Canvas Tent Instructions

Canvas tents are among the most durable, reliable camping shelters available. Though heavier to carry than nylon tents, canvas has been used by the Boy Scouts, the US Army and other camping purists for decades. To get the most out of canvas tents and to avoid rips and water damage, one must follow the basic rules of setting up and taking down as well as proper care and storage.

Preparation

Before taking the tent out of its sleeve, choose level ground free of rocks or other debris that could tear the tent floor or make for uncomfortable sleeping. Ensure the tent site is upwind from campfires for safety. A layer of leaves and a waterproof tarp under the tent floor can add comfort and provide additional protection.

Storage

Setting Up and Taking Down

Unroll the tent so it sits in a flat square and position it so its back is into the wind for stability. For most canvas tents, metal grommets are located at the four outside corners of the floor. Stake one into the ground using a provided stake or carve your own from half-inch diameter branches or dowels. Then go to the opposite diagonal corner and pull the tent taught before staking in that corner. Follow the same procedure for the other two corners. By using this method, the tent floor should be relatively free of wrinkles and wasted floor space. Once the corners are staked, it's time to erect the main body of the tent.

Canvas tents should come with two upright tent poles with extended points at the tops. These points should fit into two metal grommets located at the top part of the tent at the front and rear. At the front of the tent, insert the point into the metal grommet and raise the tent up. When properly seated, the front tent pole should run parallel and aligned with the front flap zipper of the tent, centered on the shelter.

Guidelines should be available that attach to the front and rear grommets. Pull the front guideline out, keeping it aligned with the center of the tent. Tie a taught-line hitch--which is an adjustable knot--into the end of the guideline rope. The knot, diagrammed in the Boy Scout Fieldbook and Handbook, creates a loop in the end of the rope through which a tent stake can be driven. Stake the loop into the ground with the stake at a 45-degree angle, which will allow for more stability for the structure. Then adjust the knot so the guidline is taught and the front tent pole stands on its own. Repeat these steps for the rear tent pole.

If side ropes are available to expand the inside surface area, pull the lines out from the side of the tent following in a straight line from the side seems. Stake the side ropes at 45-degree angles.

To take the tent down, follow these steps in reverse order.

Storing the Tent

Before rolling up and storing canvas tents, be sure the material is bone dry. Canvas that is put away wet will grow mold and mildew, regardless of whether it is treated material.