by seaarc24 » Sun Feb 08, 2015 7:33 pm
I got a bt-2 in the other day and was able to set it up over the weekend. I used the stock stakes in the driveway which is currently packed snow and they held well. I plan on bringing the stock stakes and wooden lathe stakes on my trips in case I need to set up the shelter in deeper snow conditions. If a person is able to pack down the shelter area with snowshoes or a snogo and let it settle for an hour or so, I don't think staking will be an issue. I was impressed with how fast the shelter warmed up with the medium stove, at -16 below temp it was only a matter of minutes for the interior temp to reach the point where I was needed to take off some gear. Once going, a small amount of wood keeps things toasty for a while inside. No need to pack a chainsaw with this shelter, folding pack saw with supply plenty of wood. The double zippers are great for controlling the heat.
The pack size on this thing is unbelievable, its so small that I can toss it in my snogo box with the medium stove and not even know it there. Its a great shelter for emergency situations while traveling remote Alaska during the winter via snogo. Seems to be enough room for one person with winter gear when the stove is inside, the only issue I have with it is the diameter is a little on the short side for me at 6'3". It would be nice if it could be about a foot longer in diameter and a foot taller for taller users. Kevin, what about a BT-2 plus for those who need a little more space?
Pictures below. I plan on taking it out on a pike fishing trip in late March and a caribou hunting trip in the Brooks in April, will post pictures after.
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