Eureka's Equinox 6 or Cabela's Alaskan Guide tent?

[Charlienyc]

After much reading, I narrowed down to this two tents. I heard Eureka's can zip up all windows. Does anybody know if Cabela's also can close all the windows to avoid dust? Currently, I am going by myself but joined a large camp. I rather invest a little bit for years to come than getting cheapy one to be miserable. Anyone has experience with them?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas- ... oductChart

http://store.eurekatent.com/equinox-6-tent

Charlie

[StevenGoodman]

For the money get a Kodiak or a Springbar. They will last 20 years (or more).

Martini Steve

[Charlienyc]

For the money get a Kodiak or a Springbar. They will last 20 years (or more).

Martini Steve

Thanks, Steve. That would be my first choice but both brands are sold out everywhere. I will most likely purchase one after this Burning Man. What do you think about the idea of get a throwaway cheap one. And invest one next year. Or should I get something decent (still not the best in comparison with Springbar) just use for a couple of times for BM?

Charlie

[StevenGoodman]

Cabelas has Kodiaks listed as in stock on their website.

I have seen the Equinox and it is quite nice.

Martini Steve

[Savannah]

That's a tough call.

I convinced a cheapie throwaway dome tent (~$40?) to survive 4 burns, including at three long storms. Even then, it wasn't totally thrashed, just very old and I didn't want to risk it, so I kissed the box o' tent in reward for its service and gave it a viking funeral (which actually looked much like a solemn, bittersweet trip to the dumpster). Thoughtful, thorough staking and camping North of a vehicle helped it last so long--though I didn't always have a wind shield. Only the 4th time did I get some better stakes (10" Coleman stakes) which I would recommend to almost anyone, and from the start. (Although a springbar tent is heavy, and probably needs rebar.)

With a cheapo tent, you just learn to get extra serious about zipping things closed, sewing over any unprotected mesh, and having a dustpan and broom around. It's also smart to protect your bedding, i.e. not count on rain-proofing 'til you're certain of your tent's characteristics. (If it looks like rain, roll your bedding and place it in a trash bag, or cover your whole bed with a sheet of plastic.) Point your door anywhere but South/Southwest, the wind's favorite origin. It helps--a little.

The tent I use now cost about $120 and this will be its 3rd year. I am so relieved to be able to stand up in it. It wont last a lifetime like a Springbar, but it's lightweight, roomy, goes up easily, and I can stand in it. I love being able to stand up in my tent. Bruised knees are for the birds.

When the current tent dies, I will probably opt for another decent (neither cheap nor pricey) tent.

[phil]

I can't tell from the photos of either tent: Do the mesh windows have zip-over covers?

[linguafranka]

We used the Equinox 6 first time last year. It is very sturdy, and I was very happy with it.
Rinsed it out last week in prep for this year.
I do wish its vent panels in the top were bigger, but at least there's no mesh panels that you can't zip shut.

[Charlienyc]

I love being able to stand up in my tent. Bruised knees are for the birds.

Love that statement!

[pchops]

Excited to read a few other positive posts on the Kodiak on this forum and others, have been contemplating the big purchase for a while and think I've psyched myself up to pick up the 10'x14' model. Looks like a very impressive tent.

Wanted to ask, any chance anyone has seen any discount codes on Kodiak's, Sports Warehouse or Cabella's? What'd make this sweet tent even sweeter would be a nice discount, couldn't find any other online.

Thanks,

Paul

[phil]

Photos of our springbar tent (which is similar to Kodiak):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/civex/3799196248/in/set-72157621973886300/

I think it's a 10x14, which will be the same size as the one your contemplating.

[Moongar]

I found this tent and ordered one yesterday, so I can't speak on it's quality/sturdiness but it could be a good tent for this year if you are planning on shelling out more dough next year; it is cheap ($149), large (13x8x6.5) and it appears that all mesh zips up (possibly not bottom of door?)

http://www.camptents.com/SpecPages/Cabi ... ent237.htm

[tspinning]

Just picked up the Eureka Equinox 6 yesterday after a lengthy conversation with the fine folks at Hilton's Tent City in Boston. Save quite a few $$ vs. the Cabela's but it's probably not quite as awesome, the main difference being the lack of large vestibule that the Alaskan Guide has. Anyway, tent store folks said it's one of the more popular models for the burn due to the ability to close the windows and have 6 guy points. After months of researching (this is my first burn and the tent had me stressing out) I believe I've made a good choice but I'll have a better report in 35 days!

[Stickygreen]

I've used both tents and they are fine choices for a good quality structure.

my personal favorite is the Alaknak:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas- ... l+Products

[gyre]

If you go down 80, the number one cabela's has a bunch of tents setup outside.
Not the kodiak though.

If I remember correctly, the guide was disappointing ventwise.

I think the xwt was a potential tent.

They often have big tents discounted too.

[akmojo]

I have used the 6 person Ak Guide w/aluminum poles... an excellent tent !!
but it all depends on how much you want to carry..
I now use Costco Carports and pitch my tent inside.. plenty of stand up room now and talk about a giant vestibule !!!
helps with wind/Dust.... maybe $220 in Ca then get a nice, cheap stand up size tent to pitch inside...
but it all depends on how much you want to transport to the Playa....