8 man or 12 man?

[kselkhunter]

After reviewing Kifaru vs. Titanium Goat vs. Seek Outside I think I've decided upon a Seek Outside. I currently backpack hunt for my big game trips annually in both OR and WA, but also take the wife and dogs in the summers on scouting trips. My typical party size for big game hunts is 3-5 guys. We pack in all gear and food on our backs. I can fit two of us in my 3 man dome tent. My thinking is an 8 man would be sufficient for four, but stretching it for five. But, I'm having a hard time with that extra weight of the 12 man. As well as visualizing size from pictures.

Can anybody comment on whether the 4.5 extra pounds for the 12 man (12 lbs with screens vs. 7.5) is worth it over the 8 man for the extra space? Knowing it's on your back not a mule/horse? And your opinion on whether five guys could reasonably fit in the 8 man?

My WA hunts are usually 3 guys, my OR hunts are 4-5 and I'd like to take the same heated tipi rather than buying two. Plus will probably do a few overnight snowshoe and cross country ski trips in winter with it with my wife and dogs. It's really hard to decide from the photos. More is obviously better, but we're packing it on our own backs so there are physical consequences to the decision.

Does anybody use the half floor? Is it worth it?

I"m assuming XL stove with either size, and definitely a liner as the rain here can make it tough to stay dry.

[kevin_t]

I would go with the 8 person, since it is primarily on your back, and will often be used for two or three people. Carry a tarp for extra gear / wood storage if going with 5 people.

I rarely use a floor, sometimes use a nest, often use a bivy. I use a bivy a lot for just general protection, for instance if I have dogs with me.

That is my opinion. I'm sure others will chime in.

[Log9mm]

I don't have any experience with the specific models asked about, but 4.5 extra lbs for that last guy who won't be on all trips would be make this a very easy decision for the 8 man for me as well. A separate gear tarp like Kevin mentioned and the 8 man would be my selection. I would also add I do floors exactly as Kevin does. Rarely have one. Use the nest sometimes, use the bivy most times.

[swisski]

Hey kselkhunter,

I'm also in your same boat in that I will be making a tipi purchase sometime in the future (and from WA). However I know for sure that I want the 8 man tipi for all around everything. Our primary use will be backpacking/backpack hunting and setting up a base camp out in the backcountry for 2-4 people. Sure this might be big for only 2 people, but it will make for a roomy and very comfortable setup, plus the option to flex pitch down to a 6 man size is nice if we ever need to setup on a smaller footprint.

I also plan on going with the XL (possibly the SXL) stove and just half liner (mainly for condensation here in wet Western WA). The main selling point on the XL stove for me is the fact that it's going to have the longest burn time on a full stoke. That being said, I think all stoves will serve their purpose for heating/cooking. At first I thought about the half floor as well, but ultimately I've decided it will be nice to not have to worry about taking my boots on and off while going in and out of the shelter. One thing I'm more uncertain about is screens, however I think I'm leaning toward going without them.

These are all just my thoughts as I have yet to have any experience with this setup, but I am looking very forward to it.

[kselkhunter]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. Am leaning towards the 8 man.

Another question, the combo bundle Seek Outside offers with XL stove and half liner looks like a good fit. Is a half liner sufficient, or do people generally run two half liners for complete coverage? (condensation will be a problem where I go).

[hrpwelding]

I am fortunate to have both the 8 and 12 man tipi. Have hunted from both. We have used the 8 man for 2 or 3 and heat it with a hill people gear shepherd stove. We use luxury lite cots also. No nest,liner or floor. Only one can carry the tipi so gear is split up accordingly. It's perfect for 2 with this setup 3 is OK but if weather keeps you in the tipi the space is limited with cots and gear. Last year we hunted with the 12 man. 2 hunters and 2 huntreses. We used a stove I made and got 4 to 5 hours of burn time on pine. Excellent. Wives were VERY happy. We only packed in 3 miles so the weight wasn't terrible on me and again all gear was divided. It is huge, easy to pitch and for me well worth the weight. Sure you pack it in, but only once in and back out. If you moved every day it would be too much. 6 men with gear and room to spare. So for me 2 hunters 8 man. 3 or more I'm packing my 12 unless I'm in more than 8 miles. My total pack with gun and food runs around 70 with the 12. And condensation wasn't an issue even though we had snow on us for several days. The stove takes care of that.

[wisam]

8 man if you are packing in far, are moving camp, or are doing shorter trips.

12 man is worth the extra weight if you are packing in a reasonable distance and not moving camp for a while.


If it's just a place to sleep, 8 man would probably work for up to 5. If you intend to use it for gear storage, organization and hanging out for a few hours before you go to bed, the 12 would be better.

The 8 man would for sure work for a group of 5 if you were just using it for sleeping though.

[OldJake]

I don't want to muddy the water here, but a weekend here and there, the 8-man would be fine. If you have three or more guys and are gonna stay a week...... Get the 12-man!