Seek outside tipi tents

[allan]

Does anyone in the Fraser valley use one of these tents? I'm interested in the cimmaron, or 4 person tent but want to see one set up before I pull the trigger.
Being able to dry gear out and having more head room greatly appeals to me as I'm 6 5".
if you have one and would be willing to give me your review or let me see it please let me know.
thanks

[Blueback2014]

check out Nordic tipi tents from Mansfield outdoors.

[allan]

check out Nordic tipi tents from Mansfield outdoors.
Those do look bomb proof, however I failed to mention I'm looking for a backpackers tent, the weight on those tents just too much for me. My current tent is a big Agnes UL 2 with a msr e wing tarp and I want something comparable weight but easier to set up and camp in solo.

[bard]

Don't know much about the seek outside other than its similar to the tigoat. I've got the 6.5 with a titanium stove. Perfect for 2 guys and room for all your gear inside. Have used it in mid summer to -15 late fall in the mountains. Would have a hard time going back to a normal tent.

[allan]

I'm still looking at the seek outside tents if anyone has any new info on them. Getting tired of having my head and feet pushed against the ends of my tent and getting cold.

[BgBlkDg]

I have dealt with SO for about three years and with most of the various high end gear makers since the mid-60s. I find SO gear to be brilliant in design, very well made and they are outstanding to deal with.

If, I were you, given your height, I might consider the SO Redcliff, but, for me, at barely 5'8", the Cimarron is my first choice of what is currently available, price considered, etc.

HTH

[Blueback2014]

I have a sawtooth from Kifaru, very similar, hear good things about seekoutside, im on V.I.

[northernguy]

I have the SO 6 man tipi with stove. Best investment ever. Great quality and great service along with a great product.

[kebes]

Unfortunately I'm not in the lower mainland to let you have a look, but I do have the redcliff and it's a pretty cool shelter. I haven't put it to the test yet, but as far as space and weight goes.... it comes in at 5 lbs and I would have no problem sleeping 3 or 4 guys plus full gear in there comfortably.

When I set it up for my buddy who spent some time in the army he just about lost his mind (I also got an inside look at military life when he suggested I could sleep 7+ in there :razz:).

If you happen to pop through PG and want to have a look I'd be more than willing to accommodate.

[Dale]

Just curious how tipi tents hold up against wind?

[northernguy]

Just curious how tipi tents hold up against wind?
Very, very well. One of the best tent designs for standing up to high wind. Especially if you use the additional guy lines.

[GOLDEN TOP SNIPER]

i stumbled on the utube videos of the seek outside stuff last year . i had never even heard of it before . but i would love to get my hands on some . i think its the ticket.. cool little stove and open tipi tent . nice and light and collapsible .

[kebes]

i stumbled on the utube videos of the seek outside stuff last year . i had never even heard of it before . but i would love to get my hands on some . i think its the ticket.. cool little stove and open tipi tent . nice and light and collapsible .

I grabbed a lite outdoors stove for my redcliff... 7.5 lbs for a heated shelter that can sleep 4 people and gear is pretty dang impressive as far as I'm concerned.

[GOLDEN TOP SNIPER]

I grabbed a lite outdoors stove for my redcliff... 7.5 lbs for a heated shelter that can sleep 4 people and gear is pretty dang impressive as far as I'm concerned.

Sweet What did that all cost you ?

[DDD]

Buy one large enough to accommodate two people; especially if you're going to put a stove in it.

[Lastcar]

As with most of my posts....sorry for the length.

My goal this year is to spend at least 25-30 nights in my various shelters. May mean camping in Stanley Park, but damn it I didn't buy all these cool shelters to not sleep in them! ;-) But with current plans should hit 30 easily barring any cancelled trips.

I have the LBO combination of Base - Connecting Tarp - Vestibule. Which use as just Base-Vestibule and the combo of all three.

Base-Vestibule is lots of room for one. The combo of all three is an absurd amount of room for 2 guys with gear and woodpile. Room to spare.

Base Vestibule with stove jack is 31oz. Before guy lines and stakes.

Base - Tarp - Vestibule is 45oz. Before guy lines and stakes.

