The Most IN-DEPTH Springbar Skyliner Tent Review You'll Find

[@theoutdoorempire]

If you wanna see the Springbar Skyliner in action, check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ2oc4hoo9qSntU

[@alanosborne1947]

I have a 10 X 14 Spriingbar that's at least 30 years old or older. The spring bars and hardware go inside of the tent instead of outside. I've had it at least 7 years but as I get older it's becoming more difficult to set it up. I'm now using an 8 X 18 cargo trailer to camp in and use my Springbar occasionally. My son has recently started using it to take his family camping and that brings me joy to see this wonderful tent being passed down.

[@theoutdoorempire]

That's great to see a piece of gear last that long and be shared with the next generation! Good stuff.

[@ucode1]

I'm the "gear guy" of our group. I own a few SB tents (and a Kodiak and Teton and White Duck) I Got mine, a "Factory 2nds" to save a few bucks in Feb 2023 and have used it 3 times. It's seen temps of 10 to 80 degrees, rain, 6" of snow, sleet, 30-40mph winds and took it all. 1st set up took me about 15mins, after that I have it down to 10. The hot tent feature is awesome! Well worth the investment.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Glad you like it! Sounds like you're the kinda guy everyone wants in their group.

[@stuart84632]

I have the classic jack 140. I am debating on getting the skyliner too. Do like the SpringBar over a traditional Canvas Wall tent? From like white duck. What I am interested in is pros and cons Skyliner VS Wall Tent.

[@meowzic]

This is one lavish tent. I love the aesthetics, from the canvas to the guylines to the stakes, pure Americana when things were made to last. This is like the airstream of tents.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Very much the Airstream of tents.

[@patrickviera6090]

Hello sir…. Thank you for your awesome reviews! I just found you and now I’ll never leave you!😂 I’m sure I will have lots of questions over time!

[@theoutdoorempire]

That's great! Glad you're here and shoot your questions my way.

[@M19998]

Good info, thanks. Can you do a one year follow up video? looking at the family camper but wondering if the flexibility to add the stove to the skyliner is worth it

[@jeffwalker301]

Great review. I bought one! I received it two weeks ago, but just opened it today 6-2-23. NO stakes, NO guy lines, NO third bag, NO ground mat. So much for spending more money for USA made on this tent. Who packed my order???

[@theoutdoorempire]

That's awesome that you got one! You're gonna love it. Bummer about the missing stuff. Springbar's customer service is pretty excellent in my experience so I'm sure if you reach out to them they'll get you taken care of. springbar.com/pages/contact

[@cde6200]

recommend a long-term test on the Skyliner tent. Considering a tent purchase in Spring of 24 and your review will assist in the decision process. Thanks

[@theoutdoorempire]

Sounds good. I'm looking forward to using it in winter.

[@flibbertygibbette]

All your reviews convinced me to ditch my initial plans to buy a bell tent and go for this ridiculous tent instead. I got the pearl gray. I bit the bullet and paid extra to support US manufacturing, but also for the quality and future possibility of a hot tent for colder weather camping, which seems worth it if it opens up more possibilities for utility. You're probably Springbar's best marketing! Anyway, I stopped camping for many years because my childhood memories of it were full of a lot of damp and discomfort, but my kiddo has been begging me to go camping, and this tent and a couple of cots seem like they will be a decent compromise. It's letting me remember the magical moments about camping, too. And that's a good thing.

[@theoutdoorempire]

That's fantastic, I'm glad you're getting back into camping and taking your kid out. Mine love it and hopefully they'll have fond memories of it as they grow older. Thanks for the support and enjoy that new tent!

[@grahamjgreen]

Awesome review, you covered all the key points in a clear, concise way. I bought a Skyliner direct at the factory a few days ago and pitched it today in Coconino NF. I'm blown away by the quality and attention to detail, a seriously well-made tent.

[@theoutdoorempire]

That's awesome, I'm sure you're gonna love it!

[@jamesmatthewson9452]

You just answered the one question I have at the end of the video about the hot tent panel because I have a silver fire tent dragon and I need to use the exit One Mini flange

[@theoutdoorempire]

Interesting, I haven't used those before. So did you figure out a solution that works?

