Emergency Tent Living, Part 2 of 4

(Survival Manual/ 4. Shelter Issues/ Emergency Tent Living, Part 2 of 4)

Tent size and type

A.  What Size Wall Tent Should I Get? Size Comparisons & Layout Diagrams
Published at Back Country Chronicles
Pasted from: http://www.backcountrychronicles.com/wall-tent-size-comparison/

The size of a wall tent you need depends on several basic factors.

1. How many people need to sleep in the tent?
2. Are you sleeping on the floor or sleeping on cots?
3. Are most of the people adults or children?
4. Will the tent be for sleeping only or do you need space to congregate or to cook?
5. Is the tent going to be for your family, a group of scouts or a group of unrelated adults?

Before we bought our wall tent, we read that we should consider 20 square feet (sq ft) per person for sleeping and 30 sq ft per person if more space was needed for cooking or other activities. The tent we bought (12 X 14) has 168 sq ft, so using those numbers, the tent should sleep 5-8 people. Table 1 shows the number of people that various sized tents can sleep using the 30 and 20 sq ft calculations.

Table 1. Tent Size, Square Footage and Number of People each Tent can sleep.

Tent	Total	Number	Number
Size	Square	Tent Sleeps	Tent Sleeps
(Feet)	(Feet)	@30 sq ft	@20 sq ft
8×10	80	2	4
10×12	120	4	6
12×14	168	5	8
12×16	192	6	9
14×16	224	7	11
16×20	320	10	16

If people were sleeping on the ground, especially if some of them are children, the larger numbers based on 20 sq ft per person is reasonable. You might get away with packing teenagers in like chord wood, but paying customers will not be very impressed. Even very good friends wouldn’t be able to sleep very well and might not stay good friends for long.

If the tent is going to be used for kids at camp or even as an emergency shelter, bunk beds could be built two or three beds high, to accommodate more people. This may not be the most comfortable situation, but everyone would be inside out of the wet and cold.

Cots add Comfort, but Take More Space
Cots may be more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, even on good pads, but cots take up more space. The average sized cot is about 32 x 76 (inches) which is 16.9 sq. ft. and XL sized cots are about 40 X 84 (inches) which is 23.3 sq. ft. So a 12 x 14 foot tent should hold 9 regular sized cots or 7 XL cots. But unless we plan to use wall tents for temporary shelter following a disaster, we are not trying to jam as many people in them as possible.

It might be mathematically possible based on square footage, to fit a certain number of cots into the area of different sized tents, but it may not be realistic. Mathematically, we should be able to fit 9 cots into our tent (12×14), but I cannot visualize but six cots fitting into the tent. Even then, some cots would have to touch each other and there would be very little space between cots. It would be possible to sleep close together, then pile cots on top of each other after everyone rolled out of the sack in the morning, to create more room to move around.

Wood stoves
Most people buy wall tents with the intention of camping during the Winter. Part of the appeal of the wall is the ability to heat it with a wood or pellet stove. Obviously, if there is a hot stove in the tent, there will be less room for cots.
Wood Stove Requires 36-40 square feet

Wood stoves come in several sizes
Small stoves are sufficient to heat small tents and larger stove are needed to keep larger tents warm.  It is recommended that some of the largest (16×20) tents may need two stoves. Our stove is a mid sized stove, 14 inches wide and 24 inches long. Based on where the smoke stack is placed in the front corner of the tent, and buffering the stove by 3 feet into the tent space, I assume the small and mid-sized stove take up 36 square feet. [About the same area as 1 person. Mr. Larry]  I assume that larger stoves take up 38 square feet. You can obviously move around and stand closer to the stove when necessary, but you should never leave cots, tables or anything else that may catch fire within three feet of a hot stove.

Before we bought our tent, I drew floor plans to see how many cots and tables would reasonably fit into different sized tents. We also plan to use a wood stove during cold weather, so the stove and a safety buffer around the stove has to be considered. These floor plans helped us decide the size tent we needed.

Generally, for tents, bigger is better, but size adds weight, costs more and it takes a larger stove and more wood to heat a larger tent. In the end, I think we got the best sized tent for the two of us.
Table 2 below was created from the scale diagrams. The table includes various tent sizes, the space required for the stove and the safety area around a hot stove, the Maximum number of cots I could fit into the area and the area, the number of cots I recommend be used in that space and the actual square footage that the recommended number of cots use.

 Table 2. Tent Size, Space for Stove, Maximum Number of Cots, Recommended Number of Cots and the Space per Recommended Number of Cots.

