SPRINGBAR vs KODIAK Canvas Tent Comparison

Struggling to choose between Kodiak and Springbar canvas tents? This video is your ultimate guide! We camped in both and this video walks you through the key features like guy lines, zippers, ground sheets, and rainflys, and what we think based on our real-world experience with each tent. We'll help you find the perfect family camping home away from home! ️
How to purchase (includes some affiliate links):
Kodiak (10x14): amzn.to/3XHgUry
Kodiak Cover Top Accessory (rain fly): kodiakcanvas.c...
Springbar Classic Jack 140 (10x14): amzn.to/3XISXjN
Springbar Rain Fly (10x10 and 10x14): amzn.to/4f5YM15
Our top camping gear recommendations: app.outdoorith...
Other helpful videos:
Springbar Classic Jack 140 walkthrough video: • Springbar Classic Jack...
How to Heat Your Tent video [Springbar Classic Jack Hot Tent set up with PROPANE instead of wood burning]: • How to Heat Your Tent:...

[@esterdrass4964]

Both tents look great. I think people love both of them. I will say though, the biggest difference really is the customer service. I had messaged both these companies and one other about a particular size tent and if a certain type of cot would fit inside of it. I only heard back from Springbar. In fact, they went so far as to measure the cot dimensions using blue tape with the tent I was asking about. So, I went with Springbar.

[@Outdoorithm]

Springbar definitely has great customer service. We had an issue with one of the grommets on the Leisure Port and they sent us a prepaid label, fixed the grommet and reinforced the other ones, and then sent it back. Super smooth experience. Hope you're enjoying your Springbar!

[@frankmckinley1254]

Thanks for the video.

[@theworldofdante7506]

Thank you! Good info! Best regards, Dante

[@Oldrush]

Appreciate the comparison of the two tents. I didn’t realize they even had rain flies for these types of tents. Are they really necessary? I like the springbar option for hot tenting. Kodiak seems like a great tent for the money.

[@Outdoorithm]

We find that the rain flies help in two ways: 1) they allow you to keep the windows open when it's raining so the rain doesn't run into the tent through an open window and 2) if you're heading out the next day, it'll keep your tent dry since you can't pack it away wet. We sometimes we'll use the rainfly if we're expecting heavy dew. But you're right, it's not necessary in the traditional sense as the tent is watertight!

[@zebschwaller2064]

Kodiak is based out of Salt Lake City Utah too. Warranty isn't an issue whatsoever with Kodiak. I have toured both Springbar and Kodiak facilities, both tents are very great quality. I bought the smallest compact Kodiak for $349 from Sportsman's Warehouse, the $649 Springbar has zero advantage over Kodiak, yet almost double the price.

[@Outdoorithm]

While Kodiak does have a PO Box address in Utah and notes that they are a US based company, their website states that 'All our tents are made in China by an expert canvas tent maker.' Springbar also makes some of its tents overseas, like the Classic Jack highlighted in the video, and some directly in the US. Their website lists them separately if you're interested in seeing the full list. I agree that they are both quality tents and would encourage folks to check them both out. Our personal experience from owning a couple of Kodiak and a few Springbars is that there are differences that are reflected in price; not deal breakers, just things to be aware of. We point those out in the video and then let people decide what's right for them. I'm glad you're happy with the Kodiak tent you have - Springbar doesn't sell one that small and it seems you found something that works for you. Enjoy and happy camping!

[@patrickio8084]

What about White Duck Outdoors canvas tents?

[@nunzioification]

I think the name of the channel was Outdoor Empire, did a comparison with spring bar, Teton , Kodiak and White Duck

[@peterdement]

Value is a measure of price and feature/quality. Failed to compare value. Comparing one tent $750 to one that is $1200 which is nearly a 50% price delta makes it easy to point out differences . Comparing a $900 Springbar Vagabond Tent (still $150 20% more than the Kodiak) which is a smaller tent and far fewer features would be a better comparison of value.

[@Outdoorithm]

Thanks for your comment, Peter. The great thing with Springbar is that all their tents have some of the features we highlighted (steel wire stake loops with perimeter rope reinforcement, heavy-duty 12oz laminated vinyl floor, guy lines, etc.). There was a recent change in the poles - the new Classic Jacks that came out in May 2024 do have EP coated steel poles while the Vagabond has aluminum alloy poles. We chose to compare the Kodiak 10x14 with the Classic Jack 10x14 because they are both imports and they're the same size. Comparing strictly by price is certainly one way to go but we opted to compare by size because we figured families looking for a large tent are probably not comparing a 10x14 that sleeps 5 (or more with younger children) with the smaller 8x10 Vagabond. Hope this helps!

[@randomstuffwithjoe]

I disagree. This is the perfect comparison. They are direct competitors in size style. Pointing out the differences in the tents helps people determine if $1200 is worth the price cost over $750 for a tent that is the same size, materials, design, etc.

[@peterdement]

You may make that argument for every purchase decision in life. Most people however have a finite overall household budget and must extract as much value from every purchase not just the better feature/quality available for a tent used one to three weeks a year at very steep premium.

[@terryfreeman3357]

You made it sound like springbar is based in the united states and Kodiak is not. In fact they are both based out of Utah

[@Outdoorithm]

According to Kodiak's website, it states that they are US based but that all of their tents are made in China. I understand this to mean that they have an office/employees in the US but not any manufacturing facilities, so if you need to get a Kodiak repaired it sounds like they do not have a place locally that can take care of that for you. If you see information that states otherwise on their website, definitely let us know! Springbar's website notes that they have manufacturing facilities both in Salt Lake City for their US models and abroad for their imported models (like the Classic Jack we've highlighted). We have personally sent in one of their imported tents for repair at their Salt Lake City location and it was great to have that option. Hope this distinction clears it up! Again, if you see different information on their website, definitely let us know!

[@terryfreeman3357]

@@Outdoorithm you clearly don’t know what your talking about and your clearly paid off by springbar. First off I will take a springbar tent over a Kodiak any day of the week. But to blainty lie about Kodiak is a shame and clearly shows you were paid off

[@Outdoorithm]

@@terryfreeman3357 Sorry this seems to have upset you. We own three Kodiak tents and just purchased a fourth, so we enjoy their tents. We're just pointing out the tradeoffs as we understand them and are happy to update our information if people point us to trusted sources of information. We purchase all of our tents with our own money to stay unbiased and do not accept free gear or any kind of financial compensation for our reviews.

[@lynettewade8805]

@@Outdoorithm