Exploring the Anglo-Saxon Geteld: A Tent of Resilience

Introduction to the Anglo-Saxon Geteld

The Anglo-Saxon geteld is a remarkable tent design that has captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts and historians alike. This unique structure, known for its simplicity and strength, is an essential choice for various activities, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Structure and Design

The geteld is primarily supported by two upright poles and a ridge pole, providing necessary stability without the need for guy ropes. This clever design ensures that setup and takedown are both quick and efficient. Unlike other tent types, the geteld features a distinct ridge that includes a sleeve sewn at the apex, allowing the ridge pole to slide seamlessly through. This innovative feature enables the doors to overlap completely, ensuring enhanced functionality. Comparisons to the French double bell wedge tent reveal significant design differences, particularly in the tent’s ends, which spread out further in those models.

Performance in Adverse Weather

One of the standout advantages of the Anglo-Saxon geteld lies in its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Its sturdy construction, combined with overlapping doors, provides superior protection against the elements. Camping or enjoying the outdoors in an Anglo-Saxon geteld guarantees that users remain dry and comfortable, regardless of the weather challenges they may face. This resilience has made it a favored choice for both historical reenactments and modern camping expeditions alike.

The Viking A-Frame tent is a conjectural period pavilion based on archeological finds and extant architecture. It consists of 10 pieces of lumber for the frame: 2 side rails, a ridge pole, 2 ends, and 4 cross-beams.

 It does not require stakes, so it can be set up on anything, even in a paved parking lot. An interior cross-rope support stabilizes the frame to prevent leaning. Generally there is not a lot of head room unless the tent is reasonably large. A good average size is 16 feet square at the base and 12 feet tall.

Because the canvas is draped over a wooden frame instead of being held up by tension, the interior rope support is needed to help prevent the canvas from sagging excessively when wet. If the weather is stormy, it is a good idea to find some way to stake it down, however, as this design has been known (although rarely) to blow over in extremely high winds, particularly if it is in an open area.

Setup: Can be done by 1 person, but 2 is much easier and definitely safer.