After using mine for a bit I got over messing around trying to pitch it perfectly. It's usually a bit twisted up, but that's because I usually just tie it off to trees if I can and the angles of the guy lines don't often match from side to side.

If you made a two person tent then tent poles would be great because you could split up the weight between you, and freestanding is always good.

We've discussed making a Baker's Tent out of cotton sheets treated with waterproofing. That would be an inexpensive and fun project. I'd almost have to tie dye it.

I've also considered making one big enough to stand up in with the SOL material. I think that should work pretty good too.

I found a manufacturer last year who would more or less custom sew whatever size you wanted, change the height of the back wall, add screening, side walls, or a whole annex... pretty much a dream base camp tent for me. Would be cheaper in the end to DIY, learn how to sew, buy a used machine and be ahead in the end, plus the karmic payback of the DIY...

I am going to get a sample swatch from the guy who sells 7 oz canvas, which is single weave (and maybe not Sunforger like) but there are so many ways to get some fabric waterproofing.

From the scrap pile of old tents I could probably scrounge enough folding poles for the 4 corners and maybe a adjustable nylon strap for the long runs on the front and back horizontal seams.

I like my Whelen just enough to really consider this as a project or purchase. With the weight and bulk my iteration would strictly be a basecamp from canoe/kayak.

Your proof of concept as far as the fire and interior heat gain is favorably noted. The tie die would just be bonus!

Does anyone else who camped in a canvas tent when they were little (I was 5) recall being told that they couldn't touch the sides when the tent was wet, or the water would come through?

I followed that advice all through scouts, and didn't question it.

BZH

Thank you. The equations were cleanly laid out, and I could follow them. Much of what I've been reading for the last couple years really makes sense now.

Steadman

Hot tenters use canvas tents of different styles with wood stoves in very cold weather, down to -30C or colder. www.wintertrekking.com is the place to learn all about hot tenting.
FYI, there is a thread on wintertrekking about traditional v. high tech clothes that I started when I joined the site 6 years ago that is still going on, I am pleased to say. It's an interesting topic with some great comments on how different materials work at different temperatures.

Interesting stuff. The cube makes sense. I love the canopy too.

once have the door flap attach at the bottom but it can work well