Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 07:16:48 AM

Title: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 07:16:48 AM: I'm having trouble trying to decide between these two tents. Does anyone have experience with them? I will be purchasing mainly for hunting but also for family summer trips. I hunt Idaho thanksgiving weekend so it will need to be able to handle some snow.

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Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: vandeman17 on May 23, 2016, 07:20:04 AM: I liked our bighorn a lot. My only complaints had to do with the vestibule shape and tent shape. The angle of the doors made it tough to open from the inside and the shape of the tent can make it harder to use efficiently with cots. There was a lot of trial and error before we found the best set up. Overall though, it's a solid tent
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: syoungs on May 23, 2016, 08:01:58 AM: I just bought a 12x20 alaknak, I looked hard at the big horn, and the 12x12 as well, I didn't like the odd shape of the big horn as much, and the 12x12 seems like it would run out of room in a hurry, plus has 1' shorter walls.

I really like the alaknak so far, easy setup, smallish size when packed, and the material seems very durable. I think you'll get the same benefits from a bighorn though.

How many people will it need to sleep? Cots or on the ground?
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 08:05:34 AM: Quote from: syoungs on May 23, 2016, 08:01:58 AM
I just bought a 12x20 alaknak, I looked hard at the big horn, and the 12x12 as well, I didn't like the odd shape of the big horn as much, and the 12x12 seems like it would run out of room in a hurry, plus has 1' shorter walls.

I really like the alaknak so far, easy setup, smallish size when packed, and the material seems very durable. I think you'll get the same benefits from a bighorn though.

How many people will it need to sleep? Cots or on the ground?

For hunting it will be one or two on cots. For summer camping trips it will be my wife and I and 3 little ones.
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: kckrawler on May 23, 2016, 08:06:08 AM: Lacey Cabelas used to have both set up so you could walk around and make the right decision...went with Alaknak.
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 08:10:11 AM: For those with the Alaknak, My only concern is that some reviews mention a lack of internal frame. Do you find that to be a problem in the snow?
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: kckrawler on May 23, 2016, 08:13:36 AM: I had over 3' of snow dump on my wife and I one night without issue. Just make sure the guy lines are tight.
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: Woodchuck on May 23, 2016, 08:18:37 AM: I always tarp mine to cut down condensation but it has been through more than 1 blizzard with flying colors. I didn't sleep much those nights because I was pretty sure we were gonna meet Dorothy and Toto in person but the tent did great. :tup:
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 08:29:39 AM: thanks guys! :tup:
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 23, 2016, 08:34:21 AM: Alaknak for me also. It's been great and handled the snow very well
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 05:03:01 PM: Another thing I've noticed reading the reviews is that a lot of guys complain about the condensation. Is it really bad or something that can be prevented?

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Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: Woodchuck on May 23, 2016, 05:13:56 PM: Quote from: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 05:03:01 PM
Another thing I've noticed reading the reviews is that a lot of guys complain about the condensation. Is it really bad or something that can be prevented?

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It can be under the right/wrong conditions. I always put a tarp over mine and never have an issue. Free tip #312 I use golf balls on the underside of the tarp and tie the guy ropes around the bottom of the golf ball. That way it doesn't tear the tarp when you get wind.
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: The scout on May 23, 2016, 05:16:38 PM: Quote from: grundy53 on May 23, 2016, 05:03:01 PM
Another thing I've noticed reading the reviews is that a lot of guys complain about the condensation. Is it really bad or something that can be prevented?

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it can be prevented by running the wood stove a lot, try and use propane for heat little as possible. I will never own one again, wall tent for me
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: actionshooter on May 23, 2016, 05:21:50 PM: I started with a Bighorn and returned it because the layout isn't very good for more than 2 guys. With 3 it starts getting real crowded. Bought the Alagnak 12x20 and then another, 12x12

They work pretty good.
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: trophyhunt on May 23, 2016, 05:54:39 PM: I love the alaknak we use, put a tarp over it to keep condensation away and for the snow to just slide off.
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 23, 2016, 06:44:00 PM: I don't notice condensation any worse than anything else in my Alaknak. With a stove it's a nonissue
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 28, 2016, 12:51:32 PM: I pulled the trigger on an Alaknak today. Thanks for all of the help.

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Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: syoungs on May 28, 2016, 01:01:18 PM: I what size did you go with? Did they still have the free vestibule offer? I'm loving mine, cannot wait to take it in its maiden voyage next weekend!
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 28, 2016, 01:06:03 PM: 12x12. Unfortunately no free vestibule. Unless it's in the box :chuckle:

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Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 29, 2016, 03:47:48 PM: Got it all set up today. I really like it.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160529%2F41a7a32a5c52b7454bb7141c610fcc87.jpg&hash=e1bf35f6afecd305366ac202cccea075be3c820b)

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Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: Bean Counter on May 29, 2016, 04:08:57 PM: :tup:

The chimney flap is empty. Back to the store for you. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: elkaholic123 on May 29, 2016, 04:48:14 PM: Get the roof panel, floor panel and vestibule and you will enjoy it way more. :twocents:
Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: grundy53 on May 29, 2016, 05:30:57 PM: I plan on it. Just have to let the bank account recover first. :chuckle:

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Title: Re: Alaknak vs Bighorn III
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on May 29, 2016, 05:49:02 PM: How many cots can you fit in there with a wood stove?