The history of tents and the stories that come with it are truly fascinating, stretching across centuries and diverse cultures. These humble abodes, our cosy retreats at the end of a day's exploration, provide sanctuary from the elements—a tradition cherished by generations before us.
Delving into the rich history of tents has always held my fascination. This seemingly unassuming piece of fabric embodies the essence of survival and companionship for the adventurers who came before us, as well as their significance in sites of protest over time, or as shelter in humanitarian emergencies - there's so much ground to cover, one blog can only scratch the surface.
From ancient nomads and roman soldiers to family campers and ultralight thru-hikers, the evolution of tents reflects our ongoing quest for safety, comfort, portability, and adventure in the great outdoors.
How far back does the history of tents go? How basic were the earliest tents? And why do we even call it a tent? Let's dive into the fascinating world of tent history and give this essential camping gear the recognition it deserves.
Where does the word 'tent' originate from?
“The word “tent” comes from the Latin word tendere meaning “to stretch” – as in a piece of material stretched tautly across a frame.”
Where did the tent originate?
Tents have been part of human existence since ancient times. The oldest verified tent, carbon-dated back to around 40,000 B.C, was discovered in Russia. 40,000BC? That’s right. Approximately 42,022 years ago when Neanderthals began to disappear from the fossil record and Homo sapiens (you and me) became the dominant species, the oldest (verified) tent was constructed from hides and large mammoth tusks. They even used the small bones at the bottom of the tent to prevent the wind from blowing inside!
Cue the creepy reconstruction:
How basic were the early tents?
They were pretty basic, primarily used for habitation, but as societies settled due to advancements like agriculture, more permanent dwellings emerged. Animal hides, branches, and plant materials were still a common material. In colder climates, such as the Arctic, Inuit communities crafted shelters like the Tupiq from poles and seal skins, offering respite during the summer months.
These early shelters, whether fashioned from mammoth or whale bones or seal skins, provided sanctuary for nomadic tribes navigating vast landscapes in search of sustenance. Rooted in the primal need for protection and a semblance of home amidst the wilderness, the humble tent represents humanity's enduring ingenuity in the face of nature's challenges.
Were tents ever used in the military?
The military has been a driving force behind tent technology innovations, particularly until recreational tents gained popularity in the 20th century. Military leaders, prioritising soldiers' health and readiness, experimented with durable materials capable of withstanding prolonged use and frequent packing and unpacking. Innovations in guy ropes were also essential, enabling rapid setup and breakdown of tents.
Roman soldiers were frequent users of tents, potentially spreading design advancements as they traversed different territories. They favoured larger tent varieties like ridge tents and marquees, providing spaces for gatherings, camaraderie, and tactical discussions.
“The renowned Roman scholar and military strategist Pliny the Elder even detailed the use of calf skins for tent construction, coining the phrase "sub pellibus," meaning "under pelts," to describe tent living.”
In later centuries, early American soldiers, notably during the American Revolution, relied on similar tent designs, often crafted from hemp. Employing smaller, camouflage tents and tarps, they adopted guerrilla tactics against the British, utilising the natural environment for cover, ultimately contributing to their victory.
During the Civil War, tents remained pivotal, serving as meeting spaces for generals in large marquees before battles. However, soldiers' accommodations were often rudimentary, with small sleeping tents humorously dubbed "pup tents," a term reflecting their diminutive size and basic nature. And speaking of tiny shelters, have you heard of Bivy bags? That’s an awesome history lesson for another day.
How waterproof are Canvas tents?
Canvas, a heavy cotton fabric, has long been the hallmark material for leisure tents - it's the type of tent I remember spending many holidays in as a young'n when camping near Studland Bay in Dorset and Les Sables-d'Olonne in France.
Initially porous, canvas relies on rain to swell its fibres, knitting them together to achieve waterproofness. While its natural properties allow for good breathability, canvas requires substantial maintenance to counteract potential rotting and weightiness over time.
Historically, canvas was treated with oil or paraffin for added protection and waterproofing.
Nowadays, modern tent materials undergo waterproof coatings, typically acrylic, polyurethane, or silicone impregnation. Acrylic coatings are common in budget tents, while silicone offers superior waterproofing capabilities. That's why many tents nowadays feature factory silicone-sealed main seams, exemplified by models like the Terra Nova Laser Compact 1.
What fabric is used for tents?
“Advancements in technology and the availability of new materials revolutionised tent design, ushering in a new era of innovation and versatility. Traditional materials such as heavy steel poles and oiled canvases gave way to lightweight alternatives, including flexible fibreglass poles and durable synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon”.
