Sheep tent: Argali vs Kuiu

[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.

 

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

What’s the worst weather you guys have ridden out with a floorless? Any good stories?

 

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

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

If I go this route I intend to pack up camp every day. So instead of the carbon center pole I’d just use my trekking pole.
Unless the carbon pole somehow works better than trekking pole?
Also no bugs where I’m going so probably just ground sheet to save weight and space or maybe ground sheet/Bivy if needed.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I intend to pack up camp every day. So instead of the carbon center pole I’d just use my trekking pole.

You intend to.. until you don’t and it’s a rainy day with nothing around to use as a center pole and you need your trekking poles.

Unless the carbon pole somehow works better than trekking pole?

Generally yes, as they are more often than not larger diameter than your trekking poles.

 

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

Well either way, pole or no pole, carrying a 30 oz tent is still way lighter than what I have used before. And any other freestanding tent you get will have a set of poles to carry anyway.
Idk, no way to really win in the end

 

[Sheep_Fever_AK]

Bivies condensate, no matter how breathable the material. For me with my floorless Duomid, it’s groundsheet/pad/bag or half inner.

I hear people talk about condensation in floorless shelters being a problem anyway, specifically without an insert. Is that something you’ve experienced?

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I hear people talk about condensation in floorless shelters being a problem anyway, specifically without an insert. Is that something you’ve experienced?

Absolutely. I’ve had it raining inside a dcf duomid. Ventilation is not the answer to avoiding this. It’s a combination of humidity, moisture in the ground, dew point etc.
The best way to combat this is to use an insert to create a double wall shelter.