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Choosing the best tent for long-term living? I reviewed the 3 top contenders on the market based on setup ease, weather protection, and livability.
Tent Comparison Chart
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1. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent
- Best Overall
The large Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow tent is heavy, so it’s arguably not the best backpacking tent, but that’s also an indicator of excellent quality fabric. High-quality, water-resistant, cotton-duct canvas makes this model extremely resistant to wear and tear with long-term use. The simplicity of the design makes it easy to set up, despite the weight.
The style allows water to run off smoothly without pooling, and the silicone finish repels water further, so the canvas doesn’t absorb too much moisture during heavy storms.
The floor of the tent is made from 16-ounce vinyl and keeps your feet dry.
Thick canvas could impact breathability inside the structure, but not to the same extent of a rain skin. Kodiak compensates for the thickness with two D-shaped doors, funnel-flow vents, and four windows.
The flex-bow tent accommodates eight people comfortably and comes with an awning for extra space or shade. At a height of over six feet, there’s ample space for tall campers—an unusual benefit for these types of products.
There’s a small catch—you will have to dig deeper into your pockets to pay for this model. It’s not cheap compared to similar choices.
Is it worth the cost? Perhaps, not for a once-a-year camping trip. However, for long-term use, the spacious interior and weatherproof qualities are well worth it.
The company provides a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. If well-maintained, the tent will last for decades.
About Kodiak Canvas
Founded in 2012, Kodiak Canvas has built a reputation for durable, high-quality camping gear. Designed for Rocky Mountain conditions, Kodiak Canvas tents had to be tough and sturdy.
Key Features
- 100% cotton canvas
- Watertight
- Two large doors
- Four big windows
- No-See-Um mesh for privacy and protection against insects
- Flex-Bow frame for sturdiness
- Funnel-flow vents for temperature control
Specifications
- Brand: Kodiak Canvas
- Capacity: 8 people
- Walls: 8.5-ounce canvas with Hydra-Shield coating
- Ceiling: 10-ounce canvas with Hydra-Shield coating
- Floor: 16-ounce vinyl, reinforced with vinyl and welded seams
- Frame: Galvanised steel tubing
- Rods: Spring steel Flex-Bow rods
- Footprint: 10 feet by 14 feet
- Height: 6 feet, 6 inches
- Weight: 79 pounds with the stakes
- Folds Down To: 30 inches by 16 inches without the poles
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Outstanding water-resistance
- Double doors and four windows
- Spacious
- More breathable than a tent with a rain skin
- Excellent for year-round use
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme cold
- Pricey compared to competitors
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent
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2. Luxe Tempo Tent For Living All Year Round
- Best Lightweight Option
If you’re backpacking across the country, you won’t want to lug around a 79-pound behemoth. At just under six pounds, the Luxetempo model won’t weigh you down. It is easy on the eyes, and this compact model is also surprisingly affordable.
The lightweight material seems flimsy at first but keeps snow and rain out effectively. The padded floor smooths over rocky ground and keeps moisture at bay. High-grade polyester is surprisingly weather-resistant, even in cold conditions.
What’s the catch? The size.
The two-person tent has a small footprint, and it is low to the ground. In cold conditions, this is an advantage. In warmer weather, you may need to open the doors to improve airflow.
You won’t be able to stand up straight unless you’re under four feet three inches tall.
If you’re moving around a fair amount, the lighter weight is a necessity over the extra headroom, and protection against frigid, snowy conditions is invaluable if you’re mountaineering in colder climates.
About Luxe Tempo
Luxe Tempo’s founders are avid campers. The team set out to create an excellent quality, affordable range that was highly functional. The result is a useful camping range that won’t break the bank.
