non traditional tent materials

[terasec]

i have land i would like to set up a more permanent type of base camp,
i would like to build a lean to or teepee type shelter,
i have access to rubberized truck tarps i can use to waterproof the shelter
am wary of using such because i dont know what chemicals are used,
and sleeping in/using such material in such close quarters,
and if i choose to have a warming fire within the structure what effects that will have(aside from the fire hazard)
this wouldnt be a 1 time structure,
on my own land that i camp at regularly with store bought tents,
this is also in upstate NY with frigid cold winters and snow is a factor in materials
heavy duty canvas for a 10' diameter teepee or 10'x10' leanto gets costly,
anyone have suggestions for alternatives for cheap fabrics to use for such?

[terasec]

Re: non traditional tent materials

Adironack leanto is on my mind for future plans,
Just for now tough to complete,
For now am trying to keep it simpler,
Yes snow is a factor 5'-10" of it on the ground in winter.
Wasn't thinking of tarp alone for roof, but tarp with wood logs,
Wood for support, tarp to waterproof it.
Snow is also why I started looking at teepee type structure.
No snow buildup, other than at the base.
Something that requires flat type roof will require some materials that's tough to bring in, such at sheathing/shingles, etc.
Also will be tough to maneuver logs alone over a certain height.

[terasec]

Re: non traditional tent materials

well i decided on a design
its gonna be a baker style tent
kinda like this one


i probably wont sew the panels together, instead, will have gromets, and will use gromet points to attach them together,
this will make it easier to takedown, move as needed, leaving the framework intact will make it easier on follow up set ups
as its going up in upstate NY, roof cant handle snow load on its own, so options i am considering, keep it up for 3 seasons,
remove just roof and floor in winter,
or reinforce the roof to handle snow loads,
while its not traditional, am trying to keep materials as natural and traditional as possible, no pvc tarps, natural fiber rope, using trees off my land for poles,
pine sap pitch for any sealing,
as it comes together will post pics, my first trip to set up framework will probably be in november,

[terasec]

Re: non traditional tent materials

Yea, as much as I want it up through the winter, snow load is a big issue,
Couple possibilities, either use additional poles on top to handle the snow,
Or am thinking of using rope rope to make a latice/net under the tarp,
I do like the rope net idea, and may go that direction,
Or a combination of both, rope net and extra poles,
Either way have to make sure the framework is strong enough to handle it.
Also if I use couple extra poles under the roof tarp,
I could set up some poles inside the tent to help support it,
And those poles can be put up/removed easily as I need it.
Snow is a big issue, but think its doable.
Worst case scenario it collapses and I rebuild it.
Anyone have ideas to help a tarp tent support snow I welcome others ideas.
My land is 6 hrs from home, so trips this year before big snow will be few.
Still getting materials together

[Joyous56]

Re: non traditional tent materials

Southern Tier? Just wondering.....

[terasec]

Re: non traditional tent materials

Southern Tier? Just wondering.....

Actually northern, about 20 miles east of watertown, ny

[Joyous56]

Re: non traditional tent materials

better yet! Enjoy!

[Johnny Test]

Re: non traditional tent materials

I have been in traditional teepees and they are amazing in their design, especially for cold months.