In order to help keep your tent warmer you should, consider a heavier canvas when purchasing, use a larger wood burning stove, and add a rain fly. The heavier canvas will help insulate, the larger stove will hold more fuel, and the fly will assist in preventing heat loss through the roof. Remember to try to use hard woods in the wood burning stove as they burn hotter, longer, and produce less smoke.

To keep your tent cooler remember to add windows to your tent, add a screen door to wall tents, or add a rain fly. Windows and screen doors increase the ventilation and air flow. You can also add a rear zipper door to your wall tent which will help with cross ventilation. Adding a rain fly will provide shade to the tent from the sun and ultimately aid in cooling.

A rain fly provides an additional layer of weather protection against rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions. This helps to keep the interior of your tent dry and comfortable, ensuring a more enjoyable camping experience. In addition to protecting against rain, a rain fly can also provide shade on hot and sunny days. This helps regulate the temperature inside the tent, making it more comfortable during warm weather. A rain fly adds versatility to your wall tent by allowing you to adapt to different weather conditions. Whether it's providing extra warmth in cold weather or protection against heavy rain, having a rain fly gives you more options for camping in various environments. Finally, the rain fly protects the tent from the harmful UV rays which in turn will add longevity to the tent underneath the fly.

Yes, you can use wood logs to set up a wall tent. Using wood logs as the tent's frame provides a sturdy and natural support system. There are actually several ways to setup wall tents with logs. An internal ridge pole with vertical end supports or an internal ridge pole that extends out the end of the peaks openings and supported by exterior cross “X” logs at the front and back can be used. Vertical side poles to hold up the walls or custom built side attachment points can also be used. Using logs for tent setup is a traditional and practical method, especially in situations where other materials may not be readily available. It provides a natural and rustic feel to the camping experience. Make sure to use durable logs that can handle snow and wind. Have a look at our Mountain Man page for a nice example of a log setup or give us a call for assistance.

Where to begin? This is one of the most asked questions for folks who are looking for a canvas tent. Ok so here goes:

To start we only use 100% cotton canvas for our tents. Cotton is durable, water resistant, and breathable. At Reliable, we offer two types of canvas - treated and untreated. Untreated canvas is just like it sounds, it has no water or mildew treatments applied. This canvas works well for tipis or tents setup for short periods of time. Untreated canvas is an economical choice but remember, we recommend applying an aftermarket waterproofing spray like Dry Guy Treatment to these canvases if you want to add an additional layer of protection from the elements.

We have two types of untreated canvas - 12oz natural and 14.90oz natural. 12 oz is most commonly used for tipis that are setup for two weeks or less. The 14.90oz canvas is common for short term uses but requires more tear strength. We also use the 14.90oz canvas for our sleeping bag covers.

We offer two types of treated canvas:

10.10oz Sunforger Marine treated canvas and 15oz Sunforger Canvas Pro.

The 10.10oz Marine is a double fill army duck with the Sunforger water and mildew resistant treatment applied. This canvas is a fantastic choice when you are looking for water repellency, durability, breathability, and ease of setup for your tent or tipi.

The 15oz Canvas Pro is an extremely durable water/mildew/flame retardant canvas. Choose this one for the very best in performance, durability, and longevety. The 15oz Canvas Pro is the go to for long setups or even permanent tent or tipi setups.

Why Sunforger you ask?

Sunforger is a type of canvas treatment designed to enhance the performance and durability of canvas fabrics, particularly for outdoor tents and camping applications. The Sunforger treatment involves a combination of processes that provide certain benefits to the canvas material. Sunforger-treated canvas often exhibits improved water repellency. This helps prevent water from being absorbed into the fabric, keeping the interior of tents or other outdoor structures dry during rain or wet conditions. Sunforger-treated canvas is designed to be resistant to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV resistance helps prevent the canvas from deteriorating or fading when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Despite its water repellency, Sunforger-treated canvas is engineered to maintain breathability. This is important for applications like tents, where proper ventilation is crucial for the comfort of occupants inside. Some Sunforger-treated canvas may include fire retardant properties, making it safer for use in camping situations where open flames may be present. Our 15oz Sunforger Canvas Pro is not only water and mildew resistant but also flame retardant meeting CPAI-84 standards for flame retardancy. This feature is particularly important for meeting safety standards in certain environments.

