First outfitter tent purchase

[Duckslayer89]

I've always hunted out of small tents backpacking or sleeping in the back of a truck with a canopy when I was younger. I did hunt out of my cousins Alaknek for 2 weeks a long time ago and I remember it being nice but I'm not sure how longevity is compared to canvas tents. Anyways looking to invest in my first outfitters tent. Figure it's easier then towing a trailer in the snow and I have a Tacoma so camper isn't an option. Any experiences? I've kind of narrowed it down to:

Cabelas Alaknek
Montana Canvas Tent
Davis Wall Tent
 

[bowhunterforever]

Tagging

[92xj]

I battled that decision for a long time trying to balance hunting, family and everything being able to be set up as quickly as possible by myself.  This is what I decided on and never looked back.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,172708.msg2282754.html#msg2282754

[Duckslayer89]

I battled that decision for a long time trying to balance hunting, family and everything being able to be set up as quickly as possible by myself.  This is what I decided on and never looked back.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,172708.msg2282754.html#msg2282754

Dude that looks really cozy. I bet it stays warm. Good set up for going solo to. That's the only thing I'm worried about buying a bigger tent. I want something my buddy's can come stay in but I bet 75 percent of the time I'll be going solo with it.

[7mag.]

I have a Davis Tent that I am really happy with. The best price I could find, by far, and great quality. My advice is:
1) Get an internal frame
2) Get a sod skirt
3) Get the mold and fire treatment
4) Get one size bigger than you think you need

[92xj]

I battled that decision for a long time trying to balance hunting, family and everything being able to be set up as quickly as possible by myself.  This is what I decided on and never looked back.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,172708.msg2282754.html#msg2282754

Dude that looks really cozy. I bet it stays warm. Good set up for going solo to. That's the only thing I'm worried about buying a bigger tent. I want something my buddy's can come stay in but I bet 75 percent of the time I'll be going solo with it.

When using the tent for hunting, two of us with all our gear for later season elk hunting fit and use the tent beautifully.  During the summer time, 3 guys with cots and clothes fit fine and when family camping, there are 2 adults, one baby and 4 dogs with the smallest being 75 pounds that fit in there fine with the double stack queen air mattress, all the dog beds and the baby in a rubbermaid tote full of towels. 

[Wolfdog2314]

I second the Kodiak canvas flex bow. I have the 10x14 and can setup and tear down solo in no time at all. I also had a stove Jack put in it for a little wood stove.

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

I battled that decision for a long time trying to balance hunting, family and everything being able to be set up as quickly as possible by myself.  This is what I decided on and never looked back.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,172708.msg2282754.html#msg2282754

Dude that looks really cozy. I bet it stays warm. Good set up for going solo to. That's the only thing I'm worried about buying a bigger tent. I want something my buddy's can come stay in but I bet 75 percent of the time I'll be going solo with it.

How many people? With three people there is plenty of room, 4 is fine but after that you'd want something bigger. I really like the tent. Sets up and takes down in 10 minutes with 2 people so you can still stay pretty mobile during the season.

[stew pidasso]

+1 on the Davis tent. Love mine. You can have them build you one in the fall and they will bring it to the expo for the sportsman's show at a discount. If you can wait. If you order it just have them ship the angles an cut the frame your self. Saves a bunch on shipping and isn't difficult. Took me about an hour.

[jackmaster]

Get ahold of John , he own bravo tents, he is a sponsor on here he can custom build any wall tent any way size or whatever and he is an avid hunter so he know what works and what doesn't .. Worth a look for sure

[Jason]

Another vote for Davis Tents from a happy Davis Tent owner.

[Rainier10]

Get ahold of John , he own bravo tents, he is a sponsor on here he can custom build any wall tent any way size or whatever and he is an avid hunter so he know what works and what doesn't .. Worth a look for sure

Yeah that, I would at least talk to him before getting a tent, if nothing else he may give you a tip that helps you with a purchase through one of your other options.

I have a Bravo and absolutely love mine and the recommendations he made to me.  He asked a lot of questions about how I was going to use the tent and made recommendations from there, spent a good deal of time going over it all with me and what he has seen in his experience.

[92xj]

One thing to keep in mind having a smallish truck, wall tents have pole kits with them with pieces of tubing/pipe/poles that can span 5 - 8 feet, pretty hard to pack into a small truck. 

[Rainier10]

One thing to keep in mind having a smallish truck, wall tents have pole kits with them with pieces of tubing/pipe/poles that can span 5 - 8 feet, pretty hard to pack into a small truck.

I have sent rafter poles, the longer ones that you are talking about that have sleeve joints so they break down to 4' long.  Not sure how they snow load.  Mine are one piece and almost 96" long i think.  Something to think and ask about.

[syoungs]

I just bought an alaknak 12x20, they are offering a free vestibule with purchase right now, plus today was ladies day, and I got another 15% off, then the vestibule wasn't in stock and I had to wait forever for them to figure out what to do about it (they are shipping me one for free), so they added discounts, all in I paid 948$ brand new.
Still gotta get a roof and floor protector though.

