Sorry for the long post, but I answered your question in full and want to hear your thoughts before I get one. Listened to the rokcast last night with brad too. Good stuff. I have 2 tipi’s - large tigoat 7.5 vertex (6 man), and a small SO BT2 solo tipi. Few things I definitely like and have learned. That said Ive got my eye on the 2p rincon tipi to replace my BT2.
Both my tipis are true tipis, so setup is rarely a perfect pitch. I think id prefer more of a pyramid style for ease of use. Id like to know how easy the setup was for you.
Guy-out points are crucial for weather. SO BT2 has enough, tigoat does not. But both have survived severe weather. Set yours up in high wind and see how the tipi handles it. Id imagine it will do well.
One door saves weight, 2 is more convenient if you have more than 1 person. My tipis are backwards, large has 1 door, small has 2…. Would 2 doors be better than 1? 2 would put the door at your side instead of your feet.
Stove placement is also key. So the BT2 has one next to one entrance, so it works solo only cause im not too tall. Sleeping along the shorter zipper side allows easier access with the zipper at my waist when lying down, to get in and out since i cant stand in it. Sleeping along the long side makes me enter at the foot or head of my bed and crawl in - no bueno. The argali has this design where you enter in at the foot of your bed too, not a deal breaker, ive found it just less convenient. How easy is it to get in n out, especially if you cant stand?
The big tipi has 1 zipper opposite the stove jack, classic. Works really well for 2 people, its a palace. I wouldnt mind 2 slightly short zippers though, offset from center on each side. This option would create a spot for a third person to sleep opposite the stove, in the current doorway. Right now the third wheel gets stepped on/over if we ever have one which is rare for this reason. Not a deal breaker either, Im not the third wheel. This is an idea for a 6p tent if argali goes down that road.
Sod skirt - yes please. SO has em, tigoat dont. Just an inch or two is all it needs. Dirt baths from wind, snow drifting in, and bugs all can be mitigated. Not seeing it on the argali. Deal breaker, no, just a nice feature worth an ounce of fabric and a few extra bucks.
For smaller tipis, this trekking pole extension is well worth it.
http://rutalocura.com/?page_id=5934/ I went with the 12” one at 1 oz for the BT2. Big tipi has a dedicated carbon pole.
What has me eyeing the argali over my seek outside? Less weight (12oz!!) and what looks like more space, waterproof fabric with no sag?!, and an attractive price. Trigger finger is itchy but Im waiting til the second or third batch. Like new model vehicles - want to see bugs worked out first. Maybe buy it on sale or used cause Im cheap lol and hate paying full retail even though the price is absolutely reasonable.
When you look at a tipi though, its really just a glorified tarp…
. I just had to resist cuz it wasn't true for me.
