Is there an alternative to the Kifaru Sawtooth?

[Wprinkle]

I have been using a combination of the Sawtooth since it came out and the Hillebergs' 20 plus years. Both have their place, but I absolutely love the Sawtooth. IME the sawtooth as hands down the best all around shelter, absolutely bomb proof, a castle for me, the dog, gear and a stove (if needed). BUT...... its heavy AF compared to some of the newer option by other companies. I have always been more than happy to take the weight penalty but now I'm seeing shelter like the Argarli Absaroka that is literally 5-6 pounds lighter.

Is there an alternative hot tent option out there that checks all the boxes of the Sawtooth plus way lighter?

Are you sacrificing durability, room, wind/storm capabilities with the lighter options?

Or better yet can a custom tent builder build me a Sawtooth using the new lighter materials?


If you do suggest an alternative would you include the pros/cons compared to the sawtooth?

 

[strousek]

I am in the same boat here. I have a Sawtooth that I love the design and everything about it besides the weight and wet sag of the Kifaru nylon material. If there was a Sawtooth DCF tent I would buy it in a heartbeat. I am actually half tempted to sew my own Sawtooth style shelter out of Dyneema, but we are talking over a grand in material so want to make sure my sewing skills are top notch before attempting that.

Not a ton of weight savings but there is some in the Seek Twilight 3p. Very similar style shelter.

I run a Tarptent StratoSpire 2Li all summer and early season hunts. Thing weighs next to nothing and is great for 1 guy and minimal gear. But when it comes to a little later season hunts where I want the stove and have a bit more gear I need to find a larger shelter.

There are quite a few options in the single pole TP style tents but I am really looking for a 2 pole ridge line design like the Sawtooth myself.

 

[Wprinkle]

I am in the same boat here. I have a Sawtooth that I love the design and everything about it besides the weight and wet sag of the Kifaru nylon material. If there was a Sawtooth DCF tent I would buy it in a heartbeat. I am actually half tempted to sew my own Sawtooth style shelter out of Dyneema, but we are talking over a grand in material so want to make sure my sewing skills are top notch before attempting that.

Not a ton of weight savings but there is some in the Seek Twilight 3p. Very similar style shelter.

I run a Tarptent StratoSpire 2Li all summer and early season hunts. Thing weighs next to nothing and is great for 1 guy and minimal gear. But when it comes to a little later season hunts where I want the stove and have a bit more gear I need to find a larger shelter.

There are quite a few options in the single pole TP style tents but I am really looking for a 2 pole ridge line design like the Sawtooth myself.

Funny you mentioned sewing your own... I still have my original Sawtooth that is wore out, has holes and was thinking of cutting the panels apart for a pattern if someone answered they could sew me one out of lighter better material....

 

[strousek]

Funny you mentioned sewing your own... I still have my original Sawtooth that is wore out, has holes and was thinking of cutting the panels apart for a pattern if someone answered they could sew me one out of lighter better material....

This would be a winter project for me but we might be able to work something out. I have even been thinking of sewing a 1 oz. silpoly version first since it would be 1/4 the price of DCF. Work some kinks out there and sell that shelter for the cost of material and then build the DCF one for me. Possibly we could work something out there. I will be in touch with you about that. But again that would be after this hunting season is over.

 

[Wprinkle]

We will definitely be in touch.. but same.. Its too close to fall to put too much effort in building one right now.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Since the Kifaru Tut isn't in production (what I chose as the Sawtooth alternative a few years back), I'd look at the Argali Absoroka. Its very similar in design

 

[VarmintSniper30]

I’m also in the same boat I like the Kifaru tut cause it’s a little bit smaller foot print than the absorka. But I do like some of the features and the half sert design of the absorka. I just want one tent to do almost all seasons for myself early to late

 

[mrbillbrown]

I’m also in the same boat I like the Kifaru tut cause it’s a little bit smaller foot print than the absorka. But I do like some of the features and the half sert design of the absorka. I just want one tent to do almost all seasons for myself early to late

The only reason I can think the Tut, Absorka, Seek 4 man, etc wouldn’t work is super hard or rocky ground where you need a freestanding tent. (Hence my choice of the BA Copper Spur 2 for my kayak camping. Rocky beaches are too much trouble unless it’s a freestanding shelter). Tipi and/or stove for cold temps and high country and add an insert (half or full) for buggy summer trips.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Wprinkle]

The only reason I can think the Tut, Absorka, Seek 4 man, etc wouldn’t work is super hard or rocky ground where you need a freestanding tent. (Hence my choice of the BA Copper Spur 2 for my kayak camping. Rocky beaches are too much trouble unless it’s a freestanding shelter). Tipi and/or stove for cold temps and high country and add an insert (half or full) for buggy summer trips.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In those situation i take a helliberg, got that covered.

 

[Wprinkle]

I’m also in the same boat I like the Kifaru tut cause it’s a little bit smaller foot print than the absorka. But I do like some of the features and the half sert design of the absorka. I just want one tent to do almost all seasons for myself early to late

Does the tut hold up in storms like the sawtooth? How heavy is it?