Tipi or Yurt?
Many people contact us when mulling over the differences between tipis and yurts and which would be the best option for them to use. We thought we would put down in words what we usually tell people when they call and ask us this.
While both tipis and yurts share nomadic roots, are both portable, and both made of wood and canvas, they stand apart in several ways. One key difference that can not be ignored is their cost and complexity.
A standard 21 or 24 foot diameter tipi is approximately 15% of the cost of a Yurt! So immediately they are considerably more budget friendly than a comparable yurt. The canvas used on yurts and tipis is the same, and they would have the same life expectancy. So cost-per-use tipis are a winner hands down in this sense!
Living in a Tipi:
Tipis are not as great at retaining heat as Yurts, their unique shape and setup allow for a natural airflow, which is great in warm weather but less ideal when it's cold.
However we have used tipis through all weathers, including a UK winter in a tipi with children in tow too, we kept cool in summer, and warm in winter, in fact we were warmer than when we have wintered in any of the granite Cornish cottages we’ve lived in during the years since! The addition of a good woodburner and a few draft proofing solutions and we found ourselves opening the door very often to cool down! Something we have never felt the need to do in a house! Did we miss the fleece lining of a Yurt? Not in the least, and when summer came we removed the draft proofing and kept cool and comfy!
Versatile and Adaptable:
Tipis, known for their iconic conical shape, have been central to the lifestyle of various Native American tribes, especially on the Great Plains.
Much like yurts, tipis are celebrated for their portability and adaptability to different weather conditions. On warm days, you can open the smoke flaps or lift part of the cover to enjoy a refreshing breeze.
During chillier times, a tipi becomes a snug refuge, warmed by wood burners and fortified with extra liners and windbreak fences.
Another thing to consider when it comes to tipis is their height, this allows for huge amounts of storage space or just the general feeling of headroom, great spaces to stretch out, making mezzanine platforms and general wow factor with their cathedral like heights.
Construction of a Tipi:
At its core, a tipi's structure is surprisingly simple. It consists of wooden tripod and its skeleton poles arranged in an iconic conical shape and then draped with a canvas. The crucial ‘Lift Pole’ is used to hoist the cover up and makes for an incredibly efficient set up process. Yurts by comparison while still ‘portable’ are a much different beast to take down, store and move! A yurt can take an entire day or more for a larger structure, compared to hours for even a large tipi.
Tipis offer a unique bridge between history and a contemporary lifestyle. They provide an unparalleled experience, whether for a thrilling camping rental site or a tranquil retreat space.