Tent Size(feet)	Space (sq ft)for stove	Max no. of cots	Rec no. of cots	Space (sq ft)per cot
8×10	36	2	2	22.0
10×12	36	2	2	21.0
12×14	36	6	4	33.0
12×16	38	6	5	30.8
14×16	38	7	5	37.2
16×20	38	10	8	35.3
16×20	76	10	7	34.9

 

Wall Tent Floor Plans and Headroom Diagrams
All Diagrams (Figures 1-10) are all scaled the same, with one foot equal 3 squares (4 inches per square). The human silhouettes are all 6 feet tall. All cots and tables are 32 inches wide and 76 inches long. Cots are 20 inches high and tables are 28 inches high. The black areas of the floor plans represent the wood stove. The red areas represent the safety buffer around the wood stoves and the gray areas represent cots or tables. Where there was room, notice all cots and tables are four inches away from all tent walls.

12 x14 Wall Tent
With only two of us using a 12×14 foot tent, we have plenty of room, including the table and the stove. There is room for a third cot, but the floor space is drastically reduced (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the scale drawing from a side view to see the headroom of our 12 foot wide, 8 foot tall tent.

[Figure 1. Floor plan for 12×14 ft Wall Tent]

8 x 10 Wall Tent
An 8×10 wall tent is small (Figures 3 & 4). If using a wood stove, I don’t see any way of putting more than 2 cots in the tent. In fact, one cot is within the three foot buffer that is recommended around the wood stove. When not using the stove, there will be room for a cot on each side of the thent, but there will not be room for two people to walk past each other (Figure 4).

Floor plan and headroom for 8×10 ft Wall Tent.

 10 x12 Wall Tent
The 10×12 Wall Tent (Figures 5 & 6) is also small, but is able to hold two cots without invading the safety buffer around the stove. If  necessary, as many as 6 cots could be fit  into the tent if not using the woodstove. At least the 10 foot wide tent is large enough for two people to pass with cot or tables on each side when not using a stove (Figure 6).

Floor plan and headroom for 10×12 ft Wall Tent.

 12 x 16 Wall Tent
A 12×16 Wall Tent may be able to hold five or six cots when using a wood stove (Figure 7), but the tent would be more comfortable for everyone if the tent were limited to four cots . Without the wood stove, as many as seven cots could be fit into the tent. The headroom of the 12×16 tent is the same as the 12×14 tent shown in Figure 2.

Floor Plan and headroom for 12×16 foot Wall Tent.

 14×16 Wall Tent
A 14×16 Wall Tent easily holds five cots even with the wood stove (Figure 8). If necessary, seven cots can be fit into the tent with the stove. Without the wood stove, as many as eight cots can be fit into the tent. Figure 9 shows the 14×16 tent is wide enough to fit three rows of cots or tables if necessary. The roof of the wider tents are starting to get lower, but a 6-foot person’s head will not touch the roof unless they are standing at the edge of the tent.

Floor plan and headroom for 14×16 foot Wall Tent.

 If you are considering buying a wall tent, we hope these diagrams help you make the decision about what size tent you need. When we bought our wall tent, our decision was between a 10 X 12 or 12 X 14 foot tent. We decided on the larger tent and have never regretted it. Our advice on tent size is if in doubt, choose the larger size you are considering.
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B.  A few tents  that  you could live in rather comfortably

Tent	Size (ft)	Square Feet (with vestibule)	Cost (with vestibule)
Eureka Sunrise 11	11 x 11	121          —	$300          —
Cabela’s Alaknak 12×12	12 x 12	144      (216)	$747      ($997)
Cabela’s Big Horn III	12 x 14	168      (240)	$550      ($800)
Eureka Copper Canyon 12	12 x 14	168  (39%>ES)	$450          —
Cabela’s Alaknak 12×20	12 x 20	240      (316)	$1,034  ($1,284)

* Cabela’s vestibule (entrance room) for the Alaknac and Big Horn models cost $250.

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_ 1.  Eureka! Sunrise 11  (11′ x 11′)
Cost $300 at Amazon.com

[Eureka Sunrise 11]

• Spacious square, dome-style tent sleeps up to six (11 by 11 floor; 121 square foot area)
• Heavy duty bathtub floor made of 4-ounce 210D oxford polyester
• Multicoated StormShield polyester fly won’t stretch when wet and resists UV breakdown
• Includes corner organizer, wall organizer with mirror, two water bottle pockets
• Center height of 84 inches; weighs 23 pounds, 15 ounces

Spacious enough to comfortably sleep up to six campers, the Eureka Sunrise 11 dome-style family tent is easy to set up and very well ventilated with four large hooded windows and no-see-um mesh panels in the ceiling. It has triple-coated fabrics and a heavy-duty bathtub floor made of 4 ounce 210D oxford polyester that repels water.

