My parents had a 3-person single wall tent a bit smaller than the Tarptent Rainshadow, made of waxed long staple Egyptian cotton. It weighed 12 lbs. without pole and stakes. It was considered a lightweight backpacking tent when they bought it in 1939. I have no idea of the price but I'm sure it was expensive! By comparison the Tarptent Rainshadow, also single wall, weighs 2 lb. 10 oz. including stakes but not poles (since it uses trekking poles).

Most wax will crack when bent at cold temperatures. I'm sure that what you'd use to treat cotton for a tent would have to be something special that wouldn't crack!


Edited by OregonMouse (02/14/13 05:52 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey