Shelter Comparisons

Considering an Alternate Shelter?

Note that all of the following tents can safely have a wood stove for warmth.

1) Pyramid Tent -

average size 15x15 - average cost $900

Pro's
Relatively low cost
Generally small, light and easy to store and transport
Very easy and simple to setup
Does well in stormy weather
Made of rugged canvas
Damaged frame easily replaced without modern supplies

Con's
Generally small, not as "liveable" as other structures

2) Army Tent -

average size 16x32 - average cost $1,000

Pro's:
Large, roomy and very liveable
Can be found very easily, readily available
Generally proven design
Can be found in many sizes, including extremely large 30x60

Con's
Bulky and heavy for storage and transoport
Average storm durability
Uses a modern support structure, difficult to adequately repair without access to modern supplies
Not really customizable, mostly a surplus item
Cannot support large amounts of weight on roof (snow)
Somewhat difficult to setup.

3) Wall Tent -

average size 12x14 - average cost $1,200

(note: new wall tent prices usually do not include the frame)

Pro's
Large and roomy, with vertical walls maximizing usable interior space
Proven design, much like the Army tent
Customizable, can be ordered new from manufacturer's like Kirkham's and built to specification - theoretically can be as large as you want it to be
Manufactured of rugged, long lasting & durable canvas
Primitive frames (wood) easily repaired without modern supplies

Con's
Somewhat heavy and bulky for storage and transport
Vertical walls make it less stable in fierce storms
Cannot support large amounts of weight on roof (snow)
Modern frames (metal) difficult to repair without modern supplies
Somewhat difficult to setup

4) Tipi -

average size 18' (base dia.) - average cost $1,200 (excluding poles)

Pro's
Roomy interior
Ability to have open fire within structure
Proven design
Extremely stable in the fiercest weather
Repairable with no modern supplies
Incorporates double wall design at the bottom 6'

Con's
Round shape not conducive to space saving arrangements
Very bulky and heavy for storage and transport
Requires lumber rack or modified trailer rack to transport poles
Tricky and difficult to setup

5) Turtle Tuff -

average size 24' (base dia) - average cost $2,000

Pro's
Extremely rugged frame design (geodesic)
Very rugged and repairable cover material
Will stand up to the harshest weather
Roomy interior
Available with insulation package
Somewhat customizable
Small manufacturer, personal customer service and care

Con's
One of the more expensive shelters(but consider what you get)
Heavy and bulky for storage and transport
Very difficult and time comsuming to set up
Difficult to adequately repair without modern supplies (but comes with extra supplies)
www.turtletuffshelters.com