Kifaru tent condensation

[Shawn Ryan]

I'm considering purchasing a Kifaru tent, probably the ParaTipi, and one of Kifaru's super-small wood stoves. Does anyone have experience with condensation in Kifaru tents, either from running a wood stove or just from warming the tent with body heat?

[Tim]

When you use the stove the moisture goes away fast,otherwise you learn to ventlate.If you get one of the tipis than get a liner and it takes care of it completely.If you've been looking at a Para-tipi than you might take a look at the super-tarp.It's about the same size and alot more versitile.Tim

[Shawn Ryan]

Tim, I need to fit 2-3 guys in the tent.  Do you think the Supertarp can handle that?  Do you know if the ParaTipi can handle 3 guys?  What do you have?

[Tim]

That  will be very tight with either the Super Tarp or the Para Tarp,but doable in an emergancy.The 4 man would be better.Personaly I have a 6 man and its great for up to 4 guys.You can split the wieght up pretty well between a couple of guys.You should go to  their message board,the companys owner(Patrick in his sixtys)packed in several miles,solo with a 6 man and med. stove.Start watching the trading post to pick up what you want used,just keep your eye one the calender so you don't run out of time before the hunting season starts.Tim

[boneaddict]

Lots of condensation if you use a propane heater, or just breathe. 

[Skyvalhunter]

But with that light weight wood stove that the Kifaru has availiable you shouldnt have a worry. Heard nothing but good about them.

[Shawn Ryan]

Anybody have experiencew with a Paratipi (not a ParaTarp)?

[Tim]

I had  one for awhile and its a real good set up.The stove in the middle would prob.be more effective(but prob. only usefull in much more extreme cond. than you will come accross in Wa.)The stove location just seemed to be in the way for me

[JBR]

The condensation is really only an issue in the morning and IF you don't have a liner.  Invest in the liner - it's worth every penny.  When the stove is going or when it's a dry day, no issues.  Once the liners in, condesation is a thing of the past!  As for size for 2-3 guys, I'd definately go with the 6-man.  I have the 6-man with a med stove and it's perfect for 2, and no problem for 3 (and all your gear).  The only time I've gone with 4 is with me and the 3 sons (12, 10 and 8 yrs old) when we flyfish in Idaho in August for a week and we can do it, but they're not grown men.   

Also with the 6-man, I can stand up in the center (watching out for the pipe) to get dressed which is a real bonus, and I'm 6'3".  Anything smaller for 2-3 guys would be a bit cramped especially if you have to spend much time in there (weather?). 

The 6-man with liner and med stove is just around 12 lbs total, and divided up between 2-3 guys, that's only 4-6 lbs per guy. Not bad for a bomb proof, heated shelter you can pack into anywhere!

If you haven't seen any in person and would like to see the 6-man sometime, PM me and I can set it up and show it to you if you're ever up this way.  I'm in South Everett area and for that kind of money, it's nice to get your hands on something to check it out in person.

Several of the local guys that have Kifaru gear, get together for a wilderness "rondy" in July.  The owner of Kifaru, Patrick, flies out from Colorado and joins us.  It's a great way to see tons of great gear, Kifaru and otherwise.  Do as Tim has said and check out the Kifaru forum for TONS of info from some really experieced guys.

Good luck.
Jim

[Shawn Ryan]

Thanks for the replies.  Those have been very helpful.

[Tim]

If you are ever up in N. Kitsap Co. let me know,I've got a 6 man and a S. Tarp I'd be happy to show them to you

[Skyvalhunter]

The Owner flies out in July why don't you jsut go check out the tents then Tim