About CanvasCamp
Our History
CanvasCamp was founded in 2005 by Belgian entrepreneur Frederik Hiergens. With an interest in military history, Frederik discovered the iconic Sibley Bell tent and its rich heritage. Drawing on his family’s roots in the textile industry—his family was actively involved in the cotton spinning mills of Kortrijk—and fueled by his passion for ‘Overlanding’, nature, and camping, Frederik saw an opportunity to reintroduce the Sibley Bell tent to the outdoor sector.
Inspired by the traditional design, Frederik adapted and optimized the Sibley Bell tent for recreational use, giving birth to the first CanvasCamp Sibley Bell Tent. Initially produced in a small factory in Zwevegem, Belgium, the tent quickly gained recognition for its versatility and practicality. Over the next five years, the design and finishing of the 21st century Sibley Bell tent were refined, leading to the creation of the world's first zipped-in-groundsheet Sibley Bell tent, better known back then as the Sibley Ultimate. This original design became the benchmark for nearly all Bell Tents worldwide. Comfortable and spacious cotton tents, excelling in quality and craftsmanship.
In 1856, the first Sibley tent was designed by U.S. Army officer Henry Hopkins Sibley. Inspired by the tipi tents of the North American Prairie Indians, Sibley incorporated practical modifications to suit military needs. The tent was easy to set up, durable in various weather conditions, and provided comfortable shelter for up to 12 soldiers. Supported by a single central pole and featuring a smoke hole at the top for an internal stove, the Sibley tent became a staple during the American Civil War (1861-1865), with approximately 44,000 units produced for military use. Throughout the 20th century, the Sibley tent was widely adopted by both military and civilian organizations, including scout groups worldwide, and saw action in both World Wars.
Always Dream Big
Today, CanvasCamp remains committed to its founding principles: blending heritage-inspired design with modern innovation to create high-quality, durable tents that bring people closer to nature. From its humble beginnings to its global presence, CanvasCamp continues to inspire adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts around the world.
Timeline
Concept and development of the modern Sibley Bell Tent began, marking the foundation of CanvasCamp in 2005 by Belgian entrepreneur Frederik Hiergens.
Launch of the first production models: the Sibley 400 and 500 Standard, featuring a separate groundsheet.
Introduction of the Sibley 400 and 500 Sibley Deluxe, which included a heavy-duty integrated groundsheet, enhancing durability and weather resistance.Concept and development of the modern Sibley Bell Tent began, marking the foundation of CanvasCamp in 2005 by Belgian entrepreneur Frederik Hiergens.
A zipper was added to connect the comfortable groundsheet to the tent canvas, giving birth to the zipped-in-groundsheet. Better known back then as the Sibley Ultimate. This original design became the benchmark for nearly all Bell Tents worldwide.
Establishment of CanvasCamp’s own production factory in Asia. Expansion of the reseller network to include France, Spain and the United States of America. - Introduction of a Scouting range, the Sibley 300, 600, and 600 Twin series, as well as the StarShade and others, broadening the product range.
The articles of association of CanvasCamp are being amended, with CanvasCamp adopting the legal form of a BVBA. This change marks a new phase in the professionalization of the company, while strengthening the corporate structure. This adjustment supports the continued expansion and development of CanvasCamp, both nationally and internationally. - Steadily growing sales and brand recognition.
Relocation of CanvasCamp to a larger, more accessible facility near Ghent, Belgium, to accommodate growing demand. Foundation of CanvasCamp USA and CanvasHotel, a subsidiary focused on tent rentals for glampings and events. - Development of a wide range of tents for professional glamping setups.
CanvasCamp has been at the forefront of the glamping movement, pioneering the use of luxury tents for weddings, festivals, and unique camping experiences. A decade later, glamping broke through to the mainstream, thanks in part to the hundreds of campsites, Airbnb locations, and hotels that built their business models around renting our tents. This widespread adoption not only popularized glamping but also cemented CanvasCamp’s reputation as an industry leader, inspiring a new era of outdoor hospitality for the general public.
Establishment of CanvasCamp Japan and CanvasCamp Australia, further solidifying the brand’s global presence. - CanvasHotel achieved a significant milestone by organizing a three-week horse trek as part of the "Marseille, Capital of Culture 2013" event in France. The trek featured 14 campsites each composed of 110 Sibley tents, showcasing CanvasHotel's expertise in creating unique and immersive outdoor experiences.
The production department is being spun off from CanvasCamp, leading to the establishment of Group H. This move allows CanvasCamp to focus on its core competencies in design, innovation, and customer experience, while Group H will specialize in manufacturing and production. This restructuring ensures both entities can better serve their respective markets. Group H will continue to support CanvasCamp with high-quality production, maintaining the standards of excellence that customers have come to expect. - CanvasCamp designed and constructed an 8,000 m² Stretch Tent for Burning Man.
CanvasCamp establishes offices on five continents, solidifying its global presence and expanding its reach to better serve customers worldwide. This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality outdoor solutions and exceptional service on an international scale.
