Base camp tent

HuntMT16

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Joined
Aug 5, 2016
Messages
105
Location
Absarokee, MT
I am looking for suggestions on a new tent. Specifically looking for a tent that sets up fairly quick/easy that has a floor and is a 10x10ish or has two rooms, or has an add on vestibule. Having a stove would be a big bonus, but not required. I am looking for one that packs down somewhat small. The idea is to load the tent and other camping gear onto a side by side and using the side by side to get to a base camp area. Something similar to an Alaknak tent or a Cabela's lodge tent style is what I have been looking at, but wanted to get other suggestions reviews for any suggested tents.

I will be using it in Montana anywhere between the 5,000-10,000 elevation range from late spring to late fall. (I do plan to use a Mr. Buddy Heater if the tent does not have a wood stove, in addition to a good pad and sleeping bag). I don't want to do a canvass wall tent again but something that will hold up better than a $49.99 walmart special.

Thanks
 
I got 12x12 alaknak with vestibule, rain fly and barrel stove. If your in market, i don't use much anymore. Pm if interested, if not I don't think you can go wrong with this style if you want to roomy but mobile.
 
I have a 10x10 and a 12x16 Kodiak canvas and am more than happy with both. Both can add a vestibule and both can handle a wood stove. I have had both in 50mph winds with no problems and set up is super easy.
 
I bought an Alaknak 12 years ago. Works well but setup is not simple - Its not terrible, but there are a lot of parts. 2 guys that have experience can knock it out in about 20 minutes.

When that guy wears out I'll get a Springbar or Kodiak Canvas.
 
We have Kodiak canvas and an alaknak. Both have vestibule. The Kodiak is bullet proof, just doesnt pack down really small. Side by side hauling it tho.
 
While normally I'd recommend a Kodiak Canvas, having owned one and previously (sold it) a side by side, it's very heavy and a big packed size taking up your small amount of cargo space in a sxs.

Some guys like the Seek Outside Courthouse, which imagine you could get the liner for a floor.

Tipis are good for pack size, but a massive footprint is needed and not best for usable space inside and would still need to figure your floor/liner.

Snowtrekker has lighter canvas (7oz) / nylon hybrid options. They definitely pack down smaller than the kodiak tents, have similar setup time (about 15min) but way more expensive. The floor would not be fully integrated, but a tie in (if WRTL models) or laid in.

Arctic Oven - has the integrated floors, loved in Alaska or where very cold temps and supposed to be super high quality. Also expensive, but everyone says they retain heat, have the stove jack and integrated floor.
 
I’ve had a 8 x 10’ Springbar tent for probably 30 years; lived in it while working for the FS. It holds up to wind, rain and snow and is easy to set up by 1 person. Smells nice too. Yes it’s canvas so a little heavy but not too bad. It’s my car camping go-to. If it ever fails me I’d buy another in an instant. Made in SLC.
 
I am looking for suggestions on a new tent. Specifically looking for a tent that sets up fairly quick/easy that has a floor and is a 10x10ish or has two rooms, or has an add on vestibule. Having a stove would be a big bonus, but not required. I am looking for one that packs down somewhat small. The idea is to load the tent and other camping gear onto a side by side and using the side by side to get to a base camp area. Something similar to an Alaknak tent or a Cabela's lodge tent style is what I have been looking at, but wanted to get other suggestions reviews for any suggested tents.

I will be using it in Montana anywhere between the 5,000-10,000 elevation range from late spring to late fall. (I do plan to use a Mr. Buddy Heater if the tent does not have a wood stove, in addition to a good pad and sleeping bag). I don't want to do a canvass wall tent again but something that will hold up better than a $49.99 walmart special.

Thanks
I think some more info would help get some more recommendations. SXS bed is pretty small.
Few questions:
  1. how many hunters? Solo?
  2. Tent height needed? PITA if you can't stand up easily.
  3. With stove jack?
  4. Floor?
  5. Cots?
  6. External or internal frame?
  7. Bows or aluminum?
  8. Canvas, synthetic?
  9. Fly? Or just using tarp?
  10. Any chance to pull small trailer with SXS? That is game changer. There are some really nice SXS trailers.
 
I bought an Alaknak 12 years ago. Works well but setup is not simple - Its not terrible, but there are a lot of parts. 2 guys that have experience can knock it out in about 20 minutes.

When that guy wears out I'll get a Springbar or Kodiak Canvas.

I'm likewise enabled. Have had a Alaknak for the last 7-8 years. It's a solid option but as @The_Jim points out it's a bit of an exercise in swearing putting it up single-handedly. It's a great tent to base out of and it fits 2 people and a couple of dumbass labs easily. Add the stove for comfort and a couple of cots with thick pads and you're living in the lap of luxury.

Once the Alaknak wears out I'll likely go with the Kodiak or I may even embrace middle age and pick up a camper.
 

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