Portable Geodesic Domes

Shelter Systems Geodesic Domes are our most popular portable Geotensic™ shelters. Known for their lightweight construction and strength as well as for the large amount of light they let in, they are made with a strong, tear-resistant fabric and non-puncturing tarp fasteners. They are truly portable and guaranteed to be leak proof. These Domes have served as family living spaces, camping tents, emergency shelters, studios, playrooms, retreats, fair pavilions, expedition tents, research tents, and more. Note that on this site we use the terms domes and yurts interchangeably.

Shelter Systems' portable geodesic domes have been used as Yurts, Domes, Portable Geodesic Greenhouses, Emergency Disaster Relief Shelters,Tents, Portable Classrooms, Cabin Tents, Hot Tub and Spa Covers, Pool Covers, Guest Houses, Ski Huts, Base Camps, Youth Camps, Eco tourism Cabins, Camping Tents, Mobile Offices, Shade and Solar Structures...

Easy Set Up
Our 14', 18' and 20' Domes can be set up by one person in 30 minutes without tools. Insert the interchangeable poles into factory-attached connectors spaced evenly over the cover. The poles bend slightly when inserted, tightening the cover into a wind- and waterproof shelter. The cover is freestanding requiring no guy lines and can be moved into the desired position or location without disassembly. The Dome can be taken down in 5 minutes: just remove the poles and roll up the covering.

Sturdy Design
Domes are stronger than any other structure made of the same materials. Because of its curved shape with no corners, there are no weak points. Our patented structure is drum tight, waterproof and wind-resistant.

Shelter Systems' Dome structures have the poles on the outside with the covering suspended under the frame via Shelter Systems' own Grip Clip tarp fasteners. The frame and the covering are not in direct contact. The important benefits from this design are that the covering is under constant, even tension so that the tent will not flap or shred in the wind. The poles cannot rub against the covering, thereby wearing holes in it. Water and leaf debris do not get caught in dips between the poles since the covering is tightly suspended under the poles. The poles and covering are not touching, so there is no temperature buildup to degrade the fabric at contact points.

The shingled panels of our Domes overlap each other by 6", making the structure stronger and completely leak proof. The shingling also allows the structure to breathe. The buildup of moisture is driven out through the overlapped panels by vapor pressure and does not condense inside the tent.

Shelter Systems' patented Grip Clips™ tarp fasteners join the Dome's cover to the frame. Grip Clips also fasten the shingled panels together, providing greater strength than sewn seams or any type of grommet because they do not puncture the cover, which would allow rain to enter. In addition, the Grip Clip grips a large surface area of the material which prevents the wind from tearing the tent.

Durable Materials
Shelter Systems' Domes are made wholly of Shelter Systems' super strong, tear-proof, woven rip stop film which will not rot or mildew. The covering effectively excludes rain, dampness, wind, cold, leaves and other debris. The completely waterproof covering and the shingling's breathability make a rain fly unnecessary. The covering is manufactured in three layers which are heat bonded together. It is UV-stabilized to withstand up to 3 years of full sun exposure. The white color of the covering defuses the sun and provides 40% shade.

The frames are constructed of strong, long lasting, resilient, UV-stabilized, Class 200, 1 1/4"-diameter (3.5 cm.) PVC tubing.

More Photos at Tent Testimonials

Light and Fresh Air
Shelter Systems' Portable Geodesic Domes are light filled and well ventilated. The translucent white covering creates a bright interior, transmitting 60% of the light. Our Standard Domes come with four clear vinyl windows above the doors. The Extra Strong Domes come with a translucent windows that let through more light then glass but are frosted so you can not see clearly through them. The Extra Strong windows are do not get brittle in the cold or limp in high temperatures. Shelter Systems' Domes have four flap doors evenly spaced around the shelter for good cross ventilation and light. The door coverings close automatically so you can go in or out quickly. There are no zippers to fumble with or break.

Since the panels of our Domes are shingled, overhead ventilation is easily attained by inserting "ventilation tubes" between several panels (two vent tubes are included with each shelter). When the vent tube is removed, the panels snap shut and are watertight. For maximum ventilation the walls themselves can be rolled up, transforming the domes into an opened-arch form (see 30 Dome at right in its open-arch form).

Shelter Systems' Domes are winter ready. They do not require a fly or liner for winter use. They are completely water tight and will not leak. Yet because our their shingled construction moist air is driven out through the shingling by vapor pressure. Shelter Systems' Domes being dome shaped have a minimal surface area for their volume and are thus easy to keep warm with a stove (installation instructions are included with each tent).

The dome shape has other comfort features: The interior can be divided into "rooms." The tent has more volume than a flat-sided one and therefore feels, and is, more spacious. The shape is more heat efficient because less fuel is needed to heat it plus the heat circulates more evenly. The cover of the Domes are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

A Shelter System
Shelter Systems' Geodesic Domes come complete with poles, 12" long high quality Durapeg stakes, guy lines for extreme wind settings, ventilation tubes, spare parts (Grips Clips and pole connectors) and a Shelter Systems' Instruction Manual that details floors, site selection, anchoring, cooling, winterizing, and stove installation. Our covers are ideally suited for most climates; however, they can be further adapted for use in extreme climates. For the extreme cold, where fuel is in short supply, we offer a full liner. For extreme heat, we offer net doors and a sunshade which blocks one hundred per cent of the sunlight.

Accessories include: Floors, Net Doors, Sunshades, Liners, Porches and more.

Shipping and Storage
All Shelter Systems' Geodesic Domes are shipped by UPS and pack up into compact packages that one person can handle take as baggage on a plane, transport in a car or store in a small space.

Note that the 11' Yurt and 8' Yurt are constructed using a different geometric shape that has less panels and only one door. You can see the shape of the 11' Yurt near the bottom of the Archeology page and the 8' Yurt shape at the bottom of the GroDome page (Note that this 8'er would be made out of white not clear). The 14, 18, or 20' Yurts each have four doors. The 8 Yurt and 11 Yurt do not have any windows.

Note that you get a lot more volume for your money as you go up in diameter. When you step inside the 18' Dome after being in the 14' Dome, the 18 ' er feels twice as big. Like wise the 20' Dome feels twice the size of the 18' Dome. This is because the extra feet in diameter extends out in all directions (including up) creating a large increase in volume. Since the surface area of the covering does not increase as rapidly as the volume, the larger domes are less expensive for the space you get. Our drawings effectively illustrate the different sizes we offer.

Happy Customers: Tell about their experiences with Shelter Systems' domes. Photo rich.