Standard a frame size

[Capt7thWvCoA]

Hello everyone, I was wondering what the standard A frame tent size was? I'm going to buy a new tent soon and wanted to know.

 

[captaindrew]

I don't believe there was a standard size but I've seen them described as 6x6 or 7x7 and about 6' high, meant to house 4 to 6 guys. They really weren't all that common and the only time you'd see them at all would be in a static camp and generally earlier in the war. Federal troops were issued shelter halves from mid 62 on. Confederates used a simple fly for 8 to 10 guys or captured Federal shelter halves if they felt like carrying them. A couple of the CS depots dabbled in copying Federal shelter halves but never produced a ton of them. So if you want an A frame just get what's comfortable for you. If you don't bring a lot of stuff with you and come by yourself I'd go on the smaller side, easier to pack and you can put it up by yourself in a pinch. If you're sharing with other guys/family go bigger. And if you'd like to really be more authentic go with shelter halves. Coming from someone who started out with an A frame and bringing a truck load of stuff every event to now walking in and out of an event with only what I can carry on my back I don't miss packing all that stuff one bit. So consider all your options.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

I absolutely despise helping other people pack up because they brought their entire house and a wall tent. Even an A-frame can be bothersome. Like Drew, I mostly stick to what I can carry in one shot....my extra blanket being my only real excess. I'm even considering leaving the shelter half behind because I end up sleeping out in the open with a blanket or two most times.

No tent is actually really nice, and I recommend trying it at least once. It's an oddly freeing and nice feeling. But 6x6x6 seems to be the most common dimensions available, if you absolutely MUST have an A tent. I'd still recommend a smaller one and packing light.

 

[thomas aagaard]

Hello everyone, I was wondering what the standard A frame tent size was? I'm going to buy a new tent soon and wanted to know.

Are you sure you want one that is historical in size?

My point is, Iam the average size for a Danish man born in 1981.
Iam 15cm (about 6inces) taller than the average Danish soldier in 1864.
A Danish infantry field barrack is made for the soldiers sleeping in a specific way, but I and most other reenactors can't do it that way, because we are simply too "long".

So I would suggest you look at how tall you and if you are 10% taller, then get a tent that is similar larger.


And as the others have noted, tents are not that authentic in the first place...

 

[Capt7thWvCoA]

I'm roughly 6ft and 1 inchs tall. I was looking at a 6ft by 6ft tent. Or should I get a bigger on.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

I'm roughly 6ft and 1 inchs tall. I was looking at a 6ft by 6ft tent. Or should I get a bigger on.

6x6 is good. Remember, the bigger the tent, the harder it is to transport and set up....

 

[Stainless Steel Mucket]

Modern tents come in many different sizes while the original size for common tents remained constant : https://books.google.com/books?id=6fYRAAAAYAAJ&lr&pg=PA287#v=onepage&q&f=false

Fyi, no one manufactures an accurately sized or accurately constructed common tent.

- S.S. Mucket

 

[Package4]

Hello everyone, I was wondering what the standard A frame tent size was? I'm going to buy a new tent soon and wanted to know.

Just bring some canvas and make a shebang, there is entirely too much canvas in the hobby. We call it theme camping……I haven't used a tent in 20 years and love it.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

Just bring some canvas and make a shebang, there is entirely too much canvas in the hobby. We call it theme camping……I haven't used a tent in 20 years and love it.

This is what I do, although I am considering buying the other half of the dog tent for inclement weather, after having heavy rain at the last two events. I will probably only break that out if it's actually going to rain.

 

[Capt7thWvCoA]

The thing is I'll have my girlfriend with me snd I don't want her to be uncomfortable

 

[Shane Nail]

I'm on the opposite side of the US from you, the deserts of Arizona. With the weather we have I couldn't imagine not having a tent. Sure, maybe not authentic but neither is having to purchase your own equipment, guns and ammo. If I lost Ammo, clothing or weapons damage due to a dust storm Or monsoonal rains I'd be done!
I'll keep my 6x8x9 and pack it All in myself and Never Ever ask for help although I do help others without hesitation. Remember, if you can't have fun doing this what's the point? And more power to you bringing your loved one! Congrats that she'll join you.