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At age 68, I am starting year two in retirement by hunting the high country via backpack. So far, I have listened to many, many podcasts, and our hunting community is blessed to have such excellent people providing them. Now, I am seeking advice from those experienced hunters on this forum for specific shelter consultation.

I will be hunting primarily in Idaho (mule deer and elk), Colorado (mule deer and elk) and Arizona (Coues deer). For the past two years, we have experienced an average of two days per hunt with sustained winds in the 40-50 mph range with gusts even higher. Some snow and some rain.

I have narrowed down my short list to: the SO LBO, Cimarron, and 4 man-tipi. Given our weather experience, we would like advice on which shelter would best handle the winds, etc. We do plan to have an SO titanium stove with us for the colder hunts. Our party will be two hunters only with the appropriate gear.

I would appreciate you sharing your experience and recommendations. Of course, if I have missed a shelter that would fit our needs, I would welcome your suggestions.

Thanks,

Old Guy

Of those, 4 man. Redcliff would be an option as well, but is larger than needed. Cimarron would do fine, but doesn't offer stand up room.

Steve,

Thanks for your pictures and information. After reading more threads, people on this forum are very helpful. There is a ton of information to consider.

What is your advice regarding screens on the 4 Man Tipi?

Kevin, has Robby Denning provided any more feedback on the Cimarron?

Old Guy (David)

Assuming comparable configurations (separate poles, stove jacks, no bug net, including stakes and sacks) what would the complete weights be between the Cimmaron and 4 man? I see canopy weights online, but can't seem to find an apples to apples comparison.

I had been considering the Redcliff for additional comfort, but the Cimmaron and 4 man seem like maybe better options for 1-2 people when you have to pack everything up a mountain.

Thanks

Neal

I'd go Cimarron for packing high and far . I don't have the weights off hand and I know most are on our site but not apples to apples due to how they are sold differently, which is partially due to the difference in sizes and slight difference is purpose . The Cimarron canopy is lighter , a stove jack is no more than 3 ounces , the pole is 2 - 3 ounces less ... Plus it is short enough to use trekking poles well ( we believe about 6 ft is the limit for trekking poles to work well ) and it uses only half as many stakes ( although the 4 works well with half the stakes as well ) . The advantages to the 4 is stand up and liner options , the Redcliff I think is closer to a 6 in feel , but more like a 4 in weight and Cimarron is ease of setup .


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I just turned 70 and have hunted, etc. the high mountains of BC and Alberta, since 1964 and backpacked here since 1956.

My choice for your needs is the Cimarron, with the new bug screens, in fact, the lack thereof is why I have not as yet bought mine.

I don't bother with a heat source until after mid-October to save weight and after 29 years using various tipi-type shelters here, I find this OK for me.....but, when it comes to cold, I am a Sasquatch, anyway.

I will, however, buy a Ti stove with my Cimarron and as I prefer to go solo I expect that I will have lots of room and be warm and happy.

Just my thots, for any help they may be.