[@jamesmatthewson9452]

Yes instead of using the bundle package with the hot stove I just use my stove with the exit One Mini flange

[@studebakerclarksnyder3681]

I love your channel and this is another terrific video. I have a request for a video - tent beds/cots for off the ground sleeping and comfort. We intend to spend weeks at a time in one spot. Also, are there other video tips for long-term tent camping? Thank you again. Clark

[@theoutdoorempire]

Great suggestions! I'll put those on the list. Thanks for the support!

[@g00dgh0st]

like the idea of a long term review.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Good to know, I'm taking mental notes.

[@jeffreyscott4564]

Great review. Springbar, If you're seeing this, Give us guys a Skyliner who want a 10x10 hot tent option. Please!

[@theoutdoorempire]

Indeed! That would be a niche with no options today.

[@ucode1]

Something to look into...10x10 MIGHT be too small????

[@blowinshtup6553]

top notch review. cool to see springbar going more vertical on their walls. It’s why I bought a Kodiak VX 10x10 a couple years ago instead….and I wanted to buy a US made Springbar but thought their designs sucked and wasted a lot of interior space. This is a real nice and well thought out tent though….doors,awnings,steep walls…..👍 Kodiak would do well to go more vertical like this on their 10x14,too.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Glad you liked the review! And ya those steep walls are real nice. Honestly I didn't think much of it on paper but you do feel quite a difference once you're inside.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Tough sell considering you mentioned the second one had the same issue with the roof as the first. 2k plus stove etc and the roof sags and leaks kind of a deal killer. With late winter/early spring snow being wet and heavy and the wood stove melting snow I would want a rock solid roof. Looks more roomy than what I normally use, a center pole teepee style but that is a lot of money if it only works with constant fidgeting of the guyouts and poles.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Ya I hear you. Not cheap. They made a couple tweaks to the design that should prevent the pooling issue. I haven't had it in steady rain since to vet that. But I do love the volume and the fact that I can walk around upright inside and don't have to hunch over. Time will tell if that roof causes issues, but if it does, it's an exception to other Springbar designs which are known for being rock solid in rain and snow. I've had no such issue in their Classic Jack 140, for example. Cheers.

[@flibbertygibbette]

So I just took my Skyliner out for its first week of camping, such a great tent. But I'm mystified as to how to set the guy lines, being new to this. I'd super appreciate a detailed video on staking out the guy lines on this tent, for the absolute beginner. We managed to get a setup to work but I couldn't help feel like I was doing it wrong, as the lines kept going slack. I also see different people setting them up differently, so it'd just be helpful to have a definitive guide.

[@theoutdoorempire]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see about how I could put something like that together.

[@paque200]

Excellent Review. Love The video. Looking to get a nice tent for Hunting. Just not paying over 2000.00 for a tent. Alot of nice tents out there for under 1000.00. My buddy has been using the Kodiak 10x14 flex bow tent for years. He's been in some harsh weather and never had an issue.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Indeed that's a nice one. You should check out the Springbar Classic Jack 140. Probably the best bang for the buck in my opinion. It's hot tent ready and makes a great hunting tent.

[@jackhulme62]

new to canvas tents - can you push gear like a cot up against the wall without water wicking through? How does it perform in that regard as far as things pressed agains the walls in rain. Thanks and great videos

[@kathybrokos160]

Thank you so much for you video on this tent and stove. I'm a single woman looking to go on the road and really like the Springbar tents and stove setup. You really helped me to see the reality of setup. I watched the Springbar videos and you really added more realistic value to the setup. Now I would like an honest opinion of the stove size, medium or large, for living in a hot tent for cooking and heat in the desert in winter in Arizona or nearby, and summers in Montana. What would you recommend? I won't hold you to it, but value your experience.

[@theoutdoorempire]

I've tried a medium Woodlander stove and a large Nomad and I prefer the large size. It is a bit longer inside so it holds standard 16" long firewood, where the medium is a bit short, so it's sorta a pain. Also I can pack the Nomad full with more wood for a longer burn time which means less getting up at night to restock to stay warm when it's super cold out. If I could go back I'd probably get a large Winnerwell Woodlander because I like how they sit up a little higher than the Nomad for cooking on it.

