Backcountry tent?

GodSpeed1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 15, 2021
Messages
184
Hi guys,
I am sitting here doing my schoolwork, & got an email from the rok about a nice tarp from argali - Which reminded me, that the Winterial tent I have been using for backcountry hunts works, but is a P.O.S. Last year, I was way back in the woods & a big rain storm hit, I remember barely having enough room to sneak my pack & gear into the tent with me. I was wet & it was not ideal. Plus I remember waking up and the thing was sagging in. I saw that Argali makes a 1 person tent called the Owyhee which seems pretty solid - but I am wondering if there is something you may use for backpack hunts that has worked out goof for you? Thanks!!
 

Carrot Farmer

WKR
Classified Approved
Joined
Apr 19, 2020
Messages
948
Location
Central Oregon
08e556a4caecd183b9906250d4d47f1d.jpg

Durston X-Mid 1
-Double Door/vestibule
-double trek pole
-clip in nest
-sil poly, won’t sag when wet
-~$250…

absolutely loved it deer/elk seasons


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Hussar

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 10, 2021
Messages
212
I've spent time in the following tents. They're all fantastic options depending on what you're end goal is:
  • Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 Person
  • Seek Outside Guardian 2 Person with a stove
  • SJK Outpost 4 Tipi
  • Borah Gear Bivy & Solo Tarp (Wouldn't recommend outside of a dry climate. Not much room for gear)
I have an Argali Absaroka I'm planning on taking out this year. Haven't spent any time in it yet, but it seems like it'll do the job extremely well.
 

BC97

FNG
Joined
May 20, 2024
Messages
26
I’ll add another endorsement for the seek outside guardian. I used it for a backpacking trip in February and it held up to bad wind and snow with ease, plus plenty of space for 2 people with all your stuff. Just get yourself some heavier duty stakes than what it comes with.
 

Nickels

FNG
Joined
May 21, 2017
Messages
10
Location
Michigan
Might want to check out Tarptent also. Their Moment DW has been my go to. Very attractive price to weight ratio and the side vestibules are big enough to pull your pack and boots under when storms roll in. Super simple two stake setup. Can pitch it about anywhere due to its size and it bucks the wind well when orientated properly. Been good to me for 8+ years when we don’t take the big tipi and stove.

IMG_0114.jpegIMG_4453.jpeg
 

308Baer

FNG
Joined
Mar 29, 2022
Messages
10
I’m enjoying the Absaroka. No major weather events yet, but I’m sure it will hold up.
 

Dr.Chill

FNG
Joined
Nov 1, 2022
Messages
86
Location
Minnesota
Another vote for Copper Spur UL2. Did 10 days archery elk at 9-10k feet and performed excellent. Love the extra space inside, I'm 6'3 and the standard length was enough for me.
1000001588.jpg
 

rclouse79

WKR
Joined
Dec 10, 2019
Messages
1,934
08e556a4caecd183b9906250d4d47f1d.jpg

Durston X-Mid 1
-Double Door/vestibule
-double trek pole
-clip in nest
-sil poly, won’t sag when wet
-~$250…

absolutely loved it deer/elk seasons


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
THIS!!!!!
I have suffered from a mild case of shelter addiction. The Durston X-mid has cured me from buying new shelters (for now). It worked perfectly on this years elk and deer hunt. The deer hunt was very windy and rainy and I was happy as a pig in mud inside.

IMG_1946.jpeg
 

CoWapiti

FNG
Joined
Apr 2, 2019
Messages
46
I have a Seek outside Eolus and Cimarron. Both are excellent. The Eolus was designed as a 2p and probably would be with normal sized people but I'm 6'6 and 230lbs so I use it as a solo and it's awesome with vestibules on both sides. Gear on one, entry/exit on the other. The Eolus is no longer made but they have the Guardian and the Sunlight which are very similar in design. All their stuff is handmade in CO and their CS is excellent. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

Eolus on the left, Cim on the right.
20190504_131425.jpg
 

Idaboy

WKR
Joined
Oct 22, 2017
Messages
564
Depends on
1) snow or not
2) above tree line or out of wind
3) weight vs comfort balance

-I like free standing like MSR or BA, as do better in wind and are not as dependent on guy-outs

- if looking to go lighter and forgo above issues than any of others mentioned good

- if want hot tent then TP tent

- if snow, significant precip, the Hilleberg or similar
 

fj40rob

FNG
Joined
Feb 18, 2022
Messages
11
I stumbled into Big Sky International tents a few years ago because I needed the extra length and I wanted a free standing. They have been great in all weather in Alaska. I have no affiliation with the company.
 

Beendare

WKR
Joined
May 6, 2014
Messages
9,096
Location
Corripe cervisiam
Confused yet? Grin

So many good options depending on your priorities. They all have advantages/disadvantages. I have had multiple tipis, trekking pole tents, etc
My current go to is this Tarptent Double Rainbow (y) US made,UL, with floor and complete bug mesh, its big with no low sloping walls that direct condensation onto your bag- the only disadvantage is its not 4 season

IMG_1399.jpeg
 

CoWapiti

FNG
Joined
Apr 2, 2019
Messages
46
My dad and his gf have been using a double rainbow for several years and had a different version from tarptent before that. They absolutely love them.
 
Joined
Dec 8, 2023
Messages
7
the KUIU summit star 1 person is great and dry! tons of room for gear in the vestibule and I've never had issues.

One of the main reasons I love it is because you can set it up in pouring rain but the inside will stay dry. Most tents will catch a bunch of water before you get the fly on but not this one. by design you put the main tarp up first and then can hook up the net and ground sheet while protected from the water.

I don't have pictures of it in the field, but here it is in the backyard! Hopefully you can see how much room there is for gear.IMG_3353.jpeg
IMG_3352.jpeg
 
Top