If you have any questions regarding the different types of fabric please give us a call. 800-544-1039

We love to talk canvas!

Most of the tents we offer come standard with frames when you purchase. We also offer full internal aluminum frames for our wall tents. If you want to build your own, we do offer an option to make your own wall tent frame when you purchase our premade angle kits. The kit includes the joints/connectors and a set of cutting instructions. You then make your own steel frame using 1” EMT (conduit). This makes a very nice and durable wall tent frame. Keep in mind that steel is quite a bit heavier than aluminum.

Customers can also build their own wood frames for our wall tents. We can help you with design ideas if you would like to build your own wood frame.

Good question! Cook shacks and porches are both extensions from the front (or back if you have a rear wall tent door) of the your new or existing Reliable wall tent. In order for the cook shack or porch to fit correctly you must match the width of the cook shack or porch to the same width of the wall tent it is going to be used with. For example, a 12’ wide x 14’ long x 5’ wall tent would require a cook shack or porch that is also 12’ wide. We offer two lengths of cook shack or porch:

9’ (which gives you approximately 7’6” finished extension)

or

12’ (which gives you approximately finished 10’6” extension)

For example: If I am looking for a large porch for my 12’ wide x 14’ long x 5’ Reliable Wall Tent, I would choose a 12’ wide x 12’ long x 5’ porch.

Remember our cook shacks and porches are designed for our Reliable brand wall tents and are not guaranteed to fit wall tents that are not made by Reliable.

Natural untreated canvas can be treated immediately after purchase. In fact, we do recommend treating natural canvas with a product we offer called Dry Guy. It is a water base / odorless treatment for fabric that adds water/mildew resistance to canvas. We also offer Canvak canvas preservative/water proofing treatement. This product works well but we always remind customers that Canvak is a petroleum based treatement and therefore it “has a smell”.

If have purchased any new treated canvas tent or tipi from Reliable then we do not recommend treating it right away. The factory applied treatment should be good for several years before it needs to be retreated. The best way to tell if it needs to be retreated is to wait until the factory treatment is no longer effective. At that time, you should apply the Dry Guy treatment or any aftermarket waterproofing spray.

With any new tent or tipi remember to “precondition” the canvas. Preconditioning is a fancy word for setting up your tent and giving it a light shower with your garden hose. When you precondition the canvas, you expose the fabric and stitching to moisture. This exposure will shrink up the canvas a bit making it a more durable and better performing canvas. Note that it is not uncommon to see a brand new canvas tent leak a little when it is first exposed to moisture. This typically goes away after the tent has shrunk up a bit after being wet the first time.

Remember - NEVER put your canvas tent or tipi away wet or damp. Even though most of the tents we make are water/mildew resistant, they can still be ruined by mildew. There is no better way to ruin your beautiful Reliable canvas tent or tipi than putting it away wet or damp.

Rope tighteners are a wonderful invention. They allow you to tension your guy ropes easily without having to be a “master of tying knots”. Our tents come with rope tightners and can be found in your stake bag that comes with each of our Reliable tents. They are green in color, about 4” long, and have a hole on each end.

So how do they work you ask? Here goes:

1. Tie one end of your guy rope to your tent. This is at the eve (top of the wall) of your wall tent. You will see a black plastic loop at that point. Tie your rope to that. On other tents the guy ropes are attached to different points. See individual instructions for those locations.

2. Insert the tail end of the rope through one of the holes in your rope tightner. (Remember the green thing with two holes in it? That is it.)

3. Run the same tail end of the rope through the other hole in the rope tightener and tie a square knot. The knot is to keep the tail end of the rope from coming out of the hole. This creates a “loop” in the rope.

4. Place the loop over your tent stake in the ground and slide the rope tightener up towards your tent creating tension on the rope between the tent and your tent stake.

That is it! Do that for the remaining guy ropes for your tent. Remember to check the guy lines daily as the wind can loosen them up.

Note: Get the guy lines tight!