I have a stove jack in both the vestibule and connecting tarp. So an extra 2.5 or so ounces there. Bought the tarp used and the stove jack was installed already.

https://media.rivet.works/38f583fe829a4dea9ea2b0ea5e6c3307.jpeg

Not my Pic. Photo credit - John C on seekoutside.com

I've thought about buying another Base to run Base - Tarp - Base allowing each person to have one end of the shelter to themselves and run the stove in the middle. But as you'll see below, I have gone another route for a larger shelter (Redcliff). Although the Base - Tarp - Base would be the same square footage you can't stand up in it.

On the other hand, you do save about 2lbs or even a bit more over the Redcliff. Unless you cut yourself a pole where you set up camp and leave the center pole at home.

I was using a Kifaru Smith stove last season. Have chosen to go with a Lite Outdoors 12" and 18". Bought both body sizes. 12" for in the Base - Vestibule and 18" for the full setup and Redcliff. I read somewhere that the 18" is a bit dicey in the Base - Base or Base - Vestibule and the extra 6" of space around the stove can save you from a melted something or other.

I just got the Redcliff this spring. We have our first family hunt planned this fall and we agreed that we'd camp vs staying indoors. So as any self-respecting gear addict knows...always be on the lookout for a reason to buy more gear.

Have only pitched it once. The thing is plenty spacious. I can stand in it with a bit of wiggle room around the center pole, I am 5'8" (and a half depending on the moon cycle). At just over 5lbs, I'd be happy to pack it in with two guys in certain situations. For the ability to stand and really be able to rest and recover in the evenings I think it'd be worth it. But saving 2lbs with the LBO is pretty great too.

I did buy one of those Helionox chairs recently. The new REI one that right a 1lb. I am fidgety in the tent in the evenings. I am hoping to be able to stand and move a bit and then a proper chair will let me chill out. Be a little less fidgety and fussy in the evenings and leading up to lights out.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee3/Lastcar_photos/546D467F-49C3-486A-B183-A060FB171D0C.jpg

The chair should work in both although better in the Redcliff. It is an experiment still, I am not keen on adding weight to my pack without seeing real value. I did enough of that goofy crap in my 20's. Back when it was about volume not weight. "Hey, if it fits you should bring it!" was my motto back then.

I also bought the SO DST tarp. Haven't done anything with that yet.

I am leaving Sunday night for 5 days of sniffing out a bear. My plan is to pack in but may break camp a few times to return to the vehicle. Figured early morning while the bears may be "sleeping in" head back to the truck and swap out shelters. Depending on the weather was going to give them all a shot.

For sure my Hilleberg Anjan 2, Redcliff and LBO Base - Vestibule will get a night or more in. Like going to do a night under the DST tarp as well. The perfect way to refamiliarize me with all of them and pitching. Also to do a fairly true taste test. By spending a night in each back to back to back.

Only have two nights in my Hilleberg so far, so I am excited to work on the pitch and placing of gear, boots etc at the end of the day. Seems straight forward enough, but I need some more practice. Need to get to the point where I can pitch in the dark as well as I can in the light. This was an after dark pitch and it wasn't bad. But in the morning I reset some aspects.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee3/Lastcar_photos/05F2D585-6316-45A3-AAAC-6B0F7692435E.jpg

Each shelter has their place, so it isn't really this one is better than the other. Rather just a chance to give them all a go, make some notes on what is good what isn't good and what do about it.

I wish I had this much cool gear when I was in my 20's pre-family. Family wins out over gear and too many nights away always. But damn I'd love to spend 60+ nights in the woods. Living in Cranbrook for a summer, three summers at Eastgate (Manning Park) in my 20's spoiled me pretty good.

Anyways...if you read this far you are a trooper. :)

[BgBlkDg]

Sometimes, it is fun, but, spend 90 nights all alone in very remote wilderness, one or two supply trips by chopper and weeks of fog and rain without stop......it ain't nearly as "kewl" as you might fantasize and much of the time you fight loneliness, boredom and thinking about what guys in their 20s always dream about........

That said, most of my best memories come from solo stints in the mountains, starting 50 years ago July 4 and I often wish I could go back.......

