Medieval tents and tarpaulins
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Whether at a medieval market, a LARP event or a re-enactment camp – the right tent is more than just a place to sleep: it is the heart of your camp, a visible symbol of your re-enactment and a practical retreat all in one. In this category, you’ll find a structured overview of tent types, materials and buying criteria, so you can find the tent that really suits you, your group and the era you’re portraying.
An overview of tent types: Which shape suits you?
Single-pole tent
A single central pole supports the entire tent fabric – quick to pitch, circular floor plan, large usable interior space. Ideal as a sleeping and living tent for 1–2 people. Typical of the High Middle Ages.
Two-pole tent / Knight’s tent
Two poles support a spacious ridge canvas. Ample headroom along the central axis, impressive appearance – the classic choice for knightly re-enactments in the late and High Middle Ages, as well as for traders wishing to make an impression.
Saxon tent / wedge tent
The A-shape with a sewn-on canopy is historically closely associated with the Early Middle Ages. Easy to transport, quick to set up and versatile thanks to the attached windbreak – the first choice for Viking and Saxon re-enactments.
Spoke wheel tent / Round tent
A central pole and radially arranged wooden spokes support the round canvas without side poles. This results in an almost entirely usable interior space. Historically particularly popular with nobles and their wealthy retinues – complex to erect, impressive in its result.
Merchant’s tent / canopy
Canopies and merchant tents have no closed side walls – they provide shade and shelter from the rain over the sales area and can be opened at the front. Perfect for market re-enactments and as a communal area in a military camp.
Camp tarpaulins & sun sails
Camping tarpaulins and sun sails made from sturdy cotton fabric complement any tent. They provide shade, demarcate the campsite and can be individually tensioned thanks to sewn-in eyelets and loops – triangular or rectangular, as required.
Tents and historical periods: Which tent suits which re-enactment?
Early Middle Ages: Vikings & Saxons
The wedge tent or Saxon tent in an A-shape corresponds to the simple, portable structures of this period. The Viking attire of the warrior or trader is perfectly complemented by a natural-coloured Saxon tent such as the Jorvik. The simple, linear shape looks historically authentic and immediately stands out in group displays.
High Middle Ages: Knights & Entourage
Single-pole tents and early spoke-wheel constructions dominate the scene in depictions of military encampments from the High Middle Ages. For encampment needs in keeping with the High Middle Ages, a single-pole tent such as the Walburg harmoniously completes the ensemble. The round basic shape was widespread in this era and is well documented archaeologically.
Late Middle Ages & Transition to the Renaissance
Two-mast and three-mast tents with ridges characterised the military camps of the Late Middle Ages. Knight’s tents such as the Burgund, with its large floor area and headroom of 3.00 m, fit well with more elaborate depictions of knights, mercenaries and their retinues. Spacious interiors allowed for the transport of equipment and furnishings.
Merchant and market scenes
Open merchant tents and canopies are particularly well-suited for market scenes from all eras. The Saxon merchant tent folds open at the front, creating a natural sales area. Combined with matching market ceramics and camp furniture, a credible merchant atmosphere is quickly created.
Material and weight: Why cotton is the first choice for medieval tents
The material determines not only the appearance and authenticity, but also the durability, weight and comfort in the camp. Natural fibres are the standard for medieval tents – and for good reason.
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton (340 gsm) | LARP / Beginners | Lightweight, easy to carry, breathable, water-repellent – ideal for occasional use at markets and shorter events |
| 100% cotton (425 gsm) | Reenactment | Heavyweight version, higher tear resistance, better protection against heavy rain and wind – recommended for intensive use over several seasons |
| Linen | Historically accurate | Particularly authentic for early and high medieval re-enactments, heavier than cotton, requires more care |
| Synthetic / Polyester | Not recommended | Visually unsuitable for re-enactment and medieval markets; lacks a ‘period’ feel; quickly looks out of place alongside natural-fibre garments |
The grammage (gsm = grams per square metre) indicates how heavy and therefore how densely the fabric is woven. For occasional use at day and weekend events, 340 gsm is a good choice: easier to transport, dries faster. If you use your tent regularly at multi-day events, even in changeable weather, opt for 425 gsm – more robust, longer-lasting and better sealed against prolonged rain. All high-quality medieval tents should be waterproofed and treated against rot to prevent mould, even when stored in damp conditions.
Size and capacity: How to choose the right tent size
If you plan too small, you’ll regret it by the time you start the first round of luggage Tetris in the evening. As a rule of thumb: realistically estimate the floor area, factor in equipment and furnishings, and opt for a size larger.
The Walburg single-pole tent (3.5 m, 340 gsm) offers around 9 m² of floor space – enough for 1–2 people with compact luggage. Quick to pitch, easy to carry and a good introduction to camping life for solo travellers or couples.
The Jorvik Saxon tent is available in three sizes: 2×4 m for 1–2 people (€273), 3×5 m for 2–3 people (€357) and 4×6 m for 3–4 people (€393, 425 gsm). The sewn-on canopy protects the entrance and camp area even in the rain. A good choice for groups with experience of camp life.
