Tents: Argali vs Seek vs Kuiu vs ?

[AceRifles]

I'm realitively new to doing 4+ day backcountry hunts. Whats are the pros and cons to a tent like the stone glacier and kuiu storm series vs something like a seek, kuiu summit or Argali? I imagine it will handle a heavy snow load better being one main reason. Looking for something for 2-3 guys. Will mostly be carried by my llamas so I dont need to count every single ounce but would still like to stay on the lighter weight side. Been looking at Peak, Argali, Big Agnes, Kuiu and Stone Glacier.

 

[goosedog]

Can't say enough good things about the Argali absoroka tent now that I have some nights in it just took the family on a 2 night backpacking trip plenty of room for the 4 of us with pads and with the kids being shorter we were able to fit shoes and packs in tent as well, easy to set up, vents really well on those hot nights to get a good draft we had the liner in on this trip and my son and I did a couple nights when we first got it with the stove and it is a palace with two people and a stove couldnt be happier with it so far

 

[AceRifles]

Can't say enough good things about the Argali absoroka tent now that I have some nights in it just took the family on a 2 night backpacking trip plenty of room for the 4 of us with pads and with the kids being shorter we were able to fit shoes and packs in tent as well, easy to set up, vents really well on those hot nights to get a good draft we had the liner in on this trip and my son and I did a couple nights when we first got it with the stove and it is a palace with two people and a stove couldnt be happier with it so far

Thanks for the reply. Argali is at the top of my list so far. There is a lot about them to love it seems.

One thing I wanted was something that’s not to cumbersome to setup and take down. If we need to pull camp and try a new stop, I don’t want something that’s a pain and deter us from calling a canyon a bust and wanting to move on.

 

[SikaHuntaa]

I have the Argali Rincon and the KUIU StormStar 2P and MountainStar 3P-

If I'm heading into a spot and know that I'm going to have questionable weather I am hands down going to take the StormStar, I have been in some mega storms in that thing that have literally blown mates tents off the hillside and aside from not getting a wink of sleep and having to hold up to some buffets it has been money.

The Rincon is really sweet for what it is, an ultralight tipi style shelter. I am 6ft7 and touch both ends when I am on my pad which makes my bag wet so I have recently relegated it to my fine weather shelter, or as a back up if I am intending on staying in a hut.

The MountainStar 3P is pretty sweet, pretty new to my gear locker but seems pretty robust and plenty of head room for a tent. Also like that the ground sheet covers the vestibules.

 

[Drenalin]

Tents like the Kuiu Storm series or something from Big Agnes are nice in that setup is simple and quick, and there isn't much fiddle factor. I also like them for bugs, but a nest or bivy solves that in one of the floorless options. They can have a smaller footprint than a similar capacity floorless option too. The floorless options have their benefits too: typically better headroom (for the ones you're looking at), ability to have a stove inside, and a little less concern about dragging in wet or muddy gear with you. Depending on the model, some floorless shelters are going to withstand weather better than most tents, and you don't have as much concern with breaking poles.

 

[rclouse79]

Check out Durston. I prefer it to my Seek outside.

 

[Jdeck09]

Check out Durston. I prefer it to my Seek outside.

Which durston did you go with? I am comparing the durston X-mid 2 vs absaroka?

 

[rclouse79]

I have the xmid1, but would consider buying the 2 also. You could fit two guys under the 1 without the nest.

 

[jonnyviceroy]

Thanks for the reply. Argali is at the top of my list so far. There is a lot about them to love it seems.

One thing I wanted was something that’s not to cumbersome to setup and take down. If we need to pull camp and try a new stop, I don’t want something that’s a pain and deter us from calling a canyon a bust and wanting to move on.

If that’s a big factor to you the argali will serve you very well. It’s a pyramid shaped tipi with can initially be pitched with just 4 stakes and in probably 40 seconds with very little practice. By the time you set it up a few times it’s second nature. Another large advantage it has over some of the others you’ve mentioned is being sil poly. Having used multiple shelters from several brands you’ve mentioned sil poly is by far my favorite and provides the biggest advantage. I’m sure there’s plenty of threads on this but in short: doesn’t stretch and sag nearly as much as sil nylon or absorb as much of the moisture (one of the most notable differences to me.) and it’s often lighter with no real loss in strength. Although I’ve seen some manufacturers claim this I have yet to see a real example of one being stronger than the other with dozens of nights in each in the backcountry. Lots of great shelters out there though man it’s a fun time to be shopping for one with so many great options.
Cheers!

 

[HogWash]

Check out Durston. I prefer it to my Seek outside.

I’m pretty impressed with the Durston line of tents. I had not heard of them before but they have a couple models that put a check in all the right boxes for my style of hunting/camping.

 

[Pzak]

I really like my Seek Guardian for the stove option later in the year and how roomy it is inside for me and all my gear, but hate getting in and out of it. The benefit is I don't need to worry about a zipper breaking or leaking.

 

[Hussar]

A 4 person tipi like the Absaroka would give you the most flexibility for 2 guys with a stove, or 3 guys without one. The 3 guys would get a little cramped, but it's do-able. I've been really happy with mine. It packs small, is light weight, and has been rock solid.

 

[Wrongside]

Check out Durston. I prefer it to my Seek outside.

x2. The X-Mid 2 is fantastic. My SO shelters only see use for late season or winter anymore.

 

[Oakman]

Thanks @AceRifles for the thread
Three of us are planning a basecamp hunt we are also doing 1–2 night backpack spike into the Colorado wilderness in mid October. Weather can be unpredictable that time of year: snow, rain, wind, etc.
What tent would you guys recommend for that setup, we are looking for quick pitch/take down, holds up well in bad weather, and is packable for short spikes?
Also debating stove vs no stove, do you think it is worth it, or overkill for just a1-2 nights? Appreciate any input, especially from those who’ve done similar trips.