Alaknak sizes

[Billy74]

I think i’m going to upgrade to an alaknak this year.  I cant decide between the 12x12 with vestibule or 12x20 without.  It will mostly be just me and my 2 boys.  Anyone have issues finding a good spot for a 20 ft tent when the woods are full of hunters (NE units)?  I love the idea of having more room but if its just me warming a smaller tent may be easier.  Any pros and cons I’m not thinking of.  My wife and little girl come camping too but not often enough to effect my decision.  We would put the 3 kids on disco beds and wife and i on an air mattress.  Or just use the coleman cabin tent.  I suppose the bigger one might make the wife want to camp more though. 


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[vandeman17]

We have a 16x20 wall tent that is a palace for 3 guys during hunting season. I love that thing but it doesn't have it's downfalls with the two main ones being that it can be a little more difficult to find a good spot for the footprint and it is a lot more to heat. We are actually thinking about downsizing to two different sizes like a 10x12 and a 10x16 or something along those lines to get some flexibility. If we have a bigger group, bring both and have one as cook tent and one to sleep. If its just the old man and I, then one would suffice. 

[Stein]

I would like the bigger one, but if you are going to ever use improved campsites, you will have problems.  Other considerations is setting it up, storage size and weight.  If you always have help, it may not be an issue, but solo setups can be a bit challenging with the bigger size I'm guessing.

[gee_unit360]

12x12 isn’t really big enough for 3 cots and room to move around. Especially with stove.

[trophyhunt]

12x12 isn’t really big enough for 3 cots and room to move around. Especially with stove.

it isn’t, 2 guys yes.

[Billy74]

12x12 isn’t really big enough for 3 cots and room to move around. Especially with stove.

it isn’t, 2 guys yes.

If it was just me and the boys it would be my cot and bunkbed style cots so the footprint of 2. 


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[jackelope]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

[Buckhunter24]

Imo you wont have issues finding spots to set up 12 x 20 in ne washington

[Billy74]

I think 12x20 will be the way to go.  If i need a smaller shelter i’ll just pack the old cabin tent.  The whole purpose is to be comfortable and those fall nights are long when its dark by 5:00.  And in summer with the family it will work great. 


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[Billy74]

Imo you wont have issues finding spots to set up 12 x 20 in ne washington

I don’t think so either.  I just have an area i like to go that’s close to where i hunt and spots there get taken fast.  Just have to add finding camping spots to my summer scouting. 


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[vandeman17]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

Agree with this. Only way to keep condensation down is with wood burning stove. We had the Bighorn for a while and ran a buddy heater in it. We had to wipe down the walls every morning

[jackelope]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

Agree with this. Only way to keep condensation down is with wood burning stove. We had the Bighorn for a while and ran a buddy heater in it. We had to wipe down the walls every morning

My experience with them was always with a wood stove.  Still condensation. I will say the woodstove we had was not of the greatest quality and wouldn't stay warm/hot all night, so that may have been why.

[Billy74]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

Thats been the biggest drawback I’ve heard.  I would love to go canvas but don’t have the space to store it or dry it out and I’m not keen on putting one up solo.  Alaknak just won the pros and cons checklist.  Ive also heard people say they have very little condensation even in the cold running propane heat.  Id love to know what they’re doing differently. 


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[vandeman17]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

Thats been the biggest drawback I’ve heard.  I would love to go canvas but don’t have the space to store it or dry it out and I’m not keen on putting one up solo.  Alaknak just won the pros and cons checklist.  Ive also heard people say they have very little condensation even in the cold running propane heat.  Id love to know what they’re doing differently. 


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Look into Kokiak Canvas

https://www.kodiakcanvas.com/10-x-14-ft-flex-bow-canvas-tent-deluxe/

[Stein]

I've spent several one week trips in mine and I've never had any condensation.  I run a wood stove and keep the tent in the 60s when I'm in it and as warm as I can at night.  Maybe condensation is more of a problem if you aren't burning as much wood?  Or, maybe it's an issue if it is hotter than 60's?  I have no idea other than I don't have a problem and I have hanging lines run all over and dry all kinds of soggy clothes in there.

