Canvas tents are becoming more and more popular in recent years. Two popular options are bell tents and wall tents.
Each has its own unique feature, advantages, and disadvantages. Choosing the right one can make a huge difference in your camping experience.
In this article, I’ll discuss the differences between bell tents and wall tents including their set up style, uses, and more.
Both tents benefit from being made from canvas vs nylon or polyester, so I’ll focus on similarities and differences beyond those features.
[Learn about bell tents vs cabin-style tents like Springbar.]
Which is Better Wall Tent or Bell Tent?
A canvas bell tent is better for casual camping, glamping, and festivals.
A wall tent is better for hunting trips or extended trips in the backcountry.
Related:
Read about the best canvas tents for camping.
Bell Tents
A bell tent is a canvas tent inspired by traditional designs and has had a resurgence in recent years thanks to the glamping industry.
Bell tents are typically made from waterproof canvas that is durable and able to handle harsh weather conditions.
The tent features a central pole that is used to support the tent’s structure. This pole gives the bell tent it’s iconic shape. Bell tents are available in a variety of sizes.
Bell tents can be intimidating to set up. There are guy lines all over and lots of stakes. However, the process is actually easy in many situations.
Most bell tents can be set up with one person, with most of the effort involving driving in the tent stakes.
After the canvas is laid out, the central pole is used to prop up the top of the tent. It is secured to the ground using the aforementioned stakes. Many bell tents have a zippered doorway and mesh windows for ventilation.
Bell Tents are MORE than Just Glamping Tents.
Seeing glamping pictures all over the internet in bell tents makes most of my friends think they are useless for “real” camping. In reality, any tent can be a “glamping” tent if you try hard enough.
Bell tents are just as capable, if not more, than other types of canvas tents in certain situations.
Wall Tents
A wall tent is a more traditional tent style, not to be confused with a “cabin-style tent” like a Springbar. Wall tents look like how I drew a house as a child.
Wall tents are typically made from heavy-duty canvas material. Many wall tent manufacturers allow this canvas to be customized in size, thickness, and various treatments depending on your specific use.
The tent is supported by a metal frame which gives a distinctive rectangular. Wall tents also use guy lines to help in harsh weather.
Wall tents are a popular choice of hunters and outdoorsmen, and outdoorswomen who need reliable shelter. It’s common for these tents to be set up for days and weeks at a time.
As mentioned, they are highly customizable when being built. They typically have zippered doorways and windows for ventilation. Adding stove jacks for heating and cooking is common making them a great 4-season tent.
Differences in Set Up Style and Time
Bell tents are much easier to set up than wall tents. Most bell tents can be set up by one person, while wall tents typically need at least two people to set up.
For a wall tent, you need first to assemble the metal frame. This process is a true pain in the butt when it’s cold because the metal will suck all the warmth from your hands.
Once the frame is assembled, you must secure the canvas to the frame with rope and grommets.
Lastly, it must be staked to the ground just like any other tent. Guy lines are used to help with wind and avoid unnecessary flapping of the canvas.
These additional steps in wall tent setup are a key reason most people opt for a bell tent or cabin tent that are simple and provide many of the same benefits.
In addition, a bell tent design will be better in windy situations. Wall tents probably won’t have an issue in wind storms, but the poles may bend.
Bell Tent vs Wall Tent: Why is Each One Used?
While there are some overlapping in their intended uses for bell tents and wall tents, it will be pretty easy to decide which one is right for you.
Bell tents are generally used for general camping experiences, family camping, glamping, and music festivals.
Although bell tents are heavy, they are lighter than wall tents because the lack of metal frame.
Wall tents are for more rugged outdoor experiences like hunting and fishing trips in inclement weather. They tend to be larger and can fit more people with their gear. Hunters will typically outfit them with a wood-burning stove and it’s important to dry out gear as much as possible before the next day.
Wall tents provide a great base camp for days and weeks. Typically they are used for trips that will happen no matter the weather. In addition, wall tents have become popular for those living off the grid.
Cost Difference Between Bell Tents and Wall Tents
Bell tents tend to be less expensive than wall tents. This makes bell tents better for those on a budget. However, in 2023 there are definitely bell tent setups that are pushing several thousand dollars with various customization options.
Typically, cost is directly dependent on the size of the tent. The more material, the more expensive. Then adding stove jacks or any additional customizations will increase cost as well.
A basic wall tent can compete in price with some bell tents. However, this would be a bare-bones wall tent which is rarely the best solution for anyone.
You can go on any wall tent manufacturer’s website and then start tweaking the options, and you’ll get a better idea of what’s driving the cost.
A custom wall tent can cost $2,000 to $4,000, while quality bell tents can be found under $1,000 and even in the $600 range.
Maintenance on Bell and Wall Tents
Both bell and wall tents will require regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure longevity.
Basic canvas tent care includes ALWAYS letting them fully dry out before packing them away. Clean them occasionally and retreat them with waterproofing agents as needed.
In addition, monitoring the metal frame for wall tents is required.
Cargo Space Consideration
Bell tents will take up less cargo space compared to a wall tent.
Wall tents come with numerous metal poles to try and fit in your vehicle whereas a bell tent can easily be fit into an SUV as the main pole can be broken apart.
Bell Tent vs Wall Tent for Hunting
While wall tents are typically chosen by hunters as their tent of choice, it is possible to use a bell tent as a hunting ten.
Bell tents make great solo hunting tents because they can handle snow and still be equipped with a stove. They can be set up by yourself and fit all your gear.
Conclusion
The average camper will choose a bell tent over a wall tent (or they will choose a cabin style tent).
Cabin tents are also becoming more popular with hunters because they can still be set up with stoves and have a simpler and faster setup. They are great for groups of 2-3 with related gear.
Larger groups will likely still opt for a wall tent.
