ESKER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQS
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE YOUR PRODUCTS?
Our online store is now open here!
CAN I BUY JUST THE STOVE? I ALREADY HAVE THE PIPES.
Stoves are sold as a set with pipes.
CAN I BUY JUST THE PIPES? I NEED REPLACEMENTS
Pipe replacements can be purchased from your local retailer, please contact them for more information.
WHERE ARE YOUR TENTS MADE?
Right here in Ontario Canada!
CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT STOVE PIPE RING? MINE IS DAMAGED.
Yes– contact your local retailer.
WHAT IS COTTON DUCK?
Cotton Duck: “duck” refers to the Dutch word “doek” which means linen - more tightly woven than standard canvas & has a higher thread count - makes them heavier, higher quality fabric
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ESKER TENT & STOVE
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PENTAGONAL TENT VERSUS A 4-SIDED TENT?
A Pentagonal tent packs a little smaller and is a little lighter than its 4-sided counterpart.
The 4-sided tent is easier and quicker to set up.
WHY WOULD I BUY THE ESKER CLASSIC 2 OVER THE CLASSIC?
The original Classic has a stove pipe ring in the center and the stove pipe goes straight up. The advantage of that is no elbows are needed, the stove draws well, and you don’t need to worry about wind direction.
The Classic 2 features a stove pipe ring going out the side of the tent, which necessitates using an elbow with your stove and a support splint on the outside of tent. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about embers or creosote on your tent, as well as giving more contiguous space to move around inside the tent.
CAN I RENT THE SET-UP BEFORE INVESTING IN MY OWN?
You can rent from the following retailers:
The Canadian Outdoor Equipment - 905-990-1750
Frontenac Outfitters - 613- 376-6220
WHY DON’T ESKER HOT TENTS HAVE FLOORS? CAN I BUY A FLOOR?
A floorless shelter means that you can use a stove inside and that water/condensation can drain into the ground. Not having a floor means you can get out of your tent easily by crawling out from under it in an emergency rather than cutting your way out.
You can lay down a tarp, or harvest spruce or balsam boughs (check with local laws first) to create an extra barrier for sleeping.
ARE ESKER TENTS WATERPROOF?
Esker Winter Tents are designed primarily for winter use. While the tents are water resistant, they are not waterproof. The canvas material will swell when wet and prevent water from entering the tent. However, if rainfall is heavy and sustained enough, it can overwhelm the canvas’s ability to shed water. Therefore, if you are using the tent in rainy conditions, we suggest using a secondary tarp above the tent.
WHAT IS THE SYNTHETIC MATERIAL AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE TENT FOR?
The snow skirt is designed so that snow can be piled on top of it after tent set up to weigh down sides of the tent and seal any drafts. The synthetic material provides a surface that ice and snow will not stick to, allowing for easy tear down.
CAN I USE A STRAIGHT STOVE PIPE ON MY CLASSIC 2 TENT?
No. The stove will be too close to the sidewall for adequate safety. An elbow must be used. Using a straight pip is unsafe and will void warranty.
HOW TO USE YOUR ESKER TENT & STOVE
HOW DO I SET UP THE TENT?
See instructions enclosed with tent.
If you need a copy, click here - Arctic Fox or the Classic.
HOW DO I SET UP THE STOVE?
See instructions enclosed with stove.
If you need a copy, click here.
HOW DO I CHOOSE AND PREPARE TO PITCH A TENT IN THE SNOW?
Look for an even, flat surface on which to sleep. You have two options; dig out the snow and erect the tent directly on the solid ground, or to create a platform of compacted snow on which to pitch the tent.
If you choose to create a platform, you can also dig a cold well so that you are not sleeping on the same level as the coldest air.
An optimal location is one that is sheltered from the wind, with an ample supply of firewood.
IF THERE AREN’T MANY TREES TO TIE THE SIDE WALLS WITH, WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD?
You can use long lines directly into the ground, or pound branches/sticks into the ground and tie off to them.
WHAT ARE THE TIE OUTS AT THE ROOF NEAR THE CENTRE POINT OF TENT?
Tie outs are there for the installation of a drying line; simply thread a line through the tie-outs to dry wet garments.
CAN I USE THE ESKER TENT IN THE SUMMER? CAN I BUY A BUG NET?Esker Winter Tents are designed primarily for winter use. As such, bug screens are not available (as there are no bugs in cold weather). Please note that canvas tents used in hot temperatures in full sun can become incredibly hot, negating their usefulness in these conditions.
HOW LONG CAN I KEEP AN ESKER TENT UP?
Esker tents are designed to go up and down quickly. They are not designed to withstand heavy, prolonged snow loads. We do not suggest leaving them unattended when snow and ice can build up on a tent.
CAN I EXTEND THE SLITS ON THE STOVE PIPE RING?
We do not suggest extending the slits. They are pre-cut to facilitate 3” 5” stove pipe. If you are using a stove with larger diameter pipes, use a reducer to make it interoperable with this 5” ring.
