Rifleman86
WKR
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2018
- Messages
- 1,268
After 3 years of elk hunting my hunting partner and I have decided we finally need a bomb proof truck camp setup. First year we went out with my Cimmeron and that was it… Talk about miserable (especially considering it got down to -15F!)
Next time I bought a SO 8 man, it worked, but we had four in camp, and even with some extra tents for sleeping the 8 man was tight. But the weather was fairer so it wasn’t so bad.
This past year we also had the 8 man with three. It was about perfect for backpacking in, but it was still cramped for near the truck, especially when the temps plummeted into the single digits. We tagged out on the first day and once the meat hauling began we longed for something a bit more spacious and comfortable.
Hunting wise what we are doing works, we’ve been into elk all 3 years and filled tags the past two years. We typically spike in for 2-3 days at a time on a 7 day hunt. Usually we get a hotel mid way through the week but that can cut significantly into hunting time, not to mention expense.
We’ve come to the conclusion that the lightweight tipis just aren’t that great for a base camp setup near the truck. The shape isn’t conducive to cots, the condensation issues are sort of a pain, and the titanium stoves, while awesome in the backcountry burn out fast when trying to R&R. Overall they are just too cramped outside of the backpacking/backcountry environment in inclement weather. We’re actually thinking about ditching tipis all together and going super light and running tarps when we backpack in next year, but that’s a subject of another thread.
Bottom line we want some sort of wall tent set up that can sleep 2-4 comfortably. Many years it might just be us, but occasionally a mutual friend wants to try elk hunting (usually discovering that being successful means a lot of work and a lot of suck, and it’s not just cool Instagram shots!
)
I looked at the Alaknak series hard but I’ve come to the conclusion that Canvas is better for the purpose of a truck camp. I do want something floored for use with the family during warmer months.
I’m leaning heavily toward this.
https://www.kodiakcanvas.com/12x12-cabin-lodge-and-stove-bundle/
I assume a 12x12 tent will do us fine most of the time, with the awning we can expand things a bit if we add some folks to camp. Anyone use this setup? Thoughts?
We also have come to the conclusion that a trailer is necessary. Once the extra gear comes out of the 150 and 110 qt coolers and the meat goes in, the short bed Tundra gets small quick.
Interested to hear thoughts on Kodiak canvas, or if anyone else has gone through a similar evolution when it comes to what tent(s) you take on a hunt.
ETA this is for rifle season btw.
Next time I bought a SO 8 man, it worked, but we had four in camp, and even with some extra tents for sleeping the 8 man was tight. But the weather was fairer so it wasn’t so bad.
This past year we also had the 8 man with three. It was about perfect for backpacking in, but it was still cramped for near the truck, especially when the temps plummeted into the single digits. We tagged out on the first day and once the meat hauling began we longed for something a bit more spacious and comfortable.
Hunting wise what we are doing works, we’ve been into elk all 3 years and filled tags the past two years. We typically spike in for 2-3 days at a time on a 7 day hunt. Usually we get a hotel mid way through the week but that can cut significantly into hunting time, not to mention expense.
We’ve come to the conclusion that the lightweight tipis just aren’t that great for a base camp setup near the truck. The shape isn’t conducive to cots, the condensation issues are sort of a pain, and the titanium stoves, while awesome in the backcountry burn out fast when trying to R&R. Overall they are just too cramped outside of the backpacking/backcountry environment in inclement weather. We’re actually thinking about ditching tipis all together and going super light and running tarps when we backpack in next year, but that’s a subject of another thread.
Bottom line we want some sort of wall tent set up that can sleep 2-4 comfortably. Many years it might just be us, but occasionally a mutual friend wants to try elk hunting (usually discovering that being successful means a lot of work and a lot of suck, and it’s not just cool Instagram shots!
)I looked at the Alaknak series hard but I’ve come to the conclusion that Canvas is better for the purpose of a truck camp. I do want something floored for use with the family during warmer months.
I’m leaning heavily toward this.
https://www.kodiakcanvas.com/12x12-cabin-lodge-and-stove-bundle/
I assume a 12x12 tent will do us fine most of the time, with the awning we can expand things a bit if we add some folks to camp. Anyone use this setup? Thoughts?
We also have come to the conclusion that a trailer is necessary. Once the extra gear comes out of the 150 and 110 qt coolers and the meat goes in, the short bed Tundra gets small quick.
Interested to hear thoughts on Kodiak canvas, or if anyone else has gone through a similar evolution when it comes to what tent(s) you take on a hunt.
ETA this is for rifle season btw.
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