Big Sky Chinook

jwb300

WKR
Joined
Dec 10, 2013
Messages
512
Location
Australia
Has anyone used of these or found any decent review?

I'm considering one as my 4 season tent. I really like the design, weight and my Big Sky Revolution 3 season tent. My reservation is that the Chinook comes in at sub 2kg and substantially cheaper than other big name 4 season tents which also typically weigh 3-4+kg.

What are peoples thoughts? Is this a true 4 season tent? For reference it will be used in NZ alps above snow line which can get some pretty brutal weather.

Cheers,
JWB300
 
i bought one. bought the 1p chinook with both inners. i honestly have only used it with two poles so far and the no seeum mesh inner due to weather at times of usage, i have only set it up with the breathable solid inner and 3rd pole in my yard. i had it in some brutal winds in 3 season mode on ridgetops here in wa around 7400 ft. i also have the 2p rev with porch. i am not afraid to trust it thus far for 4 seasons mode judging by my time in it in 3 season mode. it was bomber in 3 season mode and prefer the zipper system on the chinook over the revolution as the vestabule has 2 zippers on each vestabule rather than one . i will be using it ski mountaineering this winter in 4 season mode solo climbing peaks as a base.
 
Looks like the Chinook comes with either all mesh, if you want all fabric it will add cost and weight or if you want a combo it will add significantly more. Also, the price does not include stakes or guylines. The closest Hilleberg looks to be the Staika, which is 4kg. and even with all the add-ons the Chinook 2p ends up at like 2.2kg. However the Hilleberg uses a much more durable and waterproof fabric, I believe the BigSky silnylon is 30 denier whereas the Kerlon 1800 is triple urethane coated 70 or 100 denier. The Staika has a little bit bigger pole 10mm vs 9mm. Obviously you save some money over a Hille and some weight. I would suspect that it comes down to how hard are you on your gear (ie will silnylon hold up for you). With the current 20% off sale the cost difference may be worth giving it a shot.
 
Looks like the Chinook comes with either all mesh, if you want all fabric it will add cost and weight or if you want a combo it will add significantly more. Also, the price does not include stakes or guylines. The closest Hilleberg looks to be the Staika, which is 4kg. and even with all the add-ons the Chinook 2p ends up at like 2.2kg. However the Hilleberg uses a much more durable and waterproof fabric, I believe the BigSky silnylon is 30 denier whereas the Kerlon 1800 is triple urethane coated 70 or 100 denier. The Staika has a little bit bigger pole 10mm vs 9mm. Obviously you save some money over a Hille and some weight. I would suspect that it comes down to how hard are you on your gear (ie will silnylon hold up for you). With the current 20% off sale the cost difference may be worth giving it a shot.

on my 1p chinook the solid inner is onlt 2oz more than the no seeum mesh inner
 
Thanks guys - Great feedback.

Greyghostnw - do you see yourself keeping the Rev now that you have the Chinook? The Chinook seems to be good for 3 season at a reasonable weight if you leave the 3rd pole at home?

How does the Chinook pitch without the 3rd pole? Is the fabric taut?

The cost difference is significant for me. The Big Sky is some $650 AUD cheaper than the Hilleberg which is nearly $1500 AUD with a footprint!
 
Thanks guys - Great feedback.

Greyghostnw - do you see yourself keeping the Rev now that you have the Chinook? The Chinook seems to be good for 3 season at a reasonable weight if you leave the 3rd pole at home?

How does the Chinook pitch without the 3rd pole? Is the fabric taut?

The cost difference is significant for me. The Big Sky is some $650 AUD cheaper than the Hilleberg which is nearly $1500 AUD with a footprint!

the rev i have is a 2p, bought it for my son and i so yes i am keeping it. the chinook 1p is taught in 3 season mode, pitch feels similar to the rev, i have tried it without guying out and guying out for that purpose. i was surprised how little weight wise the inners were. overall i am happy with these tents. the hillbergs no doubt are great as well by reputation.
 
the rev i have is a 2p, bought it for my son and i so yes i am keeping it. the chinook 1p is taught in 3 season mode, pitch feels similar to the rev, i have tried it without guying out and guying out for that purpose. i was surprised how little weight wise the inners were. overall i am happy with these tents. the hillbergs no doubt are great as well by reputation.

Thanks! Sounds like a good thing.
 
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