WHAT ARE THE UPPER GUY LINES ON A 12x12 FOR?
The top row of guy lines on a 12X12 can be used optionally: if one desires a bit more headroom, they can be utilized to pull out the top panels, but the tent can also be used without engaging them, and employing the sidewall tie out solely.
ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEWER, LESS EXPERIENCED CAMPERS
Taking a centre pole with you, will expedite and ease setup, especially in case of no easily accessible trees nearby. Unfortunately, we are out of poles, and do not expect more this season. Other customers have had success using painter’s poles. Cutting a pole is of course an option - just allow yourself enough time to experiment and get the height correct. Ensure all sharp edges are sufficiently rounded where the pole makes contact with the tent.
I HAVE A DIFFERENT BRAND OF TENT, WILL THE ESKER STOVE WORK WITH IT?
It might– make sure the stove pipe jack on your tent is the same size as the stove piping, and that the stack height clears the peak of your tent. Also be sure to calculate the square footage of your tent to ensure that the stove you choose will adequately heat it.
WHERE DOES THE TAPER START IN THE STOVE PIPE STACK?
Section 4 tapered pipe, is where taper happens
HOW LONG DOES "BURNING OFF THE STOVE" ON FIRST USE, GENERALLY TAKE?
You will need to burn off the manufacturing oil before using the stove inside the hot tent for approximately 20-30 minutes
MY STOVE ISN'T HEATING MY TENT, WHY?
Heat the stove throws is directly related to the robustness of the fire within it. Ensure you are using seasoned wood, and have the damper installed to help with temperature control. Also ensure that you select a stove that is large enough to heat the square footage of your tent.
MY STOVE WARPED AFTER FIRST USE, IS IT DEFECTIVE?
No– this is common when heat touches metal. To avoid major warping, reduce hot spots (glowing red spots) and make sure that your fire is evenly spread out within the burn chamber.
CARING AND MAINTAINING YOUR ESKER TENT & STOVE
TENT CARE + MAINTENANCE:
KEEP IT DRY! The most important thing you can do, is to dry out the tent before packing it away. If you pack up a wet tent, it can grow mold and mildew which will degrade the fabric.
If your tent gets muddy, clean it with a soft bristle brush and use either mild soap or canvas tent cleaner. Rinse with water and make sure you dry it thoroughly before packing it up again.
We suggest using a product such as ESKER TENT Cleaner to clean your tent. It will not remove or degrade the mold/mildew and fire resistance coating.
HOW DO I STORE MY TENT?
Ensure that the tent is COMPLETELY DRY before storing. Simply roll up (as in the provided instructions) and store in its bag.
HOW DO I STORE MY STOVE?
Ensure all ash and embers are removed from the stove box. Ensure all creosote is removed from pipe stack. Oil stove leg hinges, door latch and air intake valve with an oil. (We suggest a non-toxic plant base oil)
I AM GETTING MY TENT READY FOR THE FALL/WINTER SEASON AND I AM WONDERING IF I NEED TO TREAT THE CANVAS?
ie/ Silicone Spray
No. Silicone would work against the desired breathability of the canvas and would be a bad idea.
DO I NEED TO USE A SPARK ARRESTOR WITH MY STOVE?
It depends. If you are operating the stove optimally ( ie not running your stove too hot with too much oxygen, or relying on pine cones, needles and bark to maintain a fire) then the stove can function without a spark arrestor. If you are using a version 2 models stove, the elbow and additional pipe extends the pipe out the side of the tent so the chimney is pointed out past the tent instead of over it, negating the need for a spark arrestor.
WHEN DO I NEED TO USE A SPARK ARRESTOR?
This also depends. Spark arrestors are needed when conditions are very dry in the spring or fall when chance of forest fires increase. In Canada we generally do not need them in winter as there is snow on the ground, and an Esker tent is not advised for use in an overly wet spring and fall season. Other countries with dry winter seasons may find the Spark Arrestors beneficial. One must keep in mind when using this accessory, that they can restrict air flow due to build up of creosote The Creosote can then drip on the tent which will require additional cleaning of the tent.
MY NEW STOVE IS SHOWING RUST SPOTS. IS IT A DEFECT?
Esker stoves are made of carbon steel; a material that can develop surface rust due to moisture in the air settling on the steel. The rust does not impede or weaken the stove in any way. To remove surface rust, simply use a green pot scrubber and a small amount of vinegar to take off surface rust, wipe with a clean cloth, and once completely dry, treat it with oil to protect it from moisture. This process can be repeated at the end of each season of use to keep it looking its best.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
I HAVE A TEAR IN MY TENT. CAN THIS BE REPAIRED?
Yes, most damage can be repaired. Please contact us for assistance.
CAN I PURCHASE A PATCH OF CANVAS TO REPAIR?
Yes. Email us for details.