[jackelope]

I've spent several one week trips in mine and I've never had any condensation.  I run a wood stove and keep the tent in the 60s when I'm in it and as warm as I can at night.  Maybe condensation is more of a problem if you aren't burning as much wood?  Or, maybe it's an issue if it is hotter than 60's?  I have no idea other than I don't have a problem and I have hanging lines run all over and dry all kinds of soggy clothes in there.

I suspect our issue was an inexpensive, lower quality stove that doesn't hold heat and that's not big enough for the tent just not doing the job. It was cold and snowing the last time. November in the mountains in Idaho.

[Ironhead]

The more people you put in them the more condensation you get. Propane heat will make it rain inside. I had a 12x12 for 10 years or so and loved how easy it was to set up by yourself.

[gee_unit360]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

Agree with this. Only way to keep condensation down is with wood burning stove. We had the Bighorn for a while and ran a buddy heater in it. We had to wipe down the walls every morning

My experience with them was always with a wood stove.  Still condensation. I will say the woodstove we had was not of the greatest quality and wouldn't stay warm/hot all night, so that may have been why.

You have to crack some of the windows on the sides of the tent. It still stays Toasty with a stove and gets rid of condensation.

[The scout]

  I would not stay in one again with propane heat. First year I stayed in one in eastern Montana, woke up to the condensation frozen to the roof from us snoring all night, lit the heater and it rained enough to get everything wet.

[Apples]

I have had my 12x12 for 5 years absolutely love it have slept four in it with bunk bed cots never had any problems with condensation, the vestibule is a must.

[actionshooter]

I have a 12x12 and 12x20 Alaknak… here's my experience... The 12 x12 is crowded with 3 but if you have bunk beds that a non issue.... I have a vestibule and that's were we keep the kitchen and camp gear... I love it.. totally worth the money for the vestibule.

The 12x20 is great for more people but when it gets 15* and colder... the opposite end of the tent gets cold, the heat from the stove doesn't get there.

 Do NOT use propane in these tents.. they will sweat horribly.
I have 10 years on both of these tents and they are both about wore out...

[Wingin it]

I have a 12x20 and love it. I can set it up by myself but it takes about 40 minutes. I've only used wood heat and keep windows cracked. Never had much of a condensation issue. They heat up fast and also cool down fast as they don't have the thickness of canvas. That is the one drawback I see, you have to keep that fire going.

[D-Rock425]

I have one on the big horns.  I set up kitchen and stove on 1 side and 2 cots on the other works great for 2 guys.

[gutsnthegrass]

I bought a 12x20 with vestibule a couple years ago.  I set it up for the first time last weekend.  They go up fast!  The kids seemed to enjoy it.

[Woodchuck]

I've spent a few weeks worth of time in a 12x20 Alaknak and it's got lots of room for 3 guys and a stove. Room to sit and eat and relax and stuff.  If you're not using a stove, 12x12 is enough room for 3 people but you won't have a lot of room to move around. One thing I noticed with the Alaknak is condensation. Seems like there's a lot of condensation. Maybe there are ways to divert that that we didn't try.

Agree with this. Only way to keep condensation down is with wood burning stove. We had the Bighorn for a while and ran a buddy heater in it. We had to wipe down the walls every morning

My experience with them was always with a wood stove.  Still condensation. I will say the woodstove we had was not of the greatest quality and wouldn't stay warm/hot all night, so that may have been why.

You have to crack some of the windows on the sides of the tent. It still stays Toasty with a stove and gets rid of condensation.

This, I have a 13x27 and with a window open I have very little condensation issues.

[trophyhunt]

Stayed in a 20 foot long alakank for years, have a good wood stove but we put a tarp over the tent and never had any issues with condensation.  I now have a 13x27’ brand new one, It has roof vents so I’m going to leave off the extra tarp this year and see how it goes.  OP, I’d go with the bigger alaknak and just buy a smaller dome tent like someone else suggested. 

[kramman]

I also have the 13x27 like others have stated leave some vents open and condensation is minimal. We've had 6 guys in ours 1 year still had enough room for table and chairs