I received my Chinook solo tent 11 months ago. Initial preview
40+ nites of use in 12 different locations WI, IL, MN, so time for some conclusions.
Very pleased with this solo tent, roomy with 2 doors, 2 large vestibules, self standing, very waterproof (used 18-21 Sept. in Chippewa Falls/Hudson area 5 inch rainfall 21st.), strong and versatile shelter.
June bugnet and footprint.


Dec. fly over unattached groundsheet.


Sept. fabric inner, my normal configuration.


Components, outer tent 22.4oz basic part. Poles, 3 season 14 inch DAC 2 poles 10.7oz, optional home built 4 season Easton 14 inch 2 poles 12.7oz, optional 3rd pole 14 inch 4 season DAC 5.9oz, optional my supplied 8 MSR Groundhogs 4.2oz, optional home built guyline set of 6 1.5oz, optional home built groundcloth/footprint of Tyvek 4.2oz, optional my supplied bugnet 6.5oz, full fabric interior 14.2oz, optional my added Granite Gear 13 L packbag 2.5oz. Most often used configuration 3 season poles, 4season 3rd pole, fabric interior groundcloth/footprint, guylines, stakes, 3lbs 12.6oz. Lightest configuration, exterior only, ground cloth, 2 poles stakes, 2lbs 9.5oz.
Full setup packs loosely in a 13L PackStuffer bag from Granite Gear,



Past question from Boonie is to compare to a TarpTent. Hard to do because, I've never used one, and the options available for configuring the Chinook, also the Chinook is fully freestanding using 3 poles and a cross cord,

flipped on it's side.



Far as wind is concerned I have a set of guylines rigged that attach to both frame poles and fly body,



Guylines have been upgraded to phosphorecent white, but have rarely been needed. The fabric interior makes it warmer than all mesh but still gets good ventilation and noticeably reduced condensation. Even in fly only use it has limited condensation on the fly after a nites sleep.
The only problem to pop up over the 40 nites is snagging the door zipper on the fly body, easily remedied with careful use.
The Big Sky line of tents is very interesting and offers custom ordered configurations. They handled my order promptly, delivered in excellent condition. Have had no other contact with them on service or repairs as none has been needed. Specifically I can heartily recommend the Chinook solo, solo+, and 2 person versions.
Mine will see much more use for sure!
setup video Ottawa Lake camp

Other solo tents I have owned and used, Eureka Mt.Pass solo, Mountain Hardware Wing solo, Mountain Hardware Stilletto solo, Big Agnes CopperSpur UL1 solo.

butthead

Thanks for the follow-up review, butthead. It's one of those tents that it's hard to find a lot of solid reviews on. It sounds like a really nice solo tent that's working out very well for you. Is it the best of the ones you've tried?

Absolutely boonie! Small footprint yet lots of covered space easiest of them to setup. 14 inch max length of the poles means easy packing. Sits like a blister on the ground in the wind.

butthead

Nice review, seems like an excellent backpacking option or canoe trip option where weight is of particular concern.

FWIW.......it would be very hard to compare any free standing tent to a tarptent which requires that you provide supports. I own a Tarptent Notch and was very impressed with it but I had trekking poles with me at all times.

I have a "minimalist" canoe tripping pal which goes on occasion who had an UL solo tent which required a minor in engineering to erect since it had no poles. Seemed like one big hassle.

Since you first bought this tent they've held my interest and it's good to see it's been working well.

Am I correct that the setup is a little different than "normal" tents in that both the inner and outer tent go up at the same time? How do you like this configuration? Seems like it would be better for setting up in the rain. I've heard a couple people say the downside is that the wet fly gets the inner tent wet once packed. Is that a real concern or did they just not know what they were talking about? Presumably it's a relatively simply matter to separate the inner and outer for packing if desired?

Have you had it in any substantial winds yet?

If all your tents were stolen tomorrow what would you buy this one over again? If not what would you choose instead?

I haven't used a "traditional" tent in quite a few years and will be doing some shopping over the winter so lots of questions.

