Tent ideas?

[zackmioli]

Hey guys, my hunting group sold our tent trailer this year and are looking to go with a tent for the next hunting season. We have looked at the cabelas ultimate alaknak tent but cabelas didn't have one set up for us to actually check out.

We are looking for something around 12x16 or 12x20. Stove compatible, and can sleep anywhere from 3-6 people. Deer and elk hunts so snow and weather is possible. My dad is worried about the bulk and weight of a wall tent and all the pieces for the frame. Is this a valid concern? We have no experience with wall tents.

Basically I'm looking for reviews of the alaknak, wall tents, or any other tents out there that may suit our needs. Thanks for any information!

[Stein]

We have a Bighorn III from Cabelas and it is great for our family of four.  We put a Four Dog stove in it and it will roast you out if you want.  It is bulletproof and dry as a bone.

It's fairly heavy, but nothing compared to canvas.  I can actually set it up and take it down by myself although that is a chore.  Two people is 20 minutes.  We use it year round. 

Just don't leave a dog with separation anxiety in there with the screen door closed....

PM me if you have any questions.

[Bean Counter]

I reviewed the Costco 10 man Coleman tent here http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,152955.msg2029811.html#msg2029811

Doesn't take a stove, but a good buy otherwise.   

[Rainier10]

I am a huge fan of my Bravo (site sponsor) wall tent.  It is lighter than a tent trailer and way smaller to store.

[zackmioli]

Thanks for the info so far! I just looked at the bighorn 3 in the cabelas hunt camp catalog I got in the mail today. Looks like that may be an option for us to look into further.

[Twispriver]

I have a Bighorn III and a 12x14 Montana Canvas wall tent that we have set up in all kinds of weather and they both have advantages. The Bighorn tent is a smaller package and easier to store and set up than the wall tent but the shape robs space. The wall tent is way roomier and the internal frame allows for attaching hangers for clothes, lanterns, towels guns, etc... Because we have both we usually use the bighorn for sleeping and cook, meet and gather in the wall tent. Here are a couple of pictures of both from elk cam a couple of seasons ago - Rick

[jburkett]

You can't beat a wall tent. I camped next to a group two late seasons ago who were in an alaknack that was brand new,  the first night they were in love with it, but the second night the wind picked up and blew embers on to the tent, burning about thirty quarter sized holes in the roof.  I would go with canvas

[syoungs]

I'm a huge fan of the Alana tents, fact is I will probably own one this winter, that said, if you damage a tent, it'd sure be nice to be able to have a new panel sewn in, not gonna happen with the cable as tent, Def doable with a good wall tent. I've been in a couple bravos, in a couple years when I need a big tent, that's where I'll be going.

[Roost Run]

http://www.walltentshop.com/

We bought our whole set up from this guy 8 years ago, and have been really happy.  I cant remember his name but he was very helpfull.  Give him a call.  If you are wanting something for up to 6 people, I would suggest going with at least a 16x20.  We have this size and it has worked well

[Stein]

I'm a huge fan of the Alana tents, fact is I will probably own one this winter, that said, if you damage a tent, it'd sure be nice to be able to have a new panel sewn in, not gonna happen with the cable as tent, Def doable with a good wall tent. I've been in a couple bravos, in a couple years when I need a big tent, that's where I'll be going.

Why can't you sew a Cabelas tent?

I have a roof protector and the spark arrestor on the end of the stove pipe and haven't had a problem.

Canvas and synthetic both have their places, it depends on how much you want to spend, how much space you have and how much time you want to spend setting it up, taking it down and caring for it.

[7mag.]

Davis Tent had some good buys on wall tents recently. I would check them out. I have one and so far I'm really happy.

[birddogdad]

i will toss in my 2cents...

i have 12x16 cook shack and 16x20 main tents that i purchased as a set from montana canvas. i sent the cookshack back and had a back end/door sewn on when i realized it was just 3 sided. this allowed me to have a stand alone smaller tent discussed below, the best thing i could have done for my situation.

watch the size. A 16X20 canvas is very heavy (100# + in canvas), typically needing at least 3 bodies to stand or you may break frame poles trying to stand up sides.

12x16 can be setup by 1 person frame and canvas both, so if you get zippered ends on both ends of these smaller tents, each tent with stovepipe hole, you can buy 2 or 3 if you need the room. set them end to end tightly and have seperate rooms or open to large area.  This also allows for having a smaller tent for those times you just dont need the room or go weekending alone.

other advice, flys are spendy and tarps work well and easily replaced every few years....

if i had it to do all over again, i would have (3) 12x16 wall tents and just connect together as needed based on the crew size. 2 sleeping quarters , 1 eating/cooking.

[zackmioli]

Thanks again for the advice. And thanks to jackelope for loving this thread to the correct place.

How much space does the frame for a wall tent take up? How long do they take to set up? Thinking the 12x16 will be a good size since it'll be mostly for sleeping.

[syoungs]

You might be able to sew a small hole/tear.

Canvas is pretty standard and will be around forever, cable as use a different material, that isn't common for tent builders and repairers to have access to.

I'm a huge fan of the Alana tents, fact is I will probably own one this winter, that said, if you damage a tent, it'd sure be nice to be able to have a new panel sewn in, not gonna happen with the cable as tent, Def doable with a good wall tent. I've been in a couple bravos, in a couple years when I need a big tent, that's where I'll be going.

Why can't you sew a Cabelas tent?

I have a roof protector and the spark arrestor on the end of the stove pipe and haven't had a problem.

Canvas and synthetic both have their places, it depends on how much you want to spend, how much space you have and how much time you want to spend setting it up, taking it down and caring for it.

[YellowDog]

I have a like New (truly...like New) 12x14 Yakima wall tent with frame I am looking to sell. PM me if interested