"Other tents are just contrivances of stakes, and ropes and canvas; the tipi preserves the memory of great men, heroes, orators , and warriors, of wild freedom, lavish hospitality, and intimate family life."
The Sioux word tipi is formed of 'ti' meaning to dwell or live, and 'pi' meaning used for; thus tipi means used to live in.
The tipi was originally used for its durability, it provided warmth and comfort in winter, was dry during heavy rains, and was cool in the heat of summer. Tipis could be disassembled and packed away in minutes when a tribe decided to move and could be reconstructed quickly when the tribe settled in a new area.
The tipi liner, besides keeping away drafts and dampness, increases ventilation and shadow-proofing for privacy...Someone once said that "the Indian lived in his chimney"...If so, it is the most comfortable "chimney" of all!
The tipi is one of the most versatile structures you could ever have the good luck to stay in...you can roll up the sides in hot weather to let the cool breeze blow over you, warm your toes by the fire on a cold night, socialise with friends while cooking indoors or sit back and look up at the stars and the bright blue sky through the roof yet still keep dry when it rains outside!
Really it's more a case of why not a tipi?! Call us biassed but we think tipis are pretty much the best thing you will see, stay in or own...ever...simple as that!...