You have quite the gear "addiction" and probably should consider a serious base camp rig for flyins. I am thinking Hille Sataris and a Helinx chair and high cot, but, the $$$$$$ are just brutal.

C'mon LOTTO WIN!!!!

[Lastcar]

I need to find a hunting partner that is done making babies. Than I'd do some fly ins. One day soon enough.

In in the meantime I'll have to use these chicken legs to get me around.

That's a serious tent right there... I'll pay for the flights if you buy the tent.

[kebes]

Sweet What did that all cost you ?

Too much lol. If I remember correctly with the exchange it was a little under a grand for the tent and 250 or somewhere there abouts for the stove.

Ill let you know if it was worth it later this fall :D

[Lastcar]

Too much lol. If I remember correctly with the exchange it was a little under a grand for the tent and 250 or somewhere there abouts for the stove.

Ill let you know if it was worth it later this fall :D

It stung for sure. When I added in the DST tarp that is when I realized this was probably too much to be spending. I really shouldn't. Do I really need this?

Then clicked Checkout.

[GOLDEN TOP SNIPER]

Too much lol. If I remember correctly with the exchange it was a little under a grand for the tent and 250 or somewhere there abouts for the stove.

Ill let you know if it was worth it later this fall :D
Ya good stuff cost lots of money . Hope you get good use out of it and all reviews are much appreciated

[Lastcar]

Ya good stuff cost lots of money . Hope you get good use out of it and all reviews are much appreciated

As much as Dewey and I have butted heads in the past, I will say he has steered many of my opinions about gear. Not always to use what he uses. But the principals he applies to the decisions he makes about gear. It is not a make or break thing, but it is part of it.

When I look at a new piece of gear now, I always say to myself would what Dewey say?

Ok, second thing, cause the first thing would be is this made overseas garbage that can't be trusted?

Although I do find myself more and more, buying from "mom and pop" companies out of the states for bigger ticket items when possible. Or my Hilleberg. Or shit that get me through a night, seven nights of less than ideal conditions in the backcountry or a terrible bout of weather.

Point being, I am glad I am of some help. I don't get nearly the time I would like using my gear but I figure my limited exposure to it is worth sharing. For what it is worth.

Like I do, sift through the crankiness of the old man and apply it to your purchases. I think you'll come out better for it.

Keep in mind, he doesn't like young know it alls. Even when they are 42. Somehow, I seemed to have redeemed myself. ;-)

So some companies are in the bad books for that. Doesn't mean they don't make good stuff and he'll even say so. Other times they are on the no Christmas card from Dewey list for life.

[kebes]

As with most of my posts....sorry for the length.

My goal this year is to spend at least 25-30 nights in my various shelters. May mean camping in Stanley Park, but damn it I didn't buy all these cool shelters to not sleep in them! ;-)

That moment you realize you can't go hunting because you spent all your money on gear.... :-D

[BgBlkDg]

That moment you realize you can't go hunting because you spent all your money on gear.... :-D


That simple fact seems to be ignored by some here who cycle gear and very costly clothing through their ownership constantly and yet appear to be constantly seeking the "ultimate" pack, shelter or latest in approved camo jockstrap.

Buying the best, learning from usually older and far more experienced persons and then looking after the gear and getting out there seems the most practical means of hunting, hiking, whatever, but, the "con job" by certain "egspurts" on certain forums seems to cause a lot of people to buy, buy, buy, which is, of course, exactly what these characters are paid for.

Some years ago, I disagreed with one of the major "gurus" and gear makers on his forum as to the practical reality of using one of his shelters and light wood stoves in late season trips in northern BC. I stated that I have, do and always would use a propane stove and he went ballistic telling me that he has been there and gathered light willows for fuel......

Well, I did not bother to continue the discussion as I lived alone in the mountains there for months and know how willow bushes work as fuel when you experience 2-3 solid weeks of driving rain and must go out in this to gather sopping wet brush......

So, there is a LOT of chest pounding rhetoric about gear from those who have very little actual field experience with the conditions and areas they comment on..........

SO people do NOT do this and actually come to BC frequently which is one reason I am so impressed by them and their gear.

