The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Tent, in the 8-person configuration, is ideal for the family camper if sturdy construction is a priority.

Question:  Why buy canvas cabin tents when nylon and polyester tents are lighter and cheaper?

Short answer: Durabilty.

Nylon and polyester tent materials have vastly expanded the options on offer in camping gear.

It has been a boon to hikers looking for lightweight shelter and tents that pack down small enough to stow in, or tie to a rucksack. Family campers benefit from the availability of large, lightweight  tents at comparatively low prices.

Canvas is heavier, and costs more, but has stood the test of time. With proper care, canvas tents will last you for decades.

These tents are better able to withstand harsh weather and also breathe better than polyester tents.

The tough construction make them more suitable for extended camping trips and are generally classed as four-season tents.

Although considered suitable for all-season camping, the Kodiak canvas tent is not designed for extreme winter, mountaineering or heavy snow accumulations.

Look at some of the unique features of the rugged, Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe, an easy up canvas cabin tent.

• Manufactured from durable Hydra-shield™, 100% Cotton Duck Canvas. This makes it watertight and breathable.
  

  Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-person tent

• Exceptionally tough Flex-Bow frame. This keeps the tent taut, and allows for quick and easy one-person set-up.
• Spacious six and a half feet ceiling height. Walk around without having to stoop.
• Convenient entry and exit through two D-shaped doors, front and back.
• Strong zippers to secure the doors.
• Four large, meshed windows.
• A large 84 by 78-inch awning.
• Customisable gear loft and organiser pockets.
• Two funnel flow vents for improved airflow and temperature management.
• Comes with heavy-duty 12-inch, steel rod stakes.
• Convenient strap-and-cinch storage bag for easy roll-up.

 

 

I have omitted cost details because places like Amazon constantly review their prices. They are always attempting to offer you the best deal. Just click on the Amazon button to get the current low price.

Don’t forget to check out their free delivery and returns policy.

All Kodiak Canvas cabin tents are manufactured with high quality, marine grade, 100% cotton duck canvas called Hydra-shield™ canvas.

That trademark term translates into custom woven and treated canvas, used in premium tent making.

It is actually double-fill, two threads twisted together for superior strength and lasting quality.

The very tight weave features a silicone, dry-finish treatment.

Do some simple maintenance after each camping trip, and you will have a rugged tent to last you for decades.

Get great canvas care advice at www.tentreviewshq.org/canvas-tents

 

How do all the technical features of this premium, 4 season tent benefit you?

• The high standard canvas ensures you get a reliable shelter that is watertight, breathable and durable.
• There is a greater resistance to mould and mildew.
• You keep dry, even in a downpour, because this canvas tent does not leak or wick water.
  

  Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Tent without the awning up

• No need to be obsessive about touching the ceiling or walls during a rain storm.
• Increased comfort levels because this canvas allows water vapour to escape, which minimises instances of condensation, humidity and mugginess.
• You rarely have to re-treat this tent material, unlike canvas with paraffin or oil-based treatments.
• The strong, durable construction means it will long remain a reliable buffer against the elements and outlast tents made with inferior fabrics.
• Kodiak canvas tents feature a lifetime limited warranty.
• Generous ceiling height makes it easy to move around.
• Easy to keep tidy, with its customizable gear loft and organiser pockets.
• No need to be a contortionist just to pull your pants on.
• Simple to maintain fresh air flow and temperature management.
• Plenty of light inside through the four large windows
• Convenient entry and exit through the two large D-shaped doors.

 But don’t just take their word for it. Simply click here to read how others have experienced Kodiak canvas before making your buying decision.

 Specifications for the 10 x 14 ft, 8-person Flex-Bow Canvas Tent (Deluxe):

• Pack weight: 79 lbs, which includes 6.5 lbs for the sturdy stakes.
• Tent pack size:  30 inches long and 16 inches in diameter.
• Poles pack: 48 inches long and 5.5 inches in diameter.
• Ceiling material: 10 oz. Hydra-shield™ canvas.
• Wall material: 8.5 oz. Hydra-shield™ canvas.
• Floor material: 16 oz. vinyl, polyester reinforced, seamless.
• Frame: 1-inch, galvenized steel tubing.
• Flex-Bow rods: 3/8-inch, solid spring steel.

 

 Kodiak Canvas cabin tents remain easy to set up, despite their rugged construction and resultant extra weight.

Like anything you attempt for the first time, a little practice goes a long way.

But this tent is designed for easy assembly, and the whole procedure is basically a matter of staking it out and putting up three supports.

You will find things have improved a long way since the days of over complicated assembly requirements.

Kodiak Flex-Bow tents can be set up by one person in reasonable time. If you have someone to help, it should be up in minutes, not hours.

This tent is hard to fault, and a common thread in comments is its ease of set up.

Some people are better with their hands than others, but you don’t have to be a construction engineer to get this canvas tent set up.

Watch the easy tent set-up video below

Be aware of the difference between the deluxe and basic versions of the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow tents.

The deluxe model is the one with all the “bells and whistles”. The basic model is the same tent, less some of the features. The differences are outlined in the list below:

• The basic models do not have the gear loft or clip on bag and pocket organizer.
• There are no vents in the basic model to assist with improving airflow.
• Basic models do not have a window inside the door, thus there are only two dedicated windows, one in front and one in back.
• The basic models have a duffel style storage bag with a zipper. The deluxe model features a strap-and-cinch storage bag which eliminates cramming or stuffing.
• Deluxe models have top line “Y K K” brand zippers. The basic model has the generic version.

 

Pretty hard to find much negative to point out about this tent.

One common (mild) complaint is that this canvas tent is heavy. But that is to be expected for a tent built to last.

The price is higher than poly tents. Yes it is, but the value-for-money is self evident.

One person complained the 8-person configuration was cramped for his family of seven. This is a common gripe for all family camping tents.

My golden rule is that if you have a family of four, you need an 8-person tent. If there are five or six of you, go for a ten or 12-person set-up.

Sure, an 8-person tent can sleep eight, but please take into account your sleeping mats and sundry equipment.

I noted a complaint about puncture marks in the floor after a tent was pitched on stones. Well, common sense should prevail here. I always recommend placing a tarpaulin under a tent floor, for added comfort and protection.

You can click here to see how cheap a waterproof poly tarp can be.

 

If you can afford the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Tent, I recommend you go for it. But you will not be short-changed in opting for the basic models which retain their value-for-money.

You still have quality doors and windows for airflow and temperature control. The manufacturer hastens to add that they have had very few issues with the generic zippers they use on their canvas cabin tents.