Understanding the tipi
A tipi is not simply just a tent, but a refined dwelling developed over centuries to endure the elements with intelligence and efficiency.
To the untrained eye, it appears as a simple cone. To us (and soon to you) it is an aerodynamic structure designed to create both a strong sense of community and inner calm.
Over the past 14 years, we have refined the balance between traditional Indigenous design principles and modern European climate requirements. This guide is intended to cut through assumptions and clarify exactly what you are investing in and how to live in it comfortably.
Correct geometry: The “egg” ground plan
When measuring a tipi, the floor length is calculated from the entrance to the rear point (2r) of canvas.
When estimating usable floor space, it is important to remember that it is smaller than the total floor area.
An authentic tipi does not follow a perfect circular footprint. Instead, it forms an “egg-shaped” plan, narrower at the waist and longer toward the rear.
- The Benefit:
This geometry improves aerodynamic stability under strong wind conditions, preventing reverse airflow into the chimney and ensuring efficient smoke evacuation. - Measuring:
When we refer to size (e.g., 6 metres), we mean the ground diameter. However, due to the sloped walls, usable floor area must be understood with a reserve.
Choosing the right size
When determining the appropriate tent size, it is essential to understand the internal geometry. The sloped walls taper inward toward the top, reducing standing height as you move closer to the canvas.
Sizes and dimensions
It is ideal as a playhouse for children or an intimate sleeping pod for two adults.
- MixTCC™ 430 g/m²
- PolyTCP™ 470 g/m²
This offers comfort for two adults with beds. It can serve as a children’s play tent or a functional living space.
- MixTCC™ 430 g/m²
- PolyTCP™ 470 g/m²
Family comfort (up to 4 beds). Most versatile choice. Suitable for families or groups up to 12 peoples.
- MixTCC™ 430 g/m²
- PolyTCP™ 470 g/m²
Events tents
Best for small groups, workshops, or therapy sessions where people need room to sit in a circle without feeling crowded.
- MixTCC™ 430 g/m²
- PolyTCP™ 470 g/m²
A large volume space intended for retreats, ceremonial circles, or shaman healing workshops. Some use as extra space for wedding or gathering.
- MixTCC™ 430 g/m²
- PolyTCP™ 470 g/m²
This is a large heavy tent. Due to the weight of the canvas, experience is required for setup. Suitable for larger groups.
- MixTCC™ 430 g/m²
- PolyTCP™ 470 g/m²
The canvas kit
What you actually buy.
When you purchase the “BASIC KIT” from BIGHEAD, you receive the outer canvas and the pegs required to secure it.
Materials: We use durable canvas (430 g/m² or 470 g/m²). This canvas provides tensile stability and durability that lightweight nylon tents cannot match.
Included in the BASIC KIT:
- The Canvas:
Main tent canvas (choice of heavy-duty 470 g/m² or 430 g/m²). - Hand-made heavy-duty tent pegs:
We manufacture 43 cm metal tent pegs in-house. Plastic or lightweight wooden pegs are not suitable for securing a tipi in high winds; long metal pegs are required for reliable stability. - Rigging:
Rope for the construction poles, anchor ropes for the chimney flaps, and a dedicated lifting rope for the central lifting pole:- Pole frame rope:
Heavy-duty rope for securing the upper structural poles. - Chimney Rope:
Specific rope for controlling the smoke flaps/chimney. - Lifting Rope:
Rope for securing the canvas to the lifting pole.
- Pole frame rope:
- Entrance door:
- Two spruce poles for attaching the front canvas door.
- Entrance canvas (door). Extra payment: zip door.
- Documentation & Support:
- 2-year warranty and our direct advice.
- Illustrated instructions (available in EN, DE, IT, HR).
- Maintenance guide and expert consultation based on practical experience.
- Extras:
- Specialised carrying bag (custom manufactured by BIGHEAD).
- Our special BIGHEAD T-Shirt (Sizes M, L, XL).
Note: The BASIC KIT does not include the wooden structural poles or the inner curtain.
Zipper door:
We offer a heavy-duty zipper system. This allows the door to be physically closed and locked. A crucial feature for glamping sites or long-term setups where security is required.
Why you need an inner curtain
If you intend to sleep in the tipi or light a fire the inner curtain is essential.
Without an inner curtain, a tipi is just a canvas canopy. With an inner curtain, it becomes a functional living space. The liner hangs from the inside of the poles, creating an air channel between the interior and the outer canvas.
