Must-Have Accessories for Your Canvas Scout Tent

A tent is the most important piece of camping gear! But your camping experience is simply incomplete without a few key ingredients. Add intentional accessories to your scout tent to improve your overall outdoor experience. Accessories add essential weatherproofing features, extra comfort, and a little style, too. Camping in the rainy season? You’ll probably want a reliable rainfly. Or maybe you’re devoted to the desert life. A sunshade tarp will keep you protected. Glampers will love tent accessories for the style and hominess they bring because nothing is as inviting as a warm, wood-burning stove.

Learn what accessories you may need or want as you consider the best tent setup for your adventures. This blog is your guide to all things scout tent accessories! So, keep reading to get the scoop on all things rainflies, footprints, tent stoves, and more.

Weatherproofing Tent Accessories

Weatherproofing measures can extend beyond the tent itself, especially when you camp in more extreme or unpredictable conditions. Extra tarps, rainflies, stakes, and more will always come in handy when trying to hold down the fort.

While some of the gear you’ll read about is specialized, many items are multipurpose. The key is finding high-quality gear– like tarps– and getting creative with ways to utilize them.

Stove Jack and Tent Stove

Multi-season scout tents should include a built-in stove jack. This is such a game-changer when it comes to tent accessories. A stove jack allows campers the opportunity to safely install and use a tent stove. Both propane and wood-burning should be compatible. A tent stove helps insulate the interior of the tent. Canvas traps the heat, while the smoke travels through the chimney out of the tent. Additionally, a tent stove is a place for campers to cook and heat water.

This multi-use piece of gear makes the tent an overall more livable space. Glampers love the way they look with their nostalgic, undeniably cozy flair. And cold-weather campers are always appreciative of the warmth they provide.

Rainfly

Ah, the rainfly. This is one of those essential gear items you will probably pitch every time you tent camp. Basically, it’s a waterproof sheet that’s made to fit above your tent and slightly hang over. Secure it down with stakes and guy lines. It shields the most vulnerable part of your tent, the roof, from harsh elements. In addition, this adds a layer of insulation, too. It blocks the sun, rain, hail, leaves, and other debris from damaging the tent.

A rainfly will likely come with your tent upon purchase. If not, they can be purchased from an outdoor retailer. Just make sure you know the dimensions of your tent so you purchase an appropriately-sized rainfly. Of course, a waterproof tarp can also be jury-rigged as a placeholder.

Tent Footprint

The tent footprint is like a reverse rainfly. It’s the foundation for your tent. This waterproof tarp lies flat beneath your tent and extends slightly beyond it. Like the rainfly, it protects the floor of your tent from the earth beneath it. Sharp rocks, sticks, and moisture are blocked by it. If these things come in contact with the tent for too long, friction and moisture will eventually damage the canvas. It can cause fraying, mold, and deterioration. The footprint also adds a layer of insulation between the tend and the cold ground.

Ultimately, a tent footprint is there to protect you and your tent. It may seem like a small, extra step, but it can save your tent a lot of damage over time!

Sunshade Tarp

A sunshade tarp is an excellent, multi-use piece of gear to bring camping. And they’re not just for desert-lovers! Even in the snow, harsh UV rays blast through the clouds and can give campers an unexpected sunburn. If you don’t have a sunshade tarp and need some shade, it’s easy to make a DIY one. A great solution is any durable tarp that has a UV finish. Use guy lines and stakes to orient the tarp any way you like to block the sun. As a bonus, this also acts as a windbreaker.

Extra Stakes, Guy Lines, Etc.

In high winds and unpredictable conditions, it’s a good idea to have extra gear! Things like stakes and guy lines are essential to pitching a tent. In heavy weather, or in case of bad luck, you may find your guy lines are weak and frayed. Maybe you didn’t have quite as many stakes as you thought you did! This can easily put a damper on your trip, and can be tricky to problem-solve. Save yourself the trouble with extra gear! And don’t forget a mallet, too, to help you nail down the stakes. Keep all tent pitching accessories in the tent bag for organization.

Waterproof Tarp

You can never have too many multi-purpose items in your camping tent accessories. And a waterproof tarp is always a good idea. Keep one in your car or in your tent bag. This item always comes in handy if you need to replace your tent footprint or rainfly. It can even make a great makeshift sunshade if the forecast randomly clears up! And of course, have a waterproof tarp just in case of emergency. It is easy to wrap up in one or create a shelter just in case.

Accessories for Scout Tent Care

Be prepared to take care of your scout tent in the field! When you’re exposed to the elements, anything can happen. Everything from little rips to tears, to spills and storms. Compile a basic repair kit and cleaning supplies just in case you need them.

Repair Kit

Small rips and tears can happen when you camp. Be ready to make simple DIY solutions! Your repair kit should include patches and a heavy-duty needle and thread. Other helpful items are scissors, seam sealant, and tape. A soft-bristled brush and WD-40 also come in clutch when cleaning the affected area. It’s important to be prepared to make small fixes, so they don’t grow into bigger issues.

Spot Cleaning Supplies

Speaking of making small fixes, you should also keep your tent clean! It is one of the best ways to maintain tip-top shape for your scout tent! And besides, who wants to camp in a grubby tent? Gather a few basic spot cleaning supplies to keep in your tent accessories. Include a small handheld brush to sweep out dirt and debris. Mild soap and a container for warm water are perfect for scrubbing out mud from canvas. Making a mess is just part of being outdoors! But keep your tent clean, and you will thank yourself later. So make sure you have these little items, and you can’t go wrong.

Stylish Tent Accessories for a Cozy Camping Trip

Your tent is not complete without some essential decor pieces to make it extra functional and cozy. Transform your tent from a basic and boring shelter to the camping oasis of your dreams. And it’s so easy to do! Now that we’ve discussed the best ways to enhance your tent for safety and functionality, it’s time to add those finishing touches that make it feel like home.

Lighting and Ambiance

Reliable lighting is an essential aspect of camping. Inside the tent, it doesn’t have to be boring. When you’re not relaxing by the glow of the wood-burning stove, try something else! Use some lanterns, string lights, and even citronella candles! These provide the perfect amount of warm light that you need to navigate around gear after dark. Not to mention, citronella candles also keep the bugs away.

Functional Decor

Decor that is multi-purpose and cozy? The best. Folding chairs and tables can be used inside as a place to eat if the weather is bad. Or better yet, it can be the new board game setup!

Extra layers like fuzzy rugs not only look great, but also add insulation. Bring pillows for comfort, and blankets for cozying up when it’s extra cold out.

Organization

Storage solutions are a great way to keep the tent a usable space while protecting gear. Utilize hanging storage to save floor space, and duffel bags to store soft gear. Try to keep the principle of “a place for everything, and everything in its place”. That way, you can keep track of your gear and know where it is when you need it!

Wrapping Up…

Accessorizing your scout tent is an essential part of successful camping! From weatherproofing to safety gear to decor. Your tent setup is your home-away-from-home when you camp. So make sure you are well-equipped with everything you will need to feel cozy and ready for adventure. 

Gear like a tent stove, rainfly, footprint, and more ensure your setup is weatherproof and insulated. A repair kit and cleaning supplies are smart to have just in case of an emergency! And lighting, chairs, rugs, and organization help make the tent a more livable space.

With these key ingredients, you’ll be more than prepared for all kinds of outdoor adventures!

Happy camping!