O Knowledgeable Ones, please grace me with your infinite wisdom.

I AM going to show up to Shiloh with my own lodging, but I am having a hard time deciding what to buy. Maybe some of you who are more knowledgeable and less lazy than I can help me out. I want to get a small A-frame because that seems to be the most acceptable for most of the events we'll attend.

What I really like is the Panther model, which I think Bob and Archer have. It is just the right size for one person, has brass grommets for the stakes and also at each end of the ridge. Tentsmiths.com also has a similar model for close to the same price. For about half the cost, several other sutlers have a small A-frame. I know the quality is not as good, but I can get the canvas, stakes, and a couple other items like a poncho for the price of Panther's canvas.

Here's where I am confused. I know a smaller A-frame is authentic, and its really all I'll need. But the common, inexpensive variety appears to be 6' high X 6' deep X 8' wide. It is real shallow but real wide. That just doesn't seem right, and doesn't look right as you can tell by these pictures from Fall Creek.


The dimensions for the Panther/Tentsmiths tent are opposite, with it being 8' deep and 6' wide like in these pictures.


That just sees more logical to me.

So my questions to you guys are:

• What are the correct dimensions?


• Are the grommets or stake loops correct?


• Does it really matter?


• Ultimately, what should I get, or should I just say screw it and get a shelter tent?

I'd appreciate any advice.

Here is my 2 cents worth...the bigger the better. I am 6'3" so I got the 7 foot high tent from Crescent City Sutler. Chuck recommended them to me and I am not sorry. I also recommend getting openings on both ends...really comes in handy, particularly for air movement and to be able to move in and out easily. It costs a little more, but I think it was well worth it. You have seen my tent, it withstood the storm in Brysons Crossroads and I have not had any problems with it. Granted I have only had for about 18 months...but would buy it again.
Take care...CU at Shiloh
Jerry

Unfortunately Crescent City's website says, no more orders for tents. You might call them and find out how long they will not be taking orders.

They were using Sunforger canvas, it is good stuff. I'd stay away from plain canvas.

As to stake loops/grommets. While all of mine have loops. After 12 years they are a PAIN, PAIN, PAIN!!!! to change. Replacing a little loop of rope through the grommet is quick.

On size, just about every size was there. I've seen several, "modeled after an original, in blah blah museum."

If I were in the market, I'd get the 9 long 9 wide 7 tall out of sunforger. I just looked quickly at Fall Creek, so look around.

I would get a 7 tall tent. I'm not that tall and can only stand up right in the middle of 6 tall tents.

I would for sure absolutely get double doors!!! I also prefer sod cloths. That is a little extra canvas that lays on the ground. When you dig out inside the tent, you put the sod on the sod cloth. This sealed out water, cold and wind.

So, you can put a ground cloth over the sod cloth. It is a much better version of strawing around the tent. Yes, it is not as breeze friendly in the summer. Just buy a battery fan and get a better breeze!!

Bigger the better, standing up to put on trousers is a pain in a 6 ft tent. Wide is better too, for you can stuff a lot of gear in there and not sleep with a musket in your side.

Double doors and sod cloth is best if you can spring the extra $$. In cool weather, you can drape a poncho across the back to keep out the breeze.

A plus to double doors is that in really hot weather, you can bring two extra poles with ropes and make a nice sheebang out of the tent, and then if it really becomes a downpour, drop the elevated side down, stake it, and its back to being a tent.

From the top I say buy what you like and fits your needs. Things usually cost more because they are better but to each his own. The Panther is top of the line and has served me well for 19 years. But you will notice I bought a larger/wider tent from one of Mark's friends a couple of years ago because my needs changed. I need more room these days. : )
It has stake loops which you need to be careful with. Grommets are the best. They will last forever if you use the small rope inserts that take the wear.
Mine doesn't have a back entrance which I would get if I buy another. Money is tight these days and you/we have to spend it wisely until we get rich. : (
I haven't said anything the others haven't already mentioned. Just reenforcing their sage suggestions.
Something to remember. Sometimes you may need to share your lodging with a friend.
We usually have extra tentage avaiable these days but on occasion that might not be available. Just something to consider.

Thanks for the input, even though none of you really addressed my questions.

I went ahead and ordered a Panther Tent today. That's the one I've been wanting so I decided to just get it. Now I just need to make some poles and get some stakes. I am getting ever closer to my ultimate goal of being just like Bob.