KODIAK vs SPRINGBAR Tents - How One RUINED the Other for Me

Looking for the best canvas tent out there? There is a good chance you have whittled it down to the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow or a Springbar canvas tent. In this raw and unfiltered comparison video, I compare the two tent brands based on my own real world experience and I reveal which is my favorite for now. Hopefully it will help you see the real differences and determine which is the best option for you based on your budget and how you want to use it.
From workmanship and materials to features and limitations, I cover everything you need to know about these two popular canvas tent brands so you can make the perfect choice for your needs. Which one will you choose? Let us know in the comments!
THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSORED! Use my links, or not, no matter to me. I just wanted to tell you what I really think about these tents and why.
Sign up for our anti-boring email newsletter about outdoor gear and deals! 👉 outdoorempire.com/youtube-sig...
COMPARE PRICES WITH THESE PRODUCT LINKS 👇
⚡️ Springbar Skyliner (NOT an affiliate link) - springbar.com/products/skyliner
⚡️ Springbar Classic Jack 140 - amzn.to/49c21RJ
⚡️ Springbar Highline (not shown in video, but closest equivalent to Kodiak Flex-Bow) - amzn.to/43eSLrR
⚡️ Kodiak Flex-Bow Deluxe - amzn.to/3OrjCgb or alnk.to/60XLvrK or cabelas.xhuc.net/PyzJV6 or bassproshops.vzck.net/5gk2Zn
⚡️ Winnerwell Woodlander tent stove - amzn.to/43hh2hf
⚡️ Winnerwell Nomad tent stove - amzn.to/3Wi9aK1
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READ THE FULL REVIEWS ON OUR WEBSITE! 🤓
🔗 Springbar vs Kodiak -
🔗 Best Canvas Tents - outdoorempire.com/best-canvas...
🔗 Springbar Skyliner review - outdoorempire.com/springbar-s...
🔗 Springbar Classic Jack 140 review - outdoorempire.com/springbar-c...
🔗 Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow review- outdoorempire.com/kodiak-flex...
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[@outdoorempirecom]

Check out the Springbar Factory Tour where they make tents in the USA! 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGaWm5hmg7uXnJo

[@Sporkshooter]

I have a 10 X 10 Springbar purchased 42 years ago and used many times each year with our family. Great tent. I've bought Kodiak tents for my children. The Kodiak has proved to be great value with enhanced features over the Springbar. We run a heater buddy in winter and it works great.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Thanks for sharing! What a great gift to get for your kids.

[@gloriaclark-nf3ze]

I love my Kodiak 10x14 VX no reason to spend 500 dollars more for a similar tent. The Kodiak is a great tent.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Yep, those Kodiaks are nice. But I sure love a hot tent!

[@tjohnson4062]

Just my 2 cents but I think you said the quiet part out loud... When you get gear fot review but only publish the gear that you had a positive experience with or as you put it, "I have lots of stuff I recieved but don't show you guys cause the gear isn't worth it.". You can't say you're doing honest reviews if the only free stuff we see is what you found that you liked, we need to know about the things that "aren't worth showing" so we don't buy junk gear. Just sayin

[@outdoorempirecom]

I sincerely appreciate your feedback! To be honest I hadn't thought of it like that, I figured not talking about junk gear was not promoting it in any way. But I like your perspective. As a matter of fact I just camped in a tent last week that was terrible. Maybe I'll do a review on it after all!

[@youtubecomments5951]

@@outdoorempirecomjust short ones will do

[@ShiningSakura]

I have worked on both tents, spring bars that are 20-40 years old and 10 year old kodiaks.... my 2 cents is pass on the the kodiaks. They wear down faster and the zippers are the biggest pain in the rear due to the design and even when I fix them they will still be a pain to zip and wear out just as quickly. They need to change the design. The material choice is inferior in many instances and anything polyester is disintegrating, like the stake loops and guy lines.... meanwhile spring bars 3x its age suffer from the usual holes and dirt and occasional worn out zipper. There you go, ask the repair people what they think and you will really get your answer.

[@noelslater822]

The Springbar being hot tent ready is very appealing. I just didn't have the budget for it. I ended up getting the 10x14 Kodiak deluxe which is still pretty roomy. I just use my Buddy heaters for warmth in the late Fall when I'm out hunting, and that makes things fairly comfortable still. All are great tents for sure. Thanks for putting this together!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Nice! They are both excellent tents and sounds like you have a great system dialed in.

[@happychefx]

I bought a 10x14 Super Deluxe Kodiak VX 6 years ago after leaving the roof top tent camping realm. The Kodiak paired with my diesel heater is absolute money. The price of the Springbar was just to high for my budget, both companies make some great products they stand behind.

[@outdoorempirecom]

You're right all around, both great companies. What kind of diesel heater do you have and how do you rig it up with the tent?

[@cathystout4931]

Your videos have been honest and very informative, and helped in my decision making process while looking at canvas tents. I went with the Classic Jack, they Skyliner was just too much for my budget. I've got my first weeklong camping in my new tent happening in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to spending many seasons camping in it.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great to hear, thank you! And you're gonna love the CJ140. It really is probably the best value for the money so I think you made a great choice. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family has.

[@bradysmail1969]

Great insight! It is nice to hear honest opinions, and comparisons, from someone that has actually used these for a bit! Looking forward to more videos!

[@outdoorempirecom]

You're most welcome and thanks for tuning in! Looking forward to getting a lot more nights on these bad boys

[@stanbyme7874]

I’m working OT all Summer to buy the Skyliner. I live in a Subaru Crosstrek in PNW & have an ARB Awning & attachable awning room. I loved the awning room. Unless it’s hot out. Or it’s cold out. Or it’s windy out. Or I want to leave camp.🤣So the Skyliner looks amazing. I have a sturdy, quality Bath tent to put outside at entry. Place to put my boots, wet coat, wood this Winter & keep tent clean(er)inside. Your videos came up in my search. I could’ve just watched & given a thumbs up. But I really enjoy them. Thank you for taking the time to be so thorough. Thank you for being authentic. Best to you & your family!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Wow thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for the kind words. I really appreciate it! And best of luck to you. Sounds like you're living a real adventure!

