Springbar - Springbar Canvas Tents

I grew up in Utah and was big into scouting. The tents we used for decades were the Springbars and they are still holding up, and we put them through hell. I'm not even kidding about decades. There are tents still being used in my old neighborhood that are going on 60 years old now - even after the abuse 60 years of teenage boys gave them. [https://springbar.com/](https://springbar.com/) They are big and heavy, but will be the last "car camping" tent you will ever need.

About to do a first run in our Springbar this weekend!

Same! We agonized over the purchase since January, as they’re not cheap. Went for it and we’re just committing to being a car camping family for the next two decades or so. 😂

Planning to also use it for fishing and grouse hunting this fall, possibly with the hot tent setup (if we can justify buying it)

Dude…nice :) Test trip is going ok. Some rain, didn’t bother hosing it down like the YouTubers say (to “season” it) and it seems to be repelling water just fine. The gear caddies are slick.

Plus…it’s gonna be home during grouse camp. So that doesn’t suck.

I've just broke in my second springbar, and the first one lasted about a decade (even bought used!). They're heavy and bulky to store, but bulletproof in wind/rain. I've had it up mostly unprotected in what I think were 50-60 mph winds, and my new tent survived last years rain without a hiccough.

My husband and I have a Springbar Classic Jack 140 with a wood stove, which serves as our living/bedroom area AND the Springbar Leisure Port, which serves as our kitchen/dining area. It's like a portable two-room cabin or yurt. We haul all our gear in a utility trailer (and store all our stuff in same trailer when we're home), so we have plenty of space for the dogs in our Subaru. Canvas tents are heavy, so we also travel with a folding wagon to make it easier to haul our stuff from the trailer to the site. (And the wagon is good for hauling water and firewood.) We're retired, so we tend to set up and stay in a spot for 4-12 days at a time. I would take canvas tents over a van (we lived the van life for a year about eight years ago) or RV or trailer because the Springbar tents offer so much more space, ventilation and versatility. And they're just beautiful to live in. We put wool Moroccan rugs on the floor, camp chairs with sheepskin, solar lanterns and man, we be glamping. Just last week we were up on Lake Superior with a strong north wind that drove the temperatures down to a 34 degree-windchill. The canvas tent didn't flap and with the wood stove, it was so cozy. We sat around and read by the fire in our pjs. Heaven!

The two mainstays are the Kodiak canvas springbar and the shift pod.  They are both great, tbh. I don't give a fuck if some Instagrammers like the shift pod, that shouldn't turn you off. It's a great tent. Goes up easily, works exactly as advertised, is expensive.  It's very long when packed up.  I personally don't like the esthetic. I have a Kodiak springbar and I love it. Simple, classic, elegant.  Probably doesn't stay as cool, but it's repairable and feels "right" to me and less like a doofy spaceship.  Whatever you do, you want a seperate shade structure over top.  There is no better material than aluminet for this. Hexayurts (diy tents built from insulation panels) are kinda cool if you want to put up with the extra complication and storage requirements.

I actually totally agree with you, I think I just have a habit of being contrarian.  I don't like the number of moving parts, and the complexity of the design, and the space age materials, and the "philosophy" of the thing.  The Kodiak is simple, effective, classic.  Three main poles, canvas, quality sewing.  A square footprint is way more economical, the fact that you can easily replace poles or patch the material is a huge benefit. It also transports in three bags (counting pegs) and none of them are obnoxiously long.  That said, the shiftpods are inarguably fantastic tents, and I wouldn't fault them for anything. To make an analogy they are like an Audi. Beautiful, but arguably overdesigned. I don't think you could realistically do better, though. Agree that anybody who's tent flooded did something wrong. Without tooting my horn too much, I've been over all the options and I'm damn sure the best value/performance for the playa is the Kodiak springbar. You've seen the hexhead lagbolts that people use as pegs? Huge quality of life improvement over rebar.

Get yourself a USA made Springbar. Yes, they are more expensive but worth every penny and a lifetime warranty.

I have a Springbar canvas but that may be just outside your budget. I would look at Kodiak canvas

I love my Springbar. Going on 10 years of use and it is still in excellent condition.