I like it's size when packed, took me 30ish minutes to set up solo, it's bigger then I anticipated though lol.
Best part, the wife's happy with it, and says she will give late/early camping a go without towing the 5th wheel now!

[Miles]

I have a Silverado standard bed and my longest poles have to go diagonal from corner to corner.  Makes packing a little bit more of a pain.  Try to get a stove pipe that nests together as well if you have a smaller truck.

[Duckslayer89]

I battled that decision for a long time trying to balance hunting, family and everything being able to be set up as quickly as possible by myself.  This is what I decided on and never looked back.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,172708.msg2282754.html#msg2282754

Dude that looks really cozy. I bet it stays warm. Good set up for going solo to. That's the only thing I'm worried about buying a bigger tent. I want something my buddy's can come stay in but I bet 75 percent of the time I'll be going solo with it.

When using the tent for hunting, two of us with all our gear for later season elk hunting fit and use the tent beautifully.  During the summer time, 3 guys with cots and clothes fit fine and when family camping, there are 2 adults, one baby and 4 dogs with the smallest being 75 pounds that fit in there fine with the double stack queen air mattress, all the dog beds and the baby in a rubbermaid tote full of towels.

That sounds like a good size. I meant cozy in a good way, comfortable and clean! Love coming back to a clean camp. You guys are making it hard. The Alaknek looks like a great deal right now with the free vestibule. What size Davis tents are you running? I was thinking 14x16 would be about right and not to big. Maybe with the overhanging awning they come with. The long poles could be a problem with my truck. Idk I'm thinking about buying a Tundra and keeping the Tacoma for a commuter and rally rig up in on logging roads around home. Or maybe a trailer?

[stew pidasso]

Mine is 14x16 but I had them leave holes in front for 10' extra of frame. Then a 20x30 tarp runs long for an outside shelter. Wood, coolers etc. I cut some pond liner for the floor that I cover with fabric for the floor which is awesome.

[Duckslayer89]

Mine is 14x16 but I had them leave holes in front for 10' extra of frame. Then a 20x30 tarp runs long for an outside shelter. Wood, coolers etc. I cut some pond liner for the floor that I cover with fabric for the floor which is awesome.

That is sweet!!! So you run the tarp over the whole tent? Is that a Davis? The Alaknek is sweet to. Not sure if you can go wrong with either now. Can you set yours up by yourself?

[Clearcut]

I have a 14x16 Davis tent an one guy can set it up by himself.. It can be a pain since the poles can pull from the joints but if you spend a little time an drilled an had picked up some pins of some sort to hold them in then it'd be super easy to set up in my opinion.

[jackmaster]

My set up is the exact same as stews, only problem is once I get my queen cot set up with my pillow top mattress and bunk bed cots, my shower, wood stove and a table to eat at, I also cook outside under the awning and that is also where I stack my wood but after all that there isn't much room left in the wall tent , oh and I bring a generator a flat screen and an Xbox 360, I can watch movies and play video games..

[Old Man Yager]

I'm calling BS on you!!

[trophyhunt]

My set up is the exact same as stews, only problem is once I get my queen cot set up with my pillow top mattress and bunk bed cots, my shower, wood stove and a table to eat at, I also cook outside under the awning and that is also where I stack my wood but after all that there isn't much room left in the wall tent , oh and I bring a generator a flat screen and an Xbox 360, I can watch movies and play video games..

Someone doesn't get out and hunt enough, when I get back to my tent, it's dinner a drink and off to bed.   

[stew pidasso]

If you look in the back corner you can see the waterbed.

[trophyhunt]

Duckslayer, If I was you and you might be putting this tent up by yourself sometimes, I'd recommended an alaknak. I have had both set ups, both have their pro's and con's.  Setting up a canvas wall tent by yourself is a pain, especially if you get a bigger one.  canvas holds the heat much better, but is heavy to pack around and if you put it away wet it will mold.  You have to store them in a dry environment or opened up in a big area.  I loved my wall tent but I just didn't have a big area to store it and when it did mold, on my mold resistant material, it was a major pain to get off.  We are now using the alaknak tent, my buddy has owned his for over 15 years I believe.  Much, Much easier to deal with, way easier to set up.  You can put it away wet if you have to and NO mold, we put a tarp over the entire tent, which any set up needs and it will hold the heat in pretty well.  With a good stove you really don't notice much of a difference between the canvas and alaknak.  We don't miss the put up and take down of a wet canvas tent, the lighter, easier to deal with alaknak is great.  A 16x20 wall tent will take up half your bed up after the frame and stove. You will save space with the alaknak.  We have the floor liner which I would recommend and just buy a oversized tarp to cover with.  Just my 2cents.

[Magnum_Willys]

 
Have used both - the internal frame canvas is fine and doesnt pinhole from chimney embers like the alaknak.  But the alaknak is much easy to handle and setup. 

