BWCA Winter Tent and Stove Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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11/30/2015 11:14AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Help me out boys!

I'm ready to dive into the world of winter camping, but also want something I can use for hunting camp in the north woods of Wisconsin.

I'm leaning towards a Snowtrekker. Where I need help is what size to get and which model.

I'm thinking the 4 man option because for hunting camps it would most likely be me and another adult and a couple kids. Is the 4 man too big to use for a couple adults for a potential BWCA trip someday? Just more room for gear?

Seems like the shortwall model is a good option, but I'm not sure how to decide between basecampe, shortwall or outfitter models.
 
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11/30/2015 11:19AM  
Ooops. And the stove. Should I just go with the options that Snowtrekker offers on their website?
11/30/2015 12:45PM  
I can't really say what is the best for you, but I will mention that I have the 3 Person - 9'X11.5' Exp Crew and I do think that it would be good for what you are looking for.

If you go with the 10x13 you would need to add 3lbs for the tent and another 3 or 4lbs for the stove. (you would need the larger Knico stove). I have a stove close to the medium stove SnowTrekker's site- (mine is an inch smaller in length) Check out Muskrat Metal Works to see if Brian has any stoves for sale. I would get one of his (made in MN) before a knico stove. You may have to call if his website is not updated.

I put 2 adults, 5 kids and a dog in my tent earlier this fall with a stove. We were pretty packed in there of course, but I would think that 2 kids and 2 adults would be just fine.

We have certainly brought a 10x13 on into the BWCA. I do think 2 guys could pull it in and even move it day after day. 1 sled would get the stove and the other the tent. It would feel like a lot of tent for just two guys, and would require more work pulling the load and cutting additional wood which would be needed to keep the back of that tent warm.

If you want to know before you buy, rent one :)
11/30/2015 01:01PM  
Snowtrekker makes some fine tents!
Just as an option I do not own but like the idea, Davis Herder combined with 2 Dog DX stove
Sold off my wall tent, but still miss it, 10x12 was too big for my use. But a spike or herder style might fit my useage. Something real neat about hot tenting in the winter!

butthead

PS; Wall Tents website is fun for reasearch/information, tents and stoves. bh
SevenofNine
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11/30/2015 02:51PM  
Have you considered a CCS shelter? It would save you a lot of weight.

Cooke
Merlin
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11/30/2015 04:00PM  
I have an older model, the short wall hybrid, which is 8 x 11 and can fit 3 adults, although its tight. I can't comment on larger sizes other than say that I have often wished for more space.

Another option... Winter Works
12/01/2015 09:19AM  
Great information so far guys.

Any opinions on the stove size? Let's say I get a 3 man shortwall tent. Which of the Kni Co stoves would I get with it?

Thanks!
Gadfly
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12/01/2015 12:16PM  
The medium stove should work fine as that's what I have used with my three man and it's always kept us warm. I am switching to titanium and the stove is a little smaller so I will see how that works in a couple weeks.
12/01/2015 03:24PM  
I've got a 9x11.5 Basecamp with the Kni-co medium size stove and its been more than enough down to about -15ºF (that's the coldest I think I've been out so far). Like you, Kiporby, I was wrestling with the needs of a tent for fall hunting (bigger) vs winter trekking (smaller). I love my tent, but in hind sight I bought more tent than I need (this is a common problem with me) and if I could do it over would buy an 8x10. From what you have described, I think the 3 person Shortwall would be a good choice for your needs.

One thing to keep in mind for fall hunting trips that I think some people miss - not everyone needs to necessarily sleep in the hot tent to benefit from it. Most of us let the fire go out when we go to sleep anyway so the tent only stays warm for an hour or two. The biggest benefit in my opinion is having a warm place to cook and eat meals, to get warmed up at the end of the day, and to dry everything out. Not sure how old the kids are, but when at the right age they could just sleep in a regular 3 season tent (or one of those awesome Davis Herder tents). If they gripe, tell them they don't have to make breakfast ;)

12/01/2015 03:38PM  
quote Kiporby: "Great information so far guys.


Any opinions on the stove size? Let's say I get a 3 man shortwall tent. Which of the Kni Co stoves would I get with it?


Thanks!"



Packer at least by their sizing.

butthead
12/01/2015 05:22PM  
The right choice depends upon how you intend to camp.

If your winter camping involves pulling a toboggan, then weight becomes an issue. If you are car or snow mobile camping then weight is not an issue.

A Fall hunting trip would be great with a larger tent and sleeping on cots.

Whatever Snowtrekker tent you choose, Duane can advise you as to the proper size stove.
01/01/2016 05:40PM  
I've narrowed it down to the Shortwall vs. the Basemcamp. 3 man either way. Medium stove.

Duane says he will make a custom tarp for me 9.5 x 11 to cover the entire floor. Also, getting the stove hearth and a reflector.
01/01/2016 07:01PM  
quote Kiporby: "I've narrowed it down to the Shortwall vs. the Basemcamp. 3 man either way. Medium stove.


Duane says he will make a custom tarp for me 9.5 x 11 to cover the entire floor. Also, getting the stove hearth and a reflector."


Duane not only makes great tents, he's a joy to deal with, as well.

You can't go wrong with a Snowtrekker.
01/05/2016 03:49PM  
So, I ordered the 3-man basecamp snowtrekker! I'm very excited. Winter camping here I come.
billconner
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01/05/2016 07:12PM  
So is the 8x10 perfectly comfortable for two adults? The solo or small stove? I assume cots in an "L" opposite corner of stove?
billconner
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01/05/2016 07:12PM  
So is the 8x10 perfectly comfortable for two adults? The solo or small stove? I assume cots in an "L" opposite corner of stove?
 
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