This is the Dominator Canvas Sleep System from the Utah-based team at Canvas Cutter. In short, this is an all-inclusive shelter and bed that can be set up and taken down in mere minutes – making it ideal for roadtrip camping.
In short, the Dominator is a canvas bedroll (or swag) that doubles as a waterproof shelter/one-person tent. You simply throw a sleeping bag and pillow inside, and you’re good to go. It uses a very simple curved pole system to keep the roof up, and in fine weather it can be set up as a more traditional canvas bedroll with no pole required.
Above Video: This is the official introduction to the Canvas Cutter Dominator Canvas Sleep System, that goes through its various functions and features.
History Speedrun: Canvas Cutter
Canvas Cutter is a Utah-based outdoor gear company that was founded by Shirl Larsen, who was later joined by his nephew Seth Larsen, who today serves as CEO. The company’s beginnings were modest, it started in the basement of a railroad worker, where the first prototypes of their heavy-duty canvas sleep systems were developed.
The idea was straightforward but highly practical – build tough, weather-resistant bedrolls that could withstand the rigors of the American West. Essentially, they were modern versions of the bedrolls used by countless pioneers, settlers, farmers, and gold hunters.
By the late 2010s, Canvas Cutter had begun gaining attention in the hunting and overlanding communities. The brand positioned itself as a modern revival of traditional canvas gear, appealing to outdoorsmen who wanted reliability without excess weight or gimmicks, or cheap plastic and nylon.
Their first major product, the Dominator Bedroll, became the company’s signature design and laid the groundwork for a product line that would later be expanded to include bags, tents, apparel, and accessories.
The Dominator Canvas Sleep System By Canvas Cutter
The Dominator Canvas Sleep System was developed to be a self-contained sleep solution, including a bed and shelter, that could be rolled out and set up in 3-5 minutes. Once set up with the provided high-density foam mattress and poles, the Dominator provides and roomy interior designed for sleeping, but with enough space for reading or watching movies on your iPad at the end of a long day on the road.
The main chassis is made from a proprietary 14.5 oz canvas treated for water and mildew resistance, the waterproofing is helped along with combined coatings of teflon and breathable polyurethane. It uses double stitched construction for added strength and durability, and all seams are taped to keep the water out.
Once set up with the provided high-density foam mattress and poles, the Dominator provides and roomy interior designed for sleeping, but with enough space for reading or watching movies on your iPad at the end of a long day on the road.
The Dominator uses a simple pole system to hold the roof up, and when you buy the complete sleep system version, it comes with the bedroll and poles, as well as an insect mesh layer, a high-density foam mattress, a plaid mattress cover, and a barrier mat.
If you’d like to read more or buy your own you can visit the official Canvas Cutter store here. The full sleep system weighs in at 20 lbs and measures in at 84” x 34” x 26” when fully laid out.
Images courtesy of Canvas Cutter
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