When purchasing a wall tent today, there are many different options in material to choose from. Some material types are more durable than others, while some are lighter and easier to transport. Generally, the need is what determines the material. If your main concern is weight, then you might want to consider a relite wall tent. If durability is your concern, then you should think about a heavier weight of canvas.

To start off, it?s a good idea to have an understanding of each different type of material used. Below are common terms and definitions associated with wall tent materials.

Army duck: This canvas type is made by weaving the threads together, both lengthwise and crosswise. Two threads are twisted together to make one single thread, which is then woven into the canvas going both lengthwise and crosswise. This is the best quality of canvas available, it is stronger and more durable and allows the canvas to breath better.
Boat shrunk: One of the terms used to state that the canvas has been treated for water and mildew resistance. Boat shrunk tents will not shrink more than 3%.
Canvas weight: Indicates the weight or thickness of the canvas used. Heavier canvas isn?t necessarily better. The weave style and canvas treatment determine the quality of canvas.
Dual fill: Canvas material where two threads are twisted together and then woven into the canvas in a crosswise direction. The threads going lengthwise are single threads only. Not as durable as army duck canvas.
Fire resistant: A treatment that can be applied to canvas wall tents to help prevent them from burning.
Marine grade: One of the terms used to state that the canvas has been treated for water and mildew resistance. Marine grade tents will not shrink more than 3%.
Parafan finish: An exceptionally heavy finish that treats canvas for water, mildew and fire resistance. The heavy parafan finish should make the canvas more water, mildew and fire resistant. However, significant weight is added to the tent when applied.
Polaris: This fabric is a 50% cotton/50% polyester blend. It is UV resistant, breathable, mildew resistant, water repellent and flame retardant. The Polaris is flexible in extreme temperatures and is recommended for tents and tipis that will be set up for extended periods of time.
Single fill: Single threads are woven together both crosswise and lengthwise to make the canvas.
Sun forger: One of the terms used to state that the canvas has been treated for water and mildew resistance. Sun forger tents will not shrink more than 3%.
Tex-Tex/Relite: Both are synthetic fabrics. Tents made of synthetic fabrics don't breathe and may condensate. Tex-Tex and Relite will not shrink 1-3% like canvas and no shrinkage reduction factor is required for an internal frame. Synthetic tents are much lighter for packing but you must determine if the reduced weight is worth condensation inside your tent. Relite and Tex-Tex are both as strong as canvas and both retain heat inside the tent equal to canvas.
Untreated canvas: Canvas that has not been treated for water, mildew, or fire. This type of canvas is cheaper but it does not last as long and is not as durable. This material will shrink considerably when getting it wet.
Water repellent: Treated canvas becomes water repellent after the first soaking.

If selecting a canvas wall tent, then you can either choose between a natural canvas, or a treated canvas. Natural canvas is waterproof, but is not treated for rot or mildew. Treated canvas is waterproof and is also mildew proof.

Natural canvas is generally heavier, offered in both 12 oz. and 14.9 oz. weights, but is also very durable if taken care of.
Treated canvas is generally lighter weight that natural canvas, usually offered in 10.10 oz. weight.

Tents made of synthetic fabrics such as relite don't breathe as well as canvas and may condensate. Having a wood stove helps prevent the condensation. Blend tents are also available, which mix both canvas and relite, offering a lightweight solution that still breathes and will be durable.

Overall, the most popular choice of material in wall tents is 10.10 oz. treated canvas. This material is durable, not too heavy, it breathes well, and is waterproof and mildew proof.

Cylinder Stoves, Reliable Tent, and Montana Canvas all offer wall tents in treated 10 oz. canvas.