Key Features
- Inner and outer layers for better temperature control
- Exterior layer accommodates an awning
- Breathable
- High-low ventilation to reduce condensation inside the tent
- PU coating exterior is water- and sleet-resistant
- Reinforced corners to maintain tautness
- Dual-layer doors
- Mesh loft for additional storage
- Doors open from the inside for extra security
- Durable
- UV-resistant
Specifications
- Brand: Luxe Tempo
- Capacity: 2 people
- Made From: 210T rip-stop polyester
- Frame: Aluminum tubing
- Footprint: 6.8 feet by 8.7 feet
- Height: 51 inches
- Weight: 5.7 pounds with the stakes
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Lightweight
- Works for cold weather
- Affordable
- Padded floor
- Wind-, water-, and snow-resistant
Cons
- Not ideal for tall campers
- The footprint is an extra
Luxetempo Tent For Living All Year Round
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3. ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
- Best Weatherproofing
The reason this tent made the list is that it’s incredibly easy to pitch. While it’s billed as a four-person tent, it’s easy for you to set it up or pack it away on your own.
At 10.5 pounds, it’s not as light as the Luxetempo version, but the extra space in the tent makes up for the increased weight. If the load is a concern for you, consider upgrading to this manufacturer’s Lynx Tent instead.
Keep in mind, when I say “extra space” it’s not much – only 5 square feet. So, even though this is billed as a 4-person tent, I would argue its a two person and their gear tent.
Even so, it’s an excellent deal for the money, and it’s hard to find a better quality option at this price point.
Is it the perfect option for years of long-term camping? It is a strong contender for a few weeks at a time in colder climates.
The weatherproofing is superb and will keep out snow, sleet, and rain throughout your trip.
Condensation tends to accumulate between the rain fly and the exterior, so you will have to take extra care to dry the tent before storing it. It isn’t a dealbreaker while camping, however. The interior stays cozy and dry.
Key Features
- The two-pole design makes assembly easy
- Relatively lightweight
- UV-resistant
- Water, snow, and wind-resistant
- The tent fly provides extra storage
- Reasonable ventilation
- Two doors with inlaid zippered windows make it easy to get in and out
- Mesh roof
Specifications
- Brand Name: Alps Mountaineering
- Capacity: 4 people
- Weighs: 10.5 pounds
- Footprint: 7 feet 6 inches by 8 feet 6 inches
- Height: 52 inches
Pros
- Free-standing
- Easy to set up
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Best weather-resistance
- Extra storage space
Cons
- Windows could be designed better
- Too small for a four-person tent
ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
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What to Look For in a Long-Term Camping Tent
If you plan to live in a tent long-term, especially year-round, there are certain features that will make your life much easier. You won’t have all the comforts of home, but with the right preparation, you can have all the necessities. I covered this topic pretty extensively in our guide on living in a tent long term.
Here are what I would consider the most important factors that I would look for in a tent for long-term living.
Durability
When choosing a tent for long-term camping, durability is key. The tent will be your home away from home for an extended period, so you’ll want one that can stand up to repeated use without showing wear and tear.
- Look for tents made with high-denier polyester, nylon fabric, or canvas that resist UV damage, abrasion, and water.
- Sturdy pole construction using shock-corded fiberglass or preferably aluminum is also important. Make sure poles are durable and not prone to snapping in windy conditions.
- Look at the quality and strength of zippers, tie-downs, stakes, and seams as well to ensure your tent will hold up.
Size
Consider the size and layout of the tent based on how many people will be using it and how much time you’ll spend inside.
- Make sure there is enough floor space for everyone to sleep comfortably and move around, plus extra capacity for gear storage. I recommend going up a tent size. For example, if there are two campers, get a tent designed for at least three people.
- Look for designs with multiple rooms or closable dividers to allow privacy if camping with multiple people.
- Taller sidewalls and ceilings provide more usable interior space and ventilation.
- There should also be adequate vestibules for storing muddy boots and gear outside of the main living area.
Privacy
Privacy is a key concern when camping long-term in close proximity to others.
- Look for tent materials that don’t allow silhouettes to show through from the outside when lit from within.
- Vented roof panels and windows that zip closed rather than being all mesh also provide privacy.
- Multiple-room tents allow people to have their own space and get away from each other when needed. Some long-term camping tents even have room dividers or removable interior walls to create private bedrooms within the tent.
Comfort
Comfortable camping refers to several aspects:
- Temperature regulation: Temperature regulation is a serious consideration when you’re camping through several seasons. Will your tent be as comfortable in hot or cold weather? Can you add or remove a rain sheet for better climate control?
