So after getting hit with a winter blast in WY on last years hunt and again this year in CO, I am seeking a good 4-season tent. Most of my tent experience has either been summer car camping with kids or ultralight backpacking stuff, mostly in Alaska during the earlier seasons.

I am looking for something 4-season, truck camping (weight not an issue), breathable (preferably canvas), and with a stove jack. A hunting acquaintance has a Kodiak canvas from cabelas, while I have not personally used it, it seems to check all the boxes except the stove jack. I am Leary of propane heat due to possible condensation issues. Not sure I want to step all the way up to a full blown wall tent because it might be overkill for camping with kids. Anything out there that fits the bill?

There’s a good thread on Rokslide about these. Extremely positive reviews.

https://www.davistent.com/hunting-tents/

Has Cabelas dropped their Alaknak tents? They don't show up on a search.

They still carry them I believe, and have considered them. However, I am weary of their material and the breathability of it.

I was just looking at Alaknak tents a few days ago. Looked again and nothing. Would be a shame if they stopped selling them.

+1 for the Davis tent. Son in Law bought one 12 years ago and we've used it quite a bit. Very well made, and still doing great

I have a Kodiak canvas and a Davis wall tent. Both are really good tents. I installed a stove Jack in mine.

We only use a wood stove when in 100 percent snow now or temps way below freezing. Teens and up we have started to install a heater on top of our propane bottles as we only take the chill off in mornings and evenings. Heats much faster and easier than starting a fire.

The Kodiak Canvas floor gets slippery when cold. But setup is a 5 minute job and it is indeed a stout tent. I've also started using a drill and bolts for nails and it has reduced the set-up time for the wall tents by a significant amount.

I had a wall tent from Montana Canvas Company. It was purchased thru Cabela's years ago but I am not sure if Cabela's still has them. After Bass Pro took them over they only offer Chinese junk.

Montana Canvas make a great tent. Call them and they will put you on a dealer.

https://montanacanvas.com/

Montana or Davis. I personally own a Davis and can’t recommend it enough.

Spendy, but the Arctic Ovens made by Alaska Tent and Tarp, are the best money can buy. I've been using them for years. They are certainly the warmest on the market too.

The Davis ole_270 mentioned above of my brother in laws. Poly tarps go on the ground, indoor/outdoor carpet on top of that, and propane tank topper heaters to knock the chill down.

I've owned a Cabelas Alaknak tent for more than 20 years. When I bought it, I also got the vestibule, floor, stove, a Cabelas camp Kitchen and shower shelter. I've camped/hunted out of that setup in horrible weather and have always been comfortable. It's still in good shape and I'll probably get another 20 yrs out of it.

kodiak with a stove jack and vestibule.

No condensation issues with a buddy heater in warmer temps.

I have a 10’x10’ Kodiak I’ve used and been happy with from the Arctic to the Texas border. I don’t have a stove or stove jack but haven’t had issues with a lantern or small Buddy heater to knock the chill off while getting dressed.

I have a 14X16 Davis well tent and have no complaints. For solo trips, I'm strongly considering picking up a Kodiak tent and going the propane route.

GrewW- Care to detail out the drill/bolts deal your using on the wall tent?

The Kodiak sure seems like the “easy button”. Just weary about cutting a hole in one from the get-go. Wish they came with a stove jack.

My experience with Buddy heaters has been mostly in pop-up ice fishing shelters. While they do raise the temp, just seemed condensation was always an issue. Perhaps the Kodiak would breath better.

Most all our newer tents when in the high country were Davis Tent out of Denver. We had our tents custom made with sleeves on gable ends of eaves for poles and smoke stack in the center of tent. Well made tents that last for many years if taken care of. Getting one up perfectly square the first time is key, as it will get wet and dry and shrink and expand a couple of times while it is still new. I had an 11 by 14 that was my hunting camp for years. Had to sell it last year.....

I went with a 10x10 spike tent from these guys: https://www.walltentshop.com/collec...tent-package-tent-frame-floor-fly-stove. Two season so far and it works great

Charlie

I have a 10x14 flexbow Kodiak. I like it alot

Got two Davis wall tents that have served me well.

I have had my 14 x 16 ft Davis Tent for 12 years. It has made a few trips to Colorado and Wyoming, I have been very happy with it.

I've set a 14x16 Davis up solo a bunch of times. Gets a bit sporty...grin .

A big +1 on the Montana canvas wall tent. You can get through a pretty bad storm in a canvas wall tent and a good wood stove.

I've got a 14x16 canvas wall tent from these guys, along with their largest stove, and I like the setup so far.

I'm more for temperate days, cabaret with table overlooking the beach. Vodka tall and something like inconspicuous set of opera glasses. Sunset migration ritual; fems from the sand. Each to their own and... 'somebody has to do it'! And 'someday' again to resume!

Best & Stay Safe Out There!
John

Check out Springbar tents. I think the Kodiak uses Springbar’s design. If you look under equipment on their website it looks like they have models with stoves.

I have had the family camper model for about 8 years it has been great.

I had a North Face Mountain tent. I would pitch out the rain fly much wider so it didn't go to the ground. A Coleman 2 burner lantern on low was set inside the fly but outside the tent. Not sure I was ever out in -30 but -20 for sure not counting wind chill.

In the Army I did German winters in a GP small or the even smaller Hex tents. Diesel canon ball stove just like on MASH. A liner for the tents makes them much nicer to winter in.

Pick your spot to set up on. Frozen ground can turn to mud inside the warm tent.

It does. This past year, it took me just short of an hour to get it and the cot set up. For solo setup, I'm liking the traditional frame vs the internal.

So, how do you use the bolts and drill? Lag bolts instead of nails/stakes for the bottom wall?

I have an Alakanak. I have had it for probably 20yrs. Dont Know if the new ones are different but mine is still in great shape

Yes, you'll need a washer as well for the bottom wall....

I haven't used an Alaknak but apparently they use a fabric with a much tighter weave than canvas and with some synthetic mixed in. It's very strong and much lighter weight than canvas but it does sweat more as it doesn't allow water to penetrate.

Copy that. Thinking of adding washers to the guy line stakes as well. Occasionally have one slip off.

Davis Tent or Reliable tent and Tipi. Kwik-Kamp Stove.

Thanks for the info...looks promising



Also good info, Thanks.

Alaknak

Looks good if you can find that much flat land that's also cleared.

What's the shortest duration for which you would set one up?

We use and recommend “ Spring Bar Tent” we have the 6 person one. Only tent I’ve heard of that has a wind rating, can have stove Jack installed when you order , or get a diesel heater( I prefer) . I don’t have a link but just search it up.

I have a Montana Canvas Tent 14x16 with 12 oz. canvas. Works great.
It's about 24 years old. Still going.

I use a 10x14 Kodiak and really like it. I use propane for heat but am considering a wood stove. A springbar tent is a good option.

I dont have any recommendation but invite me and ill cook and cut firewood. I got a big ol diesel truck and a big Husquvarna saw and know how to use it. Ill be the firewood hand.

Davis for sure if out of a car or truck where space and weight are not an issue.

We've had our 14X16 for 19 years and its still in fantastic condition. Gets used every year and when the kids were small, numerous times over the summers in addition to hunting.
In the summer, a window in the back helps. We put a tarp over the top if there is snow. Freeze/thaw cycle builds up ice over time plus it helps with soot/sparks and keeping bird poop off the ridge line.