[@johnnyyukon7887]

Found your channel this evening, watched the tent review, then looked at the playlists, etc. I'm impressed, I subscribed and hit the notification bell. Cheers

[@outdoorempirecom]

Awesome, thank you! Glad you found us and hope you enjoy our videos!

[@littlebanshee]

These tents are the Apple iPhone of tents 😮 They are truly beautiful tents, the best I’ve seen yet and I’ve looked a lot. With my budget in mind and the fact I don’t camp a lot right now, I’m thinking I’ll start with the Kodiak deluxe.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Yep, they're real beauties, but the price tag isn't for occasional campers. Kodiak makes great tents too.

[@herrp8765]

Excellent review. Thanks for putting it together. I've never owned a Canvas tent, but I did own a very large European tent when I lived in Germany. The kind of tent that families vacation in for weeks at a time every summer. Those tents may have used a similar material. Once that large beast was up, it was super stable and virtually weather proof. So I hope the Springbar I choose will be similar. Leaning towards a Highline 6 ($649) since I'm a 65 y.o. male traveling solo. But it's gonna be a heavy one...

[@outdoorempirecom]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like a great experience in Germany and I think the Highline is a great option for solo camping.

[@vincenigro9434]

​@@outdoorempirecomcurious about the diesel heater setup as well!

[@SE7ENinc1]

Because of your videos, i just bought a Springbar Compact. It doesn't have many reviews out there but it's great.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Right on, that's amazing! I haven't tried the compact either, but it's gotta be pretty decent. Enjoy!

[@aaronwinter447]

Thanks! I'm done with polyester cheap tents and thinking about a family tent good for cold weather in Canada. This is helpful.

[@outdoorempirecom]

You bet, and thanks for stopping by! These are very comfortable for winter camping with my family of 5 in Idaho.

[@clifftaylor4712]

Thank you for doing these videos, especially the one comparing the four major manufacturers. After a lot of research and consideration I just purchased a Teton 10x10. I couldn't resist the sale price $ 480. (20% off July 4th sale). I crossed my fingers and pushed the button. I just set it up yesterday to hose it down and let it dry. After setting it up I examined it from top to bottom and found no noticeable flaws! I did consider a Springbar Vegabond because I would have liked to go American made. If it was built with at least a small awning I believe I would have pulled the trigger on one.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Glad these videos were helpful to you and thanks for watching! Congratulations on the new Teton, I'm sure you'll love it. It's definitely hard to beat that price and I think it's a good deal for the money. Cheers!

[@herrp8765]

Wow, good price!

[@melrichardson2392]

Great review brother true honesty great job , enjoyed it.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Much appreciated, glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregmadsen6550]

I have the 10x14 Kodiak vx deluxe canvas tent. I’ve had it for a decade it is amazing tent. No problems in 50 mph winds, rain or snow does not leak. Great for big queen size mattress, and a 6 foot foldable table with buddy heater keeps me toasty. The triangle side windows on the kodiac 10x14 deluxe vx are really huge lots of ventilation for those hot summer days, and the views are amazing. nice to have back door, I put up a 10’x10’ canopy on back side of tent. makes a great back patio area for bbq. It is a bargain for 699.00 as I just looked there on sale at-(competitive edge). Great tent! great price!and holds up to a great 4 season tent. It does have a huge foot print but I have always found a place to set it up. Kodiak, and spring bar are really the best for quick set up and durability. Lots of room for my husky on a long camping trip in the back country of Big Bear. Its a 5 star ⛺️

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great summary, thanks for sharing your experience with the Kodiak VX!

[@docholliday6285]

Excellent, informative vid, TY

[@outdoorempirecom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hewanderson]

The Kodiak Cabin tent is a hot tent that is $800 the Springbar is Classic 140 is $1200 and the Skyliner is north of $2000. I was a Springbar snob for years and have owned five different Springbars. I am a Utah (home of Springbar) Scout leader and our troop switched to the Kodiaks for the price and the warranties. They are equal in quality and half the price.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Yep, you can definitely save some money on a good tent with Kodiak compared to Springbar.

[@ShiningSakura]

I sure hope your scouts take care of their kodiak tents, ours are falling apart after 5 years or so and they clean as can be. Those zippers are a menace and our bishop is ready to toss them for that alone, I have the unlucky pleasure of fixing the zippers, but due to the design it will just get stuck in the top corner again and wear down quickly. The stake loops and guy lines fraying and disintegrating with age and sun, some just are snapped in half. its not like they were hard on them at all, this is regular 2 weeks a year kind of use and even then not all 6 get used every year. Meanwhile there are 30+ year old spring bars from the next scout troop/ward over that are now needing the same sort of repairs. I would avoid them.... you get what you pay for.

[@petermonsen2854]

⁠@@ShiningSakuraif you guys do decide to toss them please let me know. My wife is great at sowing and we’re looking for a used one because we can’t afford a new one yet. We live in Utah county.

[@SundanceSerenityHideaway]

I did a lot of research and ultimately ended up purchasing the Kodiak Canvas 6170 12x12 (stove ready). In fact, I just did a 90-day review of it. I grew up with Springbar tents camping, hunting, etc. (Salt Lake Tent & Awning). I still chose Kodiak.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Nice! I'm interested to look more closely at the cabin style tents as well.

[@shawnkirk7306]

Great review and info, especially like the skinny jeans/relaxed fit analogy! I have the SB traveler, CJ140, and skyliner, they’re all great depending on the situation.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Right on! Sounds like quite the fleet!

