“Storm proof” 2p tent for a big tall guy

[gman82001]

Looking for recommendations. Planning a trip to Alaska not this September but next and want a good weatherproof tent for a big tall guy. 6’3 250.

Been looking at all the old threads I can find and some of the ones recommended either aren’t made anymore or are more a super lightweight backpacking tent. We’ll be flying into an alpine lake and camping and hunting from there so an extra pound or 2 isn’t a deal breaker if it gets me a good weatherproof tent.

 

[Elkhuntinfool78]

Hilleberg staika is a great tent for alaska

 

[Tanner]

For Alaskan levels of wind and rain, I like a Hilleberg. Nallo 2 probably wouldn’t be a bad way to roll and would be a palace for 1 dude and gear.

 

[gman82001]

I guess I should also mention trying to keep it in a moderate price range lol that tent looks amazing but my cheap ass is going diy for a reason lol

 

[Tanner]

What sort of hunt and terrain will you be covering ?

A backpack sheep hunt requires a different set of parameters than a caribou hunt a mile or 2 from the landing strip

 

[gman82001]

Maybe it’s a good thing I still have 18 months before our trip so I can save up more for a tent.

I was thinking something along the lines of the Kuiu morning star but its length kind of scares me. Is that something anyone would consider for an Alaska hunt?

 

[gman82001]

What sort of hunt and terrain will you be covering ?

A backpack sheep hunt requires a different set of parameters than a caribou hunt a mile or 2 from the landing strip

Blacktail in the alpine late August early September. Flown into a lake

 

[CoWapiti]

Not sure if it would work with your budget, but I'm very fond of my Seek Outside Cimmaron. I'm 6'6" and 225lbs and it's very comfortable for me and the wife.

 

[gman82001]

Not sure if it would work with your budget, but I'm very fond of my Seek Outside Cimmaron. I'm 6'6" and 225lbs and it's very comfortable for me and the wife.

That price range is when I was hoping to end up but was hoping for something in a free standing backpacking style tent. I haven’t actually backpack hunted. In all my years everything is a base camp style so I’d feel more comfortable in a floored style tent I can zip myself into if nothing else but to make it easier for the bears to get me in a nice compact package lol.

 

[Tanner]

Backpack black tails are out of my area of expertise but I imagine it’s similar to backpack sheep hunts as far as weather and tent requirements are concerned…

To put it simply, your tent is not a place I’d skimp. Nothing will ruin a hunt or jeopardize your safety like snapped tent poles or a folded up tent during the middle of the night.

I am sure there’s a multitude of others that will be recommended but a 2 man Hilleberg, or the Stone Glacier tents would be where I was looking. A free standing floored shelter is absolutely the way to go for wet weather backpack hunts.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

I guess I should also mention trying to keep it in a moderate price range lol that tent looks amazing but my cheap ass is going diy for a reason lol

Lol man I'm smelling what you're stepping in, I'm the same way, but when it comes to being able to sleep after being dropped off by a plane I'm going to open that budget up and get the absolute best. I'll go with a $350 Savage rifle and a $200 Vortex Diamondback if it helps me spend more on a tent or sleeping pad or bag.

 

[gman82001]

Backpack black tails are out of my area of expertise but I imagine it’s similar to backpack sheep hunts as far as weather and tent requirements are concerned…

To put it simply, your tent is not a place I’d skimp. Nothing will ruin a hunt or jeopardize your safety like snapped tent poles or a folded up tent during the middle of the night.

I am sure there’s a multitude of others that will be recommended but a 2 man Hilleberg, or the Stone Glacier tents would be where I was looking. A free standing floored shelter is absolutely the way to go for wet weather backpack hunts.

I hadn’t even thought about that stone glacier tent. That may be the ticket.

 

[SikaHuntaa]

Stormstar is a goodie

 

[mostlybirch]

I mean, really depends on the area and what the expected conditions are. As stated Hillebergs are super bombproof but might be super overkill. I'm partial to the floorless mid style tents like the Megamid or any of the hunting color knockoffs, but they can be super loud in direct wind and if you dont stake them down right they can unzipper. But the tradeoff is you can stand, cook, walk right inside with boots on.