The fly is made of Stormshield polyester, which won’t stretch when wet and resists UV breakdown. It has a shockcorded fiberglass frame (two poles) that features a pin and ring as well as combination clip and sleeve system for quick assembly. Other features include:

• Twin track D door with window for easy exit/entry
• High/Low door vents top and bottom to aid air circulation
• External guy points help secure the tent in high winds
• Hanging gear loft/organizer
• Two water bottle holders
• Corner organizer and wall organizer with mirror
• Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:

• Area: 121 square feet
• Floor size: 11 feet by 11 feet
• Center height: 7 feet
• Wall fabrics: 1.9 ounce Polyester Taffeta 1200mm coating/1.9 ounce breathable polyester
• Floor fabrics: 4 ounce 210D Oxford Polyester with 1200mm coating
• Fly fabrics: 1.9 ounce 75D StormShield polyester with 1200mm coating
• Pack size: 8 by 33 inches
• Weight: 23 pounds, 15 ounces
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_ 2.  Cabela’s Alaknak Tent  (12′ x 12′)
Cost $747 at Cabela’s.com

[Top left: Alaknak 12′ x12′ model, Top right: with the optional vestibule]

• The next generation in the Outfitter Series tents has enhanced safety features and user-friendly updates that take it to a whole new level.
• Sidewall condensation vents now have hook-and-loop closures all around the perimeter for better ventilation control.
• Three large multi-panel windows each have a zippered cover, a clear vinyl window that zips out of the way, and a mesh screen for added ventilation.
• The stove jack is covered by a storm flap that now rolls down to avoid contact with the piping, so it won’t melt the material.
• This 12-ft. x 12-ft. tent has 4-ft. walls and an angled roof window which will comfortably sleep six, with plenty of room for a stove.
• Rugged, waterproof 250-denier polyester oxford X-Treme Tent Cloth has a high tear strength and resists punctures for lasting reliability. 10 perimeter tent poles keep the sidewalls from blowing in and add rigidity in high winds, so you can camp comfortably knowing you’re protected.
• The heavy-duty No. 10 YKK® zippers and inverted T-style door makes entering and exiting the tent easy. Plus, it’s backed by a screen door, so you can let cool breezes in while keeping bugs out.
• The attached awning boasts a frame that comes down from the peak of the tent and directs runoff away from the door for superior protection in the wettest weather.
• The interior sidewalls have unique fold-down shelves that sport cup holders to eliminate spilled beverages and gear pockets to hold gear.
• The floor has a zip-open panel for safe placement and stove use.
• Tent sets up quickly and easily. Includes 12″ steel stakes, guy ropes and a large zip-close storage bag.
• Tent body dimensions: 12 ft. x 12 ft. (144 ft²)
• Overall weight: 31 lbs.
• Frame weight: 23 lbs.
• Stakes weight: 13 lbs.
• April 2013 cost approximately: $747
• Optional vestibule (11 ft Lx 9 ft W O.A., with about  72 ft² real area) which provides a sizeable “under cover” area  for storage/ cooking. About  $250 cost
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_ 3.  Cabela’s Big Horn™ III Tent (12′ x 14′)
Cost $550 at Cabela’s.com

• Sturdy enough to take on extreme conditions
• XTC fabric repels rain and snow with ease
• Heavy-duty steel frame ensures support
• Hexagonal design maximizes interior space
• Three large multiple-panel windows
• Zippered opening in the sewn-in floor for a stove

This is a new and improved version of our already popular Big Horn II tent, and we made it sturdy enough to take on extreme conditions encountered on extreme adventures. It’s a roomy single-wall tent made of XTC fabric that repels rain and snow with ease, and is tough enough to handle harsh foul weather. A heavy-duty steel frame ensures support to withstand wind and precipitation.

The tent measures 12 ft. x 14 ft. with an 8’6″ roof tapering to 5’6″ sidewalls.

The hexagonal design offers room for cots, gear and a stove around the sides while leaving the middle area open. We moved the stove area to keep the wall near the stove cooler.

Three large multiple-panel windows include zippered covers, a clear-vinyl zip-out window and a mesh screen. There are three fold-down shelves that have mesh cup holders.

There’s a sidewall stove jack, a storm flap and a heat-resistant insert, as well as a zippered opening in the sewn-in floor for a stove.

