Excellent “How To” video. I followed each step and was able to put together by myself. I needed my husband on the last side pole due to weight canvas. I found my Kodiak on FBk Mkt it was in excellent shape. Thanks for ur help!
I've had my Kodiak tent for about 8 years now, and have probably set it up close to 30 times in all sorts of weather conditions, each time dreading the second vertical pole that would either require me to deadlift it into place, or far worse, swallow my pride and ask a friend for help! Then just a week ago, while setting it up in the Tygh Valley of Oregon, I had a flash of inspiration, sent to me by the Kodiak gods themselves no doubt, and I discovered a trick to make setting it up much easier. Here's how you easily set up that second vertical pole alone: ensure that you orient the vertical poles when unfolding them so that the half with the smaller side that slips into the other half, is pointing up. Install the first pole as normal, but don't unfold the second pole yet! Get into position and place the bottom half of the folded pole onto the retaining pin or D-Clip, then lift up the roof with your free hand. Take the top half of the pole and swivel it up to meet the nub on the roof strut. You now just push the two halves of the pole forward into place! Because of the slightly elastic metal cord that prevents the poles from separating too much, and the fact that you oriented the larger opening over the smaller opening, when the pole gets close to vertical, it will *pop* right into place with surprisingly little effort! (watch your hands, of course). It's kind of a mouthful to spell out but the actual process I'm describing is simple and fast when you see it. It really seems to me that Kodiak intentionally designed the poles to do this because the steel cord and the way the poles fit together allow you to do this safely and without any precision.
Thank you for showing us how to put this up!! I am considering getting this particular tent, but I might get the next size up, cuz my kids are 22 & 24 & might want to come with me, so I think I might need a little more space
Nice review! One little tip I've picked up on with tents that have awnings, roll it up underneath so if you don't have it out it'll still shed rain instead of collecting and possibly bleeding through inside. Basically the opposite of how you had it rolled . Cheers!
Good video - came in handy when we were trying to decipher the instructions. Staking is definitely key, as is figuring out which side the awning is on before staking 🙄
Thanks! You will love it. Haven't have a single problem with it. SO nice to be able to stand completely upright inside. Only downside(if you can call it that) would be the weight and size packed up. Not really a backpacking tent but thats not its purpose anyways.
User Tip: Do not walk over your tent with your shoes on! He's on a manicured lawn, but out in the wilderness you will track foot prints and it will be all you see looking up inside the tent because daylight bleeds through there.
Good point. Yea I was on clean grass with clean shoes but out in the wild I try to take my shoes off or crawl more on my knees to get at the middle bars for setup
I'm sure it wouldn't hurt. I'd say it would depend maybe on the terrain below it as well? like when I have it on soft grass it doesn't feel like it tear in the slightest but if the ground below was rocky or un even yea those pads will help if you have pointy cot legs
When you've had this in the rain, have you been able to keep those side windows slightly open for airflow or do they seem to need to be completely shut to keep water out? Back and forth between the VX and the Deluxe since the Deluxe has those air vents. Thanks!
Id say it depends on the type of rain. Blowing sideways and 30mph winds you might get some water in. But Ive had them cracked 50% open in some light and moderate rain and had no issues with any water getting in.
Id also add that if you can spring for the Deluxe I would go for that as those side windows/air vents are soo nice to have. Not only for really being able to get in fresh air but doubling as windows you can also let in a nice bit of sunlight and be able to see out of all angles of the tent.
how do the zippers hold up. About to buy this. My last few tents were Eureka and nothing was wrong with tent other than ykk zippers broke on doors. Hoping that doesn't happen with this tent too making it worthless unless you don't care about bugs and having a zippable door.
Ive never had any issues with one jamming up or snagging anything. They are pretty robust for a tent zipper id say. I think for the amount time this tent has spent in the heat/cold/wet/dusty conditions for them to still feel like they have no resistance in the (zipper) elements and zip effortlessly open/closed that they are going to last me a while.
@@wyattwoolf3593 I did not treat mine with anything. I did do the "seasoning" method when I first got it. So, setting it up in the sun and watering it good with a hose all over and let it dry completely. I have sustained many heavy rains and I stayed dry!
You know I do recall it was recommended to me. To set up the tent and hose down the outer canvas and then let it dry completely in the sun. I think I did this only one time, hosed it down and just left it for a few hours through the afternoon and put it away. Ive never had water make it thought the canvas so I dont know how much of that is due to the little bit of "cure" prep. You expecting to get much rain out in the desert? :)
I had to come back and comment on this after hearing Burning Man got DRENCHED!! this year haha. Thats crazy. Id be curious to hear if you ended up making it and got stuck in that. And how the tent worked.
