New Arctic Oven: the Nunatak Apex

[dutch_henry]

Alright folks. What are your thoughts on the new Arctic Oven, the Nunatak Apex? https://www.airframesalaska.com/Nunatak-Apex-p/t00781.htm

Starts as about 1600 smackers for 12.5 square floorless tent, 9.2 lbs. Gets up into the low 2000s as you add features like a vapex liner, ground cloths of various weights. I have to say that I'm intrigued.

 

[dutch_henry]

Here's a pic that they have up on their site.

 

[sneaky]

Pretty lacking on specs. Doesn't say how tall it is, or define what "standing height" they're referencing. Pick a stove, floor, liner, carbon pole and it's $3k pretty quick

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[elkguy]

I’ve been looking pretty hard. Like me sneaky said, you’re North of 3k when you add everything up. Is it worth it?

 

[dutch_henry]

I’ve been looking pretty hard. Like me sneaky said, you’re North of 3k when you add everything up. Is it worth it?

@sneaky, yeah, would love to see more specs. Insofar as price goes, it depends on your point of comparison. A comparable SO 8p hot tent combo (door screens, carbon pole, full liner, ti stove, no floor) will run you $2200. A SO 12p combo with full liner comes out at $2400 (no carbon pole available). A similarly spec'ed AO (vapex liner, ti stove, carbon pole, no floor) would cost $2740. Or ~$2600 with the alum pole. Is it worth the $200-$550 premium over the SO? Maybe. But yeah, like you say, add in another 115-350 if you want a factory floor.

Their vapex is just the bees knees and I really like the idea of more usable interior volume vs my Redcliff. I imagine it's also a touch easier to get a good pitch on the AO, considering the square footprint and silpoly fabric. Maybe I'll sell my 6p dome and my redcliff to offset the cost. Just maybe. But if I do I'm keeping my stove!

 

[elkguy]

Well, I placed my order today. We shall see how it’s made first-hand!

 

[dutch_henry]

Well, I placed my order today. We shall see how it’s made first-hand!

Keep us posted!

 

[Voyageur]

Well, I placed my order today. We shall see how it’s made first-hand!

@elkguy Thoughts?

 

[TheMosquito]

Would like to hear a review if anyone has bought one. Strongly considering it, but want to be sure it’s worth it. Kids love camping and I would like to try taking them out this winter

 

[TheMosquito]

Just an FYI to everyone, I had ordered a nunatak apex and they called to notify me that they had none available. I inquired why, they said they were working on modifications (sod skirt, some others). They will sell some that are in the stockpile that have blemishes for a little cheaper. I chose to wait out

 

[406flyfish]

Any updates?

 

[AK Troutbum]

FYI, here's their new website/address.

Alaska Gear Company

Alaska Gear Company creates trusted, reliable gear for the world's harshest environments. Our roots lie in Alaska's backcountry where gear failure is catastrophic and rescue is not promised. This is the foundation of our commitment to producing, high-quality equipment that can stand up to any...

alaskagearcompany.com

 

[Elkangle]

I've been using an old version for many years and love it, I've been in contact with AO a few times over this "new version" and should get a call when it's available

I will most likely put my old version up for sale if anyone is interested

 

[Grady.J]

I'd like to hear some thoughts as well. I've got an SO 8man, but the sloped walls and round footprint eliminates so much usable space, the silnylon sags a lot in rain or snow and absorbs a ton of moisture, the liners eat up even more space if you hang them loose enough to be useful, and if you tighten them up, stick to the condensation on the fly and are useless.

Steeper walls, more headspace, easier setup, silpoly, and a better liner is really tempting.

 

[406flyfish]

Can’t find much on this particular tent regarding reviews. Tempted to add it to my arsenal. I see they posted a video 6 months ago, but when I called to place an order, they stated they’re already coming out with a new version in 2 months. Seems odd they’re already coming out with a new version.

 

[406flyfish]

Just an FYI to everyone, I had ordered a nunatak apex and they called to notify me that they had none available. I inquired why, they said they were working on modifications (sod skirt, some others). They will sell some that are in the stockpile that have blemishes for a little cheaper. I chose to wait out

Did you end up getting the updated version?

 

[406flyfish]

looks like the updated version with the snow skirt and updated vent.

 

[280rem]

Well has anyone gotten one of these? Would love to hear thoughts, reviews or any feedback!

 

[TheMosquito]

Just got mine in yesterday. It’s my first Tipi so I’m no expert. I plan on using it for deer season this fall and camping with the family. Also I would like to go snow camping this winter (first time). I will say that the set up is really easy and fast. The space though is a lot smaller than I thought. It says 8 man (yes I know they’re talking about midgets) but I normally figure an 8 man could sleep 5-6. This tipi I would say sleeps 5 (tight). I’m 6’2” and it has plenty of head space. I can stand and still have plenty of room.
Now maybe I’m just not used to the pole in tipis and that’s why I feel it’s so small, but if you got the stove in there id say 3-4 men can fit.
The tipi seems very well built. I like how it won’t take much room in my husky and it’s relatively light. The material is not very thick, but I don’t think that’s an issue.

Now I’m used to cheaper tents so this was a big jump. If I was to go back, I probably would not have spent the money. I may change my opinion when I go snow camping. Once again I am not an expert. I camp probably 6 times a year and I’ve never snow camped. I guess that’s all I’ve got. I’ll be camping in it tonight

 

[Schulzy]

Just got a nunatak apex and spent the last 5 days in Valdez with pretty heavy rain. I demo’d the original nunatak and the apex is definitely better. The sod skirt keeps bugs and wind out. The new halo design is easier to use. The bug netting sewn into the tent means not having to buy the big insert.

Pros:
-The square design makes setting up much easier than round tipis.
-The mansard design gives much better head room than equivalent sized tipis.
-Overall build quality is good.

Cons:
-The vapex liner only goes 3/4 of the way down-I didn’t realize this when I bought it (my bad). With the liner only covering 3 walls and 3/4 of those 3 walls at best I’d say it can’t help much with heat retention. I’d call this a 3 season tent.
-The main seams are all taped, but the guy out attachments and other extras were sewn in after so you have to seam seal it-I had quit a few drip points-not a huge deal, but for the price…

I would call this a 2-3 man tent for hunting. If the stove jack was moved to the door side then it would be a solid 3 man-yes you would have to watch the chimney when entering/exiting, but then your wood would be by the door and you aren’t gonna sleep anyone in the doorway.