Alan

Alan, the inner is attached with 15 clips and is removable, can be left attached or attached/removed while the main body/fly is set up. Fast to setup and move around the campsite. Been in winds, lake edge last Dec. gusts to 30 mph est. Hardly noticed inside, it was not guylined.
"If all your tents were stolen tomorrow what would you buy this one over again?"
The Chinook would be re-purchased first!
I do a lot of camping all year round, may get where you could take a first hand look at it. It is heavily photo-documented since I purchased it.
Different setup video last March

butthead

Nice review! Curious, however, am I the only one who see some of your text in various places covered by some of your pics?

No Mark I see that also and have tried spacing of various kinds. Have found no solution. Might try relocating to the bottom of the post to see if it makes a difference. Open to suggestions.

butthead

Great review...
I have been using a Big Sky Revolution 2P and have been very impressed with it as well. It sets up easier than any other tent I have owned and has been stellar in the rain and wind. I love that the fly and main body setup together as one, don't know why we don't see more of that style tent in the US. Poles at 14 inche make an incredibly small packaged size.

quote Diego1: "Great review...
I have been using a Big Sky Revolution 2P and have been very impressed with it as well. It sets up easier than any other tent I have owned and has been stellar in the rain and wind. I love that the fly and main body setup together as one, don't know why we don't see more of that style tent in the US. Poles at 14 inche make an incredibly small packaged size."

Almost the same tent, except mine has a 3rd pole and slightly different doors to match the opening.
Any photos?
Big Sky e-mailed me today thanking me for the review here!

butthead

Man, now you have me thinking of buying another tent, and that is something I do not need! We just refinanced our house, however, and it was me who found the great deal, so maybe I owe myself a treat...!

quote butthead: "

quote Diego1: "Great review...
I have been using a Big Sky Revolution 2P and have been very impressed with it as well. It sets up easier than any other tent I have owned and has been stellar in the rain and wind. I love that the fly and main body setup together as one, don't know why we don't see more of that style tent in the US. Poles at 14 inche make an incredibly small packaged size."

Almost the same tent, except mine has a 3rd pole and slightly different doors to match the opening.
Any photos?
Big Sky e-mailed me today thanking me for the review here!


butthead"

The only one that I could find quickly....I may do a more detailed review like you did on the Chinook. I had gone from tent camping to hammock camping, but I seem to be going back towards the tent now with my current setup. Ease and simplicity plus improved comfort from the new pads coming out has got me back on the ground.

quote Diego: "

quote butthead: "

quote Diego1: "Great review...
I have been using a Big Sky Revolution 2P and have been very impressed with it as well. It sets up easier than any other tent I have owned and has been stellar in the rain and wind. I love that the fly and main body setup together as one, don't know why we don't see more of that style tent in the US. Poles at 14 inche make an incredibly small packaged size."

Almost the same tent, except mine has a 3rd pole and slightly different doors to match the opening.
Any photos?
Big Sky e-mailed me today thanking me for the review here!



butthead"

The only one that I could find quickly....I may do a more detailed review like you did on the Chinook. I had gone from tent camping to hammock camping, but I seem to be going back towards the tent now with my current setup. Ease and simplicity plus improved comfort from the new pads coming out has got me back on the ground.



"

Had some rain today so I did a video of setting up the Big Sky Revolution. I think it illustrates the best quality of the tent, which is the dry setup even in adverse conditions. Its in real time to give a realistic setup time, though I can do it about a minute faster in nicer conditions and if Im really trying.

The only negatives I have about the tent is the flap that surrounds the zipper can sometimes get caught, but knowing this, its pretty easy to compensate. Also you can see me stumble with connecting the apex of the tent to the poles, which is the first attachment that should be made according to the instructions. The buckle is a bit small for my large hands and I think that could be improved.

But other than those two things, I got nothing but great things to say about it. Its simple, waterproof, does great in the wind, light, small packaged size- (I do bike packing and thats a requirement), and long enough with vertical walls to fit my 6'2 frame with a fairly thick sleeping pad. I wonder at times if I should have gotten the red or yellow tent material, but I figured if I ever had to sell it, Id have better luck with a neutral color.

Big Skys website looks like something out of the late 90's, but the order went smooth, they shipped right away and were responsive to my questions. No problems so I have no problem recommending the company and its shelters.



Big Sky Revolution 2P setup in the rain.