Panther Primitives in Gilmer County makes “history’s best tents.”
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If you happen to be in the market for a historically accurate tent, or if you just appreciate enthusiasm that shows up as an astounding command of one’s craft, look no further than Panther Primitives.
Take canvas: Panther Primitives’ catalog explains their year-round test rack that compares the durability of 13 varieties at once. Army duck, they’ve concluded, works best.
How about seams? “The double-stitched, flat-felled seam is the strongest way to join two pieces of canvas.” That’s two rows of lock-stitching through four layers of canvas. There’s a diagram.
And don’t think they’ve overlooked needle and thread: “A round needle does not cut the canvas fibers like a triangular needle does”—less damage during construction. They’ve found that a poly-core, cotton-wrapped thread swells to fill needle holes and prevent leakage.
Medieval pavilions, military wedges, teepees, lean-tos—the catalog is a guided trek through the history of portable shelter. You’ve seen Panther Primitives tents in person at destinations like Colonial Williamsburg, in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, and in TV series including Deadwood.
Each tent is custom-made in-house in Gilmer County and signed by the sewer. Quality assurance never stops; founders and owners Sam and Theresa Darby spend weeks each year in their tents so they can advise customers from direct experience.
You, too, can own a made-to-order Panther Primitives tent—many of the styles are practical for any hunter, hiker, or outdoorsy family that appreciates quality. Even if you don’t add King Arthur scallops for a bit of flair, you’ll still be camping in style in one of history’s best tents.
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