AccountShelterpalooza — Overview of several 4-person tipi shelters
A shelter can make or break your backcountry hunt. A shelter is more than just a place you sleep. It’s a place to organize your gear, make plans for the next day, a place to get warm next to the heat of a wood-burning stove, and it’s a place to get a great night’s sleep.
Recently I went out to the mountains and walked through four different four-person floorless-style tipi shelters. There are a lot of solid tipi-style shelters on the market, but these are some of the ones that stand out to us as some of the best, which is why we carry them in our Gear Shop.
Below is a look at the following shelters:
- PEAX Equipment Solitude 4P Tipi
- Seek Outside Cimarron 4P Shelter
- Hyperlite Ultamid 4 Pyramid Tent
- Argali Absaroka 4P Tent
I’ve personally used the majority of these shelters on hunting trips. Several I’m very familiar with, another I tested their design on a hunt before it was released, and another is one I’ve personally been a huge fan of for a very long time and have always dreamed of trying it out.
Shop our entire shelter collection here
If you’re a visual person, check out the video below as I walk through features I enjoy about each four person shelter we carry or continue reading below for some extra information.
Argali Absaroka 4P Tent
The Argali Absaroka 4P Tent is a shelter I personally haven’t used yet in the mountains on a hunt, but I know Brad Brooks of Argali well enough to understand he designed this tent with one purpose in mind, and that is a shelter built specifically for the backcountry hunter!
Argali Absaroka 4P Tent | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1 lb 14 oz (lightweight mode) |
Height | 74” |
Dimensions | 9.5' x 10.83' |
Liveable space | 85 sq ft floor space |
Material | 20D ripstop SilPoly |
Stove jack | Yes |
Sleep capacity | 2 with stove |
Doors | 2 |
Pole option | Purchase carbon fiber pole separately |
Season | 4 season with stove |
Manufacturer warranty | 100% satisfaction guarantee |
There’s a lot to love about the Absaroka 4P Tent. I can tell the design and features were well thought out as it meets all the boxes I look for in a floorless style shelter. Plus, setup is stupid simple and fast, which is a huge bonus in my opinion.
Interesting items to note:
- Shelter uses a Ripstop Polyester fabric that won’t sag when it gets wet.
- Adjustable pitch methods (I really thought this part was well designed).
- You can pitch the shelter using the p-cord line locks. Which will give you more airflow in a slightly elevated position during the warmer months. This setup method also greatly reduces condensation.
- You can also pitch through the webbing loops. This will put the shelter walls tight to ground and keeps out drafts which can be benefitial later in the year when you’re dealing with snow.
- Reflective sections to see the shelter at night.
- Modular in design: you can use it as a floorless shelter or with a full mesh insert (double wall coverage) sold separetly here to keep out bugs.
- ARC Removeable stove jack system
- This system is very unique in my opinion. It allows you to change from a late season shelter with a stove jack, to a summer setup with no stove jack. Just simply zip in the stove jack for a late season hunt and zip out and replace it with a fabric insert for early season trips
- Removing the stove jack saves some weight.
- Why this is great is weight savings and this makes this shelter more versatile as you don’t need a stove jack for the most part in the summer.
- Two full zip doors.
- Includes one tube of seam seal.
Pole options:
- Can be pitched with the use of two trekking poles (sold separately) or a carbon fiber pole (sold separately)
- Carbon fiber pole:
- The Argali Absaroka 4P Carbon Fiber Center Pole is height adjustable from 68" to 78"
- Weight: 12 oz
Other thoughts
In trying to think of areas where I could see improvement, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything that was missed in this design. I could go with the typical response in that I'd be interested to see it made out of Dyneema at a later date, but that is just me, being me. Overall, this is a solid backcountry shelter that you'd be happy to own!
Purchase the Argali Absaroka 4P Tent here
Hyperlite Ultamid 4 Pyramid Tent
I’ve always been a big fan of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. They make very well-thought-out products, and I love the items they make out of Dyneema. I’ve been using their Ultralight Stakes for my shelters for years, as well as some of their stuff sacks, and I was excited that we finally brought this brand on board to the GOHUNT Gear Shop.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 Pyramid Tent | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1 lb. 11.1 oz |
Height | 75” |
Dimensions | 9’3” x 9’3” |
Liveable space | 85 sq ft floor space |
Material | DCF8 Material: 100% waterproof |
Stove jack | No |
Sleep capacity | 2 to 4 people |
Doors | 1 |
Pole option | Purchase carbon fiber pole separately |
Season | 4 season |
Manufacturer warranty | Limited 1-year warranty against defects in materials |
Interesting items to note:
- Made out of Dyneema!
