Educate me on wall tents

[Birddog916]

Looking for advice from the group with wall tent experience. I'm considering purchasing a Davis 14'x15' Elk package tent, to sleep up to 4 guys on cots. Considering the investment is kind of substantial want to make sure I get it right... no buyers remorse. Anyway here goes:

Do you think the 14'x15' is realistically large enough to fit 4 guys, stove, and their gear? and Yes, we have one of those guys who seems to yard sale his stuff everywhere...

Davis seems like they are a pretty good company. Anyone vouch for their customer service? Any other brands I should look at?

Not sure I need a floor. It seems it would just attract dirt from everyone's boot going in and out. thoughts?

Windows, are they worth the extra cost? I guess on hot days some cross breeze might be nice.

Thank you!

 

[pabearhunter]

Take a piece of paper and using a 1 inch equal a foot scale draw a 14x15. Now 4 men with 4 cots which will be at least 3ft x 6ft. See how much floor space that takes up. Table, stove and storage. TRUST me you will want 3 windows with screen plexiglass and canvas. Put a D hook on back canvas to tie off when wind is blowing and it will stop the floping of canvas. This is just starting the list. BUT I LOVE A WALL TENT.

 

[Wild Bill]

Here's a quick mock up of that scenario.

 

[mevertsen]

You'll need an 18' for four guys on cots.

I have a 12x14. 2 guys with gear and that is tight. 3 is very tight.

 

[elkduds]

Davis is better than most, may be the best. Their tents get handed down across generations. Maybe a separate tent, simple to pitch like a nylon dome tent, for storage to give more room in main tent. Also,

 

[Camdu7]

I have done 4 in a 12x14 many times. It is tight and I had a 12 x 10 covered porch. My 14x16 is better but still a little tight. Get a 10' awning and the sidewalls and the 14x15 would be doable. 14x18 would be better. Davis is good stuff.

 

[wytex]

Our Davis is 12x14 and for 2 of us it is fine, we've had 3 in it and not much room at all.
Go bigger.
Davis is great to deal with, talk with them also about size.
I would suggest the front awning as well for cooking space or extra storage.

Tarp for the floor and get the rain fly.

 

[Bowhunt_406]

I have a Davis also, I think 10x14. I really like mine and have used it for years. I use a tarp for a floor. Size depends on how much gear you keep in the tent. I’m pretty minimalist so I think you’d be fine, but extra space is always nice when riding out a storm. Windows are pretty nice for early season/archery.

 

[WYWINCHESTER]

With gear it will be tight. Canopy over the front will help with gear and cooking. Stove-wood-gear-cots-duffels. I have a 16x20 and still put up a canopy.

 

[El Jason]

It’s big enough if you make the yard sale guy sleep outside. Otherwise, go up in size. Unless you do the bunk beds.

 

[TheTone]

I’ve done 3 in a 12x12 and thought it was fine; it actually made people be a little more courteous with spreading out stuff. When I’ve done 4 it was a 12x20. It was tons of room and we also had a stove. Things were spread out all over. It was also enough room for 7 people to hang out in when the weather was truly bad

 

[Tmbrgost]

I would suggest windows, floor and stove Jack. Worth the extra over a lifetime of hunting with the tent.

There is something spectacular about hunting/camping from a wall tent! IMO it is more comfortable than my camper.

 

[Pagosa]

Ive hunted and lived in wall tents for up 8-9 months at a time. And have had several brands, started out with Montana Canvas, a GP army artic tent, the wall tent shop, and now using my 2nd Davis Tent.Davis makes a great product, I think the best out there. I downsized from a 12x16 to 10x12 with 5' side walls. I would highly recommend windows, and a good rain fly. The reason I downsized is bc the 12x16 took up too much space in my full size truck and once you start adding critters from game meat you run out of space really quick. I would buy the fire proofing and mildew resistant canvas. We don't need a huge tent for hunting trips, bc we are mostly hunting and we can set up a burn barrel outside for sitting outside in the evenings. I think people pack too much shit when they go hunting bc they are unfamiliar with what little they actually need. You will like your purchase and they have a good resale value too

 

[El Jason]

No way would I get an attached floor. Just roll out some tarps or carpet or something. Lighter. Easier to clean. More versatile.

 

[The_Jim]

I've done 4 with a stove in my 12x12. Its not great and one was my 12 year old son. 2 guys with cots fit really well in a 12x12. I would guess 14x15 would be a good size for 3 guys and crowded with 4 but that's just a guess.

 

[peterk1234]

I own the tent you are considering. We do it with four people no problem. Is it tight? Maybe, depends on what you call tight. I need it to sleep and eat. I like tight, tight is warm.

I just added a full canopy to protect the roof and to provide the option to cook outside. Haven't used it yet but I'm sure it will be awesome. Davis is quality gear!

 

[wytex]

Get the internal frame kit, cut your own conduit.

And we bought some canvas drop cloths for added privacy on the walls, hang them along the walls for some added insulation from the cold and privacy. I bought 4x15 ft canvas drop cloths, you can get 5x15 too I think.
Your wife will like the added privacy on the walls if you camp near anyone else, lol.

 

[Hem]

It’s big enough if you make the yard sale guy sleep outside. Otherwise, go up in size. Unless you do the bunk beds.

Who is sleeping outside this Fall if more homies show up?

 

[Potsie]

Who is sleeping outside this Fall if more homies show up?

Bunk cots for the win. They give at least +2 jackassery.

 

[Hem]

Bunk cots for the win. They give at least +2 jackassery.

Agreed.
That bunk cot is bomber.