How do I use the smoke flaps to control air circulation in a tipi?
As you probably already know, the tipi and liner are designed to work together to control the ventilation that is essential for having a fire in the tipi. This unique combination of tipi cover and liner also make it possible to eliminate cross drafts of air in the tipi, and to cause the tipi to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter, compared to other fabric structures. With the tipi cover raised from four inches to eight inches above the ground, and with the tipi liner installed with the bottom flap tight against the ground, and with the door closed and the liner flaps over the door closed, the only way air can get into the tipi (except for slight leakage through the fabric) is up from the ground (between the tipi cover and the liner) or down through the smoke flap opening. When it is hot outside, the heat of the sun causes the air between the tipi cover and the liner to rise into the tipi and out through the smoke flap opening. The coolest air sinks to the floor of the tipi and