[@shawnkirk7306]

@@outdoorempirecom started with the traveler, but then got introduced to hot tent options and the fleet keeps growing. Plus with older kids they want their own space. Glad I found your channel and have learned a lot from watching!

[@auntievintage]

Getting very close to pulling the trigger on Skyliner & Winnerwell. Thanks for an honest review. Folks like you calm my nerves when thinking of parting with hard-earned $$ to invest in our camping.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Glad it was helpful! Indeed it is a lot of money to get that whole kit, so consider what's feasible for you, then commit to using it a ton so you get your money's worth and spend a lot of quality time outside with the family.

[@kilswitch4336]

Have the Kodiak 10x14VX, bought the vestibule and the rainfly. Thing is all windows when you need them but can zip up nice and tight. Never had any issues. Im sure all are great tents but money to quality im riding kodiak all day. The VX is just awesome. Do like the skyline, do not like the price 😁 Whatever your choice, canvas is a great shelter out in the wilderness

[@outdoorempirecom]

Preach it brother!

[@esterdrass4964]

Never thought of winter camping but it sounds like it could be , maybe sort of fun. If I were to ever do anything like that, I would invest in the Springbar. I bought a Springbar Outfitter and love it. I wanted a tent I could stand up in, but still small enough for one person. Something with room for a large cot and chair and a port o potty but light enough to drag out of the car and put up and take down myself with no issues. So, for me the Outfitter is perfect. However, if I were into winter camping and was with others, I would do this. It looks like all these tents set up and break down the same, plus or minus the awning and heater.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Sounds like you have a great tent for you. Ya, winter camping can be fun, but you gotta have something interesting to do during the day and then be ready to hunker down for a long dark night. That's where the hot tent makes it fun. My kids loved cooking dinner in the tent, then baking cookies, and playing games until we fell asleep.

[@st0rmtro0per]

in terms of stakes, i bought lag bolts and fender washers and bring a CHARGED impact to drive them in. it makes putting in and taking out the stakes so much easier.

[@outdoorempirecom]

I love that idea! I've been doing a lot of hammering.

[@JCSPARX]

Just a man and his tents😂 Loved the review!! Thnx so much! Eh?!🇨🇦😁

[@outdoorempirecom]

Glad you enjoyed it! Love me some Canada.

[@joshuareed8243]

This is the best review on these tents I've found so far. That classic jack is looking really nice right now. Talk me out of buying it! 😁

[@outdoorempirecom]

Wow, thanks! Glad it was helpful. The CJ140 is great. After using it more the biggest downside is that the light color canvas shows dirt more than darker materials, but I also love that it lets in so much ambient light so not a big deal. If you were thinking about a Kodiak and can spend a few hundred bucks more for the CJ140, the hot tent readiness is what clenches the deal for me. How'd I do in talking you out of it?

[@joshuareed8243]

Terribly, the tent is arriving today. 😅I ordered it over the weekend lol.@@outdoorempirecomThe hot tent capability is also what sold me on it, so I dropped the extra cash on it.

[@heathen_7]

I live in S FL and don’t tent camp.. but just supporting a guy building a good thing!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Awesome man I really appreciate it thank you!

[@grahamjgreen]

I had the Springbar Skyliner for two months (it was stolen along with my camping trailer), lived in it (I'm a full-time nomad). Absolutely the best tent I've ever owned, well worth the money, I miss it big time.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Oh man, sorry to hear that! Yes it's a great tent but I'm sorry someone stole yours. Daggumit.

[@esterdrass4964]

Stolen??? So you had it in a trailer and someone stole your trailer? Thats terrible. My tent is in my car

[@ixxgxx]

Been hunting in my kodiak since 2011. Buddy heater and good to go. that top dog one is a glamping tent. spend 1200 on a nice mountain bike and get the kodiak.

[@outdoorempirecom]

I like the way you think! By "saving" $1200 on the tent you can spend that money on a new hunting rifle. 😂 But seriously, I do exactly that way too often.

[@fuenstock]

Great comparison! I wonder how the Kodiak canvas cabin tents would compare as those are also hot tent ready and I think the vertical walls of the Kodiak cabin tents might be nice compared to the slopes walls of the spring bar style tents.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Ya that would be an interesting comparison. The vertical walls of the cabin tents though are not quite tall enough to stand up straight so you still have to work towards the middle to stand up tall. But ya I should do something like that.

[@watchman9198]

Kodiak canvas is the best imo

[@outdoorempirecom]

A lot of people love em!

[@ngoalpo]

Agreed. Love their tents!

[@arthurjones9580]

Made in the USA! I'm sold.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Hard to find these days!

[@midnite22767]

Good video! Avid camper, just discovered your channel. New subscriber! I've always liked the "cabin-like" look of canvas tents and appreciate all the other advantages you get with canvas over nylon. A few negatives that have kept me away were the price, weight and long set up time. I recently watched a few videos on inflatable tents with air tubes that even come in hot tent options. They come in canvas and eliminate one of three issues just mentioned. (See RBM air tents, for example) If you ever get your hands on one, would like to see a review. Not many unbiased reviews on these tents i can find and for the price they are asking, could really use some advice before pulling the trigger. Thanks!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great feedback, thanks for taking the time to share. And thanks for the sub! I'm very curious about the inflatable tents as well. Just got a little 3 man nylon inflatable tent to try out, but I'm interested in the big ones. I'll check out the RBM. You're right about the price and weight of a canvas tent, though some nylon tents are getting pricey now too. But the setup of these Springbar or Kodiak Flex-Bow tents is on par with a synthetic style tent. Only a few poles and they pop up quick, though you do have to stake them down. But you don't have to run a bunch of guy lines like with the old school prospector or bell tents. Cheers!

[@kjflowers-fc8ee]

Thanks!

