Ongoing 8 Man Review

[swisski]

My 8 man came in the mail yesterday, and today after work I took my first stab at setting it up! Really not bad at all. Just watched Kevin's tipi setup video earlier today and followed that. I only see it getting easier/faster with time. But it couldn't have taken me more than 15-20 minutes.

Putting it away on the other hand, that is something I will need to work on. I tried the rolling method, the rolling method turned to rolling/folding method, turned to stuffing it into the stuff sack at the very end. It was getting dark and I just needed to put it away. I think I remember reading that the rolling method was best way to store the tent, so hopefully I can take it out soon and store it properly. Anybody have any issues with just stuffing it, aside from it getting wrinkles? I'd like to practice storing it properly.

I will continue to post my thoughts as well as pictures of this bad boy in action as more adventures ensue. My initial thoughts are really that of what I've read from everyone else. This is clearly a very well thought out, and well built shelter. All the stitching and seams look great and feel strong and I have no doubts in it's ability to hold up over a long time and plenty of use. I CANNOT wait to get out with it!

[Grant]

Looks awesome swisski. Mine should be in Friday! Can't wait!

[swisski]

Awesome- be sure to post on here too!

[seaarc24]

The pitch on that 8 man looks like is was done by a pro, nice job. I have not had any problems with stuffing mine in the bag, didn't realize that they recommended rolling it until I read your post. I usually just cram mine into the stuff sack, cone first and go, which is the same method I have used with older backpacking tents and never had a problem. During winter camping when the tipi gets frosted up it can be a little more difficult to get it in the stuff sack.

Did you end up getting a stove? If so what size?

Happy camping.

[BabyTaco]

Awesome! Good job on the pitch like the other member said. I still have troubles getting it near perfect but it's been getting easier each time.

[swisski]

Thanks seaarch24-

Thanks for your input on putting the tent away. Cone first would make sense. I think with the way I had it half rolled/folded I'm not sure it ended up being cone first but I got it in there.

I did end up getting the bundle with half liner and XL stove. I think that liner will most definitely come in handy here in Western WA. I put the stove together last night and was pleasantly surprised by the construction! Seems real sturdy and air tight. Can't wait to fire it up this weekend and test it out!

[swisski]

Thanks Taco, I think I was relatively lucky the first time just having a good initial setting on the center pole, I wasn't sure how much tension was appropriate, but I kept it pretty taught in the setup and it turned out nicely.

[BabyTaco]

When's the first trip planned? I am hoping the weather is nice the weekend after next as I reeeaallly want to break out the fly rod and hit the waters.

[swisski]

The weekend after next will hopefully be the first outing with this setup for me as well! The weather has actually been really decent this last week, and we've had the most mild winter I can remember in a long time. Not much rain and real mild temperatures, and all of our ski areas are lacking snow big time. I fear a pretty bad fire season this summer in the Cascades.

[Log9mm]

That is a beautiful first pitch on a beautiful teepee. Congrats. I love reading these reviews and seeing them in action. It is funny how subjective our individual tastes are, but despite the color discussions we have had here lately I just can't help but love the redwood. Best combination of aesthetic beauty and ability to blend into a lot of different surroundings IMO.