Is it just you in the tent? Will you use it for other trips where weight might be a concern? Do you want to be able to move around comfortably, cook inside, etc or just looking for storm readiness?

I've lived out of tents for a good part of my life and would say site selection matters more than the tent itself, but lot of people like the security of being able to plop down absolutely anywhere and have a good sleep.

 

[Grady.J]

The Tarptent Arcdome and Durston Xdome would both be worth look. You've got time to wait for some more field reviews on both, as they're relatively new

 

[gman82001]

I mean, really depends on the area and what the expected conditions are. As stated Hillebergs are super bombproof but might be super overkill. I'm partial to the floorless mid style tents like the Megamid or any of the hunting color knockoffs, but they can be super loud in direct wind and if you dont stake them down right they can unzipper. But the tradeoff is you can stand, cook, walk right inside with boots on.

Is it just you in the tent? Will you use it for other trips where weight might be a concern? Do you want to be able to move around comfortably, cook inside, etc or just looking for storm readiness?

I've lived out of tents for a good part of my life and would say site selection matters more than the tent itself, but lot of people like the security of being able to plop down absolutely anywhere and have a good sleep.

It’s more just Place to plop down and sleep and if we did have a day of rain and wind something that’s going to keep me dry.

At this point there’s no plan of anything later season just early fall late summer. The hope is it’s not a once in a lifetime trip and could turn in to an every other year type trip but until we do it and see how we enjoy it I don’t know.

We both planed on just packing a tent for ourselves hadn’t planned a big multi person camp tent. And like I say all my hunts are base style this will be my first hunt from a “backpack” even though we’ll be getting dropped at a lake with all our stuff. So to justify a super expensive tent especially for this first trip is kind of tough.

 

[IBen]

I guess I should also mention trying to keep it in a moderate price range lol that tent looks amazing but my cheap ass is going diy for a reason lol

You can use any tent. Know a guide of 28 years who doesn’t buy anything above an Alps tent

 

[medvedyt]

hello i used and still a mutha hubba msr 3 person (the previous version) we were stuck 3 days on a very large lake trip in the yukon because of high winds and rain.

it was confortable but im not as big as you but taller at 6.5 and i can fit in the wife and the dog. the tent resisted very well and we had no condensation issue. it can be a problem with some very tight and waterproof/weatherproof ones, we never been wet as well so all is good.

 

[TaperPin]

Since you aren’t packing the tent around there are a number of heavy tents that shed bad weather. Even a good 3-1/2 season tent with a shape that sheds wind and can take some gusts from the side hold up really well.

I sleep with my arm under the pillow so short tents drive me nuts. In bad weather having the bottom of the sleeping bag against the wet interior also drive me nuts and my bag is a long to put damp clothes down there to dry out. For a short 5’9” guy I like some room.

A nice 2 person design with a big vestibule out the side, or better yet to have two vestibules, is ideal in my mind, but for what you’re looking for I wouldn’t hesitate to pack a 3 person tent with smaller vestibules and have more room inside for gear. I’d also get the bigger tent because when you get home a heavy tent like this will only be used car camping.

So, a long design that will shed 50+ mph winds head on, is stout enough to take some side wind, and is easy on the wallet, could be an inexpensive Alps Tasmanian. It sucks that you enter from the end, but you can practice stretching and good flexibility every morning. For a $300 3 person it’s over 9 lbs. As tall as you are I wouldn’t get the 2 person since crawling out the end is hard enough as is.

Wind is the main enemy so get lots of stakes and extra tie down cord.

Here’s a review of some 4 season tents including the Tasmanian.

The Best 4-Season Tents of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

I tested and reviewed the best 4-season tents so you can extend your camping season with a strong, warm, and ventilated shelter.

www.outdoorlife.com

 

[JakeShmevans]

Basically mirroring others here but I absolutely would not skimp on the tent - find other areas to cut. Hillebergs are the gold standard. At your height I wouldn't go with a Nallo or Anjan, the condensation at the foot end is a pain, I am 6' 2" and have issues. I'd recommend the Helags if you're not worried about having the extended vestibule. If price is the issue, the Stone Glacier 2P is hard to beat - attaching the fly can be annoying, especially in rough conditions, but it's a capable tent and great for tall folks.