I have the Absaroka. 6 nights in it so far with a half insert. Used it on the Bowron Lakes canoe circuit. Nice shelter - it’s a quality tent and the little touches like reflective guy loops are nice. Sealed it myself - it does take a while but simple to do. Thanks for the review!
I agree with your review. Got the argali absaroka. Love it so much got the 1/2 insert and full insert to cover all temps and locations. Then got the sellway to have a couple friends come hunt. Once you learn to keep the edges loosely pulled it makes pitching them so easy. 100% recommend argali.
I've had my eye on the Absaroka. I was questioning the necessity of the insert for the extra bulk and weight so thanks for clearing all that up. Great review as always.
Have been using peax tipi for last two years quite a bit for elk hunting, but agree the fabric does sag when wet. Had a near catastrophic pole failure with it as well. The center pole gets super hot when using a stove and that sil nylon material can get super tight when using a stove causing downward pressure from cone. Peax says to lower tipi to accommodate for that. Overall it’s been a great tipi and holds up well but this has been on my radar. Great video and love being a member of mindful reviews!
Great review Jay. Have the Rincon. Love it. Use it in the mountains and bush of NZ. Sil Poly is awesome, holds structure in the wet and beads water away. Always set fly elevated - great for condensation reduction and gives you more head room (rhere is plenty). Plenty of room for myself, my vizsla and gear. Go the insert. The refective tabs are great at night. I've replaced the insert clips with Nitze clips - more durable. Take care with the front door zip. I put too much pressure on mine. Great product
Same country same shelter- love it! Has handled some miserable West Coast weather thus far. Need to get it into some North Canterbury chamois country sometime
I’ve got that absaroka and been happy. I bought it when it first was released. I Haven’t used it as much as i would like. I did have bug issues this summer and I think the insert would have helped me. I bought a lite outdoors stove 12” last year that I’ve done some test runs with but never used as a “need” I will say that stove is too small. Also- for the pole I just have a small piece of pvc pipe that attaches to the end of a single trekking pole. Which I do not recommend in windy environments (see short from last year on my channel). For this years first hunt I bought a Nemo tent on massive sale instead of an insert, I agree that 2 people and a dog or 2 and a stove is quite ideal for this tent and it doesn’t feel cramped at all. I would highly recommend practicing set up of this tent before heading out. Getting the lines and stakes adjusted in unlevel ground did take some practice for me. As far as humidity and condensation- there are lots of videos on this. And you are correct. Set it high for airflow. Don’t set it in tall grass…. One odd thing i just learned also- after set up- I just unzip the 2 way zipper from the top if I am going out and coming back right away. This lets less bugs in. Appreciate all your videos!
I didn’t understand the note around the 2:30 min mark. I thought the Absaroka was a freestanding shelter so the comment seemed contradictory, will finish the video and see if it makes more sense in throughout. But could you clarify?
I’ve owned 4 different Seek shelters over the passed 6 years. They’re great quality, but I’ve sold all the of them and now run the Argali Rincon, Absoroka, and Selway. You are spot on about the material with silpoly vs silnylon. I had my Absoroka in Colorado 2 weeks ago on a hunt and in the 3 different mountain ranges this week back in Wyoming. During rainy and snowy conditions it has performed flawlessly. I never had to adjust my stakes due to the material wetting out. My Seek Cimarron would require stake adjustments just after a night of sleeping inside it due to the condensation from my breath. I’ve been in a high country rain storm on a ridge camped in my Rincon and it held up well also. I did find a small tear in my Absoroka..I’m blaming it on my wife’s cat. Anyhow, a heads up, Gear Aid tape won’t adhere to this material with its waterproofing treatments. I contacted Argali and they confirmed this was somewhat of an issue. After trying to use C clamps to secure the gear aid tape to the material I ended up using silicone sealant to adhere the gear aid tape and it worked well and held up during several exposures to moisture. I also prefer this material over dyneema because small volume packing abiltiy is a big concern for me. I also don’t have to worry about folding it up in a certain manner before shoving it into the stuff sack, which is another reason I don’t like the dyneema material. Keep up the great reviews!
