Frequently AskedQuestions

When you purchase an Esker Tent, the package includes:

⁃            Esker Canvas Winter Hot Tent 

⁃            Storage Bag 

⁃            Paracord Guylines

⁃            Instructions

Please Note: The center pole is not included with purchase, as this specific pole is not required for setup. Esker tents are designed to be pitched using a variety of supports, including a sturdy branch, 2x4, or another sturdy pole.  Additional items shown in photos are sold separately.

“Duck” refers to the Dutch word “doek” which means linen. It is more tightly woven than standard canvas & has a higher thread count – making it a heavier, higher quality fabric. 

Esker Tents use a 4-strand cotton duck, which means it has four plies twisted together, as opposed to the standard two. This results in greater tensile strength, better abrasion resistance and a firmer more structured feel. 

Our Esker Tents are manufactured in Ontario, Canada.

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, which helps 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. 

The snow skirt is designed so that snow can be piled on top of it after tent set up to weigh down the 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. 

Yes, click here

You can rent from the following retailers: 
Thames Valley Outfitters (London, Ontario) 
The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. (Mississauga, Ontario) 
Frontenac Outfitters (Sydenham, Ontario) 
Beyond Adventures(Fort McMurray, Alberta) 
The Trip Shed (Algonquin Park, Ontario) 
Wild Rock (Peterborough, Ontario) 

Finding the right setup is crucial for enjoying your winter adventures. Check out our tent finder, to find the best option for your adventures. Click here.

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. 

The original Esker 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 the tent. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about embers or creosote on your tent, it also gives you more contiguous space to move around inside the tent.

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.

Any stove that burns fuel, produces carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in enclosed spaces. Esker Tents are designed with both ventilation openings, and breathable canvas fabric to help mitigate this risk. The canvas fibres allow slow air permeability, even when everything is zipped up, a small amount of air moves through the fabric, and when correctly set up-- your Esker Wood Stove will also help to cycle the airflow. The stove pipe pulls hot air upward, which creates negative pressure inside the tent. The negative pressure pulls fresh air in from the canvas, ground or door. While Breathable canvas significantly lowers CO accumulation compared with synthetic tents, it should be treated as ventilation assistance, and not a safety guarantee.

No. The stove will be too close to the sidewall for adequate safety. An elbow must be used. Using a straight pipe is unsafe and will void the warranty. 

Esker Products are warranted against manufacturing defects for five years from the date of purchase. They will last a lifetime if properly used, cleaned, and stored after each use. Regular wear and tear does not warranty replacement of products. Please refer to our Care and maintenance section, for more information on how to care for your tent.  

When you purchase an Esker Stove, the package includes

⁃            Stove box with folding legs. 

⁃            Nesting pipes

⁃            Damper 

⁃            Instructions 

Additional items shown in photos are sold separately.

Our Esker Baffin and Esker Hudson stoves are designed and fully manufactured in Canada.

All Esker stoves are crafted from high-quality 22-gauge carbon steel. The Baffin and Hudson models are made from Canadian-sourced 22-gauge carbon steel. The pipes are made of galvanized steel. 

Stoves are sold as a set with pipes. 

Yes. We offer replacement pipes.  Shop here.

The Baffin Side Table fits Esker Baffin Stove. 

The Hudson Side Table can be used with Esker Hudson Stove. 

The false bottom for Esker Baffin, fits the Esker Baffin Stove.The false bottom for Esker Hudson, fits the Esker Hudson stove. While not necessary for the stove to function, adding a false bottom to your stove helps to prolong its life by keeping the heat off the bottom of the stove box, while also helping to improve airflow to the fire, so your stove burns more efficiently.

Both Esker Hudson and Esker Baffin stoves utilize a 5" tapering to 4" pipe stack.

·      Initial damper and damper sleeve section are 5” at both ends.

·      The included elbow is 5” at both ends. 

·      A 5” straight pipe (if the elbow is not being used) is also included. 

·      Pipe stack sections are then followed by 4 pieces of tapering pipe that end in a 4” diameter.

·      4” straight pipe rounds out the pipe set when more height of the pipe stack is needed. 

If the tent becomes smoky during use, open the door or vents to allow smoke to escape and improve ventilation.

Follow these troubleshooting steps to help prevent smoke buildup:

·        Check your stove pipe connections. If pipe sections are not seated properly, smoke can leak into the tent instead of drafting up the chimney – especially when first lighting the stove. When the pipe is assembled correctly, smoke should flow upward through the stack.

·        Inspect the stove pipe and spark arrestor before use. Make sure they are free of debris such as creosote, ash, or other blockages that could restrict airflow.

·        Increase airflow to the stove. Open the damper or air intake and door to allow the fire to burn hotter for a few minutes. A hotter fire helps warm the chimney and establish a strong draft. Be cautious when opening door to increase draft, as this can increase smoke exiting the stove.

