Different Styles of Tepees

The conical shape of the tepee is a constant, but the materials and pitching techniques determine the tepee style. Tepees are a traditional shelter with a round base and narrow top. The lack of corners and steep pitch allow the tepee to shed wind and water. Tepee construction varies based on the intended use, but portability is a common theme among tepee owners.

  1. Native American Tepee

    • The traditional Native American style tepee uses poles and hides for the construction. Three or four poles are used to create the initial floor space, and more poles are added after the space is defined. Buffalo and animal hides are tanned and sewn for the cover, and the design is portable. A line built from thin hides is added to the interior to create airflow and allow an indoor fire. Smoke flaps are controlled with poles to adjust the airflow and control the fire. The tepee has not really changed since the original Native American design but the materials and accessories vary.

    Modern Tepee

    • The modern tepee is modeled after the Native American design with a shift in materials. Canvas is treated with waterproof chemicals and sewn to replace the hide cover. The interior liner is constructed from cotton or lightweight canvas, and the cover may be customized with wood stove flaps. The modern tepee also comes with an option for a sewn-in floor, while blankets and hides are freely distributed to build the floor in a traditional design.

    Camping Tepee

    • The camping and backpacking style tepees retain the peak and conical design, with a major change in constructions and materials. The design is intended for extreme portability and short-term use. The result is a simple shelter that works like a tent, but it is not as durable as a canvas or hide tepee. The camping tepee uses a single center pole to raise the peak, and the cover is constructed from thin nylon fabric. The door has a zipper on many models and the design does not accommodate a fire.

    Primitive Tepee

    • The primitive tepee is also referred to as a wickiup or brush house. The simple structure uses wood poles to construct the conical frame. The poles are typically shorter than a hide-covered tepee and they are lashed near the top. The exterior is lined with layers of brush, sticks and vegetation to enclose the walls. One side of the wall is left open for an entrance, and a fire may be used near the door, but no smoke flaps are used to control the flow of air.