These modern materials not only enhanced durability and weather resistance but also facilitated ease of assembly and portability, redefining the camping experience for generations to come:
- Polyester: A synthetic fibre known for its durability, surpassing nylon in this aspect. It's the most commonly used material in tent manufacturing today.
- Polycotton: A blend of polyester and natural cotton, exemplified by the Nortent Gamme 6 PC 4 Season Tent. This hybrid fabric offers strength, breathability, and relative lightness compared to traditional 100% cotton canvas.
- Nylon: A lightweight synthetic material prone to degradation from ultraviolet light exposure. It's often utilised in the construction of inner tent walls, such as in the Sierra Designs High Side 3000 1-person backpacking tent.
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Silnylon: A synthetic fabric composed of silicone and nylon, frequently found in lightweight outdoor gear like the flysheet of the popular Nortent Vern 2 Person Backpacking Tent. While inherently waterproof, quality tents made from silnylon require seam sealing with a silicone mixture for full waterproofing.
- OSMO™ Poly-Nylon Ripstop: A high-performance fabric featuring exceptional water repellency and minimal stretch when wet. Made from 100% recycled yarns (PFAS-free), OSMO™ fabric meets flame retardancy standards without added chemicals. This innovative material is showcased in the NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent. Learn more by watching the video below:
In our realm, travelling with ultralight gear and tents is increasingly common. Check out some of our favourite 1-person ultralight tents for solo travellers.
Tent shapes and structures
The evolution of tent shapes has closely followed the changing needs and preferences of outdoor enthusiasts. From classic A-frames to innovative dome tents and tunnel structures, designs have diversified to cater to various demands. Each shape offers unique advantages, whether it's increased stability in adverse weather or enhanced interior space for larger groups.
Throughout history, civilisations worldwide have crafted their interpretations of tents, reflecting their cultural and environmental contexts. From the towering yurts of Central Asia to the iconic teepees of Native American tribes, ancient innovations showcase our ancestors' ingenuity in adapting to diverse landscapes and climates.
Some modern tent designs often draw inspiration from these traditional roots, with trendy-shaped tents like the Big Agnes Gold Camp tarp or the 6-person Nortent Lavvo 6 PC Tipi Tent.
Nortent's Gamme 4-person 4-season expedition tent draws inspiration from an ancient Norwegian hut design. The Gamme, used since the earliest days in Norway and by the Sami people to this day, has provided shelter and security for centuries.
Tents of today...
Camping remains a highly popular recreational pursuit, driving ongoing innovations in tent technology and design worldwide. Specialist outdoor retailers like Valley and Peak and Backpacking Light have been instrumental in this evolution, offering the UK market a diverse selection of top-tier tents.
These tents blend cutting-edge materials with user-friendly features, ranging from ultralight options for 1-2 people, backpacking or bikepacking tents from renowned brands such as Big Agnes, MSR, Nortent, Terra Nova, Sierra Designs, and Bonfus, to spacious 3-person, 4-person, or even 8-person tents designed to enhance comfort and storage capacity for your next camping trip or expedition.
While modern tents boast advancements in technology, they remain refreshingly devoid of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. And therein lies their charm. Camping in a tent offers a therapeutic escape and a chance to reconnect with nature. Irrespective of their materials or construction, tents transport us to a realm akin to that of our forebears who first pitched their shelters aeons ago. But what about the future?
Tents of tomorrow...
Recent advancements in biodegradable fabrics and smart textiles have the potential to revolutionise camping gear. One standout example is Nano Cure Tech (NCT), a lightweight, water-resistant nylon ripstop fabric equipped with resealing and repairing capabilities. While nylon ripstop is inherently durable, NCT takes it a step further with a special double-sided coating that, when activated by the heat from your fingers, can mend small holes and punctures. Initially hailed as the "World's First Self-Healing tent" during a Kickstarter campaign, unfortunately, it failed to secure funding.
With the above in mind, I asked AI to describe us a tent of the future...In the future, tents will be like pop-up homes from a sci-fi dream: ultra-lightweight structures made from self-healing, adaptive fabrics that set themselves up with a single command. These futuristic shelters will blend seamlessly into any environment, with colour-changing camouflage and eco-powered everything—from integrated solar panels sewn into the fabric to a built in rainwater collection and filtering system. Smart sensors will keep you cosy and safe, adjusting the tent's temperature, lighting, and even playing your favourite music. And when it's time to move, the tent will fold itself back into a backpack-sized package, ready for your next adventure.
Thoughts?