The Burgund knight’s tent (3×5 m to 5×8 m, 425 gsm) offers a headroom of 3.00 m and all-round side walls – ideal for 3 to 6+ people with a full set of camp furniture. For groups wishing to organise multi-day events as a fully-fledged army camp. The Johann round medieval tent (3 m diameter, from €512) or the 4 m round tent (€609) are impressive alternatives for prestigious displays.
Also consider the intended use: a tent used purely for sleeping can be smaller than one that also serves as a lounge, storage for equipment and a meeting point for the group. Merchant tents have different requirements to private quarters – here, an open front is more important than depth.
Camp tarpaulins and sun sails: a flexible addition to your camp
Camping tarpaulins and sun sails made from robust cotton fabric are the most flexible additions to your camping kit. They create a covered outdoor area, protect against sun and rain, visually demarcate the campsite and transform an open pitch into an inviting communal area.
They are available in various shapes: as triangular camp tarpaulins for compact, streamlined structures and as rectangular tarpaulins for larger canopies. Sewn-in eyelets and loops allow for many different tensioning options – from the classic ridge construction with a tent pole to diagonal bracing between trees or tent poles.
For flexible set-up, it’s worth taking a look at the matching tent pole accessories: iron tips, T-connectors, corner connectors and tent pole feet allow you to build your own frame structures – and thus offer even more design options for your campsite. You’ll also find the relevant accessories in this category.
Pitching, care and storage: How to make your tent last
Use pegs that are sufficiently long and sturdy – on soft ground, opt for longer models to ensure the tent remains securely anchored even in windy conditions. Allow plenty of slack in the guy ropes and tension them evenly so that the tent fabric retains its shape. Check wooden poles for cracks or breaks before setting up. When setting up the spoke-wheel tent, experience or at least a second pair of hands is recommended – coordinating the central pole and spokes requires a bit of practice.
Guy ropes are the most important defence against wind. Fully tension all designated guy points – even if the sky is still clear during assembly. Ensure that the tent fabric touches the ground so that no wind can blow underneath it. If a storm is forecast, add extra pegs and check the ropes again. Small seam defects or incipient tears should be sewn up by hand promptly before they widen.
Dust the tent down after every event – a soft broom or a dry cloth is sufficient for light soiling. For heavier soiling, apply a mild detergent with a sponge to the affected areas and rinse with clean water. Never use a high-pressure cleaner – this damages the waterproofing. Stubborn stains on cotton can often be treated with a mixture of water and a little gall soap.
Never store a damp or wet tent – this is the most common cause of mould. Always allow the tent to dry completely before packing it away. Store in a dry, clean and well-ventilated place, not in damp cellars or directly on the floor. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight also weakens the fabric – a dark, dry room is ideal.
After two to three seasons of intensive use, the water-repellent properties may diminish. Re-waterproofing with a suitable fabric waterproofing agent (spray or liquid) restores protection. For self-built frame constructions made from round timber, iron fittings, connectors and pole bases from our range offer a sturdy and authentic-looking solution.
From small triangular camp tarpaulins for day markets to large knight’s tents for multi-day army camps – browse our range and find the tent that suits your re-enactment, your group and your budget. You’ll also find all your camp accessories in our shop – from lamps and lanterns to cauldrons and cookware for a fully equipped army camp.
Frequently asked questions
The grammage (gsm = grams per square metre) indicates how dense and heavy the cotton fabric is woven. 340 gsm is lighter, easier to transport and dries faster – good for occasional use. 425 gsm is denser, more robust and withstands prolonged heavy rain better. If you use your tent regularly at multi-day events, it’s best to opt for the heavier version.
For early medieval re-enactments as Vikings or Saxons, an A-frame tent is best suited – such as the Jorvik Saxon tent. This tent shape corresponds to the portable, simple constructions of that era. Round tents and two-masted tents are historically documented more in the High and Late Middle Ages and can quickly appear anachronistic in early medieval re-enactments.
The most important rule: never pack the tent away whilst it is damp or wet. Allow it to dry completely in the open air after every event before folding it up. Store it in a dry, clean and well-ventilated place – not in damp cellars or on the floor. Direct sunlight over a prolonged period can weaken the fabric, so a dark, dry room is ideal.
Neither offers a fully enclosed sleeping area. A canopy is usually a simple shelter without side walls, designed primarily to provide shade. A merchant’s tent, such as the Saxon merchant’s tent, often has a rear wall and opens at the front, creating a natural sales area. Merchant’s tents are therefore better suited for longer market stays and as a protective structure for goods.
Yes – storage tarpaulins and sun sails can be stretched in a variety of ways thanks to sewn-in eyelets and loops: between trees, on existing tent poles or using specially erected wooden pole structures. With the right iron connectors and attachments from our range, you can build your own custom frame. The triangular shape can be stretched to be particularly wind-resistant and is practical in changeable weather.