I just purchased the anbsoroka and argali stove. I’m actually concerned it might be too large. I have a pyramid canvas tent 8x8 with 18” sidewalls that is pretty large for me. I even thought about getting one made with 0.75 size dimensions all around to make it lighter. ( mine is about 10-12 lbs. to carry as I’ve been nervous of these tipi’s burning on the stove pipe vs my 7oz canvas tent. It’s usually only me and a 50 lb dog. So i like smaller to heat easier, smaller foot print ( in can be difficult at times to find spots up here) and lighter compact setup. So I'm just wondering if the absoroka will seem too big for me. It’s still only 2 lbs. the walls slant inward immediately as well so I’d imagine that would make it feel slightly smaller as well vs 18” sidewalls walls before leading to its peak.
Crap. It was difficult decision. For 150$ more, and about half a pound more only, I could get the absoroka. If I ever buy the half nest it would have given me the mesh space for two, with the floorless space for the stove. Realistically though, I’m alone with the dog 90% of the time. And the absoroka might feel big. Its floor plan is approximating 9.5 x 10.5 but the walls slope inward immediately towards the peak. In the case of my canvas tent, it’s 8x8 with 18” tall walls before sloping inward towards its peak. The cubic feet is probably similar inside. No doubt, this might be too large alone.
Hoping the argali stove works well. Wish I could see these things in person. With my 8x8 canvas, I’m using the knico trekker. It heats it up. Have to feed it often. Every 1.5 hours or little better. I’m use to that throughout the knight during the winter. The argali isn’t much difference in size. I have a good inch in the bottom of the knico with a false bottom I made so realistically the cubic inch per firebox would be similar. I guide moose hunting and should be finished once I get back home in two weeks. Might hunt for mine then or go for a couple day hike in the backcountry somewhere.
Another fantastic, in depth review! Commenting to help the algorithm. I bought the same setup earlier this year and haven't had a chance to take it on a hunt yet. I think it's currently one of the best values you can get for a shelter. One thing I either missed, or didn't get mentioned: The insert limits it to a one door shelter. So, if you're packing the insert, you'll want to pay attention to how you orient the tent and insert. I've also found it a little tougher to get a good pitch with the insert than without. Either the midpoint guylines feel short, or I end up with the mesh insert sagging. It's something I've been practicing. With regards to the silpoly vs silnylon debate, no manufacturer is going to put out a study that says their material is inferior to the competition. Based on my research, it does sound like the original silpoly fabrics were significantly weaker than silnylon. But with the advancements made, I do think silpoly now has the edge over silnylon. I don't think it's a make or break decision for most people. I think the decision between a quality silnylon vs a quality silpoly should come second to the sizing/shelter needs that someone is looking for.
@@MindfulHunter biggest selling points for me were size (2 large mats fits in it) and the fly first pitch /being able to pack the mesh and your stuff under the fly when raining.
And I'm just gonna say.... Don't do that. Haha, solid advice. I have the SO Cimarron and likely adding the Absaroka because I'm a sucker for floorless shelters. The size and versatility of the 4P size is awesome, really not that hard to find spots for it and palace for 2 guys, and cozy for 7 in a pinch...
Been waiting for a good in depth review like this. Thanks for what you do.
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Great review man! Was definitely a real nice shelter to us!
She treated us good!
I have the Absaroka. 6 nights in it so far with a half insert. Used it on the Bowron Lakes canoe circuit. Nice shelter - it’s a quality tent and the little touches like reflective guy loops are nice. Sealed it myself - it does take a while but simple to do.
Thanks for the review!
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Thanks man , i have Absaroka and half insert . its very quality cant wait for next mounts to try with stove.
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I agree with your review. Got the argali absaroka. Love it so much got the 1/2 insert and full insert to cover all temps and locations. Then got the sellway to have a couple friends come hunt. Once you learn to keep the edges loosely pulled it makes pitching them so easy. 100% recommend argali.
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I've had my eye on the Absaroka. I was questioning the necessity of the insert for the extra bulk and weight so thanks for clearing all that up. Great review as always.
You bet!
