I have an 8 person Alaskan Guide tent that I really like. I am looking to purchase an additional tent. One that I can use by myself or with one other person. Here is what I am looking for: (1) I want to be able to set it up easily by myself. (2) I want to be able to use two small cots for sleeping. (3) It has to be able to withstand high winds. My Alaskan guide tent has done really well in high winds but a few of my tents previous to that did not. I am not looking for a lightweight backpacking tent, just one that I can set up camp near my vehicle and hike into my hunting spot and hike back to the tent at night. Please let me know what has worked well for you.
Thanks,
Mark
take a look at Kodiak Tents
I have a Baker style canvas tent from Frost River out of Duluth, Minnesota, that would work. Check out their web site. It has a 7x7 footprint x7 foot high with adjustable 7x7 awning and side flaps. It's not light, about 35#, but will do the job If you're camping out of a vehicle. Easy for one person to put up. Takes about 10-15 minutes.
For packing in, I use a 6-person Kifaru. Just about the right size for two people and their gear. As a base camp, an 8-person would be even better. Either packs very small and light. Kifaru also makes ultralite compact stoves for them. Very easy for one person to erect. Just stake down the perimeter and erect the center pole. Rather expensive though.
a lot of guys around here use the montana canvas tents,made in montana and also sold by cabellas.i heard those kifaru are nice also.
Here are my choices, Arctic oven 10x10(Alaska Tents & Tarps).... Not my first choice but a really good tent in windy condition, I had mine in the tundra in 40mph wind, not even fully guyed out and it is a strong tent.
My second suggestion, and my first choice, is what we have been using for the last year, is a EXP Short Wall, by Snowtrekker Tents. Ours is the 9.5x11(medium size), it has a internal aluminum frame, it pack pretty small and weight 25lbs total with the frame.
They are both easy to set up, but the Snowtrekker is a bit easier if by your self. Both of them accept stove.
I like the idea of a bell tent.
I use a GoLite Shangri-La 5 Tent.
springbar I use mine in 100 degrees and minus temps here in NV.
It is a truck tent in that it is heavy, but stable, easily set up by one guy and the portico make a great summer addition. It rained one whole tournament in CA and three of us were dry and happy in that tent
My eight man AG's fly shredded last fall, and I was heartbroken. So, I have been shopping and asking and came up with a new tent for my three week deer camp. I went for the Cabelas XWT 12 x 12. I was really thinking hard about the Arctic Oven, but the floor plan and another door, (and the price !) turned the tide.
But for a short hunt, I want a tent that is easier for just me to put up, and just me and maybe my dog to sleep in. It has to be sturdy and weatherproof. Well, I bought a six man Eureka Timberline. I have had a four man Timberline for years. I like it, it keeps me dry and is dirt simple to set up. I just wanted a hair more room. The new tent is about 8.5 x10, and 6'3" tall.
Only downside to it is that they have added mesh to the roof and sides. Maybe I can fix that. The tent is small enough that heating it won't be a problem anyway.
The non- closeable mesh vents on the new AG tents made me choose the XWT for winter camping. It gets to -15 or 20 sometimes, up in my area, and I want every edge I can get.
Killdeer
Killy-
You ain't $Hi**in' about the price on the Arctic Oven! I was shoppin' those online and got to where I couldn't tell the difference between the phone number you call to place an order and the actual price.
:eek:
They do look sturdy and warm, though!
Kingsnake
I have the Cabelas XWT and it is a great tent! I've used it for several years and in stromy weather it doesn't even flinch. I can put it up my self in around 1/2 hour at a lesurely pace.
I have a Kirkham Springbar tent made in Utah, 8' x 10'. Works well in wind IF you can stake the corners real well. Easy to set up and made with quality canvas. I've been pleased with it.
I bought a hybred canvas/nylon tent made by Beckel. It is really comfortable for two people along with a wood stove and only weights 35 lbs.
http://beckelcanvas.com/products_view.php?products_id=12
Another vote for the Cabelas XWT. Found one in the bargain cave for almost half price. Had only been used once and the only thing missing was the stakes. Plenty of room inside with the 12 x 12 and plenty of room outside under the vestibule. Will withstand the strongest of winds and keep you nice and dry at ETAR with those wacky storms. Free standing poles make it possible for a one man set up too.
