Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow vs Cabin

[Sliverslinger]

Solo hunter most of the time but occasionally it's 2-3 of us out of state. Weighed every options from a full wall tent, jumping jack trailer, to a tent trailer to a rooftop tent.

Decided I already have everything for warm to semi cold camping, but need something for when it's cold, snowing, or straight up November nasty. Decided against a standard wall tent - I want to be able to set it up and take it down myself without spending a half a day breaking camp and repacking everything.

I don't want to deal with a wood stove and losing hunting time getting firewood - just going to use a Buddy Heater to take the edge of inside. If I want a fire, I'll build one outside.

I've mostly decided on a Kodiak Canvas flex-bow or a Kodiak canvas cabin.

Flex-bow seems smaller and way faster to set up, but a bit more crammed. Cabin seems like it takes about 30 minutes, but as a lot more space.

Anyone used both or either who could weigh in with some advice?

 

[mooretitan]

Depends on how much stuff you like inside a tent and how messy people are. Two people in a flexbow would be plenty of room. Add another and it starts to get a little tight if you are trying to anything up sleeping. We have 2-4 people in ours but its just for sleeping. All cooking is done outside. Now we are family and dont mind the mess of everyone. Hunting with other people it could get a little crazy depending on peoples personality. I can put the flexbow up by myself in less that 10mins. Used the cabelas wall tent and I would probably go that route if I has 3-4 non family people hunting with me. Doesnt really take the much longer to set up and the vertical walls and space make a difference

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I've not used both, but the 10x14 flexbow is becoming a staple for most of my excursions even duck hunting on the coast. It's amazing for two people with cots and a folding table along the back wall between them, for 3 I'm sure it can be done but I like my space and don't want somebody's foot in my face so rather not do 3. Wasn't a big deal when my adult son crashed out in the middle though so maybe work fine for some folks.

 

[Bridgerland]

Setting up the flex bow will be a lot easier if you’re solo. Floor space is almost identical in both (assuming the 12x12 cabin) just in different dimensions. We’ll usually have 2-3 guys in the flex bow at deer camp, all with cots. It’s plenty of space for three. Cots are nice, since you can utilize the floor space underneath for gear storage.

The awning extension on the cabin looks really nice too.

 

[NV HUNTER]

I have a 10x10 cabin. With cots you will only fit 2.

 

[Coveyleader]

10x14 is perfect for 1-2 people, as mentioned, a 3rd, it better be a hot chick. That would be the only way I’d do it and you could throw her cot out, we can consolidate.

 

[Slickhill]

I have a 10x10 flex bow. A cousin has a cabin the same size. I prefer the flex bow. Easier setup and tear down.

The 10x10 is ideal for 2 guys but we’ve slept 3 in mine many times. It’s not the Ritz, just a dry place to sleep. Everyone keeps their stuff under their cot and boots by the front door and it’s fine.

 

[sodaksooner]

Can't speak to the Cabin but have the 10 x 10 flexbow and it's great for two. One person setup is dang easy. The only advantage I see to the cabin is the walls are straighter, but that's pretty minor IMO.

 

[Svivian]

I have both the 9x12 cabin and the 10x14 flex bow.

If i could only have one it would be the flex bow

 

[Tmac]

A consideration on a flexbow, is the walls slope in. Costs you space if using cots. If pads on the floor not an issue. But, cots win with ability to store stuff under them. Just keep that in mind, a 10x14 with cots is more like a 8.5/9 x 12.5/13 approx. Cabin style it’s all straight up walls, so more space.

Kodiak canvas is what I’ve gone to. Very easy to set up. Easy to add a vent for diesel or a stove jack for wood. Propane works, big buddy for heat and an infrared for quick heat or drying things out, all off a bulk tank with added filter for the BB.

My 10x10 is a palace for one and nice for 2. 3 is sardines in a can. My 10x14 is a palace for 2, fine for 3. I only do 4 in it with a set of bunk beds along the back wall, then it is fine.

 

[HuntHarder]

10x14 flexbow here as well. Really easy to set up and take down solo. Plenty of room for 2, 3 will work no problem, but be a little tight. here in Az, it is usually hot, so I chose to get the version with zipper windows on both sides. Makes a big difference on air flow. Competitive edge had the best price when I bought mine.

 

[Agross]

The flexbow is awesome So simple and easy to set up and take down. Even after reading all about it I was blown away how easy it is Great tent. No experience with the cabin. But no desire to try it out either.

 

[Sliverslinger]

Thanks to all, that was very helpful.

 

[Axle]

It depends which cabin you’re talking about. I have the 9x12 with the front porch thing attached. I’ve timed it a few times and it takes 25-30 minutes to set up the tent and front awning with the kiddos “helping”. This would be significantly faster with two guys if they were actually trying.

The front awning is more of a hassle than the actual tent, but it is super nice to have that space for leaving stuff outside but still under a shelter.

The most wind I have had ours in was probably about 30 mph and the awning definitely catches the wind but it held up fine to that. Also water will pool a bit on the awning roof if you don’t use the extra guy outs along the side.

Pros to the cabin I would say are more vertical walls, easier to throw a tarp over if you want to do that, doesn’t rely on the corner stakes as much to pitch it tight, lots of windows for cross breeze. The awning is a pretty nice spot to sit in a camping chair and watch a rain shower if you like that sort of thing.

Cons are it’s heavier/more poles, longer setup time, the awning needs guy lines.

 

[Sled]

I have a few Kodiak flex bow tents. I initially wanted the cabin but talked myself out of it. For the type of hunting, camping or work I do, these are better. If I were going to live in one of an extended time in the winter, I'd reconsider the cabin and add a stove.

Fwiw, I've been in 30+ sustained with gusts to 60 on a plateau. That flex bow does flex and bow but it didn't break. I was thinking back through how many stakes I put in and how well they were angled out. I wasn't sure if I got out that the tent would stay, but it was structurally sound.