Anybody here used a Kifaru sawtooth tipi or paratarp? Thoughts on stoves? What about Seek Outdoors?

I'll pose some questions if anybody has relevant experience with above.

Thx,

LRHF

I have a Seek Outside Cimarron, but haven't used it yet so I'm probably not much help to ya.

aggie_2010 said:

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I have a Seek Outside Cimarron, but haven't used it yet so I'm probably not much help to ya.

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Fair enough. Did you buy pre-pandemic? Did they build after your order and any idea how long it took to get? Did you get a stove?

Thx

No experience with the ones you listed, but I've ran a black diamond mega light the past 3 or 4 years and really like it.

Spent a week in a SO 7 man. Wasn't mine, but holy moly it was nice falling asleep in a warm tent and stoking the fire in the AM to wake up to one.

Boots always dry
Morale high
If it only punched my tag

It was given to me two seasons ago as a gift, so I'm not sure how long it took. I haven't purchased a stove for it yet.

Oh and splurge for titanium on the stove stuff. Pipe, etc. Worth it IMO

Do you need an ultralight if you also have a stove?

Sully Dog said:

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Do you need an ultralight if you also have a stove?

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Great question!

Can go without the stove in summer or good weather conditions. Want a stove for fall and winter trips.

Just heard that my hunting partner picked up a SO 8 man tipi + stove for our upcoming moose hunt. I still Need a 2 person tipi/ stove.

I'm open to a freestanding tent and a tipi for fall/ winter.

You planning on 2 guys plus gear in the 2 man tipi? Or just solo

I have a Kifaru Sawtooth. It is a great tent. I went with the Seet outside stove, because it is flat on top so i could cook with it.
https://instagr.am/p/CFsrva6DMtK

I have a SO Cimarron and my brother has a bigger 7 man I think.

We have used them for 4 years.

We have only packed the stove in once in September archery hunts. We got 2 feet of snow and dang that was nice, but it was very difficult to find dry wood to use.

The stove is also a pain taking apart and putting together so we only take it in and use it when absolutely necessary. Would rather be more mobile. The Cimarron works for two and we use the 7 man for 3 people.

Most of my time in the Cimarron has been solo.

Had issues with a mouse once and have had to dig trenches due to rain once.

I have a Luxe Octopeak - rated at 6 people, but you know how that is. I could easily get 3 full grown men + packs and rifles in there though. Have slept 2 adults & 3 kids many times.

It has the stove jack, and I've used a stove once. It was a wonderful experience, once you get the air flow right.

My only gripe with the Octopeak is lack of ventilation. I've not had much condensation issues (I stake it higher, so I get some airflow)- but in direct sunlight it can be a bit of an oven. Door open, no problem.

You are more than welcome to borrow it, if you want to give a tipi a shot and see what it's like. I don't own a stove, FYI, so can't loan one of those.

I'm sure there are nicer ones than the Luxe's. But these are affordable and lightweight. So that's what I use. Hit me up if you want to give it a go. I don't think I'm using it anymore this year until 3rd Rifle.

TikkaShooter said:

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You planning on 2 guys plus gear in the 2 man tipi? Or just solo

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This would be for wife and I on backcountry trips.

cupofjoe04 said:

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I have a Luxe Octopeak - rated at 6 people, but you know how that is. I could easily get 3 full grown men + packs and rifles in there though. Have slept 2 adults & 3 kids many times.

It has the stove jack, and I've used a stove once. It was a wonderful experience, once you get the air flow right.

My only gripe with the Octopeak is lack of ventilation. I've not had much condensation issues (I stake it higher, so I get some airflow)- but in direct sunlight it can be a bit of an oven. Door open, no problem.

You are more than welcome to borrow it, if you want to give a tipi a shot and see what it's like. I don't own a stove, FYI, so can't loan one of those.

I'm sure there are nicer ones than the Luxe's. But these are affordable and lightweight. So that's what I use. Hit me up if you want to give it a go. I don't think I'm using it anymore this year until 3rd Rifle.

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Thanks Cupofjoe! I'll check out the SO tipi on the moose hunt shortly. Shoot me a note if you can swing a fishing trip next week!

JeremiahJohnson said:

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I have a Kifaru Sawtooth. It is a great tent. I went with the Seet outside stove, because it is flat on top so i could cook with it.
https://instagr.am/p/CFsrva6DMtK

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Cool pics on IG JJ!