A tent sod cloth is a piece of fabric attached to the bottom perimeter of a wall tent, spike tent, or specialty tent and typically made of waterproof vinyl fabric. Its primary purpose is to provide a barrier between the bottom of the tent and the ground. The sod cloth helps in preventing drafts, insects, and moisture from entering the tent from below.

When the sod cloth is properly used, it creates a seal that helps maintain a more comfortable and weather-resistant environment inside the tent. This is especially important in camping situations where the ground might be uneven or damp.

In addition to its functional benefits, a sod cloth can also contribute to the overall stability and insulation of the tent, making it a valuable accessory for those who use tents in various weather conditions.

Reliable sod cloth matches the same vinyl corner and peak reinforcements in color and material type. It’s a nice touch – we know!

Yes and No.

You can add windows to wall tents to customize your tent for added ventilation, light, and view. There are some limitations on size and placement. We can make windows in a few different sizes and install them in different locations. A Reliable sales person can help you go through the options available.

Some tents like the Teton, Glacier, Yellowstone, or Cascade are not customizable. These tents already have windows installed and cannot have additional windows added.

Cleaning canvas with bleach and water can be done to remove stains, mold, or mildew. Here is a general process for cleaning canvas using bleach and water:

Things you will need:

1. Bleach

2. Water

3. Soft-bristle brush

4. Spray bottle

5. Protective gloves

Steps:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:

• In a well-ventilated area, mix a solution of bleach and water. A common ratio is 1 part bleach to 3 parts water.

2. Test a Small Area:

• Before applying the solution to the entire canvas, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. This process will “lighten” the color of the canvas so don’t panic. Do not use this process on dyed fabrics.

3. Brush Off Loose Debris:

• Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to gently brush off any loose dirt or debris from the canvas.

4. Apply the Cleaning Solution:

• Spray the bleach and water solution, and apply it to the stained areas on the canvas. Work in sections to ensure thorough cleaning.

5. Scrub Gently:

• Gently scrub the stained areas using circular or back-and-forth motions.

6. Allow Dwell Time:

• Let the bleach solution sit on the canvas for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down stains, mold, or mildew.

7. Rinse Thoroughly:

• Rinse the canvas thoroughly with clean water to remove the bleach solution. You can use a hose or a bucket of water for this purpose.

8. Air Dry:

• Allow the canvas to air dry completely. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mildew from returning.

9. Inspect and Repeat if Necessary:

• Inspect the canvas after it's dry. If stains persist, you may need to repeat the process.

Important Tips:

• Always wear protective gloves when working with bleach.

• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling bleach fumes.

• Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents, as this can produce harmful fumes.

Applying a waterproofing spray to the tent after cleaning it is recommended.

Yes, you can paint your tipi. Tipi painting is fun and a great way to make the tipi your own. Traditionally, tipis of various Native American tribes were often adorned with paintings, symbols, and designs that held cultural and spiritual significance. These paintings could represent personal or family symbols, tribal motifs, or elements from the natural world. Note: It is not traditional to paint Crow style tipis.

1. Choose the Right Paint:

• Acrylic latex paint is recommended. (house paint) This paint is widely available, has endless color choices, is good outside, and remains flexible.

2. Prepare the Surface:

• Clean the tipi thoroughly before painting to remove any dirt, dust, or contaminants. This will help the paint adhere better to the canvas. If there are stains or mildew, consider cleaning them before painting.

3. Prime the Surface (Optional):

• Some people choose to apply a primer to the canvas before painting. This step can enhance paint adhesion and durability. Use a primer specifically designed for outdoor fabrics. If you do not prime the canvas, it is important to give it a light spray with water and let dry. This will preshrink your canvas and will help when painting.

4. Choose Colors Wisely:

• It is easy to paint a tipi. It is not easy to unpaint a tipi. Also, do a few sketches of your plan on paper before you get to painting.

5. Protect Surroundings:

• Cover the ground around the tipi to protect it from paint splatters. Use drop cloths or plastic sheets to prevent the paint from reaching the ground.

6. Apply Paint Carefully:

• Use brushes, rollers, or spray paint to apply the paint evenly to the canvas. Take your time to ensure a neat and precise application. We recommend drawing your design in light pencil on the tipi canvas before starting to paint.

