I have owned almost every style of lodge made
by all the major suppliers in my 30+ years
reinacting the Mountain Man Era.
Simply stated I like the quarter-sphere style
lodge, the Museum Wedge with a bell back and
the 12'X 12" pyramid. IF, I was still packing
my family (all grown and gone) I would stay in
a 18' Tipi. For shorter camps I like what I call a spike camp. Here is a lesson learned.
For a Half-sphere or quarter sphere buy a 12'
tipi liner. Wrap the liner around the outside
and wrap the excess around the inside of the sphere frame. For a frame I use Vine Maple, cut long enough to make a 12' diameter and 7'
height. Any springy wood will do. Cap the sphere with a 10' X 10' fly or diamond.
I personally recommend 12-ounce Numbered Duck
Canvas (12oz per sq yd) With 40 threads per sq.
inch it very tight. I test canvas porosity by pressing my lips to it and trying to suck air
through, if it's too easy no good, if hard to pull air through good. 12-oz numbered duck will
carry water without a drip right out of the box.
Sunforger 10.38 oz is good but a third more expensive. I like the 12' x 12' pyramid from Red Hawk Trading in 12-oz numbered duck and also
their 12' tipi liner for the sphere.
Tentsmiths make the great Museum Wedge with 5' bell back, easy set up, PC and roomy.
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The bad taste of poor quality lasts far longer than the sudden sweetness of cheap price.
say's Oracle