How Long Does a Tipi Last

A set of poles will last more than 15 years if properly cared for. You will need 17 poles for your 16ft. – 20ft. tipi: 15 poles are used on the inside and two poles on the outside for the smoke flaps.

Can you leave a teepee up year round?

Whenever you leave your tipi alone for a bit, be sure to close the smoke flaps securely, as pictured in our set-up instructions. Leaving your tipi up over the winter without tending to it can cause snow to build up on the canvas. In wet climates, the snow gets heavy and will eventually stretch the canvas.

How do teepees keep out rain?

The teepee is actually a very efficient structure as it sheds wind and rain quite well. A central fire kept the family warm, and the smoke rose to a smoke hole in the apex of the structure. Flaps on the covering could be adjusted by moving the poles attached to them to protect the smoke hole from the wind and rain.