Man I really like the look of that mansion. It has enough 2 man room to be an episode of lifestyles of the rich and famous. 💪🏻
💯
Have been using peax tipi for last two years quite a bit for elk hunting, but agree the fabric does sag when wet. Had a near catastrophic pole failure with it as well. The center pole gets super hot when using a stove and that sil nylon material can get super tight when using a stove causing downward pressure from cone. Peax says to lower tipi to accommodate for that. Overall it’s been a great tipi and holds up well but this has been on my radar. Great video and love being a member of mindful reviews!
Appreciate the support!
Dude, love your videos. Can we see your work out routine? I’m sure I’m not the only one curious as to what your regiment is.
Yeah I can do a video on my training for sure.
Great review Jay. Have the Rincon. Love it. Use it in the mountains and bush of NZ. Sil Poly is awesome, holds structure in the wet and beads water away. Always set fly elevated - great for condensation reduction and gives you more head room (rhere is plenty). Plenty of room for myself, my vizsla and gear. Go the insert. The refective tabs are great at night. I've replaced the insert clips with Nitze clips - more durable. Take care with the front door zip. I put too much pressure on mine. Great product
Same country same shelter- love it! Has handled some miserable West Coast weather thus far. Need to get it into some North Canterbury chamois country sometime
@@dagging3122 Mean.
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I’ve got that absaroka and been happy. I bought it when it first was released. I Haven’t used it as much as i would like. I did have bug issues this summer and I think the insert would have helped me. I bought a lite outdoors stove 12” last year that I’ve done some test runs with but never used as a “need” I will say that stove is too small. Also- for the pole I just have a small piece of pvc pipe that attaches to the end of a single trekking pole. Which I do not recommend in windy environments (see short from last year on my channel).
For this years first hunt I bought a Nemo tent on massive sale instead of an insert,
I agree that 2 people and a dog or 2 and a stove is quite ideal for this tent and it doesn’t feel cramped at all.
I would highly recommend practicing set up of this tent before heading out. Getting the lines and stakes adjusted in unlevel ground did take some practice for me.
As far as humidity and condensation- there are lots of videos on this. And you are correct. Set it high for airflow. Don’t set it in tall grass….
One odd thing i just learned also- after set up- I just unzip the 2 way zipper from the top if I am going out and coming back right away. This lets less bugs in.
Appreciate all your videos!
Good tip!
I didn’t understand the note around the 2:30 min mark. I thought the Absaroka was a freestanding shelter so the comment seemed contradictory, will finish the video and see if it makes more sense in throughout. But could you clarify?
@@relentlessraghorn a freestanding shelter stays standing when you take out all the pegs like a traditional dome tent.
So this isn’t a freestanding tipi then, is that what I am understanding?
@@relentlessraghorn correct. No centre pole shelter is freestanding.
I’ve owned 4 different Seek shelters over the passed 6 years. They’re great quality, but I’ve sold all the of them and now run the Argali Rincon, Absoroka, and Selway. You are spot on about the material with silpoly vs silnylon. I had my Absoroka in Colorado 2 weeks ago on a hunt and in the 3 different mountain ranges this week back in Wyoming. During rainy and snowy conditions it has performed flawlessly. I never had to adjust my stakes due to the material wetting out. My Seek Cimarron would require stake adjustments just after a night of sleeping inside it due to the condensation from my breath. I’ve been in a high country rain storm on a ridge camped in my Rincon and it held up well also. I did find a small tear in my Absoroka..I’m blaming it on my wife’s cat. Anyhow, a heads up, Gear Aid tape won’t adhere to this material with its waterproofing treatments. I contacted Argali and they confirmed this was somewhat of an issue. After trying to use C clamps to secure the gear aid tape to the material I ended up using silicone sealant to adhere the gear aid tape and it worked well and held up during several exposures to moisture. I also prefer this material over dyneema because small volume packing abiltiy is a big concern for me. I also don’t have to worry about folding it up in a certain manner before shoving it into the stuff sack, which is another reason I don’t like the dyneema material. Keep up the great reviews!
Love how you refer to it as "my wife's cat" 😂
Good info!