7. Allow Sufficient Drying Time:

• Allow the paint to dry completely before folding or using the tipi. Drying times can vary based on the type of paint used, so refer to the product instructions for guidance.

8. Consider Sealant (Optional):

• To enhance the longevity of the paint job, you may consider applying a clear fabric sealant or waterproofer after the paint has dried. This can provide additional protection against the elements.

9. Enjoy:

• Take lots of pictures and post them on social media including the Reliable Tent & Tipi Facebook page!! Everyone will be jealous of your beautiful painted Reliable Tipi.

We do not build decks for tents or tipis. This is either a DIY project or you can try to find a local deck builder for your project.

I love this question because the answer is easy…we are the best at what we do. With over 75 actual years in business (not 75 years of combined employee experience) we know what we are doing. We know you have a choice when looking for canvas tents or tipis and so it is important for us to not give you a reason to go elswhere.

All of our sewing operations are done at our facility in Billings, Montana. Our tipi poles also are harvested here in Montana.

Reliable started in 1945 making awnings and mattresses. We have changed and evolved over the years bringing us here to today making Tents, Tipis, and Yurts. Currently Reliable is 79 years old with the big 80 coming up.

We can make frames for wall tents that were made by other companies. In order to do so we need you to get some measurements from your new or existing tent. Please give us a call and we can get you a sheet on measuring your own tent.

We sure do! Reliable repairs tents, tipis, and many other items that require industrial sewing. Reliable is trusted by our local police, fire department, and many other companies who need work on their specialty items. Items needing repair can be shipped or dropped off at our facility in Billings. If you plan on shipping your item to Reliable please call ahead so we can walk you through the process.

Yes you can. Please click here to be directed to our setup instruction page.

The size and type of stove we would recommend varies quite a bit depending on your needs, size of the tent, and whether or not weight is a consideration. We sell several models of stove that meet different needs. It is best to give us a call so we can help you find the stove that fits your needs.

We currently sell stoves from 3 different manufacturers. They are:

Kni-Co Stoves

Camp Chef

Cylinder Stoves

All three companies make a quality product that we stand behind.

A tipi liner, also known as an inner liner, can offer several benefits to those who use tipis. Here are some reasons why you might consider buying a tipi liner:

1. Smoke Control: If you plan on burning a fire in your tipi, a liner is a very good idea. When installed correctly, the liner starts channeling air drawn in from the outside of the tipi up towards the smoke flaps and aids in clearing smoke from the fire out the top of the tipi. Solo Stoves are a great option for a fire inside the tipi because they emit very little smoke.

2. Insulation: In colder weather, a tipi liner can provide an extra layer of insulation. It helps to retain heat inside the tipi, making it warmer and more suitable for cold climates. This can be particularly important if you plan on using your tipi in chilly conditions.

3. Privacy: The liner can add an element of privacy to your tipi. It creates a separate space within the tipi, allowing you to have a more enclosed and private sleeping area. At night the liner minimized shadows that are visible from the outside.

4. Protection from Insects: A tipi liner can act as an additional barrier against insects and pests. While it may not completely eliminate the possibility of insects entering the tipi, it can help reduce their presence and provide a more comfortable sleeping environment.

When considering a tipi liner, it's essential to ensure that it is compatible with your specific tipi size. If you have any questions, give us a call.

To get a catalog, give us a call or fill out the Request a Catalog form at the very bottom of our home page.

Water Resistant - YES

Water Proof - NO

Because tipis by design have an opening at the top for the poles to pass through, the tipi is not waterproof. They are very water resistant and usually most folks have very little issue with rain or snow.

Our tipis do not come standard with floors we do offer floors for our tipis made of heavy duty waterproof vinyl fabric. You have your choice of 3 colors - chocolate brown, tan, and green.

Note: It is not recommended to use a floor if you plan on burning a fire inside the tipi.

Unfortunately no tipi is bug proof. They definitely minimize exposure to those pesky critters but do not eliminate their presence. By design, tipis setup with an approximate 2-3 inch gap around the base of the tipi. Adding a liner definately helps with the little buggers that crawl on the ground.

We accept cash, check, cashiers check, and all major credit cards.

Typically we require 50% down to get your order on the schedule and into production. The balance is due at time of pickup or shipment.