·        Use dry, seasoned wood whenever possible. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and burns less efficiently.

It might. Before using an Esker Stove with another brand of tent, make sure the stove pipe jack on your tent is the same diameter as the stove pipes, and that the stack height clears the peak of your tent. You should also calculate the square footage of your tent to ensure the stove you choose will heat the space adequately. It’s important to confirm that your tent is fire-retardant, floorless, and designed for use with wood stoves.

Yes. Esker stove pipe rings accommodate both 4″–3″ and 5″–4″ tapered pipe systems, allowing compatibility with a 3″ stove jack.

Yes, you can cook on Esker stoves. The flat-top surface of the stove can be used to heat water or prepare meals in appropriate cookware. 

When cooking in your tent or campsite, it’s important to consider wildlife activity. During the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), bears may still be active.  When camping in these conditions, follow appropriate bear-safety practices, including:

·      Preparing and cooking food away from your tent and sleeping areas when possible.

·      Storing food securely.

·      Properly managing food waste and odors.

Following good wildlife safety practices will help reduce the risk of attracting animals to your campsite during shoulder seasons.

Esker Products are warrantied against manufacturing defects for five years from the date of purchase. They will last a lifetime if properly used, cleaned, and stored after each use. Regular wear and tear does not warranty replacement of products. Please refer to our Care and maintenance section, for more information on how to care for your stove. 

No. Toxic metal fumes associated with galvanized steel occur when the material reaches temperatures of approximately 900°C (1,650°F) or higher, causing the zinc coating to vaporize.

When used as intended with firewood, an Esker stove burn chamber typically operates between 220°C and 435°C (430°F–815°F), depending on the type of wood being burned and the airflow settings. During testing, Esker's stove pipes reached temperatures ranging from 85°C to 415°C (185°F–779°F)..

These operating temperatures are well below the range at which zinc vaporization occurs. As a result, the Esker stove system operates safely within its intended temperature range.

Please note that Esker stove pipes are galvanized and are the only approved pipes for use with Esker stove chambers. Non-galvanized pipes can rust and corrode rapidly when exposed to humidity, heat and moisture, potentially leading to holes or leaks in the chimney system. This may allow smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other combustion gases to enter the shelter, creating a serious safety hazard.

The bucksaws are designed and manufactured in Canada from Canadian sourced wood.

The axe heads are hand-forged in Austria with over 400 years of blacksmithing expertise. 
 
The hickory handles are manufactured in Canada. 
 
The full-grain leather masks are crafted in Canada by a local artisan. 
 
Axes are proudly hafted, assembled, and finished in Canada. 

Esker Axes fall into three categories:
 
The Esker Hatchet is perfect for keeping on your hip and using for tasks such as collecting and processing smaller firewood, as well as camp and bushcraft tasks. 
 
The Esker Camp Axe is designed for heavy duty tasks such as robust chopping, felling, and splitting. 
 
The Esker Splitting Axe is built to effortlessly split wood, making it great for field use and winter camping. 

Esker Bucksaws are warrantied against manufacturing defects for five years from the date of purchase. Esker axe heads have a twenty-year warranty against manufacturing defects. They will last a lifetime if properly used, maintained, and stored after use.

Each stove comes with an instruction insert located inside the burn chamber. Click here for a PDF version of the stove instructions. 

Before using your stove inside a hot tent, you should burn it off outdoors to remove any manufacturing oils or residues. This process generally takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

No– this is common when heat is applied to 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 during the first burn.

Spark arrestors are needed when conditions are very dry in the spring or fall when the chance of forest fires increases. In Canada, we generally do not need them in winter as there is snow on the ground.  Areas with dry winter seasons where sparks can pose a hazard may find the spark arrestors beneficial. One must keep in mind when using this accessory, that it can restrict air flow due to build up of creosote (necessitating adjustments in the use of flue and door dampers.) Depending on spark arrestor setup, creosote may drip on the tent, which will require additional cleaning. 

Each tent comes with an instruction insert located inside the storage bag. Click below for a PDF version of the tent instructions.  

Classic Tents
Arctic Fox Tents
Multi Tent

To use the ridgeline setup for your Esker Multi-Tent, first start by selecting two sturdy trees within the boundary of your campsite. 

Step 1: Using a low stretch rope of appropriate length, tie a durable and weighted item (i.e. a rock, short branch etc.) to one end of the rope. 

Step 2: Using your newly created weighted line, select an anchor branch within the tree. This anchor point should be close to the trunk, and a point free from animal hollows or dead branches.   

Step 3: Once the rope has gone over your anchor point, and the weight has brought the line down, untie your weight from the end of the rope, and secure that end of the rope to the bottom of the tree using a bowline or clove hitch knot. 

