Springbar and Kodiak are the top two canvas tent brands.
I have owned and used both while exploring public lands in the U.S.
From intense winds, blowing sand, heavy rain, snow, and desert rocks, my tents have been through a lot of inclement weather.
While they are similar in many ways, there are 7 key differences between Kodiak and Springbar that will make your decision easy.
Note: Some links in this article go to marketplaces where I earn a commission. I appreciate you using them because I purchase all products with my own money and any amount helps me continue creating content. Thanks!
My Kodiak Tent (my full Kodiak Flex-Bow review)
My Springbar Tent (my full Springbar review)
In this article, when I refer to Springbar, I’m referring to the Springbar U.S.A line (not their imported Highline, and for Kodiak, I’m referring to the Flex-bow line (not the cabin or bell tents).
Kodiak Flex-Bow  | Springbar 7x9  | Canvas Tent Discount Codes  |
$599.99 | $999.99 | 👇👇 |
Springbar vs Kodiak Canvas Tents: The 7 Primary Differences
There are key 7 key differences between Springbar and Kodiak canvas tents.
Below is a simple graphic and then we’ll dive into the details. (by the way, you can’t go wrong with either brand, both are better than White Duck Outdoors Prota and Teton Sports Mesa, in my opinion).
Some combination of these will likely make you pick one over the other.
- Kodiak is made in China. Springbar is made in U.S.A. Thus, a Kodiak costs less. View current prices on their official website.
- I had more issues with Springbar’s durability than Kodiak. Given U.S. made vs Chinese-made, I would have expected the opposite.
- The Kodiak floor material is thicker than Springbar. It makes Kodiak great in the desert where everything is sharp. – Update: I was writing a new article and noticed Springbar says they use 12oz vinyl now. Wayback machine shows 9 oz for an Outfitter, so not 100% clear. Kodiak uses between 13.5 and 16 oz.
- Kodiak has more options for each base model tent including full-length venting windows.
- The Kodiak poles are galvanized steel and more sturdy (and heavy) compared to Springbar’s aluminum poles.
- Springbar has superior customer service compared to Kodiak. Although, the only reason I know that is because of a couple of failures in my Springbar tent.
- Springbar has more tent accessories for shade, storage, and more.
You may also be interested in The 12 Best Springbar and Kodiak Accessories and How to Heat a Canvas Tent.
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Brands included: Springbar, Kodiak, White Duck, Teton Sports
Springbar vs Kodiak? Kodiak Wins
It’s abundantly clear you get more bang for your buck with Kodiak. In fact, it could be argued that Kodiak is not only cheaper in price, but also higher in quality.
In my opinion, the only reason to use Springbar U.S.A. is if you want to support a U.S. company and have great customer support.
I still currently use a Springbar for this reason. Their customer support is great and I really like the people I’ve interacted with at the warehouse the couple of times I’ve been there.
However, I’m also a realist. If a friend asked me which tent to buy, I would tell him or her a Kodiak (full review here).
You can pay 50% less for better quality and decent customer service. It seems like a no-brainer.
I use a Springbar because I lived in Salt Lake City for 3 years and was able to get a factory second at a small discount during COVID. The team there has since grown on me so I still support their products.
If this is your first canvas tent purchase and you’re doing a basic comparison, it makes perfect sense to purchase a Kodiak.
Why Kodiak Tents are Superior to Springbar’s U.S. Canvas Tents?
Now that you have an overview, let me get into the details.
Kodiak Tent Floors are Thicker than Springbar!
This is the most obvious technical and physical difference between the tents.
The Kodiak Flexbow tent floor is 16 oz reinforced vinyl polyester compared to Springbar’s 9-12 oz (update: Springbar states 12 oz, but it does for all their tents, unclear if that’s an average or not – I used the “wayback” machine and it shows the Outfitter at 9 oz).
It is noticeable.
I prefer the thicker floor because I frequently camp in desert terrain where everything is sharp. Whether it be rocks or plant debris, the Kodiak floor felt much more durable.
My Springbar floor also began to show signs of wear after about 9 months. There wasn’t a hole or anything, it was just wearing thinner in a spot about the size of a quarter.
My Kodiak tent has never had any issues with the floor and that’s without a ground tarp.
Do You Need a Ground Tarp for a Kodiak or Springbar Tent?
Yes, you should get a ground tarp for Springbar tents. Springbar makes great ones. I didn’t feel the need to get one for a Kodiak, but you should still use one of those cheap blue tarps to keep condensation from building on the bottom of the tent and for some extra protection.
Because the Springbar floor isn’t as thick as Kodiak, I felt the need to get a heavy-duty ground tarp for protection. The first time I missed moving a small rock before setting my Springbar up, I could see that rock trying to poke through with all its might. With a Kodiak, you’d barely notice it.
In addition, ground tarps help with keeping water away from the bottom of the tent. See all the accessories you should consider.