[Lastcar]

T or latest in approved camo jockstrap.



Wait, I am supposed to be wearing a jockstrap when I hunt. No wonder I've not tagged out in a season yet! :)

[BgBlkDg]

Kai-let's NOT go there!!!! :) :) :)

I am wanting a Saitaris, BADLY, as the size is right for ONE guy on extended trips and I have a Hille XP20 tarp as well as my Saivo.

You need room to live when it is pouring rain for 3 days, fog so thick that you cannot see 20 feet and this can be VERY depressing. I like candle lanterns, beeswax plumber's style candles and these seem to warm my tent a bit.

If, I can sell a rifle or ten, I will buy the Saitaris and bugger the cost!

[allan]

Kai-let's NOT go there!!!! :) :) :)

I am wanting a Saitaris, BADLY, as the size is right for ONE guy on extended trips and I have a Hille XP20 tarp as well as my Saivo.

You need room to live when it is pouring rain for 3 days, fog so thick that you cannot see 20 feet and this can be VERY depressing. I like candle lanterns, beeswax plumber's style candles and these seem to warm my tent a bit.

If, I can sell a rifle or ten, I will buy the Saitaris and bugger the cost!


yes that looks like quite a tent, but the original question is if you had any experience with seek outside tents, specifically the cimeron, I want a backpacking tent/shelter that I can pack on my own. Not a 12 lb 4 season tent...

[BgBlkDg]

Sorry, we sometimes "get carried away" here....... :)

I did reply earlier and have considerable experience with SO gear and other tipi shelters, including the Chouinard Pyramid, from 30 years ago....lots of backpack and spike camps with considerable satisfaction.

So, I WOULD buy a Cimarron, was one of the first to pester Angie and Kevin to add the bug screens and might still do it, but, am about done for purchases this year. I would buy a Hyperlite 4 person or a Cimarron B/4 any others I know of and the Cimarron is FAR cheaper than the HL.

HTH, sorry for straying.....

[Useyourfeet]

I currently have an 8 man tipi with a stove and have had a silvertip as well. I use the 8 man for family camping and base camp hunting trips (including fly ins) and it has been great. I've had it for 3 years now and haven't had any problems. Seam sealing the big guy takes awhile but that's ok. The silvertip was great too, I just traded it out for a slightly lighter mid but didn't have any complaints. They are expensive as is all good gear but each night you use it and it doesn't fail you that price looks better and better.

[oddsix]

Anyone else have experience with the Seek Outside Cimarron? I am seriously considering one. Are they worth the $825USD price tag? Any complaints? Please post any good/bad experiences you've had, along with pics!

Thanks, Daniel

[KBC]

I thought the Cimarron was a lot cheaper. Is that the Cuban fibre model?

[RackStar]

Anyone else have experience with the Seek Outside Cimarron? I am seriously considering one. Are they worth the $825USD price tag? Any complaints? Please post any good/bad experiences you've had, along with pics!

Thanks, Daniel


buuump

looking at this and the Redcliff also for this up coming season. I’ve decided a stove is a must for late season comfort

[Eriktigs]

I bought the cimarron last season with the medium box stove. Used it on several late season backpack hunts and I’m very happy with it. Yes it’s an expensive tent but it will keep you comfortably up on the mountain for longer. If I was ordering again I would have bought the large stove for longer burn times but overall I’m very happy.

[SaintSix]

. If I was ordering again I would have bought the large stove for longer burn times but overall I’m very happy.

that right there is very useful information! that's one thing I was considering and trying to figure out.

[grantk]

I’ll be getting the lite outdoors stove for my cimarron. It’s 18” long, made in Canada, and cheaper. Compares to the SO large stove for volume, but can take longer sticks.

[Striksfromabove]

Allan would you be interested in selling your Big Agnes?

[klondiker]

I have a Seek Outside Cimarron that I'd be willing to part with, and a Lite Outdoors stove, if it was also wanted. Purchased it 2 years ago, and it's been great, but I now live in the Yukon and when I hunt, I camp in the alpine, so I just don't have a use for it anymore. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat and get anymore info or pics.

[stinkyduck]

How long does it take to set up these tipi tents?