Walmart's brand Ozark Trail has canvas tents that actually have pretty decent reviews!
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u/ho_merjpimpson 20d ago
imo, the best way to go would be to get some cotton sheets, sew up a shelter, and then seal them with wax... there are some cool how-to vids online.
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u/immortal_m00se 19d ago
Yeah, there are lot's of options. As long you don't have to carry it. waxed/oiled canvas is very heavy.
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u/Mimeschlime 19d ago
Actually, it is very difficult to buy a tent that is completely free of plastic in the market, unless it is a very expensive one
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u/Ancient_Highway2223 18d ago
About 20 years ago primate skills educator David Wescott published a book called “Camping in the old style”, and a fair amount of the introduction was a refutation of late 20th backpacking literature and culture and specifically the heavy reliance on nylon and other synthetic materials for tents, backpacks, and activity specific clothing. Since that time and especially in the last 10-15 years there’s been an explosion in teaching bushcraft skills and other high-impact outdoor activities.
I do both and I do hybrid camping. I’ve camped with a wool blanket and a tin cup like John Muir, nylon tents in the best fashions of the past half century, heavy backpacking, ultralight, and historic reproduction canvas. My preferred style is a blend of modern cot and sleeping bag, in a canvas tent with wool blankets and an ice chest for food. But I can also camp in handmade leather shoes, wool hose, flint and steel, with three days food in a canvas bag.
My point is you can camp however you want but some equipment is going to allow you to get places other equipment doesn’t and to be more or less comfortable when you’re there.
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u/Tofu_tony 17d ago
A used plastic tent would be more environmentally friendly than a new canvas or hide tent.
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u/PrettyOKPyrenees 17d ago
If you look for reenactment supply companies, you can find all sizes of canvas tents. There are a bunch out there, though sadly my favorite closed recently.
I have a canvas wedge tent similar to what you posted. 8.5'x9' base, 6' tall. It's a good size for 1 person, and can be set up independently with a little practice. The tent poles will be much bigger and heavier than a modern tent, and you'll need heavy duty stakes. If you want to see examples, see https://www.ccsutlery.com/store/canvas-tents.html. Sunforger is good, 100% cotton canvas.
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u/srekar-trebor 16d ago
Here in Germany and the Netherlands we can get our hands on used De Waards fairly cheap … I had two but sold one as it was too big. Love the smell and the comfort of cotton/canvas tents.
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u/blindside1 15d ago
You can DIY an oilskin canvas tarp for less than $50 if you want. Add grommets for convenience and you are good to go. It does require a space to hang the canvas for something like a month to dry though.
I much prefer the smell of waxed canvas myself and you can do it almost as cheap but more time is spent waxing the canvas than the dip and hang of oilskin.
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u/wirelessmikey 22d ago
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, can be released from camping tents through wear and tear, contributing to environmental pollution. Traditional tents, often made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, are prone to shedding these particles, which can then contaminate soil, water sources, and even wildlife habitats.
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u/westknight12 22d ago
Which is exactly why i dont want a plastic one. Threw all my non cotton clothing away too.
Its a pest
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u/lvbuckeye27 22d ago
Cotton is terrible for outdoors clothing. If you don't want to wear synthetic fabrics, try some wool.
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u/Futt_Bucker_Fred 22d ago
I actually like it for outer layers, but I just make sure everything touching my skin is wool. I feel like cotton canvas jackets and pants can handle heavy brush and branch scrapes better than my wool stuff.
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u/wirelessmikey 22d ago
Never thought of that good point. Imagine all micro plastics in washers/dryers🤧
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u/Medium_Human887 22d ago
I just dont see how canvas is better than heavyweight all polyester. It’s durable, lasts long, and is very waterproof. Also doesnt smell terrible like canvas and much easier to wash
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u/Futt_Bucker_Fred 22d ago
It doesn't unleash microplastics into the environment, and can break down in our lifetime if it's ever retired. It's likely that every single plastic thing you have ever purchased still exists in some capacity today.
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u/Decent-Sun-6323 18d ago
So you are against plastics because of environmental reasons but you are going to drive in a car to go camping?
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u/DudeWhereIsMyDuduk 22d ago
Canvas still exists and is great if weight is an absolute non-factor.