Big Sky International Chinook experience?

[GoatBoat218]

I've been eyeing up this tent for backpack hunts here in Alaska. Looks like a cross between a kuiu storm star and a hilleberg allak or soulo but much lighter. Comes in a 2p and a 1p+. I think it's a US company which is cool. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of these tents?

Big Sky Chinook 1Plus tent

Based on Big Sky's Award Winning Revolution 1P design - 3 poles creates a very storm worthy design - Double wall construction to prevent condensation inside - Pole clip design for very fast and easy setup and take down - Interior buckles to outer shell for one piece setup/take down - Two top...

bigskyinternational.com

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

You are right regarding the comparisons. They are a shit show of a company though. They never have stock and are unreliable in communication or restocking product. Made overseas, just based in the US. Think of SWFA of the tent world. I've had a sheep partner use the Chinook 1+ and it is a nice tent. They are definitely lighter than a Hilleberg for comparable shelters, but nowhere near the quality or durability. They are thus way overpriced. I would recommend the Kuiu Mountainstar 2P for a similarly lightweight shelter for 2P or the Hilleberg Niak for a solo shelter that is reasonably light.

 

[Rockchuck]

I have the 2 man and like it quite a bit. I ran an akto for years and the hilliberg is of superior quality, but the Chinook is no slouch itself. It has stood up in some serious storms for me with no issues. Agreed on the communications by the company. I would buy it again though.

 

[alikrokslideit]

I have the 2 man and like it quite a bit. I ran an akto for years and the hilliberg is of superior quality, but the Chinook is no slouch itself. It has stood up in some serious storms for me with no issues. Agreed on the communications by the company. I would buy it again though.

Currently looking to purchase 2p Chinook as a lighter alternative to Allak.
I'm a bit sceptic about the floor material and those clips between the inner tent and fly.
Is the bathtub floor is robust enough to use it without additional ground sheet?
Are the clips reliable and how easy or messy to open/close them in gloves?
Oh, and the zippers! Do you have any issues?

 

[Rockchuck]

No issues for me with the clips. I have always run the tent with the footprint attached and feel it is cheap insurance. I would not run it without a footprint as the material is light. I have always ran a footprint on any tent I pack in and this one needs the footprint. I don't ever seperate the inner tent, ground sheet, and outer fly for stowing and setup. Have never had an issue with it coming loose. The zippers have functioned great as well.

 

[alikrokslideit]

No issues for me with the clips. I have always run the tent with the footprint attached and feel it is cheap insurance. I would not run it without a footprint as the material is light. I have always ran a footprint on any tent I pack in and this one needs the footprint. I don't ever seperate the inner tent, ground sheet, and outer fly for stowing and setup. Have never had an issue with it coming loose. The zippers have functioned great as well.

What footprint are you using? Does it cover the vestibules too?

 

[Rockchuck]

I am using a big sky international footprint. It is a tyvek materiel and hooks in at the same corner points as the inner and outer tent does. It does not cover the floor of the vestible.

Footprint for tent

Tent footprint is made from durable lightweight fabric. Corners have S-hooks that are used to attach footprint to tent. "1P" footprint fits a number of models:Chinook 1P tents, Evolution 1P tents, Mirage 1P tents, and Revolution 1P tents "2P" footprint fits a number of models:Chinook 2P tents...

bigskyinternational.com