Kifaru vs. SO tipis?

[Browtine]

I currently have a Kifaru 4man and a ST, but looking to pick up a bigger tipi and the Seek Outside KIS 8 man has really caught my attention due to it's price point. Looks like a basic SO KIS 8 man with an added CF pole would come in around $400 cheaper than the Kifaru 8 man if I'm figuring right.

Does anyone have first hand experience with both brands?

Are the SO's on par with the Kifaru shelters quality wise?

I really like my K shelters, but I'm all about spending that $400 on something else if they are comparable.

 

[Tim in Wa.]

I've got Kifaru shelters as well and I really like both of them.BUT,I've never heard a bad thing about Seek Outside and $400.00 is allot of $I'd give them a try
Tim

 

[craitchky]

I am watching this thread, I as wondering the same thing myself.

 

[crumy]

If I read it correctly, the $500 version of the SO 6man Tipi does not come with a center pole or stakes. Granted we all have stakes we could use, but where would you get a pole for the Tipi?

 

[Browtine]

If I read it correctly, the $500 version of the SO 6man Tipi does not come with a center pole or stakes. Granted we all have stakes we could use, but where would you get a pole for the Tipi?

You could still buy SO's $175 carbon fiber pole and be $400 ahead of a Kifaru 8 man.

 

[todd kelly]

I can't speak on their tipis, but if they are anything like the LBO, I would not hesitate to buy one. The quality and customer service you get from SO is top notch.

 

[crumy]

You could still buy SO's $175 carbon fiber pole and be $400 ahead of a Kifaru 8 man.

Your right. He did say 8 man. I was looking at 6.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

I have a lot of experience with SO, and they are a quality company.

Kifaru's claim will be in a higher quality material. SO's material is quality, but i haven't done a side by side to say with scientific certainty that either is stronger. I have spent MANY nights in SO shelters, most of the second generation in fact, and never had a failure. SO's claim to fame is their features.

Do a search here and there there will be plenty of accounts of Kifaru doing great in terrible weather and wind.

Some Wal-marts sell poles that will work for both brands.