Kodiak canvas 12x12 or 12x16?

[Mdfowlman2]

So I’m pretty dead set on picking up a wall tent this year for a couple hunts I have planned. We normally just tuna tipi at the truck and rough it which I don’t mind but almost 50 days in a tipi and I’m looking for some more comfort.

I like the Kodiak canvas cabin wall tents and initially planned to get the 12x12 with the add on 8x8 enclosed awning(keeps gear and cooking out of the tent)
But the 12x16 would be great for family camping couple times a year.
I’m just curious if 12x16 causes issues finding suitable flat ground for setting it up where a 12x12 may be easier or is the 12x16 more susceptible to wind issues?
Any input is appreciated

 

[camelcluch]

Lots of people use much larger tents. But none of know where you are hunting so it’s a bit hard to say if 16’ is too much. I set the 10x14 up without issues in every place I have tried.

 

[Mdfowlman2]

Lots of people use much larger tents. But none of know where you are hunting so it’s a bit hard to say if 16’ is too much. I set the 10x14 up without issues in every place I have tried.

Makes sense! Im gonna just end up going with the bigger one, it’s not that much larger and no one wishes they had less room

 

[Firehawk]

I have the 12x12 and occasionally find it tough to find a level enough spot for it. With that said, the 12x16 would be nice. I also have the 8x8 enclosure and it adds ALOT to the usefulness of the tent. Big fan! Reality is that finding a nice smooth and level spot that is 12x12 is tough in the mountains I frequent. But I use the 12x12 tarp to protect the bottom of the tent and I use moving blankets from Harbor Freight inside the tent. So far it has protected the tent floor even when the ground isn't perfectly level.

With all that said, this tent is heavy. I would imagine the 12x16 would be enough extra weight to make it nearly impossible for me to do myself. I can set up my 12x12 by myself, but much easier with another person. My 10x14 Kodiak Flex Bow is easily set up by myself. Great tent. If I hadn't have wanted to use a wood stove, the Kodiak Flex Bow was all I needed. I added the Vestibule to it for long camps as well. Adds a nice shady spot to eat or cook or just hang out.

 

[willfrye027]

You might consider the 10x14 flexbow. I’ve got probably 80 nights in it now, from 90 degree summer family camping to rain/sleet/snow and cold.

Incredibly easy to set up, even solo. Huge plus over the wall tent.

Lots of space/very comfy. 3 guys plus gear was fine, just had to move stuff around to be able to all sit around the heater in the evenings.

Wind/weather is a non-issue. Had it in some intense 50+mph winds in the desert and it was totally fine. 2 days of downpour in Idaho this fall and not a drop made it inside the tent.

I bring along a small table and buddy heater for sitting around drinking coffee in the morning and sipping whisky before bed. With the big buddy you can get it toasty warm very quickly and not have the hassle of dealing with wood burning. Still dries out wet clothes and boots just fine but probably not as well as wood stove would.

 

[Svivian]

X3 on the flexbow. This was after using the 9x12 cabin tent for almost 15 years.

 

[nobody]

Amen on the flex bow. We are longtime users of a Kodiak flex bow tent and we’ve been happy. At the expo this year, I bought a 10x14 flex bow on their 25% off deal there, and my dad bought the 12x16 wall tent. If you have a huge crew and need vertical walls for use with bunk bed cots or to maximize floor space, the wall tent is great. Dad bought his so that for certain hunts we can just all pile into one tent and hang out together in camp easier, sort of a gathering place if you will. But for 90% of trips, the flex bow makes significantly more sense from an ease of use and setup and simplicity standpoint. Not that the wall tent is difficult to deal with, but the flex bows are just that simple.

No matter which one you buy, figure out what size you can make work and then buy the next size up. If you think a 12x12 will work, buy the 12x16. Price difference is minimal overall, but the additional utility overall is undeniable. Then you add the additional space from the vestibule and you have all the space you’d ever need. Same applies for the flex bow.

 

[Blackdog317]

I have the 12x12 and the 8x8 awning. It is very comfortable for 3 on cots, plus gear. You can make it work for 4 people, but is a little cramped.

If you plan on 4 or more people most of the time, I would go 12x16. Especially if you want to use a wood stove.

 

[Choupique]

get the 12x12 with the add on 8x8 enclosed awning(keeps gear and cooking out of the tent)

For 3 guys, this setup is tits. It's what we have and with the wood stove, it's practically glamping.