Jan 265 min read

Best Canvas Tent Made In The USA | Springbar Hand Stitched In Utah For Since 1961

Updated: Mar 12

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Research Told Me Springbar Makes The Best Tent Made In The USA

It is not uncommon to meet folks in using 25 year old Springbar Tents when camping. I bought my Springbar Tent about 8 years when we were van camping. It has sheltered us in 50 mph winds and driving rains. 3 years ago we started Overlanding and now use a Roof Top Tent mounted to our Exventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer. Recently I had a chance to use my Springbar at Joshua Tree National Park. It reminded me how much I love this high quality, classic canvas tent.

What Is A Springbar Tent - How Does It Work - How Do You Set It Up

In 1961 Kirkham Outdoors revolutionized tent design with the Springbar and many years later is still producing them. Very simply put there is a spring and a bar, hence the name Springbar. Staking tent holds bottom allowing the spring system to stretch canvas and hold tent in place in winds up to 50 mph or more. Tents available in multiple colors.

The Easy Setup:

Lay down heavy duty ground tarp.
Place tent on top of ground tarp.
Stake tent down using loops built into tent.
Insert springs into canvas pockets.
Add the bar and insert spring rods.
Lift tent and add poles, adjust height.

Canvas Springbar Tent set up in front of large rocks with camping table and gear sitting in front and off to the side. Early morning and sun is rising creating long shadows. — Springbar Pitched At Sawtooth Canyon Campground

Brought A Friend To Joshua Tree | My Springbar Was His BaseCamp

Usually I Overland solo or with my wife. This trip to Joshua Tree National Park my friend Roger came along. I was not comfortable asking a dude to sleep in my RTT with me so I brought my Springbar. It was awesome because he had his own space to keep his gear and have privacy as well as a great place to crash. My love for this Tent was rekindled. It pitches easily, provides awesome shelter and comes down quick. This photo is from Sawtooth Canyon, a BLM Campground south of Barstow California. Our first stop on this trip.

Springbar label printed on the bottom of the tent that indicates it was made in USA and is the Best Tent Made In America — SpringBar Label On Bottom Of Tent - Genuine Springbar

Springbar Has Been Making These Tents Since 1961

Wow! What a great design. I have seen 25+ year old Springbar Tents of all shapes and sizes being used in campgrounds. I can't remember being in a campground without seeing 1 or more of them pitched. Folks are always proud to say they own them.

Rear view of my promaster van that was used for camping sitting at campsite. Lawnchair, picnic table with bbq grill and a pop up shelter over another table. — Promaster From The Van Days Prior To Switching To The Overlanding Setup

Car Camping Tent Not A Tent For Packing Long Distances On Hikes

I bought my Springbar when we were all about van camping. The Best USA Made Tent may not be the best for taking on a hike. There are some more compact Springbar tents available that might be possible to pack. Generally speaking canvas tents are not the lightest. If you are looking to hike with a tent this may not be the best choice.

A variety of tent stakes sitting on piece of plywood. There are aluminum and steel, long stakes that look like large nails and some that look like traditional stakes. — Variety of Tent Stakes For All Types Of Terrain

Springbar Tents Must Be Staked Down - That Is A good Idea With Any Tent

Its critical to stake the Springbar Tent down to the ground. In fact it is the first thing you do when setting it up. I keep a good assortment of stakes to use in different types of terrain. So far the black ones on the left in the photo are my favorite. They seem to work in just about every type of terrain. I also carry sandbags where stakes can't be used at all.

You Need A Ground Tarp To Protect Bottom Of Tent

Springbar ground tarps are "Made from rugged 600 denier polyester with a PVC coated finish for a fully waterproof and super durable barrier..." A good ground tarp that is same size as the footprint of your tent will keep out moisture. It also protects the tent from wear and tear. These tarps aren't the blue ones, they are high quality products. I definitely would not consider pitching my tent without one. Springbar offer a variety of sizes to match their tents. You can purchase one here.

Many Accessories Available To Customize Your Tent For Your Particular Use

Stormfly for extra protection from rain, mud rooms, ground tarps, and other items available. Springbar also produces awesome hand sewn canvas duffels and bags made in USA. Wood stoves can also be used with some models.

Springbar Tent Storage Bag sitting on ground with writing saying Campsite 3, Best Tent Made In America. — My Tent Rolls Up And Fits In This Bag

My Tent Is A Campite 3 And Not Available But There Are Others Like It

Springbar offer a wide variety of tents in different sizes for different purposes in multiple colors. There are Cabin Tents that allow use of wood stoves, smaller compact tents and tents the whole family can stay in. Check the whole line of products and information on Springbar web site.

Xventure off-road trailer with springbar Autofly installed. There is Jeep Gladiator and a Maggiolina Roof Top Tent in view. — Springbar Autofly Set Up On My Exventure XV-3 At Alabama Hills California

I Also Own A Springbar AutoFly Vehicle Awning | Here It Is At Alabama Hills

This Springbar AutoFly provides shelter on the side of our Exventure XV-3 off-road trailer or the side of my Jeep Wrangler that has a roof rack. Springbar also offer a sunshade that is extremely wind resistant great for using at the beach.

Put Off Buy Cost Of A Springbar? They Offer A Line Of Import Tents To Make Them Affordable For More Folks

If your put off by the cost check out Springbar Import Tents. I like to buy Made In USA as often as possible but I would rather have a Springbar made abroad than not have one at all.

Wrapping Up My Thoughts On My Springbar

We used this tent for a long while all over the state of California. It sets up easily and quickly and protected us from high winds and driving rain. It is gear you can have complete confidence in. Check campgrounds and it is likely someone will be using a Springbar they have used for 25 years or more. Use my links and get one for yourself. You won't be disapointed.