How did tee pees let smoke out but kept rain out?

Answer 1

The hide (tarp) was shaped with flaps at the top that could cover the smoke hole. There are poles inserted into these flaps so that the opening of the smoke hole could be adjusted according to the wind and weather. The smoke hole can also be completely closed (with the exception of the small space where the tarp is at the poles, but the tighter you pull the tarp, the less will get through). I rarely saw the lodge completely closed through four summers of living in a tee pee (weekends through the winter). Also, the water that runs down the poles is dealt with by having a liner at the bottom of the poles. That kept that water off of your belongings in the lodge through rain, dew, snow, etc. When the flaps are closed, the fire is kept much smaller to reduce the amount of smoke as well. That is the fire keepers job. They have to be good or everyone gets smoked out.