The inverted “V” door is outfitted with a heavy-duty zipper. Includes 12″ steel stakes, guy ropes and zippered storage bag. The stakes weigh 11 lbs.

Tent and frame weight is 72 lbs. Imported.
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_ 4.  Eureka! Copper Canyon 12  (12′ x 14′)
Cost $450 at Amazon.com
 

[Eureka Copper Canyon 12 tent (12′ x 14′)]

• 9-pole cabin style tent with 14 x12 floor space and 7′ center height will sleep 12 with 168 sq ft of sleeping area.
• Removable divider curtain creates two rooms for privacy, or roll back to reveal one large room
• 2 large D-style opposing doors, with half windows, allow versatile entry
• Windows on each side offer visibility and ventilation
• Full mesh roof allows circulation of air and reduces condensation
• The Eureka Copper Canyon 12 is a 2 room, Cabin style, straight walled family tent that will sleep 12 people.
• 2 large ‘D’ Style doors simplify exit or entry.
• 6 large windows and a generous roof vent allow for excellent ventilation. Windows feature ‘Quick Stash’ feature – stows window flap easily without loops or toggles.
• Complete with a zippered removable Room Divider so you can have 1 or 2 rooms.
• The hybrid steel/fiberglass frame is sturdy and reliable.
• Factory sealed floor and fly seams mean you will stay dry and comfortable in summer storms. The

coated polyester fabrics are durable and long lasting.

• Set up is a breeze with shock-corded poles that attach with a combination of clips and sleeves and

that makes set up faster and easier.2 Rooms – Zippered Room Divider can be removed for 1 or 2

rooms.

• Poles attach to tent body via pin and ring for fast and easy set up.
• Combination of clips and sleeves make set up fast and easy.
• 2 mesh gear pockets for internal storage, clothes line loops and flashlight loop.
• Poles are sturdy chain corded Powder Coated steel and shock corded fiberglass.
• Cabin style straight walls maximize interior living space.
• Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door.
• External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds.
• Guy Out Pockets store and secure guy lines when not in use.
• E! Power Port – zippered flap allows for an extension cord to be run into the tent.
• 2 Gear lofts included.
• All carry bags and stakes included.
• Fire retardant. Import.
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_ 5.  Cabela’s Alaknak Tent  12′ x 20′
Cost $1034 at Cabala’s.com

[Top left: Alaknak 12′ x 20′ model, Top right: with the optional vestibule]

• Sidewall condensation vents now have hook-and-loop closures all around the perimeter for better ventilation control. Three large multi-panel windows each have a zippered cover, a clear vinyl window that zips out of the way, and a mesh screen for added ventilation.
• The stove jack is covered by a storm flap that now rolls down to avoid contact with the piping, so it won’t melt the material.
  This 12-ft. x 20-ft. tent sports all the room of a traditional wall tent with extra-tall 5-ft. walls for more headroom around the edges.
• Equipped with two large doors for easy entry and exit, and two center support poles for added stability.
  Rugged, waterproof 250-denier polyester oxford X-Treme Tent Cloth has a high tear strength and resists punctures for lasting reliability.
• 10 perimeter tent poles keep the sidewalls from blowing in and add rigidity in high winds, so you can camp comfortably knowing you’re protected.
• The heavy-duty No. 10 YKK® zippers and inverted T-style door makes entering and exiting the tent easy. Plus, it’s backed by a screen door, so you can let cool breezes in while keeping bugs out.
• The attached awning boasts a frame that comes down from the peak of the tent and directs runoff away from the door for superior protection in the wettest weather.
• The interior sidewalls have unique fold-down shelves that sport cup holders to eliminate spilled beverages and gear pockets to hold gear.
• The floor has a zip-open panel for safe placement and stove use.
• Tent sets up quickly and easily. Includes 12″ steel stakes, guy ropes, 10 perimeter tent poles add rigidity in high winds and a large zip-close storage bag.
• Tent body dimensions: 12 ft. x 20 ft.
• Tent body weight: 49 lbs.
• Frame weight: 41 lbs.
• Stakes weight: 16 lbs.
• April 2013 cost approximately: $1034
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* Optional vestibule (11 ft Lx 9 ft W O.A., with about  72 ft² real area) which provides a sizeable “under cover” area  for storage/ cooking. About  $250 cost.

 

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See a family living with apparent comfort and style in an Alaknak tent at YouTube, click the following link. The video demonstrates that with a little forethought a larger tent can be made quite habitable:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhgeF9dbJp8