Weekend camping trips with the family bring to mind flimsy nylon and polyester tents that barely survive a simple rainstorm. You would be correct in thinking that these sorts of shelters don’t make the best permanent dwellings. However, choose something more durable and fairly affordable like canvas, and you’ll find that your tent is in it for the long haul.

Canvas has been utilized as a durable outdoor material for hundreds of years. Besides being used to make tents, canvas is used for sails and other outdoor equipment. When wet, canvas swells and becomes exceptionally waterproof. It is able to withstand conditions that other materials would not tolerate, making it ideal for long-term use.

The fibers of canvas tents are tightly woven, making it the perfect shade from harmful sun rays and high temperatures. Canvas tents also protect inhabitants from strong winds and other inclement weather. The durability of the material means that it won’t suffer from rips and tears as easily as other fabrics.

Of course, canvas tents also prove to be a lot heavier and harder to move. Plan on sticking with your nylon and polyester for short camping trips, and go for canvas if you’re seeking something more long-term.

Canvas tents today are commonly used by summer camps and retreat center, hunters and fishers, and military installations. This proves beneficial for many reasons. Canvas tents are generally much less expensive to build than traditional buildings, and they can be moved to new locations if necessary. They can be put up and taken down quickly and don't need to meet building code requirements.

Environmentalists and homesteaders also commonly use canvas tents, especially when living on unsettled land. Some choose this as a temporary solution while more permanent housing is built. For others, this is a long-term living arrangement complete with electricity and running water.

Of course, canvas tents aren’t just for permanent dwelling, and many of them aren’t as bare bones as you might think. Many people use canvas tents for a vacation home. Luxury canvas tents include everything from bathrooms to windows to wood floors. 

Although most of us aren’t probably ready to make the switch to permanently dwelling in a canvas tent, their durability, transportability, and affordability make them a good option to keep in mind. And hey, maybe some of us can start to dream about that vacation home after all, even if it is only made of canvas.

Check out survival team tactics to learn more about off-grid tent style living.