[@gcrad1]

Will be looking forward to your long-term review, hopefully bagging some good rain sessions to see how that “roof-pucker-ripples” does. Thanks for this initial intro review!

[@theoutdoorempire]

Indeed, I'm interested to know myself.

[@LMR7210]

can you possibly look at some of the Ellis tents? there are very few reviews of those online i can find, at least in video format.

[@theoutdoorempire]

On my list. Just a bit spendy so gotta work up to it.

[@fenriswolfr]

Try extending the awning poles all the way in wet weather. This flattens the roof and should bring the roof below the pole. I believe canvas expands when wet which could cause the roof to relax too and get those ripples. I've reached out to Springbar on how to best set this up for wet weather.

[@theoutdoorempire]

That'a a good idea. I tried extending the side poles as much as possible, but that seemed to exacerbate the ripples. But going big with the awning poles could help pull the roof out more from front to back and I can see how that could help. Thanks for sharing!

[@Ida_homesteader]

@@theoutdoorempire actually I think it's that the canvas shrinks when cold or wet, this pull the canvas and the ridge pole closer together. I also found like you said to lower the side poles and put the tension screw at it's shortest also helps. I noticed the canvas, and maybe because it's so new too, shrinks/expands a lot during the day just with the changing of temperature, and especially when wet. Because it's so big it takes a bit more finesse to get setup right but hopefully that'll lessen a bit as goes through more hot/cold/wet cycles

[@cdmajesty4803]

Good review. How much wider in the interior upper wall space would you say the skyliner is versus the Kodiak version or even the 140 version?

[@theoutdoorempire]

I think I measured that specifically in this other video, but I can't remember off the top of my head. I wanna say it's about 18 inches wider from front to back on the Skyliner vs the CJ140. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6Gol3tmpcx2jqM

[@Oldrush]

Man this is the way! Unfortunately I have a short bed Tacoma.

[@Oldrush]

Actually this will fit! I thought I saw the packed size to be 6’5”. Thanks for the great in depth videos.

[@the.tricky.outdoorsman]

It's tough for me because im torn between this and the kodiak. I have a buddy heater I use in colder weather. It's also just me and maybe one other person. I like having enough space. 2k is just a lot to drop on a tent.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Indeed, it is a lot for a tent and doesn't make sense unless you love it so much you'll use it frequently and for the rest of your life. Sure is nice to have the space and the options though. I'm not a fan of Buddy heaters. Seen one burn down a truck before.

[@brembofly]

Late to the party here but I just noticed on the door when you closed it in the video , the mesh panels are zippered horizontally and of course vertically but the solid flaps don’t have a zipper on the bottom. When inside the closed tent would you need to close both doors to keep out insects or small critters? Any negatives regarding that? Sure thinking of “springing” for this one! Mainly for the roof size.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Good observation. And yes when bugs are a problem we do zip both doors up tight at night rather than one or the other. But you don't always need to like when it's really cold and bugs aren't a problem, just the solid door is fine. Or when it's hot, just the mesh door is fine and leave the solid open. It struck me as odd at first, but I don't think about it anymore and it's not a problem to me. The extra volume inside is awesome!

[@UsernameForTubing]

I wonder how the standard nomad large compares to one that draws external air.

[@theoutdoorempire]

I think you're referring to the Winnerwell stove right? If so, the stove that has the attachment to draw air from the outside in is mainly designed for use with a Sauna which is often in a hard-sided structure that is more sealed off from the outside oxygen source. It also draws in fresh outside air so as not to "recycle" the already-hot inside air that you want to make even hotter. Not sure what Winnerwell would say, but in my opinion that isn't necessary for a camping tent, especially a canvas one that already breathes quite well so there is no shortage of fresh air and oxygen inside even if your fire is consuming the same oxygen as the people inside it. I think the added cost and risk of cutting another hole into your tent for the air intake is far more of a hassle than any benefit it might offer in this situation.

[@desertchild.]

