Sheep tent: Argali vs Kuiu

[BillNye]

I went on a 15 day sheep hunt and used my big agnes copper spur tent. A guy that went on one used one and recommended it to me. Its light and kept me dry through much rain. The guide had a tent but it leaked glad I took my own.

I had a Copper Spur fail completely in a storm a few years back. Gusting to about 50, a pole snapped then the wind was able to read the rain fly. It's not a suitable tent for sheep hunting the Alaska range in my opinion.

August 9th last year we saw winds to 80, there was a group downhill a couple miles from us in a kuiu tent. They had it tucked into a good hollow and it rode it out with only a cracked pole but I don't think they were seeing quite so much wind. I was glad to be in a Hilleberg and to have built a bit of a rock windbreak/tucked the pole ends and stakes. Saw 6 inches of wet heavy snow a few days later.

People also seem to do real well in the floorless teepee style tents if they can nail the edges down well. Only downside there is if you spend the night in mosquito country on the way up.

Just my 2 cents. Everyone's experiences will be different

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Do you think pairing one with a Bivy is a good idea? It’s one thing I don’t hear a lot of people taking sheep hunting or with a floorless shelter

I’ve used bivy’s extensively. I generally prefer a groundsheet and no bivy. Bivies condensate, no matter how breathable the material. For me with my floorless Duomid, it’s groundsheet/pad/bag or half inner.

But, by the time you add a half inner, dedicated carbon pole so that you don’t have to leave a trekking pole behind and sufficient stakes to ensure you’re shelter is secure, you’re up around the weight of something like the X-Dome 1+, which generally will be easier to set up and more comfortable if you have to spend a decent amount of time in it.

 

[Marty]

I’ve used bivy’s extensively. I generally prefer a groundsheet and no bivy. Bivies condensate, no matter how breathable the material. For me with my floorless Duomid, it’s groundsheet/pad/bag or half inner.

But, by the time you add a half inner, dedicated carbon pole so that you don’t have to leave a trekking pole behind and sufficient stakes to ensure you’re shelter is secure, you’re up around the weight of something like the X-Dome 1+, which generally will be easier to set up and more comfortable if you have to spend a decent amount of time in it.

Same preference. If I think I'll be in bug country with a floorless shelter and groundsheet, I'll consider bringing a headnet to minimize the bug bites during the night and log some better rest.

 

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

But, by the time you add a half inner, dedicated carbon pole so that you don’t have to leave a trekking pole behind and sufficient stakes to ensure you’re shelter is secure, you’re up around the weight of something like the X-Dome 1+, which generally will be easier to set up and more comfortable if you have to spend a decent amount of time in it.

That’s a valid point. What is your final weight and packed size on your X-Dome 1+?
Is it pretty close to what the website says?

 

[carlc]

FWIW, I ran an Argali Absaroka in the Chugach guiding a hunt last year. I took it because there was a group of us, so I wanted to have a place to "hang out" in bad weather, and to test it out when there was a backup option if it failed. We didnt camp anywhere too exposed, but it did hold up to some 40mph winds very well. It was very nice having the extra space, and a Rincon would be the same for one guy, tons of extra room. I actually drew a tag this year, and am contemplating bringing a Rincon or my SG Skyscraper.

 

[mtnbound]

I’m looking at getting a more lightweight tent setup for my solo 10 day sheep hunt in the Alaska range.

I’m looking at the Kuiu mountain star 2p tent
Vs the Argali Rincon 2p tent floorless but with a Bivy

I’ve heard good things about both but curious if anyone has experience with these tents in sheep country and how each one will hold up to the task.

Especially differences in weathering out storms, high winds, set up in different environments, which one will keep me warmer, dryer etc…

No experience with the Kuiu, but I had a Rincon, and it's a good tent, but I would seriously look at a Durstan x-dome with aluminum poles, it's the easy button, and you don't have to be perfect with your setup or staking. The Durstan will be heavier, but it's worth it, especially if you have to ride out a storm.