Addition of the 450 Series to the product lineup, offering more options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Collaboration with Dior Sauvage in Los Angeles. - Development of the world's first Double Roof for Sibley Bell tents, enhancing durability and comfort.
The Temerity Group was established to unify all subsidiary companies under one cohesive organization. This strategic move reinforces collaboration, strengthens our values, and ensures a unified vision for the future.
We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone: 50,000 bell tents sold worldwide! This incredible achievement is a testament to the trust and love our customers have shown for CanvasCamp over the years.
CanvasCamp expanded its customer base to over 110 countries. A second production factory was established in Pakistan. - Development of the Apex Series, the world's most durable cotton or polycotton Sibley Bell tent, and the world’s first cotton tent with a 1-year mold warranty.
Foundation of CanvasCamp Canada, further expanding the brand’s North American footprint. - Introduction of the Sibley Bell 700 & 800 Series and the development of the Bison Stove.
Rapid growth necessitated a headquarters move to a new, larger facility in Gavere, Belgium. - CanvasHotel celebrated its 100,000th overnight booking, a significant milestone for the rental division.
CanvasCamp’s acquisition of Tentex bolstered its position as a leader in outdoor fabric innovation. - Launch of CanvasCare, a line of maintenance products designed to extend the life of cotton and polycotton tents.
Significant expansion of the product range, including new lines for scouting, hiking, wall tents, and more, catering to a wider audience of outdoor enthusiasts.
Launch new CanvasCamp webshop.
Today, CanvasCamp remains committed to its founding principles: blending heritage-inspired design with modern innovation to create high-quality, durable tents that bring people closer to nature. From its humble beginnings to its global presence, CanvasCamp remains dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts.
Innovation & Product Design
At CanvasCamp, we put you at the heart of everything we design. Our products are crafted with your outdoor adventures in mind, packed with thoughtful features and functionality to make your time in nature easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
Research and development are the backbone of our process. By listening to feedback from our customers, ambassadors, and the outdoor community, we stay ahead of the curve, anticipating your needs. From clever details to durable designs, every feature is meticulously planned to enhance your experience—because we know the little things make the biggest difference out there.
Take our iconic Sibley Bell Tent, for example. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation, featuring several world-first designs like the zipped-in groundsheet, 360° mesh/double-wall ventilation, double roofs for added durability, and a professional-grade range built for intense use. These groundbreaking features didn’t just happen—they were born from a deep understanding of what adventurers like you truly need.
Innovation isn’t just about what we make—it’s about making your adventures better. Whether you’re glamping under the stars or exploring the wilderness, we’re here to ensure your gear is as ready for the journey.
If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, return it to the store you bought it from or to CanvasCamp for a repair, replacement, or refund.
At CanvasCamp, we’re committed to more than just providing high-quality outdoor gear—we’re here to make sure it lasts. R&D and sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and that means not only sourcing materials responsibly but also offering repair services, spare parts, and expert care to extend the life of your gear. Our goal is to keep you adventuring for years to come, with gear you can trust and a planet-friendly approach we can all feel good about. Because at CanvasCamp, it’s not just about selling gear—it’s about keeping your adventures alive.
Our customer service department has over 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry and a team boasting more than 100 years of combined expertise in, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in nature. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip, a glamping getaway, or need advice on the perfect gear for your glamping, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
As one of the world’s leading canvas tent producers, CanvasCamp is dedicated to making your shopping experience seamless, safe, and enjoyable. Here’s why outdoor enthusiasts like you choose us:
- We specialize in crafting high-quality cotton & polycotton tents for both private and professional use.
- Innovative Designs: Our products are packed with thoughtful features, born from years of research and feedback, to ensure they meet your camping needs.
- Safe & Secure Shopping: Shop with confidence on CanvasCamp.com, where we guarantee 100% secure online transactions.
- Unbeatable Value: By cutting out middlemen and commissions, we offer prices up to 60% lower than competitors, so you get premium quality at a fraction of the cost.
- Fast, Reliable Delivery: With all products in stock, we ensure speedy worldwide delivery—most orders arrive within 48 hours.
- Shop Anytime, Anywhere: Our online store is open 24/7, making it easy to browse and order from the comfort of your home.
- Expert Support: Our experienced Customer Service Team is just a phone call away, ready to provide professional assistance and after-sales support whenever you need it.
- Sustainable Choices: We’re committed to eco-friendly practices, using responsibly sourced materials like BCI cotton and PFC-free finishes, so you can feel good about your purchase.
- Repair & Reuse: We offer repair services and spare parts to extend the life of your gear, reducing waste and keeping your adventures going for years.
- Community-Driven: We listen to our customers, ambassadors, and the outdoor community to continuously improve and innovate, ensuring our products evolve with your needs.
At CanvasCamp, we are committed to continuous improvement, driven by feedback from our customers, ambassadors, and the broader outdoor community. Your insights inspire us to evolve our products and services, ensuring that we always meet your needs and exceed your expectations. By staying connected with you, we ensure that every tent we create is designed with real-world adventurers in mind. Let’s make your next outdoor experience unforgettable—together!