I've been looking at getting a largish tipi/stove combo for a while now. Mainly for backpack/horse back hunting (2-3 guys usually) and family trips (family of four) into the foothills.

Kifaru, Go-Lite, TiGoat, Seek Outside... any others I should be checking out? I've been looking real hard at the 6 man Versashelter/Ti stove combo and it is on special right now. Seems to be a good balance of weight, features, and price?

Who is using or has used what? Any input, experiences would be great...

I used a borrowed Kifaru Paratipi  for Canmore in 2010, it worked well but was a bit on the small side for hanging out in at night (Light at 8 am and dark at 5 pm makes for a long evening), but even when it was -14 we only had long sleave T-shirts on in there and actually had to open the door a few times to let heat out.

I got a Golite Shangi La 5 this spring and am just in the process of getting a stove jack put in and then either building or buying a stove for it.  Used it for camping with the wife and 2 kids this summer and it worked great for that so far, we are headed out backpakcking next week for 5 days and will see how it fairs.

As Lurch said the condensation is an issue because of the single wall desings but thats only and issue if you dont have a stove...that cures that problem in about 5 minutes of firing it up

If a guys has the funds the Kifaru is the bomb and Ti Goat is a close second.  If money is a factor then the Golite is a great option if you or someone you know can run a regular sewing machine and you add a stove jack in (can get them for $40 from Ti Goat).

I havent had any experience with the Seek outside but they look like a good tent as well.

Cheers,

Reaper

Nice to meet you too Wrongside....

I know my one friend picked his go-lite tent out of the US for about half of what he would pay here

Have you looked at the Vertex tents from Titanium Goat?

Thought I'd update this. I still don't have a big tipi. It is still in the plans, but, since most of my trips are solo, with one other, or my two boys, 8 & 9. I decided I'd get more use out of a smaller shelter and went that direction first. Ended up getting a SeekOutside Back Country Shelter w/ a roll up stove. Pretty happy with it so far. Tons of space for one and gear, good for two and some gear and will work OK for the three of us with an additional tarp outside for gear. It runs around 3pounds w/ optional door panel, pole and pegs. Add ~2 more for the stove. The wood heat sure is nice on a cold, damp night.

The stove definitely requires regular, gentle attention. Takes a bit of getting the knack, it's fairly fussy compared to a regular wood burner. At least burning poplar, all I've used in it so far. Totally worth it though, IMO.

Things cool off pretty quick once you start tending it, but it warms things up right quick too. Nothing like stoking up the fire before rolling out of your sleeping bag.

This the only one I have.

First burn


I like all right and it works well. Dont think I'd pay full price for one of these tho. The TiGoat roll up is nicer for the money.

Cool pics, I got a chuckle out of the stove...Keep er stoked....lol