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Looking at the Cimmaron or the 4 man Tipi. This is a lot of money for me and I have been saving for a while to make the purchase. My main concern is size. My primary use will be for backcountry hunts during the Colorado's rifle elk seaons. I want plenty of room for me and my hunting partner. He's a big guy (6'7") and I want to be comfrontable in case we if we are stuck inside due to poor weather. What are your guys opinions and experiences. I love to get a Red Cliff or 6 man, but I just don't have the funds.

I was going through the same options a while ago. The Cimarron was tempting because of it's lower weight, and the price too. But it's also lower in height, and as standing height is nice, it left the 4 man and the Redcliff. I knew I would mostly use it for me + a dog or two only, so went for the 4 man tipi. Got it 2 months ago, have used it for maybe 18 nights so far. It has plenty of space for one + the dogs of course, but doesn't feel unnecessarily big, especially when it's really wet and you want to get your gear dry. Have used it for two + a dog for several nights too, also with a stove, worked good. Pity that SO doesn't make a half nest for the 4 man. Now during the mosquito season I've used it with a regular pyramid mosquito net inside, which has worked ok. Needs some modifications still, but has worked out. Looking back, I wouldn't make a different decision if I'd be buying one now.

As a Finn I have no idea about the usual weather conditions during Colorado's rifle elk seasons But I would say it makes a big difference if you're planning to use it with a stove or without.

A few pics won't do any harm....

I'd be looking for a BCS in the used area. I bought one and absolutely love the tent. It's the Redcliff's predecessor. Check Craigslist national searchers and ask on Rokslide, Kifaru, here, or other hunting websites. Not trying to talk out of buying new, just either save for what you really want, or don't buy.

The Cimarron is 6" to the peak, the 4 is 6'10", so the 4 will allow standing room, though your buddy is tall enough he'll have his head touching the canopy.

The Cimarron is lighter, smaller, and less expensive obviously. The 4 is bigger, heavier, roomier, and will likely handle severe weather better.

If you're an ounce counter - Cimarron. If you like a comfortable camp and/or expect really really bad weather - 4 person.

So, my quandary is between the Courthouse and the Redcliff, both with SXL stoves, I think. My concerns are the often very severe BC mountain weather, I am usually solo and not as young and tough as I was AND the footprint, which is critical due to the steep terrain and brushy ground.

Soooo, what do you think?

Thanks, good point about setup and since we so often are in rain for days on end, I detest slow, difficult setups. I went to Hilleberg tents exclusively due to various experiences involving setups, tipis as well as floored mountain tents.

So, I think that the Redcliff-SXL is in my near future. Living and hunting on five day trips, solo, in BC autumn weather can get old PDQ. The RC looks good for me and I just have to sell a few more of my far too many rifles to fund this purchase.

I am SO happy with SO, products, service, advice and just the general downhome, friendly atmosphere.