Base camp tents

[jackelope]

Curious to know what you guys all use for a big tent at your camps. I don't think a wall tent is in the cards for me as I don't have the means to set it up indoors to dry it out after use all the time like it seems needs to happen.  I have a couple great backpacking tents and for family camping I have a 9'x9' Coleman instant tent which is a good tent as long as it's dry. If it rains, we might as well be sleeping under nothing. Water pretty much enters immediately. I've taken it hunting twice now, both times it rained and most of our gear got wet. I'd like to get into a better quality big tent, and I'd likely use it for family camping, but I don't think a great big wall tent is practical for me.
When I met Ghosthunter this past weekend, he had a cool tent I've been looking at. It's kind of a wall tent I guess, but not "as" substantial.
http://trektents.com/245-246.htm
Looking pretty hard at one of these but am curious to hear what others are using.
I've also looked at the Kodiak Canvas tents. They seem to be along the same lines.
I like the look of this one.
http://www.kodiakcanvas.com/10-x-14-ft-flex-bow-canvas-tent/
A smaller traditional wall tent might be good too...maybe a 10x12 or thereabouts. I've not owned this type of tent before so I guess I'm looking for some guidance from folks with experience.
Thanks in advance.

[KFhunter]

whats wrong with a cut pole, a couple lengths of hemp rope and a tarp?

[jackelope]

Curious to hear thoughts on this setup. It might be perfect for us.

Koidak Canvas 12x9 cabin tent with the awning and the walls added to the awning.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Kodiak-Canvas-8x8.5-Wall-Enclosure-for-12x9-Cabin-Tent/productDetail/Canvas-Tents/prod99990135629/cat100834

That's the link for the awning only, but you see the whole setup.

[jackelope]

whats wrong with a cut pole, a couple lengths of hemp rope and a tarp?

Nothing if you want to sleep under a tarp. A wife and 6 year old girl won't want to, though.

I can't say I do either. Not to sound like a wuss, but that doesn't sound awesome to me for a week at a time.

That doesn't solve my keeping stuff dry issue either. It would, as long as everything stayed under the tarp. That likely isn't going to happen though. It'd be fine for summertime, but the last place I want to be in the Blues in November is trying to sleep under a tarp.

[Fl0und3rz]

Tarp would go over existing tent, if I am not mistaken.

[jackelope]

Tarp would go over existing tent, if I am not mistaken.

OK... I guess I thought KFHunter was going all cave man on me.
The design/shape of my Coleman tent makes putting a tent over it a giant PITA.
It's doable but not ideal. I did it last weekend. I'd like to have a bigger tent anyway.

[Mark Brenckle]

Curious to hear thoughts on this setup. It might be perfect for us.

Koidak Canvas 12x9 cabin tent with the awning and the walls added to the awning.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Kodiak-Canvas-8x8.5-Wall-Enclosure-for-12x9-Cabin-Tent/productDetail/Canvas-Tents/prod99990135629/cat100834

That's the link for the awning only, but you see the whole setup.

  That looks pretty nice, and the 2 reviews were positive. The extra room with walls would be ideal for keeping extra items dry or hanging things to dry. Now you've got me thinking... way better than a $ 30k camper that I'd need to modify my truck for!  Hmmm, all I've ever used are the cheap ons from k-mart...

[washelkhunter]

Kodiak is a nice fair weather setup. For the cold rain and snow however you want a wall tent. A 10x12 with the stove jack out the side is a nice setup for 2 hunters.

[jackelope]

Kodiak is a nice fair weather setup. For the cold rain and snow however you want a wall tent. A 10x12 with the stove jack out the side is a nice setup for 2 hunters.

I wonder about having a stove jack installed into one of the walls under that awning and put a stove in there.

[jackelope]

Kodiak is a nice fair weather setup. For the cold rain and snow however you want a wall tent. A 10x12 with the stove jack out the side is a nice setup for 2 hunters.

I wonder about having a stove jack installed into one of the walls under that awning and put a stove in there.

At that point, I might as well have a wall tent though, I suppose.

[7mag.]

Curious to hear thoughts on this setup. It might be perfect for us.

Koidak Canvas 12x9 cabin tent with the awning and the walls added to the awning.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Kodiak-Canvas-8x8.5-Wall-Enclosure-for-12x9-Cabin-Tent/productDetail/Canvas-Tents/prod99990135629/cat100834

That's the link for the awning only, but you see the whole setup.

My buddy had that exact same setup. He's been using it for a few years now, and loves it. He uses it from family camping trips, to elk camp in November. Seems like it packs down pretty small for storage too.

[bobcat]

I have a 6 man Sierra Designs that worked well for a week during the high hunt in the Pasayten. We got snowed on a couple nights and everything stayed really dry. I haven't used it in November though, and not sure I would want to, unless I could be fairly sure from the weather forecast that there wouldn't be much rain or snow.