[@outdoorempirecom]

You're most welcome! Thank you so much for the support!

[@duncansutherland47]

Great review and I appreciate your transparency (some refreshing humility to boot). I wish you had the the Highline comparative to the Kodiak tent with possibly either the Classic Jack or the Skyline as a side note. I think that would have been more “apples to apples.”Showing the benefits of a stove compatible tent is nice but not perhaps as relevant to an accurate side by side comparison between the two manufacturers. The Highline series was created (to my understanding) as a reaction to the Kodiak tent (made in China, cheaper cost). I haven’t seen a really good side by side comparison anywhere yet between the two. Springbar’s Family Camper series (not stove compatible) is made in the USA as well and is twice the price as the Kodiak of the same size and style. I believe it was that original line of tents from Springbar that inspired the Kodiak manufacturers to create their’s in China using a similar design and construction while providing a more affordable price. I still enjoyed your video and it was full of useful information, thank you!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great observations all around. Indeed the Highline would be a direct comparison to the Kodiak. Perhaps I'll get a hold of one of those later on. Thanks for chiming in!

[@duncansutherland47]

@@outdoorempirecom Thank you for your thoroughness and hard work. I look forward to your future reviews!

[@lanetaglio]

Please review the Ellis Shackleton! TYSM!!

[@outdoorempirecom]

I would very much like to. I'll see what I can do.

[@akawiley1]

Love the hat! Go Nords!

[@outdoorempirecom]

🙌🏒🇨🇦

[@alexandrelabelle532]

Love the hat!

[@outdoorempirecom]

😂 Thanks! It's a souvenir from Village de Valeur in Québec.

[@dustin4185]

Just spent the weekend in a CJ140. For my needs, it will work great. Any idea if the aluminum Skyliner poles work with the CJ?

[@outdoorempirecom]

I haven't tried it but I suspect the end poles and awning poles would, but the roof poles probably wouldn't because the roof on the Skyliner is larger. You might ask Springbar customer service for a complete answer.

[@WayneTheSeine]

I do not own either but have been looking at them very hard. The differences in the poles and stakes is minor. Those can be replaced cheaply. The biggest and most important feature that I see is the way the floor is tied into the sides. The Springbar method looks way more reliable. The hot tent ready is a huge benefit too. The Skyliner, as I understand it, has more verticle sides which is another plus. However I have seen where some are having pooling issues which is likely related to the more verticle configuration. I think Springbars answer to this, so far, was to design an optional fly for the tent. Kodiak's can be hot tented pretty easily. So, bottomline for me is the floor connection to the wall. But is that worth another $1,300 dollars? Although the setup is more difficult, Kodiak's wall tent is pretty darn nice as well and does come hot tent ready. The 10x10 with the stove, stove mat, and ground cloth comes in at $1,299 and the 10x14 comes in at $1,899 but also includes the enclosed 8x8 canvas awining room. I have watched several videos on the setup and two people get it done in less than 30 min. The Skyliner is no doubt a very fine tent and a great configuration but...$$$.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great analysis and interesting to see what sticks out to you the most (that hem between the walls and the floor). It's definitely a great design. I think a good compromise is that Springbar Classic Jack 140. $1300 more for the Skyliner when the main feature you're interested in is that hem design and stove readiness is a bit steep. But a few hundred more to be hot tent ready and have that hem on the CJ140 is worth it in my book. Best of luck!

[@herrp8765]

The imported Highline 6 is 10 x 10 is $649. The comparably sized 10x10 Traveler (Made in US) doubles the price. Ouch. Guess it all depends on what we're looking for. And whether we're adventurous enough for winter camping. Sounds like fun!

[@WayneTheSeine]

@@herrp8765 There is something to be said about made in the USA though

[@nw3b3r]

I bought the skyliner after watching a lot of your videos. I’m very happy so far. Only issue I’ve noticed is that the upright poles sink into soft ground and then the big roof sags a bit. Do you let the poles lay on top of the stake brackets to keep poles from sinking? I was thinking I might dish out a hockey puck and use that as a foot.

[@outdoorempirecom]

That's great to hear, I'm glad the videos have been helpful! Yes, I generally set the base of the pole on the stake and loop directly below it. This works well for me, even on sand or soft soil. Your hockey puck idea is interesting too. I'd probably be more inclined to just find something laying on the ground where I'm camping, like a big piece of thick bark or chunk of wood to set the base on. But the stake works for me and you can always adjust the pole height to make the roof more taught.

[@PrestonGladd]

Only problem with having a stove in a spring bar tent is a sudden onset of winds. These spring bar tents, all of them, are very “springy “ in any winds over 15MPH. I would rather have a cabin style tent that’s a bit more rigid for hot tent use, or a teepee style. Also for less money you could buy two Kodiaks and have a spare if you DIY a stove jack and still have spend less including the stove. Only reason that tent is so expensive is because it’s made in the U.S. has nothing to do with higher quality.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Point taken on the cost of a Kodiak and a spare, that's not a bad way to go. And true, the Made in USA factor explains most of the cost differential. But having used and closely inspected both, I can definitely give the Springbar Skyliner a notch up in quality, especially in the sewing and material choices. I can also confirm firsthand that I've had the Skyliner in sustained winds of about 40mph with the wood stove going inside and my stove didn't budge or falter. Worked great and I wasn't concerned about my safety in the least. Cheers!

[@PrestonGladd]

@@outdoorempirecom if the less expensive options didn’t offer lifetime warranties then I would say it would be worth the cost, but even with one notch down in a quality peg, you still have a lifetime warranty, so to me ( I’m not judging those who buy a more expensive version over a cheaper one) it doesn’t matter if the quality is that small notch up or down because you are covered for life on all of them.

[@outdoorempirecom]

@@PrestonGladd Great points! Thanks for chiming in.