[jackmaster]

I'm calling BS on you!!

i wouldn't b.s a b.s.er chief... Don't you have an antler to go find or somethn..

[jackmaster]

My set up is the exact same as stews, only problem is once I get my queen cot set up with my pillow top mattress and bunk bed cots, my shower, wood stove and a table to eat at, I also cook outside under the awning and that is also where I stack my wood but after all that there isn't much room left in the wall tent , oh and I bring a generator a flat screen and an Xbox 360, I can watch movies and play video games..

Someone doesn't get out and hunt enough, when I get back to my tent, it's dinner a drink and off to bed.   

dude you don't have to hunt to do that, your old a$$ is in bed every night by 7:30 whether your huntn or not.

[Duckslayer89]

Duckslayer, If I was you and you might be putting this tent up by yourself sometimes, I'd recommended an alaknak. I have had both set ups, both have their pro's and con's.  Setting up a canvas wall tent by yourself is a pain, especially if you get a bigger one.  canvas holds the heat much better, but is heavy to pack around and if you put it away wet it will mold.  You have to store them in a dry environment or opened up in a big area.  I loved my wall tent but I just didn't have a big area to store it and when it did mold, on my mold resistant material, it was a major pain to get off.  We are now using the alaknak tent, my buddy has owned his for over 15 years I believe.  Much, Much easier to deal with, way easier to set up.  You can put it away wet if you have to and NO mold, we put a tarp over the entire tent, which any set up needs and it will hold the heat in pretty well.  With a good stove you really don't notice much of a difference between the canvas and alaknak.  We don't miss the put up and take down of a wet canvas tent, the lighter, easier to deal with alaknak is great.  A 16x20 wall tent will take up half your bed up after the frame and stove. You will save space with the alaknak.  We have the floor liner which I would recommend and just buy a oversized tarp to cover with.  Just my 2cents.

Well that covers a lot of my concerns and questions when comparing the two. I like the fact that the material is easier to take care of and not going to mold. Why do people put tarps over the top? Just to protect the fabric? I was looking at a four dog stove, but was thinking a 3 dog would be enough. What stove were you running?

[trophyhunt]

The tarp does two things, one it helps with the embers from your fire putting tiny holes in your fabric, which will eventually happen.  Two it help insulate your tent, you won't get water built up on the inside of the tent on the roof or sides with a tarp cover. It also help the snow slide off.  Not sure what the name of the stove we have but its big, I can fit 18" logs easily, go with 6" outlet for better air flow and get enough pipe to reach a couple feet above your peak.  I can let you know what I have when I get home, just text me if you want.

[jackmaster]

I think you have the cylinder stove like I have trophy!! You can get them with upto a 5gallong hot water tank.. I have the Yukon package and it's pretty big, definetly go with the bigger pipe if you can..

[trophyhunt]

I think you have the cylinder stove like I have trophy!! You can get them with upto a 5gallong hot water tank.. I have the Yukon package and it's pretty big, definetly go with the bigger pipe if you can..

Yeah it's cylinder, as far as the water tank goes, it's nice if you want hot water quickly in the morning.  But if your hunting or camping in an area where water is scarce, we don't use it.  The stove going all the time will eat up your water supply and you don't want to leave the water tank on empty with the stove hot.

[follow maggie]

I bought a Davis anout three years ago. I use it a lot, and the more I use it, the more I love it. The quality is top shelf and the price is reonable.  It's a great value for the money.

[huntnfmly]

Another vote for Davis tents.

[Duckslayer89]

Another vote for Davis tents.

That's a sweet set up as well. So you went with the poles instead of the internal Frame? Happy with that choice? Nice camp blanket too lol

[Shawn Ryan]

Another advocate for Bravo. Ask users or sellers what breaks, tears, or needs repairs. The Bravo doesn't use grommets; the guy outs tie to D-rings sewn into nylon webbing. The canvas is about the best you can buy. You can customize the configuration, too.

[Rainier10]

Another advocate for Bravo. Ask users or sellers what breaks, tears, or needs repairs. The Bravo doesn't use grommets; the guy outs tie to D-rings sewn into nylon webbing. The canvas is about the best you can buy. You can customize the configuration, too.

I went with the high wind package, stronger webbing at those D rings.  I use ratchet motorcycle straps to hold mine down, solid.  Love my Bravo. 

[huntnfmly]

Another vote for Davis tents.

That's a sweet set up as well. So you went with the poles instead of the internal Frame? Happy with that choice? Nice camp blanket too lol

yes I like the poles we have it's a quick set up and it adjusts to un even ground better..Daughters blanket lol

[Duckslayer89]

Well i started shopping for tents now it's turned into shopping for a new truck to haul my camp lol! The high wind package sounds awesome with D loops

[Labs07]

I have had a Davis 14x16 foot tent for 12 years and have had no issues!  It has been to hell and back many times.  Get the fire and mildew resistance and an internal frame.  If you store it properly it could easily last a lifetime.