In the desert, where rain can cause rivers around your tent, I’d recommend a ground tarp for both. Here’s the bottom after a night of rain. The tarp did its job in protecting and allowing water to flow underneath.
Springbar doesn’t really mention this on its sales page, but I think they assume you’ll get a ground tarp to go with your tent.
The Springbar ground tarps are the best ground tarps I’ve ever used. They are thick, easy to clean, and show no signs of wear after months of use.
It also helps keep moisture off the bottom of the tent. Moisture will often form on material that is in direct contact with the ground.
For proper storage, you must dry any canvas tent before storing it. Very little condensation, if any, will build on the tent floor when using a heavy-duty tarp. Using a ground tarp keeps the bottom of your tent dry. You can fold up your tent right away and simply flip the ground tarp to dry in the sun.
If you’re ever in a crunch for time, you can pack away the tent, and then just have to lay out the tarp at a later time.
This does add to the total cost of ownership of the Springbar (a heavier-duty tarp is required for them vs Kodiak). It should be included in the total cost (and weight) between the two products for a fair comparison.
Kodiak Offers Better Venting and Airflow Solutions
Kodiak offers upgrades from their base models to help during the summer. I found that once it gets above 75F to 80F, you’ll want all 4 sides to be able to vent to be comfortable.
Springbar does not have an offering with full 4-side venting, so I recommend the Kodiak VX if you camp primarily in the summer months.
During your purchase decision, determine if you want no vents, small vents, or full-length mesh windows. The price increases for each venting option, but it also allows for maximum airflow in hot environments.
It also makes the tent feel much bigger since you can see outside on all four walls.
Springbar will only have doors/windows in the front and back. Their imported line includes small vents on the other sides, but it does not compare to Kodiak’s ventilation in the upgraded models.
Kodiak Poles vs Springbar Poles
The upright poles that lift a Kodiak tent are made of galvanized steel compared to Springbar’s aluminum poles.
This adds more weight to the Kodiak package while not necessarily adding additional durability. After a year, I never had an issue with the Springbar aluminum poles, even though they are lighter and less durable feeling.
It should also be noted that some tents use different poles. I was able to compare the poles of the Springbar Outfitter vs. their larger models; the larger models do use heavier-duty poles. They still don’t match the sturdiness feel of Kodiak’s, though.
Springbar Tension Rods Broke: An Issue Potentially Resolved
Broken Springbar tension rods have tarnished the “made in the U.S.” argument for some first-time customers of Springbar.
Within a few uses, not only did I break one tension rod, but a second! They source these rods from a U.S. manufacturer as well.
One broke a few hours after setting it up. I jammed the other end into the T-bar to try and salvage the trip.
A different tension rod broke while we were sleeping that same night! It makes me avoid their hot tents because I can only imagine having one of these break while you have a wood-burning stove lit.
It didn’t collapse on us fully, but it was quite startling and not enjoyable to deal with in the morning.
Thankfully, I lived in Salt Lake City at the time and was able to pick up a set of 4 new tension rods.
Springbar Has Great Customer Service
After my two tension rods snapped, I was quite disgruntled about my new and expensive Springbar tent.
I sent some pictures with an email, and they responded within hours.
They apologized several times and were committed to making it right.
They provided me with 4 new tension rods from a different batch than my previous rods.
I picked up the rods from their facility since I lived about 15 minutes away in Salt Lake City. I’ve been there twice and everyone is always very nice and seems like they enjoy their job.
The person that gave me the new tension rods in person was actually the same gal that I was messaging via email, so she knew exactly who I was and had everything ready.
I have not used Kodiak customer service, however, I know it would be more challenging since I bought my tent from Cabela’s and there would be no way I could fix an issue within a day or two unless it was through Cabela’s (which isn’t going to have extra poles and supplies on hand for these types of fixes).
Based on various forums, it seems like Kodiak is still fairly responsive and will help out with any tent defects. It might just take a little longer to resolve.
Springbar Tent Accessories: Stakes, Tarps, Rainfly, Organizers, and more
Springbar sells heavy-duty ground tarps for each footprint, a rainfly, leisure ports, and more.
Springbar also has more options in terms of colors and sizes of tents. I love the Admiral (navy blue) color. It makes the tent pop in many environments.
My favorite accessory is the tent organizer they sell. You can hang it from the sewn rings that line the inside of the tent. (P.S., you can also use bungee cords with these to help hang clothes or gear.)
Side Note: Old Information in Other Top Reviews
When you Google “springbar vs kodiak” there are some errors in several articles.
Some are comparing the Springbar Highline series which is actually imported, but many claim is made in the U.S. in their articles. This makes the “price comparison” they do a little bit misleading.
Also, they say that Springbar’s come with 9-inch plastic stakes. I received 12-inch steel sand and snow stakes that are extremely strong and comparable to what I received with Kodiak.
