Introduction
Whether it’s outdoor exploration or cultural experience, choosing a suitable residence is an important part of ensuring comfort and uniqueness. Bell Tent and Yurt Tent, as two classic forms of accommodation, have significant differences in appearance, function, and applicable scenarios. 171Glamping will provide a detailed comparison between bell shaped tents and Mongolian yurt tents, allowing you to choose a tent that is more suitable for your outdoor adventures.
What is a Bell Tent
Originating from the field tents of the British army in the 19th century, they later evolved into iconic equipment for modern leisure camping. Its core features are:
Single column support: a central main pole (usually made of aluminum alloy or steel) supports a circular top
Canvas material: made of cotton canvas or polyester blend (waterproof grade ≥ 2000mm, in compliance with BS 7831 standard)
Conical design: The side wall is inclined at an angle of about 60 ° -70 ° to enhance the efficiency of rainwater sliding
Modern positioning: focusing on “light luxury camping”, commonly seen in high-end campsites in Europe and America (such as Huttopia in France), basic price: 400-1200.
What is a Yurt Tent
Originating from the traditional dwellings of nomadic peoples in Central Asia, such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan, with a history of 3000 years, it is listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Its core features are:
Wooden grid wall: a retractable grille made of red willow or birch wood (Khana)
Double layer structure: inner layer of felt+outer layer of waterproof canvas (traditional craftsmanship uses camel felt, modern technology often uses PVC coating)
Dome support: Top wooden spokes (Toono) connected to 64 rafters (Uni)
Modern positioning: between “semi permanent buildings” and “mobile homes”, high-end customized prices: 5000-30000.
Comparison of Materials and Craftsmanship: The Collision of Science and Tradition
| Dimension | Bell Shaped Tent | Yurt |
| Frame Material | Single steel/aluminum rod (diameter 5-8 cm) | Red willow wood grille + cedar wood rafters (moisture content ≤ 12%) |
| Cover Material | 290g cotton canvas (anti-mold treatment) | Inner layer: wool felt (3 cm thick) + outer layer: PVC canvas |
| Connecting Structure | Metal ground nails + rope fixing | Horsehair rope weaving (traditional) or steel buckle (modern) |
| Certification Standards | EN 15619 (wind resistance) + ISO 811 (waterproofing) | ASTM E84 (fire resistance) + ISO 717 (sound insulation) |
| Wind Resistance | Withstands level 10 winds (90 km/h) | Withstands level 12 winds (120 km/h) due to high weight (300-800 kg) |
| Thermal Insulation | Indoor/outdoor temperature difference: 5 °C | Indoor/outdoor temperature difference: 15 °C (wool felt insulation coefficient 0.038 W/m·K) |
Summary of Laboratory Data (ETEC Testing)
Wind Resistance:
- Bell shaped tents: Level 10 (90 km/h)
- Yurts: Level 12 (120 km/h)
Thermal Insulation:
- Bell tents: 5 °C difference
- Yurts: 15 °C difference
Performance advantages and disadvantages analysis
Bell shaped tent
Advantages:
- Quick setup: 1-2 people can complete it within 15 minutes (Mongolian yurts require 3-4 people and take 2 hours)
- Lightweight mobility: average weight 25-50 kg (300-800 kg for yurts)
- High cost-effectiveness: The entry-level cost is as low as four hundred(Mongolian yurt lowest) 400 (minimum 5000 for Mongolian yurts)
Inferiority:
- Space limitations: A tent with a diameter of 5m has an effective height of only 2m (while a yurt with a diameter of 6m can reach a height of 3.2m)
- Temperature difference: Single layer canvas causes winter condensation problem (measured humidity increased by 30%)
Mongolian yurts
Advantages:
- Suitable for all seasons: The double-layer structure can withstand extreme weather conditions ranging from -30 ° C to 40 ° C (certified by the National Institute of Architecture of Kazakhstan)
- Modular expansion: can connect multiple yurts to form a “cluster community”
- Cultural Experience: Selected as one of the top 10 cultural accommodations in the world (Lonely Planet 2023 list)
Inferiority:
- Transportation difficulty: 3m ³ of transportation space is still required after disassembly (the bell shaped tent can be compressed to 0.5m ³)
- High maintenance cost: The wooden frame needs to be coated with tung oil annually for moth prevention (labor and material costs approximately $200/year)
Use Scenario Decision Matrix
| Use Scenario | Bell Shaped Tent Rating | Core Basis for Recommended Index | Mongolian Yurt Rating | Core Basis for Recommended Index |
| Weekend Family Camping | ★★★★★★★★☆ | Portability + quick setup | ★★★☆☆☆☆☆ | Traditional aesthetics + immersive experience |
| Polar Exploration Base | ☆☆☆☆★★★★★ | Thermal insulation + blizzard resistance | ★★★★★★★★★ | Strong thermal insulation and stability |
| Cultural Tourism Campsite | ★★☆★★★★★★ | Traditional aesthetics + immersive experience | ★★★★★☆☆☆ | Cultural appeal + comfort |
| Temporary Accommodation for Music Festivals | ★★★★★★☆☆ | Low cost + high-frequency disassembly and assembly | ★★★★☆☆☆☆ | Cost-effective + ease of setup |
| Long Term Residence (6 months+) | ★☆☆★★★★★ | Structural durability + spatial comfort | ★★★★★★★★ | Superior durability and comfort for long stays |
Industry Data
According to the Global Luxury Camping Report, 78% of yurts users use them for over 100 days per year, while only 32% of bell shaped tent users use them.
The premium rate of yurts on Airbnb is 120% (compared to 45% for bell tents).
How to choose a bell shaped tent and a yurt tent?
Before making a purchase decision, it is recommended that you carefully weigh the following factors:
1.Usage cycle
Short term (<1 week): Bell shaped tent
Long term (>1 month): Mongolian yurt
2.Climate conditions
Mild climate: Bell shaped tent (expandable to -5 ° C with stove)
Extreme temperature difference: Mongolian yurt (tested at Alaska campsite -40 ° C for normal use)
3.Cultural attributes
Modern Aesthetics: Bell shaped Tent (optional skylight+mesh door)
Traditional ceremonial sense: Mongolian yurt (customizable painted Toono top wheel)
4.Budget Scope
500-2000: Bell shaped tent (recommended Lotus Belle, Teepee)
$5000+: Mongolian yurts (recommended Pacific Yurts, Nomad Shelters)
5.Labor costs
Single player operation: Bell shaped tent
Team collaboration: Mongolian yurt (requires at least 3 people to build)
6.Land Policy
Temporary land: Bell shaped tents (most countries do not require building permits)
Semi permanent land: Mongolian yurt (some areas require application for “movable building” qualification)
Conclusion
In summary, both bell shaped tents and yurts have their own characteristics, and the specific choice should depend on the specific situation. No matter which side you ultimately lean towards, 171glamping will wholeheartedly provide you with professional guidance and services to help you find the most suitable accommodation plan for yourself.