I am very much interested in something like this for my family, but I do have a question. What did you mean by seasoning your tent? Also if you're not using a wood stove what else would you recommend for winter time camping to keep the inside of the tent warm?

[@theoutdoorempire]

Seasoning a canvas tent helps make it more water resistant. I did a video on it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6uagJmdnpWqpqc If not using a wood stove I'd look at an electric space heater with a generator or a big battery bank. I don't like the propane heaters because I have a family member who had a tragic accident caused by a Little Buddy heater that burned down a truck. And I'm not a huge fan of the electric because it's expensive and loud if you use a generator and it requires way more equipment. Honestly I love the wood stove option. It's a little more work but it's cheaper, safer, and not so gear intensive in my opinion.

[@desertchild.]

@@theoutdoorempire okay perfect I appreciate your time.. and yes I ended up seeing that video shortly before you posted your comment so I feel like a dumb dumb lol I have been binge watching your videos for the past 2 days now they are very informative and I greatly appreciate your insight

[@theoutdoorempire]

@@desertchild. My pleasure! Glad you're finding it helpful.

[@candacegeiger9029]

Do you recommend a canvas tent for someone who lives in the southeast, high humidity, high heat?

[@theoutdoorempire]

Yeah, I think it could work. I've thought the same thing about humid climates, though I'm not from the South so I can't say for sure since I don't have any experience. But I have heard from some viewers down there that have canvas tents and love them. They'd probably be more comfortable to camp in since they breathe better than polyester or nylon. You'll just have to take extra care when you store it to make sure it's extra dry. Maybe store it inside if you can where humidity is controlled. The main thing would be to make sure it's not wet when you roll it up and leave it in the shed or something for months.

[@cykez]

Curious - does this justify the cost of double the Classic Jack that is the same size?

[@theoutdoorempire]

Ooo, that's a tough one. I'm actually gonna release a video on that very topic in a couple weeks. The classic jack 140 is $900 less than the Skyliner and it mostly provides the same experience. Although the Skyliner does feel noticeably larger inside because of those near vertical walls. And every part of it just has a higher end feel.

[@cykez]

@@theoutdoorempire Cool thank you - appreciate the response and looking forward to the video

[@bryangraeb5766]

Is the price difference between the classic Jack 140 and the skyline worth the upgrade?

[@theoutdoorempire]

Yes for some, no for others. If you have more important things to do with your limited funds, then I'd say don't stress about spending the extra $900 for the Skyliner. The experience in the Classic Jack 140 is pretty darn close. You have the same footprint, hot tent compatibility, and great in bad weather. But if the extra money doesn't set you back elsewhere, then the Skyliner does have more of a premium fit and finish to it. Plus it feels noticeably larger inside since the roof is bigger and the walls are more vertical. The extra awning, poles, and rigging are gonna help in real nasty weather and it's very cool that it is made in the USA. Just depends on what your priorities are, but setting price aside, ya the Skyliner is better.

[@bryangraeb5766]

@@theoutdoorempire thank you for your time

[@ASeanCurry]

I'd love a Springbar Outfitter, but they don't ship to the UK, They will only go through a freight forwarder and then the cost gets stupid. I think they are missing a trick because 1) Kodiak and Whiteduck are amenable and 2) there is nothing like this here. The Outfitter is the only thing light enough to put on my bike and that I can stand up in. I'm fed up with crouching down on non-breathable poly tent. Come on Springbar.. sell me an Outfitter! 😀

[@theoutdoorempire]

Interesting predicament. Seems like there should be a better solution for this.

[@ASeanCurry]

I'm in touch with Kodiak and they have a solution for getting an 8x9 Flex Bow to the UK. I want it for motorcycle touring, so weight/size is an issue and while it's true that the Outfitter is the smallest/lightest, the Flex Bow is a close second, plus cost effective.. The similar White Duck is much heavier. Thanks for your reviews... they've been v helpful in making a choice. I've even pointed a major UK camping supplier to these products! @@theoutdoorempire

[@theKid87]

Same with shipping to Canada. Makes no sense in 2024.