Kodiak vs Springbar Canvas Tents: Are They Similar?
In many ways, Kodiak and Springbar are very similar. They use a nearly identical design. If you know how to set up a Kodiak, you can easily set up a Springbar (and vice-versa).
They both use cotton canvas which is touted as one of the most durable fabrics and I would expect it’s the most durable fabric a tent wall could be made out of before becoming an actual cabin.
They are waterproof and breathable. You’ll find both on my list of best waterproof tents for rain.
In fact, most synthetic materials are just trying to copy the properties that canvas has. The trade-off of the great properties of the canvas is it weighs a lot!
Canvas tents are great for staying in one location for several days. It’s ideal for a base camp, hunting, outdoor festivals, and anywhere else you want a sturdy and weather-resistant tent.
Most people can stand up in their basic models and you can add a small table and camp chairs and play games to wait out the weather!
Kodiak Canvas Tents: Basic vs Deluxe vs VX
To keep it simple, Kodiak basically sells 4 types basic of Flex-Bow tents.
- 10×14 Flex-bow (ceiling height 6’6″)
- 10×10 Flex-bow (ceiling height 6’6″)
- 8×9 Flex-bow (ceiling height 6’1″)
- 6×8.5 Flex-bow (ceiling height 4’0″)
Then they add features to some of them and call them Deluxe or VX.
The Basic tent pretty much has a door and a window or two on the opposite side.
The Deluxe adds small mesh vents.
The VX replaces the Deluxe vents replaces them with larger mesh windows.
If you’re in a hot environment, I always recommend a Deluxe or VX because they have more windows and ventilation.
Mesh screen windows on both the Springbar and Kodiak are THICK. So thick, that they are basically waterproof even though they are mesh.
My one complaint about the Springbar Outfitter is that you can’t add side windows. It’s only front and back so airflow is limited. Having a door or window/vent on all 4 sides is noticeably better and worth the upgrade.
Springbar U.S.A Tents
Springbar offers a U.S.A. line of tents along with its imported lines. The tents below are their U.S.-made tents.
- 10×14 Family Camper (ceiling height 6’6″)
- 10×10 Traveler (ceiling height 6’6″)
- 8×10 Vagabond (ceiling height 6’6″)
- 7×9 Outfitter (ceiling height 6’2″)
- 6×8 Compact (ceiling height 4’4″)
They have a great tent selector guide here.
You’ll notice I didn’t mention “deluxe” lines or something similar. That’s because there are none.
These tents can vary in color, but not in features.
It’s unfortunate because the lack of windows is a huge deal in hot environments.
To stay cool, I often have to open the mesh door and be exposed to bugs coming in vs Kodiak where you can open all the windows and actually feel the increase in airflow.
Springbar’s imported line does add some triangle vents. However, for $50 more you can get the VX Kodiak where you have full-length windows on all sides which is far superior.
Related Questions
Where are Springbar and Kodiak Tents Made and Where Are they for Sale?
Springbar is sewn and assembled in Salt Lake City, UT (note: their Highline tents are imported). Springbar primarily sells directly to consumers from its own website and has some models available on Amazon. You might also know them as Kirkhams which is what they went by in the past.
Kodiak tents are made in China and are primarily sold through Kodiak’s website, Amazon, and national outdoor retailers such as Cabelas. They do employ people at a warehouse in Utah as well so I think you can do local pickups potentially if you’re in the area.
For large purchases like this, I always suggest going directly through the company because it makes life easier if you ever have any issues or concerns many months later
Make sure to get the lowest price on any of the popular brands (it’s not on Amazon).
Why Are Springbar Tents So Expensive Compared to Kodiak?
Kodiak is made in China while Springbar is made in the U.S. and sources some materials from U.S. suppliers. It’s as simple as that.
If you google this topic enough, you’ll find message board discussions and other resources showing prices from 10+ years ago. Back then, the price difference between comparable models was much smaller.
It seemed like Kodiaks were about $400 while a comparable Springbar was $550 to $600. So, Springbar was about 50% more.
Now, the difference is much more substantial. A 10×10 Kodiak Flex-bow is $600 with a comparable Springbar Traveler being $1,300.
So, consider that when you’re reading older reviews. Based on past pricing, it was much easier to choose Springbar over Kodiak 10 years ago.
Kodiak vs Springbar Summary (TLDR: Too Long Didn’t Read)
If you want to support a U.S. company solely for being made in the U.S., buy a Springbar. They also have better cold-weather tents that have built-in stove jacks.
If you want to buy a high-quality product at a good price, buy Kodiak. In my opinion, the VX version is the best canvas tent for 3-season campers.
View Discount Codes & Buying Guide Kodiak Flex-Bow | Springbar 7x9 | Canvas Tent Discount Codes |
$599.99 | $999.99 | 👇👇 |
Continued Reading: View a list of all my canvas tent-related articles.