Are you planning to have a heat source in your tent? We use a canvas tent that is great year round, 2 big outdoorsman cots (love) + Teton mattress pads and use a propane heater to keep it comfortable on cooler nights. https://preview.redd.it/7rvf6tn4oqte1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e79e5017325ed43f5e0432928d6fba2ccb6e3261

Nice! They are great, we have the little buddy, but ended up getting the big buddy for those extra cold nights. That is also our doggo in front who enjoys warming up by it. We crack a couple windows and keep a carbon monoxide detector just in case. Canvas tents have decent ventilation and we have not had the detector go off once since using it. The tent is a Springbar Skyliner.

I think you’re talking about a different kind of tent. Kodiak springbar tents all come with a heavy duty floor. Maybe Kodiak makes an ice fishing tent? I wasn’t aware of that, but the Kodiak springbar canvas tents are tried and true playa tents that hold up beautifully to wind and rain. My Kodiak also did great last year, stayed dry and warm.

Thirds, it was definitely a hit to the pocket book but we also camp a lot. I have zero complaints about mine however I do need to get in touch with them because my dork good boi scratched the door screen

There are only two downsides. The purchase hit and the fact it weighs a metric F ton 😂 I haven’t actually looked into it but I feel like it has a life time warranty to be fixed (even user error (aka my dog ripped the screen)). I’ll use it this season and get in touch with them about a winter repair. Shipping is probably the most expensive e part of the repair.

I’ll never look back after getting a springbar. Slight over 1k for a USA made version. The only issue is weight. Zero issue with wind and rain for me. 2 adults and a kid and a dog. Could easily do 3 adults in cots with gear. Mine has an awning which is nice for the doorway mat/shoes. I have the 10x10 travler. I do t need it and usually don’t have the space for it but the family camper would be nice if it’s usually wet to have a place to dry things. I’ve seen some people modify them for stoves which is on my list of things to do and the 10x14 would be way nicer to have a stove in.

Kodiak canvas spring bar tents are outstanding, but they do require proper care - plus they are larger and heavier when broken down. They are roomy, incredibly sturdy and moderate temps well. We absolutely love ours. That being said, you must avoid packing them up when wet. They are susceptible to mold and may lose their water-resistance. If you do pack up when wet, be sure to set up your tent again when you get home or at your next destination. The canvas needs to breathe. Also, if you’re camping in a humid environment, water can bead on the inside of the tent, if it’s not vented. Anyhow, great tent but a few things to know and do to take care of the investment.

Kodiak canvas spring bar tents are outstanding, but they do require proper care - plus they are larger and heavier when broken down. They are roomy, incredibly sturdy and moderate temps well. We absolutely love ours. That being said, you must avoid packing them up when wet. They are susceptible to mold and may lose their water-resistance. If you do pack up when wet, be sure to set up your tent again when you get home or at your next destination. The canvas needs to breathe. Also, if you’re camping in a humid environment, water can bead on the inside of the tent, if it’s not vented. Anyhow, great tent but a few things to know and do to take care of the investment.

Springbar or Flexbow is definitely the answer. Staying in one place for two weeks is worth spending the extra coin on a really nice tent. I think Springbar tents have a lifetime warranty, and they are known to last 30-40 years.

Springbar for the win

As a long-time canvas tent user, I think you're on the right track considering a Springbar or Kodiak for your base camp setup. Here's why: * Durability: Canvas tents withstand UV damage much better than nylon. Our Springbar has endured years of intense sun exposure without issues. * Wind resistance: These tents perform very well in wind. We've weathered some serious thunderstorms in ours. * Comfort: The breathability of canvas is unmatched. You'll notice less condensation and better temperature regulation. For your specific situation: * The 8.5x6 size should work well for your cot and gear bin setup. We have one this size and its great for 1-2 people, though we generally camp in the 10x10 or 10x14 sizes. * Upkeep is minimal. Just ensure it's completely dry before storage. * Retreatment is rarely needed. We've only done it once in several years of heavy use after the dew droppings from a tree stained the canvas and we wanted to get it white again. We washed it and then retreated it with a canvas water repellent. The extra weight and bulk are the main drawbacks, but for car camping, it's a worthwhile trade-off for the comfort and longevity you'll gain. Here's a [video](https://youtu.be/FZJp1R4kJ6U?si=78JIdQyTUqhCV2gu) comparing the Kodiak and Springbars if its helpful.

