EverythingTents Episode 2: Outfitter & Wall Tents
Outfitter & Wall Tents: The Ultimate Basecamp for Comfort and Durability
In our "Everything Tents" series, we're taking a closer look at each type of outdoor shelter. Today, we're diving into the world of outfitter tents and classic canvas wall tents – the robust, heavy-duty champions designed for comfort and extended stays in the wilderness.
We're showcasing our own Cabela's 12x12 Outfitter Tent to highlight the features and considerations that make these tents ideal for specific types of outdoor adventures.
Why Choose an Outfitter or Wall Tent?
Unmatched Comfort & Space:
Stand-Up Headroom: Unlike smaller backpacking tents, these offer ample height, allowing you to stand up fully, stretch, change clothes, and move around with ease. As Jay says, it's "kind of like a cheat code" for comfort in the backcountry.
Room for Activities: Whether it's a "bunkhouse" for 6-8 people with cots (though real-world comfort might be closer to 4-5) or a dedicated "cook shack," these tents provide generous living space. You can set up tables, chairs, and organize gear.
Dedicated Gear Storage: Many feature vestibules (enclosed or covered areas) where you can store wet boots, packs, and wood, keeping the main living area clean and dry.
Robust Durability & Weather Resistance:
Bombproof Construction: Designed to be "bombproof" in harsh conditions, outfitter and wall tents are incredibly structurally sound and sturdy.
Handles Extreme Weather: They are built to withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and significant snow loads. Drew shares an experience of being comfortable in a wall tent during an unexpected September blizzard in Colorado, where temperatures dropped to 8 degrees Fahrenheit with 6-8 inches of snow.
Requires Proper Setup: Crucially, their stability depends on thorough staking and guying out. Don't compromise on this, even if it means "a lot of extra work," as strong mountain microbursts can quickly change conditions.
Key Considerations When Purchasing and Using:
Transportation (The Weight Factor):
Extremely Heavy & Bulky: This is their biggest limitation. These tents are not for backpacking.
Ideal Transport: Meant for car camping, or for packing in on livestock like horses, llamas, or even pack goats. Outfitters frequently use them due to their capacity and comfort for clients. Jay recounts a "not so bright moment" when he attempted to backpack a Cabela's outfitter tent 6 miles – a feat he accomplished but warns against!
Wood Stove Compatibility:
A major advantage! Most outfitter and wall tents are designed to safely accommodate a wood stove with a stove jack (a heat-resistant opening for the chimney). This provides consistent warmth, allows for drying gear, and enhances the overall camp experience in cold weather.
Single-Wall Design & Condensation:
Most outfitter and wall tents are single-wall structures.
Condensation Risk: This means heat rising can lead to significant condensation build-up inside, potentially dripping on you.
Ventilation is CRITICAL: Ensure adequate airflow by cracking windows and, crucially, opening peak vents. Jay often forgets to open his tent's peak vents, leading to uncomfortable dripping. Drew shares a chilling story of family friends who almost suffered from oxygen depletion using a Mr. Buddy heater in an unvented outfitter tent, highlighting the vital safety aspect of ventilation, even in cold weather.
Realistic Capacity:
Tent manufacturers often exaggerate capacity. A tent labeled "6 to 8-person" or "8 to 10-person" will likely comfortably fit closer to 4 people with gear and cots, especially if you want room to move. Always plan for fewer people than the stated maximum.
Trip Hazards & Lighting:
Due to their size and numerous guy lines, outfitter tents can pose trip hazards around camp, especially at night.
Pro Tip: Set up exterior lighting (e.g., solar lights, string lights) around your tent to illuminate guy lines and pathways, preventing falls.
Setup Time & Manpower:
While some outfitter tents (like Jay's Cabela's model) can be set up by one person in about 15 minutes, larger, traditional canvas wall tents often require multiple people and 30-40+ minutes of effort, particularly in bad weather. Consider if you'll have help when choosing!
Outfitter and wall tents offer unparalleled comfort and durability for established camps. If your adventure allows for their transport, they provide a fantastic, robust base from which to explore.