[@glock19gen3]

Kodiak canvas is garbage. I had mine in the rain for the first time last year and leaked about 2 gallons of water. I have done everything they said to do to seal the leak, and it's not working. Should have bought the springbar😢😢😢

[@theoutdoorempire]

Wow that's a major bummer! Really sorry to hear that.

[@spa_xer4570]

Sorry but I disagree, my Kodiak has been a tank in some brutal weather.

[@Bibs123]

I have a Kodiak 10 x 10 tent. It has never leaked. It's been up for months at a time. This tent leaked on its initial review by this guy. You'd, think he and Springbar, who gave it to him, would correct the problem before posting the video. He did get another tent, as he showed, with the same issues to the roof. It might leak, it might not, but it's a stupidly expensive tent that the average person surely doesn't need.

[@hoss6048]

Made in USA. I’m in.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Not easy to find these days!

[@stolnpckup]

I am just seeing this video. I know the tents are made in Utah. But how maybe you or someone else could help me. How are these tents or other canvas tents in the summertime in the south. If you ever been to the south. It gets so hot. The devil will not come out. 🤣🤣🤣

[@theoutdoorempire]

Haha I can't argue with you there! Once the devil's in haha. I guess the point I'm trying to make us relative to a nylon or polyester tent, canvas tents breathe and ventilate better. Too bad they don't have A/C though!

[@stolnpckup]

@theoutdoorempire I have a eureka copper canyon. It is big enough for me. I do take a floor fan with me though. I guess I need some kind of air blowing. Instead of just opening the windows.

[@DirtRated]

Spring Bar tents lack ventilation. I tried to use mine on a very humid night and dew was accumulating on the roof so much that it would purge over the side in a big wave, and because all of my doors and windows were open it splash through the screens. I got soaked. Kind of a unique situation, but might apply to you in the south.

[@stolnpckup]

@DirtRated yes, it does get humid here. Some days. I don't even want to go to work. Cause I work outside. I do have a eureka tent. I bought a floor fan years ago. Everytime that I go camping. That fan goes with me. At night, the fan is on.

[@jasonwilson6845]

Curious if anyone has tried the icybreeze coolers/ac system? Seems like that would be a pretty cool option.

[@mpmacd]

Well I think i'm sold on a tent I cannot afford.

[@theoutdoorempire]

😞 I hear ya. Maybe check out the Classic Jack 140 for $900 less.

[@spa_xer4570]

Its a shame made in USA is 2X in price vs the Kodiak which is just as welll made. Id buy US everyday if it was comparable in price. You could buy the same Kodiak and an Iceco 65 for nearly the same price SMH

[@theoutdoorempire]

It would be nice if US made stuff was cheaper.

[@Bibs123]

You are a smart person to save your family's money and not get ripped off for the benefit of some yuppies in Utah. It's moronic to buy this tent for that price, especially for the average person. If he were honest, he would state that fact, but he's too mesmerized by the free shit.

[@jeffstanford4287]

Fortunately for you and your children, slave labor is illegal in the USA 🇺🇸. Not the case in China,where those cheap tents are made. So essentially you are supporting Chinese child slave labor. You should be proud

[@scotimotti]

You could build a cabin for that much money....that's LeBron James money, that's KZbin money.

[@theoutdoorempire]

Haha, man, I wish there was that kind of money in KZbin! Or that it was that cheap to build a cabin!

[@kellydiver]

But why build a cabin when you can have a Springbar and take it wherever you want?

[@williamfuller2389]

Perhaps I haven't been too attentive but I've never notice anyone constructing a cabin on land other than their own. Having camped 50+ years in a number of tents, from cheap to higher end tents, after having camped in a Kodiak, I never went back to cheaper, non-canvas alternatives other than the Gazelle. Now that I've seen the advancements and improved construction details of the Springbar, looking forward to getting my Skyliner. With the increased durability, comfort, versatility and ease of set-up, those springbar design tents are worth the additional cost. To be honest, my camp cehicle is simply not set up to haul around any "cabin" you find cheaper.

[@gt2745]

Garbage compared to an Ellis Shackleton

[@theoutdoorempire]

Still saving my pennies for one of those.