The physics of comfort of inner curtain “Ozan”:
- Draft Control:
It acts as an air barrier, keeping the living space warmer in winter and cooler in summer. - Smoke Extraction:
The gap between the inner curtain and the outer canvas creates a draft effect, an air channel. This air passage draws cold air upwards from the ground, pushing the smoke out through the chimney. Without this, you will likely experience issues with smoke inside.
We offer two types inner curtain:
- Basic curtain size:
A canvas wall (cotton/poly 340 g/m² or stronger) roughly 170cm high. Good for basic airflow. - Extended Protection Skye curtain:
A higher inner curtain (over 2.5 m) with a closing roof on the ceiling. This ensures the best heat retention and keeps the interior dry even in strong weather.
Wooden structural poles
The structure consists of load-bearing spruce poles, which form the framework of the tipi. Spruce is chosen for its availability and its natural tendency to grow straight. However, harvesting the right spruce poles is physically demanding work.
We specifically seek densely forested areas, where trees compete for light; this forces them to grow tall and straight toward the canopy.
Wood preparation
You cannot simply cut down a tree and use it. Our poles undergo a specific preparation process:
- Peeled poles: peeling and smoothing:
We remove the bark and then sand the wood until it is completely smooth. Any rough knots or sharp points will eventually wear a hole in the canvas, as the fabric is under constant tension against the poles. - Drying:
The wood needs to be properly dried to prevent warping. Using fresh (wet) wood is a mistake. It transfers moisture to the canvas, which can cause mold.
Pole Requirements by size:
| Tipi size | Structural poles (num) | Smoke poles | Total length required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 meters | 13 | 2 | 5,3 m |
| 5 meters | 15 | 2 | 6,3 m |
| 6 meters | 17 | 2 | 7,5 m |
| 7 meters | 19 | 2 | 8,5 m |
| 8 meters | 19 or 21 | 2 | 9,3 m |
| 9 meters | 21 | 2 | 10,3 |
Advice: Always keep at least two spare poles. Wood is a natural material; if a pole warps or breaks, you need an immediate replacement to maintain the structure. We can supply poles if you cannot source them locally.
Pole requirements:
- Straight and tapered
- Debarked and smooth
- No sharp edges, splinters, or spikes
- Naturally impregnated, especially at ground contact points
- Properly dried (Wet poles transfer moisture to the canvas and increase mould risk)
Setting up a tent
Based on our experience or by following the instructions.
We provide detailed photo instructions with every purchase. Technically, you can build this yourself.
However, after 14 years of pitching tipi tents, we understand that certain nuances like: tensioning the canvas, angling the smoke flaps, and anchoring the structure are difficult to learn from a book.
Our recommendation:
For the first installation, we recommend guided assembly. Watching an expert set up a tipi provides more insight than repeatedly reading the instructions. A poorly installed structure will not achieve proper canvas tension. Incorrect canvas positioning can also lead to faster mould formation. Care is essential.
What you need for a basic installation:
- Basic kit canvas package
- Construction poles
The inner curtain can be purchase later, even after the tent is already erected. Some users choose to add it later or do not require it at all.
We can create a village
We can transform a tipi tent into a fully furnished sanctuary.
Interiors
We offer bespoke interior solutions using natural materials: sheepskins, wool rugs, low-profile wooden furniture, and handcrafted bedding. Raised floors or suitable ground coverings can be installed to provide insulation from damp ground conditions.
- Fire: We can design open fire areas with volcanic stone or install dedicated, safe wood-burning stoves.
- Water: For added comfort, we offer natural wooden hot tubs, heated directly by wood fire.
Village design
For retreats and commercial glamping sites, we design the complete spatial layout.
We position tipis, fire areas, and structural elements to create a cohesive village atmosphere. This goes beyond placement. It involves orienting each tipi in relation to sun exposure, prevailing winds, and natural surroundings to create a space that feels grounded, balanced, and authentic.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Available as optional services:
- Complete interior furnishing (hides, cushions, stools, wool, natural materials)
- Hand-painted canvas and custom motifs
- Floor construction (multiple flooring options)
- Open hearth setup (fire pit, volcanic stones, or dedicated stove)
- Full site and surroundings arrangement
- Custom-made bedding, cushions, curtains, pillows, relaxation stools (produced in-house)
- Natural wooden hot tub with direct wood-fired heating