This is similar to mine but I got mine on sale and it didn't cost nearly that much:

http://www.backcountry.com/sierra-designs-yahi-annex-6-plus-2-tent-6-person?ti=UExQIENhdDozLVNlYXNvbiBGYW1pbHkgJiBDYW1wZ3JvdW5kIFRlbnRzOjE6MjpiY3NDYXQ3MTExMDA0Ng&skid=SDS0680-ONECOL-ONESIZ

[kckrawler]

Curious to hear thoughts on this setup. It might be perfect for us.

Koidak Canvas 12x9 cabin tent with the awning and the walls added to the awning.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Kodiak-Canvas-8x8.5-Wall-Enclosure-for-12x9-Cabin-Tent/productDetail/Canvas-Tents/prod99990135629/cat100834

That's the link for the awning only, but you see the whole setup.

Bought that setup from Cabelas for my 2010 SW Rifle Elk hunt. We had to take the awning down the first night, wouldn't hold up to the wind. Otherwise, I was happy with it....until I got home....after a thorough cleaning and drying, the tent had black and pink mold spots already!!!! I contacted Kodiak directly and they told me how to kill it but it wouldn't ever really come out. I packed it all up, headed back to Lacey and swapped it out for an Alaknak.

I'm guessing there was something wrong with my tent, they didn't prepare the canvas correctly or something, not sure....but mold after a week of SW Washington weather is ridiculous.

[jackelope]

I have a 6 man Sierra Designs that worked well for a week during the high hunt in the Pasayten. We got snowed on a couple nights and everything stayed really dry. I haven't used it in November though, and not sure I would want to, unless I could be fairly sure from the weather forecast that there wouldn't be much rain or snow.

This is similar to mine but I got mine on sale and it didn't cost nearly that much:

http://www.backcountry.com/sierra-designs-yahi-annex-6-plus-2-tent-6-person?ti=UExQIENhdDozLVNlYXNvbiBGYW1pbHkgJiBDYW1wZ3JvdW5kIFRlbnRzOjE6MjpiY3NDYXQ3MTExMDA0Ng&skid=SDS0680-ONECOL-ONESIZ

Who got the crappy job of packing that beast into the Pasayten?
 

[bobcat]

Cascade Wilderness Outfitters and their mules. 

[RG]

Montana Canvas 10X20 Kenai with wood stove.... or a smaller wall tent if the group is smaller.

[jackelope]

Cascade Wilderness Outfitters and their mules.

Yeah, I think I remembered that was the case after I posted.

Montana Canvas 10X20 Kenai with wood stove.... or a smaller wall tent if the group is smaller.

While it would be awesome to have a tent like that, it's a bit too big for what I need and what I have the means to maintain in my smalled than average garage when it comes time to maintain it.

[Ironhead]

A 12x12 Alaknak is a descent setup.

[northwesthunter84]

I really like my Cabela's Bighorn III w/vestibule.  If you pay attention they should go on sale here soon.  I bought it April 2013 for like $500.  The vestibule was another $240.

[elkaholic123]

Curious to know what you guys all use for a big tent at your camps. I don't think a wall tent is in the cards for me as I don't have the means to set it up indoors to dry it out after use all the time like it seems needs to happen.  I have a couple great backpacking tents and for family camping I have a 9'x9' Coleman instant tent which is a good tent as long as it's dry. If it rains, we might as well be sleeping under nothing. Water pretty much enters immediately. I've taken it hunting twice now, both times it rained and most of our gear got wet. I'd like to get into a better quality big tent, and I'd likely use it for family camping, but I don't think a great big wall tent is practical for me.
When I met Ghosthunter this past weekend, he had a cool tent I've been looking at. It's kind of a wall tent I guess, but not "as" substantial.
http://trektents.com/245-246.htm
Looking pretty hard at one of these but am curious to hear what others are using.
I've also looked at the Kodiak Canvas tents. They seem to be along the same lines.
I like the look of this one.
http://www.kodiakcanvas.com/10-x-14-ft-flex-bow-canvas-tent/
A smaller traditional wall tent might be good too...maybe a 10x12 or thereabouts. I've not owned this type of tent before so I guess I'm looking for some guidance from folks with experience.
Thanks in advance.

My buddy has the 10x14 flex-bow and it is nice, we are taking to Wyoming for Antelope. It is easy to set-up and has plenty of room...only drawback is no stove-jack. I am going to get the vestibule and ground tarp for it soon. Jerry

[elkaholic123]

If they still make them 

[washelkhunter]

I've got a 10x12 TREK and they are very nice. I keep it for my fair weather camping. I've got an old 9x12 White Stag which is the same as the TREK but the canvas is'nt as heavy, 8oz.  I put a stove jack in that outside of one of the walls and use it for late season hunting. Since the wall ht is 4 feet its perfect for running sheets of plywood off the door end then flying a heavy duty tarp over the the tent with 6.5 ft. of roof. Theres my kitchen. A stove jack will cost around $25 and then pickup a speedy stitcher and sew it in.
Make sure to buy a spool of waxed thread for the stitcher and keep them in your camp box, they come in real handy.

[Alchase]

I use a Cabelas Westwind 8 man (thanks to Rasbo's recommendation) It has seen seriously heavy rain and snow, and kept me totally dry. I have a Coleman Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater for the sub-freezing nights, but I have not had to use it in a few years. This is the best made tent I have ever owned.
I use a 10 x 10 Quick Shade Summit popup (with netting around all sides) for a camp kitchen.