- Breathability: Polyester and nylon tents are at the bottom of the list regarding breathability. On the other hand, canvas tents are extremely breathable and offer good insulation, making them a great choice for all seasons living.
- Available space: The more spacious the interior, the more comfortable your camping trip. Will you be able to stand and make yourself coffee? Can you fit a bed or cot in the space? Do you have space for all of your belongings?
- Moisture control: Moisture management is critical for comfortable long-term tent camping. Condensation from breathing, cooking, and gear can quickly lead to dampness issues inside a tent. Look for models with features to mitigate moisture build-up when shopping for a long-term camping tent. Double wall construction with breathable mesh inner tents helps reduce condensation. Roof vents, vestibules, and removable rainflies also provide airflow to reduce moisture.
Weight
Will the weight of the canvas and poles be problematic for you? If you’re setting up in one spot and staying for a while, probably not. When you’re hiking and moving campsites every day, you’ll feel every extra ounce.
There are many ways to reduce the weight. For example, aluminum poles weigh less than steel or fiberglass. A smaller tent option will typically weigh less, and you might also want to switch from canvas to polyester.
With each choice, there’s a tradeoff. Polyester may not be as breathable as cotton canvas. Aluminum poles typically cost more than fiberglass. Carbon fiber poles may be more fragile in colder climates.
Understanding the selection that you’re making is essential to choosing the best option for your needs.
Ease Of Assembly
Typically, campers look for a tent that goes up quickly and requires two or fewer people to pitch. Some tents, like instant tents, can go up in as little as 60 seconds with only a single person.
While this typically holds true for long-term camping as well, if you plan on staying in one spot for extended periods of time, a quick setup might not be as important.
So, when looking for the best long-term tent for your camping needs, take into account how long you plan on staying at one spot, and if you have help pitching the tent or not.
Tip: Practice pitching your tent in the yard before you leave home to work out any kinks ahead of time.
Weather Resistance
Your long-term camping tent needs to provide reliable shelter in all sorts of weather.
The tent should be rated for adequate wind resistance, withstanding gusts up to at least 50 mph. Look for designs with low profiles and aerodynamic shapes that can better handle wind. Extra guy-out points and sturdy stakes will help keep the tent grounded.
For colder weather camping, choose a tent with adequate ventilation to prevent condensation but able to seal up tightly when needed.
It’s important to research how your chosen model will stand up to different climatic conditions as you consider your destinations.
Waterproofing
Treatments like waterproofing perform more than one function – they keep water out and extend the life of tents.
Waterproofing is typically done by the manufacturer. However, it can and will degrade over time, especially if you live in a tent long-term.
To add additional waterproofing to your tent, the type of treatment you use will depend on the type of fabric your tent is made of.
For polyester and synthetic material tents, Nikwax Rain & Solarproof is the perfect product to not only add waterproofing protection to your tent but also protect it from the sun’s damaging rays.
Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof
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Tip: Check out our guide on how to waterproof a tent the right way if you decide to treat your tent fabric yourself.
Canvas tents should be properly seasoned and if needed can be additionally protected with the use of a waterproofing product like Nikwax Cotton Proof. Check out our guide titled Are Canvas Tents Waterproof for more information on this.
Nikwax Cotton Proof Waterproofing
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UV Protection
UV protection is important not only for you but for the fabric of your tent, as well.
Of course, you want a tent that will block out as many UV rays as possible to protect your skin, but prolonged UV exposure can damage your tent and degrade it at an increased rate.
So, choose a tent with built-in UV protection, pitch your tent out of sunlight as often as possible, and you can even apply over-the-counter UV protection products to help protect you and your tent.
Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof
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Tent Accessories To Consider
A few tent accessories that will come in handy when long term camping include:
- An Awning: While not essential, an awning provides additional shade and increases useable floor space. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a sunset on your front “porch.”.
- Extra Stakes: A few additional aluminum stakes won’t add significantly to the weight of your pack. And they come in handy when the wind is particularly strong, or you lose the originals.
- Tent Footprint: A footprint goes under your tent to protect it from the ground and extend its lifespan.
- Tarp or Shelter: An additional tarp can be set up over the tent for extra protection from rain or sun, while a screen shelter can provide a bug-free outdoor area.