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Pros & Cons About Tents!
Let's Compare Them*
|
Primitive |
Modern |
Wall Tent |
Teepee |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| COST |
FREE
|
$
|
$$
|
$$
|
| DURABILITY |
POOR
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
| MOBILITY |
POOR
|
VERY GOOD
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
| WEIGHT |
90 KG
|
3.5 KG
|
25 KG
|
20 KG
|
| SET UP |
1/2 DAY
|
15 MN
|
2.5 H
|
1.5 H
|
| HEATING |
NONE(1)
|
PROPANE(2)
|
WOOD STOVE
|
CAMPFIRE
|
| COMFORT |
POOR
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
| STORM PROOF |
GOOD
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD+
|
| FIRE PROOF |
POOR
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
| MOISTURE |
POOR
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
| RAIN PROOF |
MEDIUM
|
MEDIUM(3)
|
GOOD(3)
|
GOOD
|
| LIVING SPACE |
POOR
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
| LIVABILITY |
POOR
|
POOR
|
GOOD
|
GOOD
|
My personal Thoughts
Clearly both wall tents and teepees are better alternatives to primitive shelters and modern
camping tents, that is if you are looking for a good alternative and low cost habitation. You can
live in both for weeks or months. One of their superiorities is to provide adequate space,
allowing you walk around inside instead of crawling or rolling on the floor. They can also be
heated with firewood, and let you safely and comfortably cook your food inside.
But the teepee does have an advantage, a central fire place. Fire is life, sitting by or around a
fire, and sleeping near a fire are extremely comforting. Another more subtle difference is its
round shape, optimizing space, in harmony with nature. Finally, there is an undeniable spiritual
dimension to the teepee other tents don't have, call it soul if you want. Should you ever own a
teepee, you will certainly experience this feeling.
* This is for longer than just a few nights while on a trek, we also compare 4-people tents
(1) No heating is a bad option.
(2) Using a propane stove in a closed area is dangerous, propane stoves also require a supply of
tanks.
(3) To keep a camping or wall tent dry, it is preferable to cover them with a
tarp or fly.
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The making of everlasting memories through wilderness adventures
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Assiniboine Tipis
PO Box 649 Lundar, Manitoba R0C1Y0
Canada
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