Why Wall Tents Are Best for Emergency and Relief Shelters

It’s not fun to think about it, but emergencies do happen. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a camping trip gone wrong, or unexpected weather. Part of life is knowing how to be prepared to deal with the unexpected. And part of loving the outdoors is knowing what you’re up against.

If you do find yourself in a sticky situation, be prepared! Learn how to provide the right shelter for yourself and others at risk. In this blog, we are going to discuss all the reasons why a canvas wall tent makes a great emergency and disaster relief shelter. We will discuss material, weatherproofing qualities, and much more. We’ll also share some of the best ways to utilize a wall tent in an emergency situation.

So, What’s So Great About Canvas?

In an emergency, you need to be able to rely on your shelter. We’re not talking about some flimsy, nylon pop-up tent. We’re talking about heavy-duty, army duck cotton canvas. This is the best in the business when it comes to safety. The natural fibers of this material are both insulating and breathable. That means the interior is temperature-regulating.

Wall tents built with 100% army duck cotton canvas are the best on the market. This natural material stands up to heavy weather and high winds like it’s nothing.

Weatherproof Wall Tents

There are so many factors that go into a tent’s weatherproofing. It’s everything from the finish on the canvas to the stitching of the seams. And of course, all the bells and whistles in between. Keep reading to learn about the key technical features to know that your canvas wall tent has reliable weatherproofing built in.

Water and UV-Resistance

Heavy-duty canvas isn’t complete without these awesome finishes. Water-resistance does so much more than just keep the material dry! This finish protects the canvas from taking on moisture. Ultimately, that means mold and mildew are less likely to grow. So the tent remains good quality, the interior remains warm, and the moisture stays out.

Strong UV rays can also cause some sneaky damage to the tent. A protective finish fends off the sun and prevents bleaching and deterioration. It also helps to maintain insulation, so the interior never gets too hot.

Both of these finishes work wonders to preserve the durability of the tent, and protect those sheltering who are inside.

Galvanized Steel Framework

What even is galvanized steel? Basically, this is a steel or iron alloy that has been treated to be rust-resistant. A strong, durable framework like that is crucial in an emergency shelter like a wall tent. Since these structures are meant to be semi-permanent in all kinds of conditions, it’s important that the framework is built to last.

This framework is also exceptionally strong. Think of it like the skeleton of your emergency shelter. It’s something you want to be able to hold its shape through high winds, heavy snow, and unpredictable conditions.

Shock-Absorbing Grounding System

A shock-absorbing grounding system isn’t something we normally think of when thinking about tents. But this is an essential aspect of a high-quality shelter. And when the weather is crazy, you really notice a difference.

Let’s say there are high winds, thunder, and lightning. What the grounding system does is provide a safe route for electrical surges and wind gusts to the earth, rather than to the tent. It manages and lessens the impact of gusts and prevents electrical hazards. That’s why it’s always important to make sure you can trust your tent, stakes, and guy lines.

Built-in Storm Doors and Windows

Heavy weather is no match for the doors and windows of a wall tent! Storm doors and windows are double-stitched around the seams and have heavy-duty zippers. Dwellers never even have to worry about stepping outside to use them. Accessible from the inside, the covers go the extra mile in blocking gusts, rain, snow, and more. They act as a shield of protection and help manage interior ventilation. This is another small but mighty way to keep those who take shelter protected from the elements.

Built-in Stove Jack and Tent Stove

In case of severe cold weather, no need to fear! In addition to canvas being an insulating material, a built-in stove jack makes it even easier to stay safe and warm. This feature allows a tent stove to be installed. When in use, smoke and toxins flow through the chimney and out of the stove jack. That keeps the interior air clean and safe. It also radiates plenty of heat, which the interior canvas walls trap in.

While a tent stove is on the bulkier side of gear, it certainly makes a semi-permanent emergency shelter– like a wall tent– a much more livable space. It provides a spot to heat water, cook food, and have reliable internal heating.

Spaciousness

Wall tents tend to be significantly more spacious than most other tents. Because of their tall, structured walls and ceiling, headroom and walking room are not a problem. This is just another reason why they make such great emergency shelters. This generous space allows room to stand, walk, and stretch. That also means there is more than enough room for various sleeping arrangements. And not to mention plenty of options to rearrange gear, supplies, tables, and more. When you’re trying to handle all the moving parts of an emergency situation, this room can go a long way.

Ways to Utilize a Wall Tent in an Emergency

There are so many reasons and ways to use a wall tent in emergency situations. Are you volunteering for disaster relief? Part of a search and rescue team? Or maybe you find yourself in a sticky situation. Whatever the reason, it is always a good idea to know the best ways to utilize a wall tent in an emergency.

Temporary Hospitals and Clinics

In remote, or sometimes even devastated, locations experiencing a crisis or disaster, it’s of the utmost importance to have a clinic-type shelter available. A wall tent is ideal for its spaciousness and semi-permanent structure. It’s comfortable for patients, and spacious enough to arrange tables, cots, and supplies. These tents are efficient to set up and tear down, and multiple can be pitched on-site for various purposes. From a quarantine tent to a clinic, to a place for people to get food and supplies. Shelters like this are absolutely essential in these desperate scenarios.

Waiting out the Weather

In the case of a storm or in high elevations, a wall tent makes a great shelter. When you find yourself in a situation needing to “wait out the weather”, the hope is you have an appropriate place to do so. With a wall tent, you get just that. If you are camping in a remote location with unpredictable conditions, set yourself up for success. Pitch a canvas wall tent, and know that no matter what happens, your home base will keep you safe and secure through it all. 

Long-term Temporary Family and Group Shelter

When natural disasters strike, families and groups are often displaced. Pitching a heavy-duty wall tent is the best way to ensure people have a reliable shelter during uncertain times. When these spaces include a tent stove and beds, they have the building blocks to be a suitable temporary home. Providing spaces like this for groups and families makes a world of difference in their own recovery and in the recovery of the area.

Search and Rescue Headquarters

Search and rescue teams need a place to call home base on missions or long-term deployments. A canvas wall tent is perfect in this scenario. It can withstand various elements and is efficient to set up and tear down.

A wall tent makes an ideal place to set up headquarters. Because search and rescue teams are often in remote areas or elevations with unpredictable weather, this sturdy tent is perfect. With a tent stove, the team has a place to heat water, cook food, and get heat. There is plenty of room for cots and different sleeping arrangements, so all subjects have a place to rest.

Final Thoughts

Nature is the best teacher. And when things go wrong outdoors, it can teach you a lot about how to be prepared. Get ahead of the curve by setting yourself and others up for safety and success. Canvas wall tents make ideal emergency relief shelters. Weatherproof canvas is one of the most durable materials on the market. Pair that with a galvanized steel framework and a built-in stove jack, and you are set with a reliable shelter.

Remember, safety matters for you and for others. Wall tents are ideal because they provide ample room for lots of people and equipment. So whether you’re part of search and rescue, helping with disaster relief, or find yourself in a less-than-lucky scenario, you can rely on a canvas wall tent to keep you safe and sound.