[@michaelforce5442]

Wanting a Skyliner

[@outdoorempirecom]

You're not alone!

[@markcolyer4891]

I personally like the bell tents, had a Alanack from cabellas... hated that they are made of polyester. The Bell tents on the other hand are made from cotton canvas, yes heavy but very durable 4 season tents

[@outdoorempirecom]

Indeed. I just tried a White Duck bell tent this summer and it's quite nice!

[@mikam8801]

I would buy the USA made SB if they had the side windows on their small/medium tents; I especially like their compact model. Reasons: the click adjustable pole, and the bottom hem with rope. Since they’re made right there at the factory, I don’t see why they can’t make a side windows pattern option. Seems like a no-brainer. - Conversely, Kodiak could change their bottom hem like SB, unless that’s patented. I’m going with the Kodiak VX because side windows trumps the bottom hem.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great feedback for Springbar. Also, from my factory tour at Springbar I understand the awesome bottom hem is costly to do in labor and some additional materials. Not sure if it's patented, but Kodiak may not want to increase their cost for a feature not everyone understands or appreciates, like more windows. 😉

[@mikam8801]

@@outdoorempirecom That makes sense. And while the hem is nice and an upgrade, I wonder how much it really makes a difference? To your point, it might not be worth the increase in labor cost passed on to us.

[@outdoorempirecom]

@@mikam8801 Or the decrease in profit for Kodiak. 🤷‍♂ But having the two tents, I do prefer that hem on the Springbar. It not only does a better job at shedding water away from the tent, but the seam itself is sealed better and doesn't get stressed as easily as the Kodiak, which often shows daylight through the stitch holes when stretched out to stake it down. The Springbar lays flat, stakes super easily, and the tension is on the rope in the hem rather than the thread of the seam that binds the floor to the wall. I think it's more forgiving and a better design, personally. But the Kodiak works just fine too. It's one of those tiebreaker features if you like everything else about the two tents equally.

[@mikam8801]

@@outdoorempirecom Precisely why SB needs to have side windows, then my decision would be easier. Grrr. Maybe I buy the Kodiak, the price is pretty cheap for the small one @ 349; and if SB listens to my request, I buy that one when they eventually make the window option available. I joined the email list, so I’ll be alerted. - Can the Kodiak be seam sealed where you see light?

[@outdoorempirecom]

@@mikam8801 Probably so, but I really don't think it's a big deal or risk for water. By the time water gets down there it's nearly in the ground. Maybe in 10 years from heavy use it will be an issue, but it's definitely not a dealbreaker. Go get that tent and camp!

[@cope4288]

Traditional wall tents are the gold standard for a reason.

[@outdoorempirecom]

I'd love to hear more from you about that.

[@Few.Be.There.That.Find.It.]

Usually tents are used for sleeping in, not to be a portable living room. The kodiak 8.5 x 6 flex bow is the best tent for sleeping in. I used one for 6 months of camping and can say it is well worth the money. My only regret was not buying a rain cover to prevent water from creating mildew. You can always treat the cotton if you dont want to use a rain cover.

[@outdoorempirecom]

I like the idea of that size of a Kodiak tent for one or two people. Good point on the rain cover and mildew. I do love the whole "living room" setup option in the larger hot tent. Especially when camping with kids in the shoulder seasons or winter where days are pretty short here where I live and it's nice to have a place to stay dry, hang out, cook, and play games in the dark or bad weather.

[@Few.Be.There.That.Find.It.]

@@outdoorempirecom I like the stove tents but for the weather I deal with it is not necessary. I did find a hot tent/cover that would go right over the 8.5×6 Kodiak I have. I think I'll buy it to keep everything dry and later on I can buy a cooking stove. I don't know if you would be interested in this tent/cover but it's a game changer for me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXXEdoOQhM-sja8si=cPYemyF-KrIvo-kg

[@saber1able]

Nothing that you said here convinces me that any of the other brands is better than Kodiak Canvas. I own a Kodiak Canvas tent and have had it out in torrential downpours and sever winds with no issue. I have seen videos where snow was piled on top of a Kodiak tent until it tipped over, dumped the snow load, then stood back up all on its own. I own the basic version yet have never had an issue with it being too warm, lack of airflow, or any problems with condensation. The height/angle of the awning can be adjusted by moving/tilting the support poles as needed. Adding a stove jack is simple, just watch a video, buy the parts that are available and install. Kodiak makes products that are just as high quality, well made, and as durable as these others at half the price. Seems like a pretty easy choice as far as I can see.

[@johnnymissfire8464]

How much does the spring bar weigh? Do you have a video of putting it up? What is the advantage over a nice medium sized pop up camper?

[@outdoorempirecom]

Great questions! The Springbar Skyliner weighs about 97 pounds and the CJ140 weighs 82 pounds. I used to have a pop-up camper and loved it. But I'd say some advantages of one of these tents are that they're cheaper, you can take them more places (gnarly backcountry roads where trailers won't work), and they take up a whole lot less space to store and transport. I also think they're probably lower maintenance in the long run and could even last longer.

[@RoryLynott]

My Dad bought a Springbar 40 years ago. It's still going strong. Yep, its been in some nasty weather, no leaks whatsoever. I was in the market for a real tent and bought the Highline 8. Yes, it's sewn in China but I'm not losing sleep on it. Thanks for your review. If money wasn't an option, I'd go with The Skyliner.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Very nice! I wouldn't lose any sleep over that either. Enjoy that Highline!

[@DemonicRarityAdventures]

Kodiak has hot tents as well

[@outdoorempirecom]

Indeed they do. Though not the same style.

[@smbluesman]

Great! Now I want the skyliner but i can’t afford it. Can you please tell springbar to drop the price by about a grand?