- One door, which I personally enjoy from the weight savings side.
- No stove jack.
- Water resistant two-way zipper
- Zipper keeper/garage is a nice touch.
- Bottom of zipper features a snap button to aid in those times when you might experience frozen zippers.
- Fully taped seams, so no need for seam sealant.
- Two dual peak vents with no-see-um mesh.
- Eight reinforced tie-outs with line locks.
- Four center panel tie-outs.
- Modular in design: the ability to add a mesh insert sold here.
- Insanely fast setup time.
Pole options:
- Can be pitched with the use of two trekking poles (sold separately) or a carbon fiber pole (sold separately)
- Carbon fiber pole:
- The Ultamid 4 Carbon Fiber Tent Pole is height adjustable from 67.25" to 78.75"
- Weight: 10.6 oz
Other thoughts
I do wish this shelter had the ability to have a stove jack for those late season hunts. And I understand not everyone needs a stove in the mountains. But if you're looking for a lightweight, bombproof shelter and have a solid sleeping bag, this shelter can definitely handle late season temperatures.
Purchase the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 4 Pyramid Tent here
PEAX Solitude 4-Person Tipi
The PEAX Solitude 4-Person Tipi is packed with several features you won’t see on other shelters. I tested this shelter on a bear hunt in 2022, and I was impressed enought to pick one up for myself for this upcoming season on several hunts.
If you want to read a full article I wrote recently on this shelter, check out the link below:
In-depth look at the PEAX Solitude 4-Person Tipi
PEAX Solitude 4-Person Tipi Specs | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 lb. 5 oz |
Height | 80” |
Dimensions | 9’ x 10’5” |
Material | 20D Silnylon with 2000mm STORMSHIELD coating (body), |
Stove jack | Yes |
Sleep capacity | Sleeps 4 with no gear or stove |
Doors | 2 |
Pole option | Included PEAX carbon fiber pole (9.4 oz) |
Season | 3 season standalone |
Manufacturer warranty | Lifetime limited |
Interesting items to note:
- Setup of this shelter has been made very easy. Simply find the four corners that have the black webbing at the line locks and stake those first to make your rectangle shape.
- Other areas of the shelter have grey webbing.
- Carbon fiber pole included with purchase
- This feature alone is different than all other shelters mentioned in this article.
- Crosstrek Stabilization
- Utilizes two trekking near the top.
- This is something I feel is a great feature to have the option to use.
- It will help stabilize the shelter in heavy winds or snow.
- Can increase the headspace of the shelter.
- If you’re using a stove, they’re a great drying rack for boots/clothes, etc.
- Note: you need to use the rubber tips when using trekking poles.
- Works with PEAX Backcountry ELITE and PRO models. Not compatible with the PEAX Backcountry Z poles. I’m sure it could work with other trekking pole models as well if you determine the length needed.
- Crosstrek Stabilization install:
- Install rubber feet on trekking poles.
- Thread pole through the loop and into pouch using the rubber side first.
- Thread other end of pole through the straps.
- Then extend pole until tight and lock pole in place.
- Singlepoint Guyout system
- Increases liveable space in the shelter.
- And great stability for shelter in windy conditions.
- Simply cross the guylines over and go down to a single stake-out point.
- Then adjust linelocks as needed.
- Custom cut the diameter for your stovepipe (included template).
- Another highlight is stove jack flap has a loop and hook method to keep it secure over the cone of the shelter. This is another one of those small well thought out items.
- Like most shelters, the PEAX Solitude can be used with or without a floor. You will need to purchase a footprint separately here if you like to use one.
- Weight of the footprint is 13.2 oz.
- Footprint features a unique zip-away panel for use with a woodburning stove.
Other thoughts
While never a necessity in shelter, I really hope they eventually come out with a Dyneema version. Dyneema isn't for everyone, but I do appreciate the weight savings. Keep in mind, that a Dyneema version would come with a great cost increase and some extra care should be used to not puncture a shelter made from Dyneema. But with all that said, this is a very well designed shelter.