You find the space adequate for 2 people and normal backpacking gear? Any issues with the footprint being a bit big? Did you get a liner or just ventilate for any condensation?

Thanks!

LRHF

For sure!

I'm heading to TX next week to see my grandfather (possibly for the last time), and then scooting back for an elk hunt. I'll hit you up and see if we can get together early Sept

So far I have had no problems with the footprint being too big. It is perfect for for two people and gear. Can't beat being able fully stand up in the tent. Makes it a lot easier to change clothes in bad weather. I have no liner. No problems with condensation so far.

JeremiahJohnson said:

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So far I have had no problems with the footprint being too big. It is perfect for for two people and gear. Can't beat being able fully stand up in the tent. Makes it a lot easier to change clothes in bad weather. I have no liner. No problems with condensation so far.

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Thanks for the input Jeremiah J!

My buddy has the Kifaru sawtooth and I think the Smith cylinder stove.

We used it at 11,500' for 8 nights last year. Held up to rain and snow and high winds just fine. Didn't need a fire until it got into the teens.

We use tyvek sheets for ground cloths.

With the stove, a stack of firewood, two guys (both just over 6' and 190-200#, packs, bows and gear we were snug, but comfortable.

We didn't have any condensation until the snow built up above the gap between the tipi and the ground. Then it became your typical condensation issue.

AggiePetro07 said:

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My buddy has the Kifaru sawtooth and I think the Smith cylinder stove.

We used it at 11,500' for 8 nights last year. Held up to rain and snow and high winds just fine. Didn't need a fire until it got into the teens.

We use tyvek sheets for ground cloths.

With the stove, a stack of firewood, two guys (both just over 6' and 190-200#, packs, bows and gear we were snug, but comfortable.

We didn't have any condensation until the snow built up above the gap between the tipi and the ground. Then it became your typical condensation issue.

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That's great feedback Aggiepetro! You in the hydrocarbon extraction biz?

I'd go 4 man.

2 people plus gear will make the 2 person tipi super tight.

Nothing wrong with that, given its you and the wife, but yeah. The 4 person gives you room to put the boots, store a little firewood, drop the packs away from the sleeping backs, etc. Also more space if you have to make a pitch on a imperfect site. Still room to find space to sleep 2.

Just my take. The extra weight of the 4 is minimal and worth it for 2 people.

Also resale on the 2 person is pretty difficult bc there are so many other tents in the category.

I wanted a Luxe. But read lots if customer service/ products issues. I ended up ordering a LiteOutdoors Plateau, stove, liner, carbon center pole, and stake kit before my elk hunt last year during the artic blast. A week at crotch high snow, temps between -10 and -15 at 10k elevation and I couldn't be happier. That stove combined with the liner made tent camping in extreme conditions tolerable. Plenty of room for 2 guys, packs, rifles, firewood, and stove. 3 would have been tight, but doable.


Whole set up was about $770

AgLA06 said:

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I wanted a Luxe. But read lots if customer service/ products issues. I ended up ordering a LiteOutdoors Plateau, stove, liner, carbon center pole, and stake kit before my elk hunt last year during the artic blast. A week at crotch high snow, temps between -10 and -15 at 10k elevation and I couldn't be happier. That stove combined with the liner made tent camping in extreme conditions tolerable. Plenty of room for 2 guys, packs, rifles, firewood, and stove. 3 would have been tight, but doable.


Whole set up was about $770

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Thanks for the feedback, looks like some
Challenging conditions!

LRHF said:

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AggiePetro07 said:

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My buddy has the Kifaru sawtooth and I think the Smith cylinder stove.

We used it at 11,500' for 8 nights last year. Held up to rain and snow and high winds just fine. Didn't need a fire until it got into the teens.

We use tyvek sheets for ground cloths.

With the stove, a stack of firewood, two guys (both just over 6' and 190-200#, packs, bows and gear we were snug, but comfortable.

We didn't have any condensation until the snow built up above the gap between the tipi and the ground. Then it became your typical condensation issue.

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That's great feedback Aggiepetro! You in the hydrocarbon extraction biz?

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Yes sir, but it's been more of a charity than a business the past few years. Feel like we have been giving that stuff away...

