The liner is important although one can enjoy his tipi without it during hot summer days. It is a key-element to make your tipi more comfortable by controlling draft and smoke. When camping in the forest or on a lakeshore, it will help to keep most insects out which is appreciated by seasoned campers and visitors as well. For winter camping, the liner will prevent the occupants from freezing, it also provides an extra insulation from the outside air. In the old days, people used to stuff dry grass between liner and cover to increase the insulation of their lodge.
Years ago, when I was working as a hunting guide, I called my old tipi "sweet home" for many memorable seasons. The lodge was pitched in a charming little clearing bordered by a small creek, and surrounded the dick boreal forest. The lake with its pristine water was a mere arrow shot away. Everybody loved the place, it was enchanting although there were clouds of black flies buzzing around during the day and zillions of mosquitoes trying to break down my patience at night. But thanks to my liner, the tipi was nice and comfortable, sleeping was most of the time very peaceful.
As you can see (picture), a liner makes the tipi so comfortable that even babies enjoy it.
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Blackfoot tipi with its painted liner |