Floorless Shelter Failures??

[Ryan Avery]

I only buy gear based on influencer reviews . I especially focus on the influencers that review products while wearing a branded t shirt and hat of the brand they are reviewing.

You would have great insight into how many Kifaru Tipis had issues. Let's hear it. Outside of zippers, I bet not many.

The truth is this influencer is full of shit, but people just keep buying into it.

 

[ozyclint]

That sleeve is a great idea. I haven’t had the issue you’re describing, but I’m wondering if it’s worth having a sleeve anyway.

My mate was camping in his supertarp with stove on the same night and had the same problem.

The sleeve will be used when windy conditions are expected.

 

[deadend88]

Here's my Sawtooth before the flash flood....

Here's my Sawtooth after the flash flood...

Can't even be classified as a failure...doesn't matter what shelter I had, it was going to go down stream.
Other than being a tad dusty once dried out, still in perfect condition.

 

[Hnthrdr]

My old seek 4 man has held up really well in the wind, snow, and rain, not sure how it could fail? Maybe under a ton of heavy wet snow, or if I set it up wrong?

 

[LongWayAround]

I had my center pole of the tipi bend under heavy snow while I was away for a couple of days.

Sheet flow from heavy rain under the fly a couple of times.

I also started a grass fire inside the tipi while messing with a wood stove once.

None of which would I call a "failure "

 

[thegrouse]

Monsoon season with shifting winds and pouring rain. Was tough to keep floor dry

 

[24valve]

I have spent many nights in SO, Peax, Argali, and simpler tarp-style floorless shelters, and have probably used the SO Redcliff the most in wind and snow. I've only ever had two problems - both of which could have been prevented.



First issue was at the 2025 S2H rewarming drill when some severe winds kicked up in the middle of the night and pulled some stakes out of the ground. The ground was frozen and the stakes were not fully hammered into the ground when we set it up, since it was calm and we weren't in the backcountry. As @B_Reynolds_AK already said, staking is key for a freestanding shelter.

Second issue was 18" of wet snow break a center carbon pole of a SO redcliff. This was actually the preferable way to fail as the tent itself wasn't damaged at all - we used it the rest of hunting season without issue with a wood pole cut from a tree until SO was able to get a replacement section in stock. It probably wouldn't have happened if we were more diligent about clearing snow from the tent as it fell throughout the day and night.

 

[FrankieP1988]

You would have great insight into how many Kifaru Tipis had issues. Let's hear it. Outside of zippers, I bet not many.

The truth is this influencer is full of shit, but people just keep buying into it.

its been a while, but from what I can recall, only issues would have been QC related, like zippers as mentioned or not enough fabric sewn into the seams, etc.

I think the important question here is who was the influencer and what brand are they claiming to be the best?

 

[cbailey1187]

I’ve never had any issues in my sawtooth or redcliff. Used them both in all four seasons. I love my floorless shelters.

 

[mtnbound]

Like others, the only issue I have had has been the results of bad staking.

 

[Mountain_Life]

I think the important question here is who was the influencer and what brand are they claiming to be the best?

I would also like to know the influencer and tent brand.

 

[mntnguide]

I had corners rip off in insane high winds in the middle of the night in October of my Redcliff. gusts were pushing 100mph..and all the sudden we were staring at the stars and trying to figure out who pulled the magic carpet out from us. . I dont blame Seek at all, stakes were still in the ground with the pieces that ripped, it was abnormal weather, and we set up in a basin that funneled the high winds. I contacted them, and sent it in that winter, they fixed it and didnt charge me a dime and ive used it many nights since. Anything that starts from an influencer saying "this is the best" I just skip and dont listen to.

Every new company shoves product to these influencers to shove down the public's throat as the newest and greatest. Its literally part of the pitch decks. I was offered opportunity to invest in a new product, and the pitch deck literally said...give product to influencers, have them shell it non stop. Its marketing, i get it, but its pathetic no matter how good or bad the new product actually is. The product wasnt something I personally would use, so i passed, but its currently being promoted like crazy just like the pitch deck said it would be. Ive found in recent years, the companies who post non stop on social, are the ones i dont care to support.

 

[aaronoto]

I would also like to know the influencer and tent brand.

My guess is Gritty and Peax... see his latest Spring 2026 gear video.

 

[FrankieP1988]

My guess is Gritty and Peax... see his latest Spring 2026 gear video.

lol wouldn't surprise me.

It's funny when the influencer says a bunch of gear failed them in the past, but they never mentioned it as it happened. It is only mentioned when they switch to a different brand. If they were honest and had integrity, they would offer honest reviews in real time, not just at a later date so they can promote the next brand.

It is pretty easy to hate on influencers (because they make it easy) but I think we should also hate the game too. Start holding brands accountable for such heavy social media/influencer marketing using people that are clearly full of shit.