 Step 4: Using the free end of your rope, run it across the campsite in the direction of your second tree, making sure to feed it through the stainless-steel loop at the peak of your Esker Multi-Tent.  

Once the rope is through the loop, repeat steps 1-3 on the second tree.  

Ensure that your rope creates a V shape, with the peak of your tent in the center. This will help to prevent shifting in the wind.  

Proceed with the setup instructions included with your tent.  

You can use long lines directly into the ground, or pound branches/sticks into the ground and tie off to them directly, or preferably, over them and into the ground.

Tie outs are there for the installation of a drying line; simply thread a line through the tie-outs to dry wet garments. 

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. .

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 the tent.

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.

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. 

Taking a centre pole and base with you, will expedite and ease setup, especially in case of no easily accessible trees nearby. 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 contacts the tent. 

Provide answers to common questions your audience might have. It can help reduce customer support inquiries and improve their overall experience.

Clean and dry your axe after use and apply oil to protect your axe head from rust and corrosion. Apply oil and/or beeswax to protect the wooden handle from water and moisture. Pay special attention to the exposed grain on the top and bottom of handle.

Do not store your axe in extremely dry or wet environments. Keep your axe away from a heat sources, as this can cause the wood to dry out and shrink, resulting in a loose head. 

Treat the leather with a leather care product that is petroleum free. It will protect the leather from water, moisture, and the elements. Apply using your fingers or soft cloth, let it absorb, and then buff to a shine.

With use, any axe will become dull over time, but sharpening an axe is not complicated. Use an axe stone with two grits: a coarse side for removing small nicks and re-establishing an optimal bevel, and a fine side for refining the cutting edge.  

Remove rust using vinegar and fine steel wool, then rinse with water and dry. Use blade oil to protect your axe head. Don’t put your axe away dirty or wet to prevent rusting.

Yes, we carry both green hardwood/dry softwood and the dry hardwood replacement blades. Click here

Yes, we have repair kits available for the Esker Bucksaws. Repair kits come with a replacement tension line, blade tab screws, aluminum blade tabs and Chicago screws. Click here.

To replace your Esker Bucksaw blade, you’ll need to unscrew the Chicago Screws at either end of the blade. Once they've been unscrewed, and removed, slide the old blade out, and replace it with the new one. Put the Chicago Screws back into place and tighten as needed.

Here are some important tips and tricks for maintaining the life of your Esker Stove.

·       Proper storage and cleaning of your Esker Stove will keep your stove functioning as it should and ensure it lasts from generation to generation.  

·       Do not store your stove with ashes or unburned coals in the burn chamber. This can result in the buildup of lye, which is damaging to the stove metal.

·       Maintain the folding legs by cleaning, removing any rust or corrosion, and oiling the leg and door hinges. 

·       Care for the pipe stack by keeping it clear of creosote with a wire brush and correcting any deformation in the corrugated pipe sections.  Deformations in your piping may result in a less-than-ideal fit between pieces, which can reduce airflow and safety while in use.

Use a wire brush to clear the stove of ash, creosote, and rust. Smaller wire brushes can be used around the hinges of the folding legs, and door. Once the stove is brushed thoroughly, and debris is removed, apply oil to the hinges of the folding legs, and door.  

Ensure you clean and let dry your entire stove thoroughly, and oil the leg and door hinges before putting it in storage. Store it in a dry area. 

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 the 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 to keep it looking its best.

Small burn holes:
Some small burn holes or pinholes can be patched using low tack tape and silicone.  

Step 1. Affix low tack tape (e.g. painters' tape) to the underside of the hole.  

Step 2. Apply a silicone repair gel to the top side of the hole, and use a gentle brush to spread it out, and thoroughly over the hole.  

Step 3. Let it dry completely in accordance with the silicone instructions and remove the tape once it’s dried.  

Larger rips / holes: A patch can be purchased here.  

If you think your rip might require a warranty repair, contact us- here. 

Here are some important tips and tricks for maintaining the life of your Esker Tent.  

·      Drying your tent fully, before putting it away is crucial to the longevity of the tent. If you pack up a wet tent, it can grow mold and mildew which will degrade the fabric.  

·      Having the zipper exposed to the elements can lead to ice buildup damaging the zipper teeth when operating, so ensure the zipper is covered correctly with the zipper flap. 

·      If the stove is not in use, remember to remove snow and ice buildup manually, to prevent ripping or tearing of the canvas. Tents should not be left set up unattended for long periods of time.  

If your tent gets dirty, 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 resistant coating, or the fire resistance coating.  

Ensure that your tent has been thoroughly dried before storing. Using the instructions, you can roll up your tent and put it back in the provided storage bag. 

The canvas of Esker Tents does not need to be retreated. Adding any additional sprays (e.g. silicone spray) would work against the desired breathability of the canvas and is not recommended.