The Zempire blow-up tent is a great option that I don't think has been mentioned yet. I've got one and can set it up in just over 2 minutes. At 5'2, you'd have no problem standing up across most of the tent (I'm 5'4"). Some other solid choices: • Springbar and Kodiak canvas tents: Incredibly spacious and durable though must be packed dry so be aware of that if you're camping in wet conditions • Nemo Aurora: Replaced the popular Wagontop model, offering good headroom Hope this helps!

Great comment and I totally agree. We have four daughters ages 3-15 and go camping all year long, and have a very similar mindset as you do. Make it comfortable, make it fun, make it enjoyable. We likewise skip very hot weather or a weekend that's set to be all rain. We try to camp where there's water to play in (creek, river, lake, beach) because it provides a central activity focus. A couple of years ago we upgraded to canvas tents (we have Springbar and Kodiak tents) and it was the perfect investment for us. We still have the kids help around camp and do out of comfort zone things, like harder hikes where they earn the views, but with a comfortable camping set up it all evens out.

Any Springbar tent beside the Compact. I have the Vagabond and can stand in it at 6'2" with room to spare.

Kodiak, Teton or a used Springbar (if you can find them - the best option they are just built better). 10x10 is fine // have a no outside shoes in tent policy - means have a set of in camp flip flops or slips // costco 27g totes make a fine table stacked 2-3 high // pro tip - behind a door vinyl elastic organizer that is sandwitched between the inside / outside tent by many rare earth magnets at various points. Place this right by your door (and put mission critical stuff in it - glasses, sunscreen, masks ect) so you can pop your head in (with outside shoes - outside) your tent, get your stuff without having to take your shoes off.

Springbar are very good. Very heavy. and expensive. and worth it

6'4" here, I absolutely love my springbar tent. Best tent ever.

Canvas, like Springbar or Kodiak. Downside is the weight

Nice. Very nice setup. What I like about the two I mentioned is that the height near the sides is good too. Darn near a flat roof so no ducking even when grabbing gear :)

They’re durable canvas at a good price. The OG canvas is Springbar and they’re amazing as well. Kodiak pretty much followed their path, but at a lower price. Springbar now has a higher and lower price option. Lower is made in Asia, as is Kodiak. Doesn’t matter where they’re made, they’re both very good. Dust doesn’t come through canvas much.

I dunno mate. I have a Kodiak and have had to patch the floor bc of pin holes in it. I have friends who’ve had a Springbar for over a decade and it’s been super reliable. Perhaps quality has had a hiccup? Camping with a friend this week who has a brand new Springbar. I’ll see if we can get a floor comparison side by side. :) Not saying either is a bad tent. They’re both very good.

Also plug here for Springbar tents. They have models that are cheaper and imported but the original Springbar models are hand stitched and made in Utah. Amazing tents

Report back how it goes! We had the Springbar growing up. Unfortunately my parents sold it when they moved and downsized. I wish he would’ve asked me first. Buying one this winter for next year. Gonna hold onto it and pass it down to my son or daughter in 16 years lol

Yea we have a pop up (wife wanted a/c). However she really doesn’t wanna go with camping anymore so we’re selling the pop up and buying a Springbar haha

Have you looked at a Kodiak or Springbar tent? They're heavy, but bombproof. They're not hard to set up either, and don't get like a sauna in the middle of the day.

Springbar Classic Jack or Skyliner. Yes, they are big/heavy but they will last a lifetime and they are burly enough to stand up to high wind and winter weather. One person can set one up in ~10mins, and with two people maybe 5min setup. Hardest part is hammering in the stakes if you have tough/dry ground. Also, its hard to beat cooking and chilling with the wood stove especially during the short-day season.

When it comes to car camping, I don't even consider nylon an option. The only thing I'd look at other than canvas (Springbar in particular) is a ShiftPod.