Westwind 8 man
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-West-Windtrade-Dome-Tent-150-8-Person/1570903.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3DWest%2BWind%2599%2BDome%2BTent%2B8%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26x%3D23%26y%3D6&Ntt=West+Wind%E9%A0%84ome+Tent+8&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Quick Shade Summit
http://www.quikshade.com/categories/summit/

[RG]

Cabelas also sells this tent which is 10X10 and has room to stand up.  I think it's around $200 and weighs something like 20 lbs with the hardware.

[Jingles]

14 X 17 Cabelas wall tent with internal frame for me if it gets wet just leave it up til dry or set it up in back yard to dry out, Have had it about 5 or 6 years and haven't had any problems with it.
Now of course if you are on the wet side of the state setting it back up to dry out could be a problem if it is always raining but here on the dry side not a problem hell we haven't had a decent rain fall yet.
Only thing I'd do different is 12 X 14 instead of the 14 X 17

[Rainier10]

I know you said no wall tent but hear me through.  I have a 15x15 bravo with a seperate 15x9 cookshack extension.  The cook shack has 3 walls sewn on so you can extend the 15x15 into a 24x15 if you have the room.  You only have to heat the 15x15 at night.  If you get to a spot that only has room for the 15x15 you an just set that up, if it is just you the 15x9 works by adding the back wall or if you need both tents you can set them up seperate in two close locations.

As for drying them out with limited space.  I only set up part of the frame and not completely, just enough to drape the tent over it and get air movement around it when I get home.  I set it up in our rec room because it is heated but the garage would work also with a couple of fans running to move the air around.  You have to move the tent a little each day but in three days it is more than dried out and ready for storage.

I got the high wind strap package for mine and I have in the past also hung it from the rafters of the garage from the tie down loops on the side ridges.

It is takes up a bit room for a few days while drying but you can't beat them for water proof and heat when camping.

You could go smaller 14x14 or 12x12 but I am really happy I went with the 15x15, you always wish you had more room.  In our tent we have two wide cots and we have the cabelas bunk bed cots for our two daughters. 

[washelkhunter]

This tent, frame and stove package is listed on CL in Des Moines.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/spo/4464345701.html

[rosscrazyelk]

http://www.blackpinesports.com/

If you are not in a hurry they have some hunting tents in the works.

[ICEMAN]

Josh, how many square feet do you need?

[jackelope]

Josh, how many square feet do you need?

Thinking I'd like to have at least 10x12 or thereabouts. If the family goes, that's 3 cots we'd need room for.

[ICEMAN]

Ah, Ok....the tent I was going to suggest will definitely not handle three cots...

[Bean Counter]

I picked up the big "ten man" (so they call it) tent at Costco last summer when it was on sale for like $25 off an already great price. I'd buy it again without the coupon if necessary. It think it was $150 after the coupon. Fits the family of Bean Counters quite well. It has a divider for some degree of privacy if you need it. One half can be used for mosquito free dining and what not if necessary.

We camped with some friends of ours in the worlds greatest elk unit last summer, Unit 9, and we got poured on. Our poor friends old tent leaked on them and they were miserable. We didn't even have a tarp over our tent and stayed completely dry.

Good quality zippers abound. The poles are heavy duty and color coded to be idiot proof for dudes like me 

[Forks]

Cabelas also sells this tent which is 10X10 and has room to stand up.  I think it's around $200 and weighs something like 20 lbs with the hardware.

I use this setup for truck camping/trailheading and am happy with it. I've had three cots in it and it was a little tight, two is perfect with a Buddy heater. Put a Eazy Up out front and your good to go. They make a 12x12 also.

[rosscrazyelk]

Cabelas also sells this tent which is 10X10 and has room to stand up.  I think it's around $200 and weighs something like 20 lbs with the hardware.

I use this setup for truck camping/trailheading and am happy with it. I've had three cots in it and it was a little tight, two is perfect with a Buddy heater. Put a Eazy Up out front and your good to go. They make a 12x12 also.

To many trip hazards for me

[jackelope]

Cabelas also sells this tent which is 10X10 and has room to stand up.  I think it's around $200 and weighs something like 20 lbs with the hardware.

I use this setup for truck camping/trailheading and am happy with it. I've had three cots in it and it was a little tight, two is perfect with a Buddy heater. Put a Eazy Up out front and your good to go. They make a 12x12 also.

To many trip hazards for me

I agree. My clumsy arse would trip over a guy line in no time flat.

[RG]

Cabelas also sells this tent which is 10X10 and has room to stand up.  I think it's around $200 and weighs something like 20 lbs with the hardware.

I use this setup for truck camping/trailheading and am happy with it. I've had three cots in it and it was a little tight, two is perfect with a Buddy heater. Put a Eazy Up out front and your good to go. They make a 12x12 also.

To many trip hazards for me

I agree. My clumsy arse would trip over a guy line in no time flat.

Ha! It's all a function of how many celebratory glasses you have around the campfire.