That one in particular has it out for me😂🤣
Would you think 3 dudes would fit with stove but no gear? Thanks im in the market and your videos have been super helpful.
It would be tight but you could get it done
Once i get some extra funding, i am gonna pay you to coach me on some hunting tactics jay. Cant wait.
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It is a huge advantage to be able to load your wood in the back door and come in the front door for sure
💯
I just purchased the anbsoroka and argali stove. I’m actually concerned it might be too large. I have a pyramid canvas tent 8x8 with 18” sidewalls that is pretty large for me. I even thought about getting one made with 0.75 size dimensions all around to make it lighter. ( mine is about 10-12 lbs. to carry as I’ve been nervous of these tipi’s burning on the stove pipe vs my 7oz canvas tent. It’s usually only me and a 50 lb dog. So i like smaller to heat easier, smaller foot print ( in can be difficult at times to find spots up here) and lighter compact setup. So I'm just wondering if the absoroka will seem too big for me. It’s still only 2 lbs. the walls slant inward immediately as well so I’d imagine that would make it feel slightly smaller as well vs 18” sidewalls walls before leading to its peak.
The Absaroka is overkill for one person. But you can stand which is nice. I’d think the rincon would be a better fit for your needs.
Crap. It was difficult decision. For 150$ more, and about half a pound more only, I could get the absoroka. If I ever buy the half nest it would have given me the mesh space for two, with the floorless space for the stove. Realistically though, I’m alone with the dog 90% of the time. And the absoroka might feel big. Its floor plan is approximating 9.5 x 10.5 but the walls slope inward immediately towards the peak. In the case of my canvas tent, it’s 8x8 with 18” tall walls before sloping inward towards its peak. The cubic feet is probably similar inside. No doubt, this might be too large alone.
Suddenly I have buyers remorse. Maybe should of went with RINCON
@ it’s better to be too big than too small. And it’s super light. You’ll be fine.
Hoping the argali stove works well. Wish I could see these things in person. With my 8x8 canvas, I’m using the knico trekker. It heats it up. Have to feed it often. Every 1.5 hours or little better. I’m use to that throughout the knight during the winter. The argali isn’t much difference in size. I have a good inch in the bottom of the knico with a false bottom I made so realistically the cubic inch per firebox would be similar. I guide moose hunting and should be finished once I get back home in two weeks. Might hunt for mine then or go for a couple day hike in the backcountry somewhere.
Another fantastic, in depth review! Commenting to help the algorithm. I bought the same setup earlier this year and haven't had a chance to take it on a hunt yet. I think it's currently one of the best values you can get for a shelter. One thing I either missed, or didn't get mentioned: The insert limits it to a one door shelter. So, if you're packing the insert, you'll want to pay attention to how you orient the tent and insert. I've also found it a little tougher to get a good pitch with the insert than without. Either the midpoint guylines feel short, or I end up with the mesh insert sagging. It's something I've been practicing.
With regards to the silpoly vs silnylon debate, no manufacturer is going to put out a study that says their material is inferior to the competition. Based on my research, it does sound like the original silpoly fabrics were significantly weaker than silnylon. But with the advancements made, I do think silpoly now has the edge over silnylon. I don't think it's a make or break decision for most people. I think the decision between a quality silnylon vs a quality silpoly should come second to the sizing/shelter needs that someone is looking for.
👍
What tarp do you run?
Zpacks Dyneema 7x9
Will you do a full pack dump sometime? Just for curiosities sake
I’ve done several gear list podcasts. It I can do a quick video one sometime for sure e
I am happy with my Durston X-Mid 2P
Great shelter. Still need to finish my review on that one.
@@MindfulHunter biggest selling points for me were size (2 large mats fits in it) and the fly first pitch /being able to pack the mesh and your stuff under the fly when raining.
❤
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And I'm just gonna say.... Don't do that. Haha, solid advice. I have the SO Cimarron and likely adding the Absaroka because I'm a sucker for floorless shelters. The size and versatility of the 4P size is awesome, really not that hard to find spots for it and palace for 2 guys, and cozy for 7 in a pinch...
👍