Tent recommendations

[Spent Brass]

So I am hunting in Center county PA this year and will be camping at the base of the mountain for 7 days with 2 friends.I want to buy a wall tent and have been looking at the Alaknak 12x20 tent from cabelas.I had a wall tent for years and lent it to a friend and never seen it again.From what I have read about this tent is that its a great all season tent that is not to heavy and really holds up well.So let's here what you have and how you like it pros and cons.Like to know before I chunk down $1200.00 bucks.It has to be a 4 season tent thanks alot

[Palawman30]

What time of year are you hunting center county? what part of center? The area south of I-80 is more mixed farmland and mountain. The area north of I-80 is more rugged and less roads

[Spent Brass]

We will be hunting north of rt 80 and have hunter there many many times it right on the border of Clinton and Center county so it will be late November.

[Palawman30]

Yeah thats a rugged area! You guys are hunting deer.

Man its cold there that time of year! Do you guys normally camp out for buck season?

[Spent Brass]

No we will be bear hunting we do it every few years out there.It's pretty rugged and great for bear I killed my first bear out there in 99 and we always camp out.I still have my stove for the tent and it keeps it very comfortable no matter how cold it gets.2 years ago a warden that we know that traps and tags for the Pgc tagged one over 750 pounds out there and said he taged some real bruisers this past summer in the area we hunt.There is a native trout stream that is 20 feet outside the tent its just one of those places that you have a hard time breaking down camp and leaving.I have a log cabin in the northeast that we deer hunt out of and its nice but nothing like ruffin it for a weak in the big woods of PA

[Palawman30]

Man thats awesome stuff...bear weather hasnt been to bad since 2008.

[Spent Brass]

No but I like it alittle warmer it keeps them out of the den alittle longer.

[Beaverkill]

No but I like it alittle warmer it keeps them out of the den alittle longer.

 

I have camped more than a few times with a Cabelas BigHorn tent.. The tent will comfortably accommodate 3 people with gear, 4 if you do not use a pack stove... We have used this in November in the Adirondacks and Catskills and have always been warm (with the stove)...

The tent is for sleeping...we would set up a kitchen/eating area under a canopy or large tarp..

[sam3]

You might want to PM Killer (Chuck), I know he was selling something similar to what you are looking for a little while ago. Not sure if he sold it or not.

[Spent Brass]

Yeah Beaver we will be using a pack stove I have a almost brand new one for my canvas tent.It would heat my old 12x17 foot tent up real nice.We will be setting up a kitchen under a tarp that is the way to go.The Bighorn tent looks nice just alittle small with for me usually there is 4 of us that do this trip but one of the guys will be on vacation with the faimly this year.How did the bighorn hold up to weather and how were the zippers built.Thanks Sam I will see what Chuck has but want to stay away from canvas if I can due to weight. Since we will be packing it in granted we use 3 deer carts and usually get it all in on one trip then go back and get the guns and small game hunt on the way back in.It's like a mile and a half one way and is usually good for a couple grouse for dinner that night.

[Palawman30]

Here are some northern Clearfield Bear.

 

thefirstndsecond you may recognize the man in the pic! its your boy the hog hunter himself....

 

 

 

[Spent Brass]

Nice bear but only one pic came up

[Palawman30]

Hmmmm I can see both pix... ??? Don't know whats up?

 

How are you guys hunting for bear over there? Posting up? hooking up with a crew and driving?

[Matty]

Seems to be a lot of bang for the buck, as is usual for most cabelas products. Cabelas usually makes (or puts their name on) quality stuff for great prices.

 

Similar products are going to cost you a lot more from companies like Denver tent, Colorado Yurts, Alaska Tent, etc.

I'd say go for it.

 

You get 5' walls, three vinyl covered mesh windows, gear organizers, good ventilation and stove jack and should be plenty of room for four guys, could probably get 5 or 6 in there if you don't have too much gear or keep a separate gear/drying tent. Don't think I'd be a fan of the two doors though. The second door eats up wall space and seems completely unnecessary.

 

I'd heavily consider a floor liner as well as a vestibule too. At least one or the other to keep the inside a little cleaner.

 

I think it looks like a great choice.

 

Let us know if you get it and give us a review after you put it to use!

[Spent Brass]

We do drives with a small crew the first 2 days and post up on the heavy laurel for the last 2 days.Yeah Marty I had a canvas tent from Montana for a few years and it was great but heavy and lent it out and never seen it again.The new tent will definatly have the floor liner and as far as the second door I don't like it either but do.t see it being a problem as there is never going to be more then 4 guys sleeping in it.we setup 2 small tents besides the sleeping tent one to change in and one for gear.No dirty gear and muddy clothes in the tent.