I've done a half dozen hunting trips with my Seek Outside Cimmaron. I have the ultralight model with just one door and bug netting. Very happy with the choice. Works great for 2 guys + gear with SO's smallest stove, which will still get your tent into the 70's-80's when it's below freezing outside.

Has held up to 40+ mph winds on an open ridgeline, been in some pretty serious rain (trenching recommended). I find condensation is greatly helped if you set up under some tree cover and use a ground tarp as others have mentioned.

I have an 8 man with an XL stove and a liner for later season hunts where we'll be truck camping this year, and an inner half nest to keep my wife happy for summer camping.

I also have their smaller SIlvertip, it's great if it's just me, super light and shed winds like crazy.

All options are easy to pitch if you watch SO's setup videos, and the additional guyout lines really help interior room.

A good friend and his hunting buddy have used the Kifaru Sawtooth many times, they have found it to be a good option that does well in bad weather. They are usually horse packing in when they use it though.

AggiePetro07 said:

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LRHF said:

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AggiePetro07 said:

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My buddy has the Kifaru sawtooth and I think the Smith cylinder stove.

We used it at 11,500' for 8 nights last year. Held up to rain and snow and high winds just fine. Didn't need a fire until it got into the teens.

We use tyvek sheets for ground cloths.

With the stove, a stack of firewood, two guys (both just over 6' and 190-200#, packs, bows and gear we were snug, but comfortable.

We didn't have any condensation until the snow built up above the gap between the tipi and the ground. Then it became your typical condensation issue.

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That's great feedback Aggiepetro! You in the hydrocarbon extraction biz?

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Yes sir, but it's been more of a charity than a business the past few years. Feel like we have been giving that stuff away...

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Good luck, I spent over 20 Yrs in this industry prior to the price collapse when SA and Russia couldn't come to any agreements. The pandemic and negative sentiment since then has destroyed this once great industry.

Guess I just need to buy a tipi and enjoy more time outside!

LRHF said:

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TikkaShooter said:

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You planning on 2 guys plus gear in the 2 man tipi? Or just solo

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This would be for wife and I on backcountry trips.

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If you want to be really light, check out the SO Eolus. 22.5 oz including 8 stakes and the cords (use tracking poles). I think they may have an option for a stove kit but doubt you'd want it for that light a set up. They offer a nest for the Eolus also if you're going where bugs may be bad. I have it for hunting.
I also have their 8 man tipi and their DST tarp. The tarp can be configured in different ways for another ultra light option.
Anyway, as other have said, condensation can be an issue but you learn to deal with it. The stove helps with heat but more to dry items (like on Alaskan hunting trips, etc). I have the half floor for the 8 man and also a couple SO ground mats (house wrap). You wil love their stuff. But, currently, their lead times are long. Hi hunt is an online dealer for them who may have what you want. Also, there is a neat little store in Soldotna, AK called Wilderness Way that keeps some of their stuff in stock. I got my 8-man there and I spoke to them last week and they have a couple tipis in stock. They will give you a nice discount if you're military too.

Happy camping.

Trying to make a similar decision and trying to decide between the Luxe and more expensive brands. Sounds like you haven't had any trouble with the Luxe though?

Go LiteOutdoors Plateau 5 before Luxe

That's what I'm thinking after reading your post. Did you go with the stove they offer in the bundle?
Our hunt is 2nd rifle unit 25/26, with my luck I will buy all this and it'll be a warm week and we won't see any deer or elk.

Yes. Their stove and pipe kit.

Warm weather you can handle and leave the stove at the trail head. Sub 0 temps and feet of snow we experienced second rifle last year aren't really feasible without a stove.

K_P said:

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Trying to make a similar decision and trying to decide between the Luxe and more expensive brands. Sounds like you haven't had any trouble with the Luxe though?

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I haven't had any trouble with it at all. I seam sealed it myself, and it is watertight in snow or rain. Mine has the snow skirt and the stove jack. Customer service was helpful to me when ordering, and I haven't had a need to contact them since.

To be fair, I haven't spent time in any of the pricier ones for comparison. I'm sure they are great. But the Luxe fit my budget, and I love the octagon shape. The price point was my deciding factor. I've been considering getting one of their smaller ones as well for solo treks, or getting out with my son.

What weight sleeping bag did you pack? I just have a 30* and was planning on upgrading before I started reading about these hot tents. Now I'm wondering if that's still a need.