Good news! The state of Montana does not have a sales tax. (Maybe that is why everyone wants to live here.)

You bet. Let us know where to ship your order when you place it or enter the correct ship to address when ordering online.

Shipping cost is calculated by the weight of the package, dimensions of the package, and the address it is going to. Obvisously this can vary quite a bit. We currently use Fed-Ex for shipping and base the cost off of their rates.

We make our tents just a bit larger than the frame to allow for shrinkage. All cotton tents will shrink up a little after their first time or two getting wet from snow or rain. Unfortunately, shrinkage is not a science and some tents will shrink more or less than others. In some cases, you may have to trim your frame pieces if the tent becomes too tight on the frame. Give us a call if you plan to trim your frame and we will help walk you through it.

Some but not all, of our tents are designed as what we call “cut size”. This means that the tent is cut to a specific size and after hems and stitching it will finish just a bit smaller.

We love building custom tents! In fact Reliable is known across the country for our experience and capabilities. With an unparalleled ability to craft custom tents, Reliable Tent & Tipi stands out as skilled artisans in the world of tent construction. Our meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to design result in tents that not only meet but exceed the unique specifications and preferences of each client. With a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality, Reliable smoothly blends form and function, creating tents that not only provide shelter but also make a striking visual impact. Our many Glamping clients appreciate our dedication to quality, evident in the careful selection of materials and the precision with which each tent is constructed. Whether it's tailoring tents for Glamping resorts, special events, or personal use, Reliable consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence, turning visions into tangible and exceptional structures that leave a lasting impression. Sometimes an off the shelf tent just doesn’t cut it. So, if you or your Glamping resort is looking for a custom tent then you have come to the right place.

Please give us a call today to review your next tent project with one of our tenting professionals. You will be glad you did!

Shipping times can vary. We do stock lots of tents and tipis so in some cases there is no wait at all. If we do not have the item you are looking for then production time can range from 2-3 weeks up to 4-6 weeks. We have had times when it is very busy and in those times we can be over 6 weeks.

The best way to speed up your order is to place your order early!

If you are not satisfied with any standard stock item purchased from us, for any reason, return it to us within 15 days in unused condition for a full refund of your purchased price. This will exclude shipping and handling charges. Highly customized Tents and Tipis may be excluded from this offer.

We sure do. What better way to show someone you love than to give them a gift certificate to Reliable Tent & Tipi. Call today to place an order. You will be a hero.

800-544-1039

The term “cut size” refers to the actual measured size of our fabric pieces before they are sewn. Cut size pieces are larger than finished size pieces.

The term “finished size” cut” refers to the actual measured size of our fabric pieces after they are sewn. Finished size pieces are smaller than cut size pieces.

Putting a canvas tent or tipi away wet can lead to several issues, and is not recommended. Canvas is a breathable material, and when it is packed away wet, it may not have sufficient time to dry properly. Here are some potential problems that can arise from storing a wet canvas tent:

1. Mold and Mildew Growth:

• Moisture trapped in the canvas fabric creates a favorable environment for mold and mildew to grow. This can lead to unpleasant odors, discoloration, and, over time, damage to the tent material.

2. Fabric Rot:

• Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the canvas fabric to weaken and rot over time. This compromises the structural integrity of the tent, making it more susceptible to tears and damage.

3. Odor Issues:

• Storing a wet tent can result in a musty and unpleasant odor. Mold and mildew growth contribute to these odors and may make the tent less enjoyable to use on future camping trips.

4. Stains and Discoloration:

• If the tent is packed away while wet, it may develop stains and discoloration. This can affect the appearance of the tent and may be difficult to remove.

5. Metal Components Rusting:

• If your tent has metal components such as zippers, poles, or stakes, storing them wet can lead to rusting. Rust can compromise the functionality of these components.

So it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that your canvas tent is completely dry before packing it away. If you find yourself needing to store a wet tent due to unexpected weather or other circumstances, try to unpack and dry it as soon as possible once you have the opportunity. Set it up in a well-ventilated area, preferably in sunlight, to allow for proper drying before storing it for an extended period.

Remember there is no better way to ruin your beautiful Reliable Tent or Tipi than putting it away wet.