[@outdoorempirecom]

I'll be sure to put in a good word. But don't count on it. 😂

[@jessearmstrong7214]

I still don’t understand why screw in pegs aren’t standard yet. I won’t use anything else.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Probably because guys like me haven't ever used them and don't know what we're missing. I think I gotta try that this year.

[@ioda006]

upvotes for spoiler alert first 2s!!!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Ya I don't like to wait.

[@christinetownsend1100]

Where do y'all go with these monster tents lol!? I have the Kodiak 10×10 and can barely fit on the tent pads in the state/national parks.

[@outdoorempirecom]

True, you can't always find a perfectly flat tent pad for that size of tent everywhere. I usually camp in public land in undeveloped dispersed spots and always manage to find a place for it.

[@heyjude505nm]

The Skyliner is worth every penny.

[@outdoorempirecom]

It's a very nice tent!

[@stolnpckup]

I just started recently looking at canvas tents. I did not know that you could basically put a heater in a tent. Till a former coworker told me. So, far. I like the skyliner. It is already hot ready. But I would like a tub floor. Cause all I have now is a eureka copper canyon. Also, there is a few things that I would like to know. If I get a skyliner. Do I need a floor protector for cots? Next, when can I have my skyliner back? Just kidding. Oh, yea. I almost forgot. I do like the skyliner so far. Cause it is made in America. Dang it. One more thing that I just thought of. Can one person set up the skyliner?

[@outdoorempirecom]

One person can easily set up a Skyliner. I do it all the time by myself in about 10-15 minutes. I don't put any protection down for cots, but mine have plastic feet and it's fine. And as far as the tub floor goes, I also have the Whiteduck Prota which does have a tub floor but honestly the Springbar floor design and the way that sidewall ties into the floor at that hem is solid. It sheds water away from the tent and I have yet to have water come in at that point.

[@stolnpckup]

@@outdoorempirecom ok. Thanks for responding. Like I said. I basically just have a three season tent. It had been years since I slept in a tent in the winter. Let's just say. Back when I was in boy scouts. But I am willing to spend $2100 for an American made tent.

[@janenmarelia]

Nice tents, I owed a European canvas tent and I always wonder why American tents have to look like a cabin or a small house and why they are so small and without a proper sleeping compartment. Tents like the one I owned are known to withstand severe storms if you set them properly. But still, I like these too too because they look like tiny houses.

[@outdoorempirecom]

I'd love to try out the European tents you're referring to. Thanks for sharing.

[@mountain-milk]

The $1300 extra for a skyliner vs the Kodiak is just crazy. The hot tent sounds cool in theory but I camp in heavy bear country so I would never cook in the tent. You can buy a diesel heater for under $200 that heats the tent just as well and the heater itself sits outside the tent so you never have to worry about co poisoning or burning your tent down on the off chance something malfunctions. The value of the kodiak can’t be beat. Just my 2 cents.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Indeed the Kodiak offers great value. Personally I'm partial to wood heat instead of propane or diesel (my brother's truck burned down from one of those) and the American labor costs for the Springbar certainly explain part of the price difference with upgraded materials and design elements explaining the rest. But it's like I said I'm the video, the Kodiak is an awesome tent and if I never upgraded to these Springbars I wouldn't know what I was missing.

[@jeffmorrison3562]

How did you run the heater hose to inside the tent

[@B-kl8vj]

How do they do in heavy rain?

[@outdoorempirecom]

Quite well, though the first version of the Skyliner had a minor leaking issue due to the roof being so much larger than the others. Check out this video to see what I mean, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ2oc4hoo9qSntU

[@B-kl8vj]

@@outdoorempirecom Thanks.

[@smileysun9212]

Springbar is the best tent in the world & not like those copycaters. How long do you think a Kodiak tent will last? Only time will tell & I have a Springbar that was probably made in the 60’s, but it would be fun to know when it was made. I bought it 25yrs ago at a Deseret Industries well used & I was forced to buy it. I didn’t want to buy it until they gave me a price of $3. I knew nothing about Springbar & I poked a hole through the roof thinking the poles went inside. I found where it was made & not too far from me. I went to Kirkham’s next time I went to SLC & they gave me canvas to patch the hole along with instructions to set it up. I was amazed I never got wet inside & only tent that hasn’t blown down on me. I did eventually get 2 new tent poles & I use spikes with washers to stake it down. Others are jealous of me with my $3 tent & one neighbor said he’ll give me $100 for it. I’m shocked how much of a good deal I got & I t’s a Family Traveler 9110 11’x10’. All the other Family Travelers I’ve seen that isn’t made annymore are 10’x10’ with a window side of door which mine dosen’t but dose have the awning. I liked your factory video & I was there yesterday getting a new tent bag & tie guys that I didn’t know existed with the grommet to go over the tips of the awning poles because I would just tie the rope to the tips. Do you use a ground cloth? That’s something I’ve never used & never had problems except for moisture under the tent. Be neat to do a video for Springbar to compare old tent vs newer one.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Very cool! Thanks for taking the time to share. Awesome deal you found for sure! And no I haven't used a ground cloth yet. Don't really see a need unless you're on real rocky ground that might poke through.

[@smileysun9212]

@@outdoorempirecom I talked to a Lady there & she recommended the ground cloth. She uses the ground cloth all the time to proctect the floor. I’ve never had problems with the floor & why should I start now. Have you done a video on tent stakes? I use huge nails with washers & thinking about switching to lag screws with washers. It’s getting harder for me to use a hammer & last time I used it some nails slid out of the ground. I’m thinking with the lag screws it would have a better bite to screw into ground & I can use my impact driver.

[@ShiningSakura]

How long will kodiaks last.... time is about 10 or so years..... our ward has some and the zippers are falling apart along with the guy lines and stake loops material fraying and just disintegrating. they only saw 2 weeks max of use per year and not all were used every year so go figure. the tent canvas is badly sun fading and it doesn't feel as quality as the spring bars material does and is fuzzy in a weird sort of way. They look clean and were well taken care of and stored well, but the materials themselves are falling apart.