Purchase the PEAX Solitude 4P Tipi here
Seek Outside Cimarron 4P Shelter Specs
I’ve spent countless nights in the mountains under a Seek Outside Cimarron. It’s a shelter that has never let me down, and I’ve used it in all sorts of weather conditions. For a do-it-all shelter, this is one that has held up the test of time. Its simple design and quick pitch makes this a solid choice.
Seek Outside Cimarron 4P Shelter | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 lb. 4 oz. |
Height | 72” |
Dimensions | 9’6" wide x 11’8” tall |
Liveable space | 94 sq ft floor space |
Material | 30 denier silnylon |
Stove jack | Yes |
Sleep capacity | 4 people without a stove |
Doors | 2 |
Pole option | Purchase carbon fiber pole separately |
Season | 4 season with stove |
Manufacturer warranty | Lifetime Limited |
Interesting items to note:
- Super effective design and shape.
- Can be used with or without a floor (full nest sold separately).
- Fast to pitch shelter.
- Two dual-zippered doors.
- Can be pitched with trekking poles.
- Handmade in Grand Junction Colorado.
- Includes one tube of seam seal.
Pole options:
- Can be pitched with the use of two trekking poles (sold separately) or a carbon fiber pole (sold separately)
- Carbon fiber pole:
- The Seek Outside Cimarron Carbon Fiber Center Pole is height adjustable from 64" to 72".
- Weight: 10.2 oz
Other thoughts
Every now and than Seek Outside does offer this shelter in Dyneema. Again, this comes at a heavy price increase. There's no denying that I've hunted with this shelter the most, and I feel it's a great blend of what I desire in a floorless shelter of this size. If you're looking for a floorless shelter, this has been my favorite shelter for a lot of years.
Purchase the Seek Outside Cimarron Shelter here
General tipi style shelter pitch tips I’ve learned
The below information can be used on most four-person tipi style shelters:
- Pitch the four corners first
- If using a system with line locks at the stake out points, loosen the cordage slightly so you have room to adjust later.
- Make all cordage of line locks the same length when adjusting line locks
- Keep corners a little loose at first when making the initial shape. Don’t pull all corners super tight when staking them out.
- You’re looking for an even rectangle shape when pitching it.
- Adjust corners throughout the process if needed to maintain the correct shape.
- Usually, the last corner is when you can really tell how things look.
- After you set the last corner, assess the shape of your shelter before you put the pole in.
- Open zipper and insert pole of choice.
- Pole height should be set to make it slightly tight when you place the pole in the middle.
- Close zipper.
- Walk around and again assess the shape of the shelter and adjust corners if needed.
- If shelter looks great, start staking out the rest of the shelter and guyouts.
- When adjusting guyouts to start, don’t get too tight as it could make the shelter lean one way.
- Make adjustments if necessary by pulling on cordage on line locks.
- Walk around the shelter and look to ensure you have a nice pitch, with the walls coming down at an even angle.
- If needed, you can now adjust the center pole.
Storage of tipi-style shelters
It should go without saying, but dry your shelters out before storage! After a trip, no matter if it was completely dry or if you used it in a rainstorm, your shelter could have moisture on it when you get home. Instantly when I get home, I’ll take my shelter out of its compression sack and let it hang in my garage for a few days. Then I’ll store my shelter in a larger bag (not compressed) and store it in a dry place.
Seam sealing
Most shelters, no matter the brand or style, should be seam sealed. Shelters made out of Dyneema are tapped at the seams, so you won't need to seam seal most areas of the shelter, but there might still be areas you could look at.
Check out all the shelters we sell here
In conclusion
As I've stated before, purchasing a shelter is a big investment and takes some time and research to figure out what works best for your specifc needs. I truly love using a floorless tipi-style shelter for all my backcountry hunts. I've used a lot of different floorless shelters over the years, and there's some phenomenal shelters on the market these days, but I feel four person shelters are about the perfect size for most people, especially if you might eventually use a stove and are just hunting with one other person.
If you’re thinking about a new shelter or looking for shelter tips, you can also check out our BIG HUNT GUYS Shelterpalooza podcast episode to hear Trail, myself and Lorenzo dive into everything shelters. From early season tarp and freestanding setups, to late season tipi and freestanding shelter options.
April 24, 2023
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