Sleep covers? Tents, Flies, Etc

[Tartan Jack]

At overnight events in the past, I’ve always managed to sleep under someone’s fly (usually something brought extra or as part of the display) or on a boat. 

I figure I should get my own …

 

What does everyone use for overnight events?

Images would be great.

[William Brand]

I've used Red Hawk Trading Company.  http://www.redhawktrading.com/products.html

I used them for several reasons.  People bragged on the rugged construction, and they aren't wrong.  The tents are very well made.  Also, they were within driving distance, so no shipping costs.  Also...they were an odd size, because a custom order had fallen through so we bought two of them for a reduced price.  I can't say enough good about them.  That said, while my tent is a simple wedge, it isn't period.  Close, but not period.  

It's hard to find close tents, but there are more period ones out there in terms of cut and materials.

[Tartan Jack]

5 minutes ago, William Brand said:

I've used Red Hawk Trading Company.  http://www.redhawktrading.com/products.html

I used them for several reasons.  People bragged on the rugged construction, and they aren't wrong.  The tents are very well made.  Also, they were within driving distance, so no shipping costs.  Also...they were an odd size, because a custom order had fallen through so we bought two of them for a reduced price.  I can't say enough good about them.  That said, while my tent is a simple wedge, it isn't period.  Close, but not period.  

It's hard to find close tents, but there are more period ones out there in terms of cut and materials.

Now … I want a tipi …

The tarp-fly is what’s I’d probably get.

[Tartan Jack]

http://www.redhawktrading.com/diamond-shelter.html

[William Brand]

2 minutes ago, Tartan Jack said:

http://www.redhawktrading.com/diamond-shelter.html

I've heard for and against arguments for the diamond shelter, so I'm not convinced it's a period tent, thought it has the pragmatism of the age.

[Stynky Tudor]

A number of years ago, I bought a used wedge tent from CrazyCholeBlack, through the Thieves Market. It had hardly been used and was in great shape.

I searched for a picture, but can't find one at the moment.

I think if you're going/sleeping by yourself, the single tarp/fly/diamond structure works well enough. A wedge tent provides a bit more space and privacy, plus you can stand up inside (helps while getting dressed). But of course it's heavy and a pain to lug around.

Let us know what you get and post some pictures of it setup.

[Animal]

I used a couple of painters canvas as a lean to type set up. Something simple to set up and comfortable enough for one person.Below is a photo of my simple set up. I have some better ones but have to dig around for them.

[Stynky Tudor]

4 hours ago, Animal said:

I used a couple of painters canvas as a lean to type set up.

Nice setup.

The Townsends youtube channel shows how to water proof/make oiled canvas.

 

[Stynky Tudor]

12 hours ago, Tartan Jack said:

The tarp-fly is what’s I’d probably get.

The Towsends YT channel also demonstrate Shelters That Fit in Your Bedroll.

 

[michaelsbagley]

I've made a couple of "tarp" shelters over the years.

From a pragmatic perspective, they are light, have a multitude of possible configurations based on where/how you set them up, and one of the cheapest options to buy, and cheaper (but more timely) to construct oneself.

From a historical context, there are several mentions of the use of the "prelart" by the early French traders of the late 17th through mid-18th century. I'm too lazy to go through my books to provide a bunch of citations, but Jeff Pavlik's web page on the topic provides some good references and places to start hunting for better citations if that is your thing. https://colonialbaker.net/prelart.html

[madPete]

oar tent is just a diamond shelter with an oar instead of a pole...

[Tartan Jack]

On 11/17/2023 at 5:22 PM, madPete said:

oar tent is just a diamond shelter with an oar instead of a pole...

& Jim’s big one has a warped board backbone to really “open it up”

[Commodore Swab]

I wonder with panther closing their doors how that will effect the used tent sales.  Ill be heading to alafia rendezvous next month.  Last year very few tents for sale, the year before tons at great prices.

[Mary Diamond]

On 11/20/2023 at 6:55 PM, Tartan Jack said:

Jim’s big one has a warped board backbone to really “open it up”

Love this, and perfect display as well…