These tipis glow at dusk warmed by an open fire - in this photo the liners throw a shadow on the lower section of the tipis The liner and cover work together to hold in heat and to create an upward draft that lifts smoke out Full time tipi dwellers like Shea Gunther often heat their tipis with a wood stove - the pipe exits through the front of the tipi Part or all of the tipi cover can be unstaked and rolled up to create a breeze in hot weather

How a Tipi Works

 

The very basic elements of a tipi (teepee) are the tipi (teepee) cover, tipi (teepee) poles and tipi (teepee) pitching accessories. The addition of a liner, ozan and floor can add to the function and comfort of your tipi (teepee). The poles form the framework to support the cover and hang the liner and ozan from. True tipis (teepees) always include a liner. The tipi (teepee) is tilted into prevailing winds so it is nearly vertical in the back making the tipi (teepee) stand strong against the weather and increasing the useable living space. The smoke hole is towards the more gently sloping front and has adjustable flaps that enhance the draw for an open fire.

 

Heating Your Tipi

When a tipi (teepee) is properly pitched, the cover is staked several inches above the ground. The liner hangs against the inside of the poles and seals the bottom of the tipi (teepee). The liner makes a double wall and creates a chimney effect--air flows under the cover, is channelled up between the cover and the liner and finally, rises up through the smoke flaps taking the smoke with it. The addition of an ozan can increase the heat retention in your sleeping area and redirect any moisture that may enter through the smoke flaps.

 

A tipi may also be heated with a wood stove. A few lacing pins are removed from the front of the tipi to accomodate the exit of the stove pipe. A detailed pitching guide is included with every tipi order and includes information on heating with a wood burning stove.

 

Cooling Your Tipi

In hot weather, the smoke flaps can be left open and the bottom of the tipi (teepee) cover rolled up all the way around or just on one side. Even the most gentle breeze creates a nice cooling effect.

 

Read Shea Gunther's blog on Modern Tipi Living in Maine