Alaknak vs canvas wall tent

[wildwood]

I have an alkanak has been great in a foot of snow in Montana in -20 and high winds  and western rain for a week as long as you have a stove you won't have any moisture well maybe a little bit.  drys super quick and no mold I've had mine for four years with no regrets I have a 12x12 and can set it up by myself in an half hour fits two to three hunting partners  just fine plus I can take it camping with family even in the state parks that being said I'll probably be parting with mine shortly going to buy a trailier

[Bean Counter]

For insulation Or for rain?

Condensation, I do the same thing. 

So having a tarp on keeps con

[trophyhunt]

For insulation Or for rain?

Condensation, I do the same thing. 

So having a tarp on keeps con

It helps keep the condensation away, still a little but the fire keeps it down pretty well. 

[jm317]

Thanks for all the input guys I think I'm gonna go with the alaknak. September in Idaho won't really be needing a stove. So I think I'll use that coin I'll save and get me a nice pair of vortex vipers from elknut1 

[DeerHarvester]

I'm also looking to buy an alaknak. I stayed in one a few years ago. Condensation is bad if you use a propane heater. We tried this in the morning and it isn't pleasant.  Also I would recommend keeping a couple vents open at all times. With the wood stove it isn't an issue, But if you have it all sealed up and let the wood stove die during the night you will wake up to some moister.   For me this small issue out weights the hassle of canvas.  Don't get me wrong I love canvas and spent my childhood hunting years in a canvas tent. If I had a large hunting group I would go with canvas. But I usually hunt alone or with one guy so the quick set up and ease of storage is a must for me.   I'm waiting to find one in the bargain cave or a good sale.

[steen]

Have the 12 X 20 Alaknak and it takes about 1/2 hour to set up.  I have never put up a canvas but they do retain heat better. Spent many a hunt in the Alaknak....sometimes with 4-5 kids and us in it!

[SemperFidelis97]

I have the Alaknak as well it has been bulletproof in some pretty rough conditions.  I don't have condensation issues if I leave the windows open a crack to get some airflow, and the wood stove is a dry heat so that helps keep it cozy.  I got a roll of house carpet cut to shape for the inside of mine that makes it feel like a home away from home.  Another idea that really works with any tent get yourself an ac/dc converter, and a set of battery clamps that will attach to the cigarette liter plug, hook it up to a deep cell battery, and plug in some LED Christmas lights to the converter.  You can run several days with indoor lighting without firing up the generator.

[Rooster1981]

I have been using the 12x12 alaknak for seven years and its holding up great. I liked it so much I bought the 13x27 to fit the whole family during elk camp. I really never had any issues with condensation while using the wood stove. They are vented really well. and in the 12x12 it gets so damn hot with the stove you normally have at least one window open    I have used them from the coast to the mountains in every kind of weather you can imagine. But the real test was last year on the colockum with my sons elk hunt. The wind was blowing harder than I can ever remember, all night long. And the tent had no issues.

[Duckhunter14]

Man the 13x27 looks sweet! Putting that on my "want" list. My 12x12 is perfect for two, and cramped with 3 with a stove and cook table.

[Rooster1981]

Man the 13x27 looks sweet! Putting that on my "want" list. My 12x12 is perfect for two, and cramped with 3 with a stove and cook table.

yep same deal with me. I hemmed and hawed over the 12x20 & the 13x27.  im glad I went bigger. but in really cold weather you almost need the second wood stove.

[Labs07]

I've had my Davis tent for 10 years now and never had any issues with it.  I spend about 2.5 weeks during hunting season in it and camp during the summer with it.  It has been through hell and back without issues.  I say canvas all the way....I can set my 14 x16 foot tent up in about 45 minutes by myself.

[Buzz2401]

Bought our canvas tent in 1994 it has been set up every year since for no less then 3 weeks straight every year.  Stove jack could probably be replaced and it isn't pearly white anymore but it doesn't have a single hole in it and it has never leaked.  We don't use a tarp either just straight canvas against the elements. My hunting partner has a cabelas tent made by Montana tent company and I'm not so sure it is going to hold up as well but only time will tell, his is about 6 years old.