Avid campers who love being one with nature rely on their canvas tents for shelter and protection. While canvas tents can cost more than regular tents, they’re considered a good investment because they’re designed to last for many camping trips over the years.
If you’re looking for a reliable tent, there are quite a few trustworthy brands to choose from. Yet, there are two names, in particular, that campers are always comparing: Springbar vs Kodiak.
Read our full comparison to get all the details you need to make a smart, informed decision. Let’s dive in!
Springbar vs Kodiak: Overview
Springbar and Kodiak tents share many similar features that it can be pretty confusing knowing which one to pick. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of each tent type, as well as a few of their advantages and drawbacks.
Springbar Tent
Springbar tents first appeared on the market in the 1960s. This is a company that has spent many years perfecting their craft, and they’ve done an excellent job. Their tents are functional yet stylish. Springbar tents are lightweight and easy to pitch.
Pros
- Dependable design
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Comes with two zip-on organizers
Cons
- Less affordable
- Lacks air vents
Kodiak Tent
Kodiak is a comparatively new company, having just started a little over 10 years ago. Their manufacturers wanted to take the Springbar design and build on it.
They’ve managed to do this and even sell their tents at a more affordable price without sacrificing quality or style. By doing this, they’ve given us more high-quality choices and lower competitor prices at the same time.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Metal stakes
- Galvanized steel tent poles
- Thick 16 oz vinyl flooring
- Plenty of interior tie-loops
Cons
- Heavy construction
- Doesn’t come with organizers
In-Depth Review
Both the Springbar and the Kodiak canvas tents are two of the best choices on the market. After taking a look at their positives and negatives, let’s delve deeper into their features.
Material
Springbar tents are made in the US using 100% Cotton Duck canvas, which happens to be both durable and waterproof. Some tents have proven extreme sturdiness that they’ve been passed down from generation to generation. In the tent world, anything that survives more than 10 years is a winner!
The made-in-China Kodiak tents are known for their tightly-woven canvas. Even though Kodiak tents are also made from Cotton Duck, it’s the welded seams on the canvas that boosts their durability and makes them more weather-resistant.
Both tents feature hard-wearing #10 YKK zippers for their doors and #8 YKK for the windows.
What We Think
Constructed from tight woven canvas and welded seams, Kodiak tents have proven to be more durable. While we can’t judge whether or not you’ll be able to pass them down to future generations, we know that they can handle all types of weather.
Design
Almost all Springbar tents come with two large windows and one front door. They’re all covered with light-duty no-see-um mesh added visibility. The mesh also helps keep the bugs out while regulating temperatures within the tent.
A 6.5-foot wide awning covers the entire front of the tent. It protects you from rain and provides you with some shade when the sun’s out.
Springbar tents have a high ceiling, which stands at 6’6”. You’ll find two tie-loops on the tent ceiling. These are great for hanging gear or a lamp.
The one downside is that the tent floor is only 9 ounces. It isn’t enough to protect you against rain, rocks, and twigs.
Kodiak tents come with two large D-shaped doors for added convenience. There are also four large windows, as well as two air vents. All the openings are covered with heavy-duty 50D no-see-um mesh.
Another unique feature is the 7-foot awning that stands at the front door. It’s designed to protect against rain and harsh sunlight. Once fully standing, the entire frame stands at 6’6” high.
There are 14 tip-loops spread around the inside of Kodiak; 12 of them are on the ceiling and a couple on the floor. They’re great for attaching your gear, lamps, or hanging up a clothesline.
During times of rain, the 16-ounce vinyl flooring will keep you nice and dry. It’s thick enough to prevent the rainwater from coming into your tent. Plus, it can also keep the tent warm and toasty because it acts as an insulator.
What We Think
When it comes to design, we have to go with the Kodiak. Its features allow for better airflow and a more comfortable setting.
Durability
Springbar tents come with 9-inch plastic stakes. They handle themselves well in almost every terrain, except for anything too hard or rocky.
The tent poles for Springbar tents are aluminum. They’re strong and anti-rust. However, aluminum is lightweight, which may not be the best protection against strong wind and rain.
Additionally, the poles use telescoping upright inserts, which can take longer to assemble. They can also get stuck together if they come in contact with mud or debris.
The Kodiak features metal stakes, which hold well in all types of ground, even rocky ones. The tent poles are made of galvanized steel. They’re 1-inch thick and have a maximum length of 48 inches.
Their Flex-Bow design of the steel poles helps keep the tent taut. Plus, it ensures that the tent stays in place even in the most extreme weather conditions.
What We Think
The stronger, thicker tent poles make the Kodiak the winner in this category as well. They add to the overall strength and durability of the tent.
The Bottom Line
Now that you’ve seen the full-fledged Springbar vs Kodiak review, you’re now equipped with the information, and the confidence, you need to buy a new canvas tent.
Still, you have to admit that the differences between the two are pretty minimal. They’re both well-established names in the industry with top-of-the-line features.
At the end of the day, all we want is to get the most bang for our buck. So, if you’re looking for an American-made, time-tested tent, then go for the Springbar.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more affordable, try the Kodiak. It’s just as durable and easy to set up, if not more, as the Springbar. Yet, it comes with a more reasonable price tag.