cabelals Alakan guide model tent review

5 shot · 03-01-2003, 04:09 PM

Well I was driving myself crazy trying to find a high quality tent that I could use for both faimly camping as well as my fall bowhunts to West Virgina. I poured over every type of tent and heating system I could find. After a lot of research I finaly decided on the Alakan guide model tent from cabelas. I figured if it didn' t work out I know cabelas will take back anything without question. I am happy to say though that this ten will be around for a long while. I purchase the 8 man model along with the deluxe vestibule. I spent the extra money on the Aluminum poles as I know they are stronger and more durable than the fiberglass models. For spring and summer camping the fiberglass would probably be ok, but for heavy fall winds and snow I wanted the strongest ones I could get. I had the tent setup in the back yard for about 10 days now. It' s been through 40 mph winds, 4" of snow, and the heaviest rains we have had here in years. So much rain infact that we had some pretty major flooding. The tent held firm with no leaking and the winds didn' t even phase it! The vestibule adds a buch of room for cooking and extra gear and I highly recomend it as well. Using the Mr buddy portable tent heater you can get the inside temp of the the tent up to comfortable levels in 30 degree weather with no problems, and this heater is recomend for enclosed areas as it has several saftey devices to keep you from not waking up after spending the night! Seting up the tent is not easy, but it is not hard either. Two people can manage in about 1/2 hour with little effort. If you are looking for a super tent that can handle the weather this is one to look at. I found the 8 man model big enough for 3 hunters and their stuff if you use the vesibule. Two people will have plenty of room.

gleninAZ · 03-01-2003, 05:44 PM

I have had two. Gave first one to my guide as a tip when I shot my big 6x6 bull. This tent has glass poles but no problem as it has been throug high winds, torrential rain and heavy snow. I use a catalytic heater and full size army cots and sleep three fat guys just great. This is a top value tent and easy to haul around and set up. You made a good choice.

5 shot · 03-02-2003, 06:18 PM

I must say I was very pleased with the preformance of the tent, and I am glad you like yours. I never thought such a light weight tent could be so " weather proof" I am thinking of picking up a 4 man model for " quick trips" as well. The 8 man is great but a little big to setup for overnight trips.

NE Hunter · 03-10-2003, 07:17 AM

sounds like a good tent. I was looking at them for my son who' s in the BSA and we do winter camping as well as fall and spring. I was thinking of the 6 person model. It would probably be just for the 2 of us with gear. What are your thoughts ?

gleninAZ · 03-10-2003, 06:25 PM

NE-I' m sure it would be lighter if you are concerned about weight. The 8 man is tall enough for me to stand in at 6' 2" and the room inside is great. Have fun with your son.

LeeinVa1 · 03-10-2003, 08:56 PM

got the 8 man tent a year ago for camping/hunting. took awhile to set it up the first time, but i was really impressed with its space once it was setup, had plenty of room for two and a table on the side for sitting around in the evening. has plenty of storage pockets built into the sides of the tent for misc items you might need at night. great in the wind, rain. best tent i have ever owned.

5 shot · 03-11-2003, 03:42 AM

I have not seen the 6 man setup but by looking at the pictures on the box and in cabelas it looks about perfect for two people and their stuff with a lot of elbow room. The 6 man would be easier to head as it is lower and smaller overall. I agree it is the best tent I have ever owned. It' s much lighter than canvas, easy to head and with a bit of practice setup is not bad at all. I have set mine up 3 times now with out to much effort. Thier are a lot of stakes and guy out points on the rain fly, but you don' t have to use them all. Like I said before the tent stood up to flooding rains, and 4" of ice and snow without a single leak. The deluxe vestibule is a great addition, kind of like a " front porch" that allows the entrance to the tent to stay dry and it looks like a good place to cook and store wet muddy gear in bad weather.