Check out the Soulpad easy to set up canvas tent
(http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/bjornweb/Soulpad.jpg)
I have a 13 footer, perfect for 2 hunters with cots and gear. Extremely weatherproof.
The springbar tent is a very good tent, one man set up fast and easy, the Kodiak tent is almost the same but its made in china Springbars are 100% made in USA. I like the vagabond series but they have several designs,
http://www.kirkhams.com/springbar-tents/
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/134sawney/elk2011001_zps3bb0f79e.jpg
American Camper, I got it from toolsnow.com
I paid $19.50 for it. It's lasted me 5 years now.
It is small but I wouldn't want to try and back pack with it, it wieghs too much for that.
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/jillanmike/bikeroadtrip014.jpg)
I have a Cabela's Outback Lodge 12 man and really like it. I've weathered several storms and it never budged or leaked. The short straight sides make it cot friendly. The center pole is 9' 6" which gives lots of headroom. I've had it several years now and have not found a down side, I would buy another one.
I have a sierra 3 man tent. 4 season. It may be a bit heavy for long range hiking. As far as 3 man goes, it would be rather snug inside. I esed it once at the end of bow season in deep snow and 15 degree temp. The hunt was great but it is not really for me. Been trying to sell it but I guess that kind of hunt is for no one I know either. This is the kind of tent you would see on Mt Everest.
Since you said close by the vehicle..hike to and from the hunt; I know you ask about a tent..but;
this is the bedroom
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/redwinghunter/DSCN1614.jpg)
with a 10 x 10 First Up shelter from Wally's Place..
you can tow these with almost anything and then the shelter becomes lounge/dining area...
The folks who have seen this at the Southern Indiana Bowhunt have spoken highly of it.
The 1st Up, by itself would be good too!
In my opinion, there's one tent that meets all of your criteria. That would be the 10x10' range tent offered by David Ellis at cowboycamp.net.
I have the 10x10 with awning, screen door, zippered window with screen, and 4" stove hole.
I can set it up nice and tight in less than 5minutes and it will handle wind better than any other tent in existence...that's scientifically proven. It's why they use pyramid tents on arctic expeditions. The walls tie out to the poles and I'm able to fit two small cots along with the stove in there.
I'm thinking about getting a 8x8 in the 7.5oz canvas slimmed down with out the window and stove jack for solo trips.
http://cowboycamp.net/range_tents.php
Bjorn and I think alike. Last summer I bought a bell tent just like the SoulPad, different manufacturer. A breeze to set up and should handle all sorts of weather without issue. It will be with me during elk season if I'm not packing in.
If I'm packing in, I'll be carrying either my GoLite ShangriLa3 or a different tarp.
Hope this helps.
homebru
Thank you all so much. Lots of great options. Doing my research on several of these tents. Once again, thanks for all your recommendations.
Mark
I have a Camo Hunter Tipi Tent. It is an excellent set up like the Kifaru. I have a couple of seasons using it. First class and very "traditional". Just need to work out the details on an effective stove configuration. I certainly recommend it.
QuoteOriginally posted by Red Beastmaster:
I have a Cabela's Outback Lodge 12 man and really like it. I've weathered several storms and it never budged or leaked. The short straight sides make it cot friendly. The center pole is 9' 6" which gives lots of headroom. I've had it several years now and have not found a down side, I would buy another one.
I have the same tent and it has survived wind, rain, and snow storms with no problems at all.
I also just picked up Cabelas Outback Lodge based on all of the reviews. 12'X12'. Watch for sales and save $$.
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/tadjstout/012_zps80163a05.jpg)
I've had an Outback Lodge for years but about froze to death several times in bad weather. Sure wish there was some way to put a wood stove in it. Really want something for winter snowmobile camping.Some good suggestions above.