[@smileysun9212]

@@ShiningSakuraThanks for the reply! I had high hopes for Kodiak but in your case not as long lasting as Springbar. Mine was built in SLC & the newer ones are over seas but there’s some still made in SLC.

[@ShiningSakura]

@@smileysun9212 I was hoping the same with kodiak as well, as that company apparently is local from utah as well. They cheaped out and it shows now. I have serviced spring bars from the 80's and other than some minor mold, lots of dirt, and some holes patched here and there and an occasional zipper they function better than the kodiaks do that are easily 3-4 times younger. Its ridiculous. Springbar has been amazing to work with as well, I can pop on over to their store and get more patch kits or spare parts quickly for fixing up more tents. I have to order fabric and zippers online elsewhere in bulk, but they were kind to help me with recommendations on some obscure obsolete tent material sources to replace. Quite frankly it impresses me how dedicated they are to making sure their tents last and certainly try to help with repair services wherever possible. Can't say the same for kodiak and i've been quite disappointed and I don't even own the tents.... sure glad I don't at this point and I'm ready to refuse future tent repairs because they are such a pain to fix. It may be cheaper, but you certainly don't get the same level of care of service like you do with springbar long term. Granted a small handful of rare oddball tents springbar even cannot make parts/repairs for anymore, but that's to be expected after so many years. They do try their best though. Kodiak just gives advice and some help, but once the warranty is over.... all bets are off.

[@adam8323]

I understand your pov. But you are comparing a $800 tent to a $2100 tent. That's like saying the Kodiak is better than a coleman. Well of course it is. You better get better materials for the that much more money.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Indeed, the cost differential is significant. By no means is one tent bad and the other good. They're all great. Just the evolution of what different brands and price points can get you and the benefits of a higher-end tent.

[@SkuzzelB8]

I was disappointed to see that Winnerwell stoves are manufactured in China. ☹️ I really like Pomoly stoves.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Yep, both Winnerwell and Pomoly stoves are made in China. There are a few American made options out there I'm hoping to try.

[@SkuzzelB8]

@theoutdoorempire Oh Boy! I really messed up there. Yes, Pomoly is Chinese as well! Damn. 😭

[@williamfuller2389]

Can't remember if you mentioned it but the Classic Jack is American designed but Chinese made, much like like Kodiak. The Skyliner is ALL American made.

[@outdoorempirecom]

That's correct!

[@alexander5207]

The canvas is not made in the USA. It probably imported from the same place Kodiak and Cabela's get theirs.

[@williamfuller2389]

@@alexander5207 I understand the "cotton" may be harvested overseas but it is then shipped to canvas makers in Georgia, USA before being transported to Springbar in Salt Lake City, Utah for tent manufacturing. So, the canvas actually is made here in the US.

[@alexander5207]

@@williamfuller2389 Where did you find that information? On spring bars own website it talks about how their Highland line of tents are made in China.

[@williamfuller2389]

@@alexander5207 Springbar has both a domestic and an imported line of tents. On their domestic tents, which includes their new Skyliner, they are designed and produced in the US. You said you looked at their website, it's clearly spelled out on it. In an interview with the manager of Springbar, he outlined the production of their canvas. Look up the video of that interview/ factory tour.

[@franny5295]

Do you think a woman could put up the skyliner alone? I'm 5'2" early 40s, about 130lbs.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Absolutely.

[@franny5295]

@@outdoorempirecom Thank you!

[@ShiningSakura]

I'm 5'3 and while it does take me longer to put up alone, its doable.

[@nicoleromanello3047]

The material doesn’t look as firm as the Kodiak. They look wavy and thin.

[@outdoorempirecom]

They are nearly identical. They both use 8.5 oz cotton duck canvas on the walls and 10 oz canvas on the roof. I think the waterproofing treatment they undergo might be slightly different, but that's a third party doing that either way. The kodiak has fixed end poles so it might be setup more taut than the Springbars which have adjustable pole heights that I find handy to be able to adjust for different weather or unlevel ground. That can leave a bit more slack in the material, but that's not a problem in my experience.

[@user-ok2vl1yo5s]

Don't really matter about the weather since there not a free standing tent

[@weeman6539]

I think if you were going to compare tents you would get three at the same price point to make it more fair

[@outdoorempirecom]

Ya, that's one way to do it. The Springbar Classic Jack 100 or the Springbar Highline would be appleas to apples with the Kodiak on price, etc. My point with this video is that for a few hundred bucks more you get quite a few more features and benefits out of the Springbar CJ 140 compared to any Flex-Bow. And even more out of the Skyliner.

[@philipwilson3454]

Can't believe that you don't use springs on your guy ropes in the U.S.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Tell me more!? These particular tents have a lot of flex in them by design so they allow quite a bit of movement in the wind as it is. Never seen a tear or anything.

[@philipwilson3454]

@@outdoorempirecom We use sprung guy ropes exclusively on our awnings. They allow stress to be taken off the brass eyelets in stormy weather. We also place Tarp Buddies over the pole spigots for extra insurance.

[@bangdingow1414]

The economy is shit and only getting worse. Many of us will be living in these tents.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Well I sure hope we get to just sleep in these for fun and not for permanent shelter!

[@bradysmail1969]

I keep hearing this, but it is very steady, and even expanding, where I am located in the PNW.

[@bangdingow1414]

@@bradysmail1969 here in Northern Ontario too friend...ppl I know

[@neostephens8980]

You should invest your money wisely so you don't have to live in a tent.

[@donkeyballs7860]

Start working trades. We rich as f boy

[@CatHound]

So you're paying $1,000 more because of a hole lol they sell jacks cheap

[@outdoorempirecom]

Stay tuned for tomorrow's video about that very subject!

