Kifaru Shelter Input

[mburrows]

Hoping to get some input and see what you guys think about the different features on the Kifaru shelters I've down selected to.  I am set on Kifaru, I like the brand and customer service they offer.  I am torn between the Sawtooth and the new 4-man Tut.  Both are solid options for two-man camps.    Whatever tent I decide on, I'm fairly certain I will be buying the 12" Titanium Oval stove, I like the fact that I can cook on it if need be, it has a large capacity and is very light. 

I like the Sawtooth because you can get a liner to help with condensation, looks like you might have some more room compared to the Tut and is better built to deal with high winds which have been an issue in the past.

The Tut is also appealing because of the price and weight savings.  It also seems that it may be better suited if we needed to add a third person in a pinch.

What do you think?  Does the Sawtooth liner really make that much of a difference that it is worth the added weight and extra $275?  If you were in my shoes which way would you lean?

[BIGDOG253]

Tagging

[head hunter]

I just bought the sawtooth and it has enough room to stand up in and sleep three. I bought the inner liner do to all the reviews saying it will condensate bad with out one. I also bought the medium rectangular stove and love them as a set just need to hit the mountain with it now.

[Jonathan_S]

If brushing a shoulder against a damp surface is unthinkable then yeah go with the liner 

If you haven't used a floorless shelter before then you might be surprised how little they condensate.  You will have a stove going which means you will have the door halfway open most of the time.  That plus the heat of the stove will really make condensation a non-issue.  I guess it comes down to whatever you're willing to carry/buy and what your sensitivity is to a damp tent wall.

Also.  Not sure what your definition of "high winds" is but tipis are extraordinarily wind resistant.  I've had my home build tipi in sustained 50 mph wind and it barely ruffles the fabric.  You just raise the pitch a bit and wind enters the bottom of tent and it stays full like a balloon and totally impervious to the wind.  The conical shape is incredible in the wind.

[mburrows]

Thanks for the input.

You read some of the reviews and the condensation issue gets hammered over and over.  If its no worse than your standard single wall tent condensation then it doesn't seem like it would be worth it to me.

By high winds I mean 30ish mph sustained. I've had tents collapse and roll if an unexpected wind came up and we weren't around to get it better situated.  I never thought about raising the pitch though, that makes a lot of sense.

[Jonathan_S]

Worth trying without for sure 

My homemade 4-man tipi is obviously of a lower quality and price than a Kifaru but it's spent about 12 nights in freezing, warming, and very windy/rainy conditions and I have to imagine a Kifaru will do as good or better.

[kentrek]

Also.  Not sure what your definition of "high winds" is but tipis are extraordinarily wind resistant.  I've had my home build tipi in sustained 50 mph wind and it barely ruffles the fabric.  You just raise the pitch a bit and wind enters the bottom of tent and it stays full like a balloon and totally impervious to the wind.  The conical shape is incredible in the wind.

I'm confused alil....so there's a few inch gap between the bottom of the shelter and the ground, allowing wind to come inside the shelter ?? Inflating it ?

[Jonathan_S]

Also.  Not sure what your definition of "high winds" is but tipis are extraordinarily wind resistant.  I've had my home build tipi in sustained 50 mph wind and it barely ruffles the fabric.  You just raise the pitch a bit and wind enters the bottom of tent and it stays full like a balloon and totally impervious to the wind.  The conical shape is incredible in the wind.

I'm confused alil....so there's a few inch gap between the bottom of the shelter and the ground, allowing wind to come inside the shelter ?? Inflating it ?

Yeah that's what I meant.  It's really a phenomenon and when I describe it, it probably sounds like a wind tunnel but it is perfectly calm.  Not even a few inches, maybe 3/4" gap in the space between two stakes and the effect will be the same

[kentrek]

Also.  Not sure what your definition of "high winds" is but tipis are extraordinarily wind resistant.  I've had my home build tipi in sustained 50 mph wind and it barely ruffles the fabric.  You just raise the pitch a bit and wind enters the bottom of tent and it stays full like a balloon and totally impervious to the wind.  The conical shape is incredible in the wind.

I'm confused alil....so there's a few inch gap between the bottom of the shelter and the ground, allowing wind to come inside the shelter ?? Inflating it ?

Yeah that's what I meant.  It's really a phenomenon and when I describe it, it probably sounds like a wind tunnel but it is perfectly calm.  Not even a few inches, maybe 3/4" gap in the space between two stakes and the effect will be the same

That's kinda cool, i have zero experience with a tipi so it sounds counter intuitive to me...I would never think to do that

[hogslayer]

I own the Sawtooth and really really like it.  I haven't used the 4 person tent but the Sawtooth is Kifaru's number 1 selling tent for a reason.  You hardly ever see them for sale used.  It is roomy and can shed wind if set up right.  I'll tug that thing along if hunting with a friend who can help share the weight when we bring the stove.  Solo it's just a 9x12 tarp

[mburrows]

Thanks for the input

[ridgefire]

Rokslide has a pretty good thread on this same topic. Might find your answer there. Sounds like the tut may be better in most situations.