Canvas Wall Tent VS. Cabela's Alaknak

[Cascade_Sherpa]

I agree with the post above, its hard to beat a heavy canvas wall tent the snow starts to fly.  My old man has a Beckel 16'x20' that we use for elk hunting camp.  Weight isn't an issue, the wood stove keeps it warm enough to wear shorts & t-shirt. And when it thaws and snow begins to fall out of the trees in huge chunks, that old tent has never colapsed, torn, or failed.

However, if weight is an issue; horseback or fly in hunts. Cabelas Alaskan guide dome tents work fantastic as long as you don't need a wood stove.  Thats when the Alakanak would shine.  I've slept in my buddys and I really like it. 

[Woodchuck]

i have an alaknak 12x20 and the above post is correct, if it is wet and cold it will sweat, to eliminate that i put a big tarp over it to create and little buffer, works great. have used mine for several years and although i am biased i like it better than canvas, has a floor, light, one guy setup and although lighter pretty doggone tough. i can post  pic if you want

[Shawn Ryan]

Haven't used an Alaknak, but have used a canvas tent and recommend it.  We researched many manufacturers and tents before buying.  We wanted a tent that was durable and would last several decades.  We purchased a 12x16 Bravo tent.  We asked several manufacturers why tents came back for repairs.  The most common answer was for grommets and seams.  Bravo uses "D" rings sewn to nylon webbing instead of grommets and sews the seams with 4 layers.  They start with the best canvas available.  At the Sportsman's Show they ran a sprinkler on the canvas the entire time with no leaking.  They custom make each tent so you choose where you want doors, windows, and stove jacks.  We opted for a screen door that attaches to the main door and is removable.  Their porch can be added later, if desired.  They were close to me so I saved several hundred $ in shipping costs by picking the tent up myself.  They make good pole bags for internal frames and sell the joints and poles, but will sell the canvas and/or joints without a frame if you don't need them or want to cut your own poles.

We made several light-weight methods for hanging gear.  The clothes drying rack is made of plastic electrical conduit and the gear hangers are just small rope and "S" hooks. The photo of the "D" ring would be better if you could see that the nylon webbing runs the length of the eve.

[whacker1]

Thanks for the pictures and the post.

[Cascade_Sherpa]

That looks like a really well built Tent! I will have to check out Bravo tents, our camp looks like it will be expanding and the need for more space to sleep is really needed!

[BuckHunter23]

thanks for all the replies and suggestions.  The consensus sounds like I should go for a wall tent.  Now I just have to check out and price all the different recommendations.  Thanks again.  Hopefully I can report after the season on what I got and how it held up.  And with a nice buck hanging near by!!!

[BuckHunter23]

After everyone's advice, I think my buddy and I have decided to go with canvas vs. the Alaknak.  Mostly because of how long it will last and I wasn't to thrilled about all the condensation stories I heard about the Alaknak.

We are most likely going to go with a 14x16 Kwik Kamp combo setup.  Tent, frame, and stove about $2,000 out the door.  Has anyone else purchased their tent from Kwik Kamp?  Your thoughts?  Is the price decent?

[boneaddict]

Have both(between Booner and I)......the Alak does seem to have a condensation problem.  The wall is much more comfortable in bad weather situations.  However the Alak is much more portable and easier to put up, take down and move.

[sisu]

I've only slept in a buddy's squad tent in Alaska during the winter, fall and spring with his gasoline powered stove. It was warm but very dark.
We have the Alaknak which we like. Have not used it in real cold conditions but can see where you'll have condensation problems if the stove is not pumping out heat and you can vent out the moisture put out by the human body and our dogs.