[@jamsaanich4993]

good job

[@outdoorempirecom]

Thank you!

[@markmarullo7075]

At well over double the cost… really not a fair comparison. Like comparing a Ford to a Ferrari

[@outdoorempirecom]

I hear ya, the cost difference is real. In my opinion, for a few hundred bucks more you can get a Classic Jack 140 that has some real advantages over the Kodiak. The Skyliner is a bigger jump for sure. But I still love the Kodiak too. Sorta like a Ford guy that gets a Ferrari, it's just hard for me to take the Kodiak out now that I've got a Skyliner.

[@huskerider]

hmmmmmmm.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Your quandary has me intrigued. ???

[@Billyboy4209]

Just can’t justify the price jump.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Can't blame ya.

[@MrEb666666]

So let’s see? Company sent two free tents for the person to review and keep. The other company sent him a tent, but only at a discount, not free.. The two free tents, got the higher ratings, and the reviewers approval? Didn’t see that coming 😂😂😂.. sorry I have on both the spring bar and Kodiak canvas. Great tents… but for the price, there is no damn way on earth. I would pay double or almost triple for either one of those spring bars. But I guess it is ok… remember, he got the two for free so he ended up with 3 tents… two of them free… the other one I’m guessing, at a pretty big a win-win for him😂

[@outdoorempirecom]

I appreciate you chiming in. I thought this might be a good opportunity to shed some light on how Outdoor Empire does business. We earn a commission if you click on our affiliate links and buy from Amazon, Cabela's, or Sportsman's Warehouse, etc, all places where you can buy a Kodiak Tent. But we don't earn a penny if you buy the more expensive tent from Springbar. Free gear helps stretch our gear budget farther to try and build our business, but it doesn't pay the bills, money does. No one paid for this review and no one had a say in what was said but us. If I wanted to bias it based on making money, I would tell everyone to go buy a Kodiak. This is also why you see more Kodiak content than Springbar BTW. I certainly acknowledge the major price difference between a Kodiak and a Springbar Skyliner, especially. It's a lot of money and out of reach for a lot of folks, and that's totally fine. The Kodiak is an excellent tent for a lot less money. I have all of these tents in my garage, and for now when I'm not filming videos, I choose to take a Springbar on our family compouts.

[@dustin4185]

I thought the same thing at first. I just got back from a bushcraft event this weekend where there were everything from tarps to RVs. There were several “tension rod” tents in use. I like the color of Kodiak better, but I also loved having a stove when it dipped below freezing at night. We were all comparing tents and gear and I almost wished I would have got a Kodiak and modified it, and they wanted to have a wood stove, lol. If Kodiak would make a hot tent ready version, it would be ideal. Or if Springbar made another color in the CJ140, I would like it better. Overall I am happy with my CJ140.

[@neostephens8980]

Nah, I'll keep my Kodiak. The Spring Bar is DEFINITELY NOT worth that much extra money and I've had no stability issues with my Kodiak. But to each their own. Great video though.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Thanks for watching! Cheers.

[@thomaswhittington6530]

Hey, I appreciate your review, but I think you should be aware of something so you can stay out of trouble in the future. When these companies give you a free product or even a discount that was not available to the general public, with the expectation that you would mention or include the product in a video, that is an endorsement which is an advertisement. This video is indeed an advertisement per FTC rules. I'm not sure who led you to believe otherwise, and I hope it wasn't a marketing liason for one of these tent companies, but at the end of the day, you are the one who gets in trouble if you violate these rules.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Thanks for the note. It's not easy to find concrete information on the subject and there are sources that contradict each other. I'll do some more research. I appreciate the feedback.

[@thekimmonia1911]

Great response

[@Bro_DT]

Lost me at 1200. I didn't even finish the video. Maybe a little biased, I've had my Kodiak 3 years, no problems whatsoever

[@outdoorempirecom]

Can't blame you! Kodiak makes a great tent. If you carried on you would have heard me say I love them but the Springbar won me over with a step up in luxury and hot tent capability. Camp on my friend!

[@brianosborne1437]

Richly Rich, glamping… silly

[@outdoorempirecom]

🤑 First time in my life anyone has ever associated me with riches or glamour. I'm flattered, good sir! 😂

[@Hellseeker1]

F my wallet

[@outdoorempirecom]

A motto for life.

[@thesecret111]

This was a shitest review ever made, you just walked there and didn't test any tent capabilites like in snow and rain conditions, the durability, wind and temperature tests. The Things That Real Matters When You Think About Buying A Tent. Next time don't sell your soul to Springbar just make a realistic video about it.

[@outdoorempirecom]

Sorry it didn't meet your expectations, but thanks for stopping by! When I do a review video I usually try to pack it full of information based on my experience with it. I've used all these tents and have some other videos where I'm out and about with them, if you're interested. This one was more of a summary of how they compare. Cheers.

[@scottreed7712]

All three have one major flaw. The rain catching bathtub they call an awning on the front of tent. Horrible design !

[@outdoorempirecom]

I've had that experience as well so I know what you mean. It's definitely the case with the kodiak and classic jack. I just roll the awning up if it's gonna rain. But the Skyliner is different. It has a different shape, like a trapezoid. It's a bit smaller, the poles are adjustable height, and there are more grommets for guy out points. So in rain you can stick one pole in the center and guy lines on the corners that go straight to the ground and it is very effective at shedding rain away from the tent but still proving a covered entry.

[@SuzanneWho]

@@outdoorempirecom Some videos I’ve seen have the poles made shorter or slanted more for the awning to let the rain run off. Doable?

[@theKid87]

Love the hat!

[@outdoorempirecom]

Me too! A nod to the past nowadays.

[@derrickthesen7008]

Love his hat as well that’s why I just subscribed

[@derrickthesen7008]

Your hat directed my finger to the subscribe button rewarded with an excellent review