I plan to order this tent, the 10x10 VX. Could you please tell me the length of the door from top to bottom? Kodiak was not able to provide that information.
Shoot it's all packed up at the moment so can't get you an exact answer at the moment. I'm 5'10 and if I think about it, I don't feel I have to really duck at all waling in. and you can full stand up inside. But there is maybe 5 or 6 inches or so of a lip on the bottom that is an easy step over.
Just sold my 10 X 10 Flexbow. The walls are too angular and the weight is too much for our needs. If you put a queen sized mattress in it, the walls are so steep you are bumping into the walls when you walk around the mattress. If they put the doors on the straight vertical sides it would of worked better.
Ive been using a Rio Gear Foldable Camping Cot that is shown in this video. I found it at a local outdoors store near me. I don't think its a "name brand" one but the price was right and I have yet to break it. I got the XL size and it has been super comfortable and held up just fine so far. I'm not a big guy (5'10 and 155lbs) but I like the larger size to be able to stretch out on. I mostly "car camp" so I don't need to carry it very far hiking up someplace.
One word of advice - don't stretch the corners too much b/c when you raise the tent up, it will pull those stakes out of the ground and you'll have to either start over or try to fix it after the fact and that's no fun!
Excellent “How To” video. I followed each step and was able to put together by myself. I needed my husband on the last side pole due to weight canvas. I found my Kodiak on FBk Mkt it was in excellent shape. Thanks for ur help!
I've had my Kodiak tent for about 8 years now, and have probably set it up close to 30 times in all sorts of weather conditions, each time dreading the second vertical pole that would either require me to deadlift it into place, or far worse, swallow my pride and ask a friend for help! Then just a week ago, while setting it up in the Tygh Valley of Oregon, I had a flash of inspiration, sent to me by the Kodiak gods themselves no doubt, and I discovered a trick to make setting it up much easier.
Here's how you easily set up that second vertical pole alone: ensure that you orient the vertical poles when unfolding them so that the half with the smaller side that slips into the other half, is pointing up. Install the first pole as normal, but don't unfold the second pole yet! Get into position and place the bottom half of the folded pole onto the retaining pin or D-Clip, then lift up the roof with your free hand. Take the top half of the pole and swivel it up to meet the nub on the roof strut. You now just push the two halves of the pole forward into place! Because of the slightly elastic metal cord that prevents the poles from separating too much, and the fact that you oriented the larger opening over the smaller opening, when the pole gets close to vertical, it will *pop* right into place with surprisingly little effort! (watch your hands, of course).
It's kind of a mouthful to spell out but the actual process I'm describing is simple and fast when you see it. It really seems to me that Kodiak intentionally designed the poles to do this because the steel cord and the way the poles fit together allow you to do this safely and without any precision.
Thank you for showing us how to put this up!! I am considering getting this particular tent, but I might get the next size up, cuz my kids are 22 & 24 & might want to come with me, so I think I might need a little more space
Yeah it's perfect for 1 or 2 people and gear but the larger one would definitely give you that extra room if the kids tag along!
Nice review! One little tip I've picked up on with tents that have awnings, roll it up underneath so if you don't have it out it'll still shed rain instead of collecting and possibly bleeding through inside. Basically the opposite of how you had it rolled . Cheers!
I have the same tent and I agree it's awesome - great video thanks!
Indeed! Thanks!
Good video - came in handy when we were trying to decipher the instructions.
Staking is definitely key, as is figuring out which side the awning is on before staking 🙄
Great review! Very clear instructions. I am certain this is the right tent for me, and that it was a good choice to sell my ShiftPod.
Great demo set-up video, planning on getting one. Thanks!
Thanks! You will love it. Haven't have a single problem with it. SO nice to be able to stand completely upright inside. Only downside(if you can call it that) would be the weight and size packed up. Not really a backpacking tent but thats not its purpose anyways.
User Tip: Do not walk over your tent with your shoes on! He's on a manicured lawn, but out in the wilderness you will track foot prints and it will be all you see looking up inside the tent because daylight bleeds through there.
Good point. Yea I was on clean grass with clean shoes but out in the wild I try to take my shoes off or crawl more on my knees to get at the middle bars for setup
Great review bud you have convinced me I need one!👍
👍👍👍
The tent stakes are great, but I have found out if you use 10 inch lag bolts with washers it’s a lot easier putting them in and removing
love mine, i take it to music festivals.
