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.