Thanks nice video! Setting mine up the first time this weekend, makes it easier to see it done first.
Even with that durable floor, would it be a good idea to use pads or discs under the cot legs to prevent tearing the material?
I'm sure it wouldn't hurt. I'd say it would depend maybe on the terrain below it as well? like when I have it on soft grass it doesn't feel like it tear in the slightest but if the ground below was rocky or un even yea those pads will help if you have pointy cot legs
Good video. I'm thinking about getting one of these. Also notice the camo poncho liner. I still have mine. You ex-military?
When you've had this in the rain, have you been able to keep those side windows slightly open for airflow or do they seem to need to be completely shut to keep water out? Back and forth between the VX and the Deluxe since the Deluxe has those air vents. Thanks!
Id say it depends on the type of rain. Blowing sideways and 30mph winds you might get some water in. But Ive had them cracked 50% open in some light and moderate rain and had no issues with any water getting in.
Id also add that if you can spring for the Deluxe I would go for that as those side windows/air vents are soo nice to have. Not only for really being able to get in fresh air but doubling as windows you can also let in a nice bit of sunlight and be able to see out of all angles of the tent.
@@FalcoINC awesome that's what I was figuring on, appreciate the reply and this definitely helped seal the deal on my purchase of the VX!
Falco, there are upper 2 vents that can be unzipped to release condensation, and the exterior has a pouch that prevents rain from entering
how do the zippers hold up. About to buy this. My last few tents were Eureka and nothing was wrong with tent other than ykk zippers broke on doors. Hoping that doesn't happen with this tent too making it worthless unless you don't care about bugs and having a zippable door.
Ive never had any issues with one jamming up or snagging anything. They are pretty robust for a tent zipper id say. I think for the amount time this tent has spent in the heat/cold/wet/dusty conditions for them to still feel like they have no resistance in the (zipper) elements and zip effortlessly open/closed that they are going to last me a while.
Does it need to be water proofed. The instructions suggested if it leaks then treat with Kiwi Camp Dry silicone. Have you treated yours?
@@wyattwoolf3593 I did not treat mine with anything. I did do the "seasoning" method when I first got it. So, setting it up in the sun and watering it good with a hose all over and let it dry completely. I have sustained many heavy rains and I stayed dry!
Ok, I’ll seasoned with water as it’s still erected. Thnx
Great video. Do I need to "cure" my tent before the first setup? Going to Burning Man
You know I do recall it was recommended to me. To set up the tent and hose down the outer canvas and then let it dry completely in the sun. I think I did this only one time, hosed it down and just left it for a few hours through the afternoon and put it away. Ive never had water make it thought the canvas so I dont know how much of that is due to the little bit of "cure" prep. You expecting to get much rain out in the desert? :)
I had to come back and comment on this after hearing Burning Man got DRENCHED!! this year haha. Thats crazy. Id be curious to hear if you ended up making it and got stuck in that. And how the tent worked.
I plan to order this tent, the 10x10 VX. Could you please tell me the length of the door from top to bottom? Kodiak was not able to provide that information.
Shoot it's all packed up at the moment so can't get you an exact answer at the moment. I'm 5'10 and if I think about it, I don't feel I have to really duck at all waling in. and you can full stand up inside. But there is maybe 5 or 6 inches or so of a lip on the bottom that is an easy step over.
Thanks for the helpful info. @@FalcoINC
I really wanted to see the bags sizes and how cumbersome they are. Unfortunately, the video didn’t show it. Tip for next time.
WHen he says be careful....BE CAREFUL! Great tent but that pinch is a real killer.
Just sold my 10 X 10 Flexbow. The walls are too angular and the weight is too much for our needs. If you put a queen sized mattress in it, the walls are so steep you are bumping into the walls when you walk around the mattress. If they put the doors on the straight vertical sides it would of worked better.
recommendation on cots?
Ive been using a Rio Gear Foldable Camping Cot that is shown in this video. I found it at a local outdoors store near me. I don't think its a "name brand" one but the price was right and I have yet to break it. I got the XL size and it has been super comfortable and held up just fine so far. I'm not a big guy (5'10 and 155lbs) but I like the larger size to be able to stretch out on. I mostly "car camp" so I don't need to carry it very far hiking up someplace.
One word of advice - don't stretch the corners too much b/c when you raise the tent up, it will pull those stakes out of the ground and you'll have to either start over or try to fix it after the fact and that's no fun!
Can you use a tent heater inside a buddy or some electric heater for winter?