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I, too, weathered the winds and rain in the Kotzebue area recently (didn't get picked up until three days after original rendezvous date).  Two of us (plus equipment) shared an 8 man Guide Model tent with the fiberglass poles.  A LOT of rain and high winds - there were actually whitecaps on the little  slough we were camped on.  The tent was stressed to the point that I really felt that the poles would snap and we would be out a tent, but it did make it through the weather unscathed.  I had brought extra stakes and tied it off from every hole I could find.  I have to say that I was impressed with the performance of the tent.  The winds were even picking up the floor of the tent enough to move the backpacks we were weighting the perimeter with.  I can't give it anything but glowing reviews based on that particular performance.  Having said that, I have these concerns about the tent:

1.  When I say I tied it down, I mean I really tied it down.  If I hadn't, it may have tumbled across the tundra.

2.  There is a point during setup when the inner tent is supported by three unsecured poles threaded though sleeves at the peak of the tent.  It would be very easy to snap a pole at this vulnerable point if a wind caught the body of the tent.  This is what worries me the most about this particular tent.

3.  A lot of the feedback on this forum leads me to believe that I may be tempting fate by using this as an all-weather Alaskan hunting tent.  Great for backyard camping with the kids, though.  Clean, dry, good ventilation.

From my experience in the recent winds near Kotzebue, I can't say anything but good things about this tent, but if anyone wants to buy one in good condition for a good price, call me as I may be looking into Kifaru, etc.  Thanks to all of the members of this forum for honest feedback about their own personal observations.  It helps a lotin planning for trips.

Brian

Message Thread:

• Tents Revisted - Kotzebue Storm/monsoon Jason in Anchorage Oct 08 2005
  • Cabela's Guide Model 6 man Tents AKHUNTINFOOL Oct 11 2005
  • Cabela's XWT Tents Wapiti57 Oct 11 2005
  • Kifaru Tipi Tyde Oct 11 2005
  • Cabelas Guide Model Inferior Akres Oct 11 2005
  • Cabela's Guide Model Tents, etc. Michael Strahan Oct 09 2005
    • Cabela's Guide Model Tents dr. brian Oct 10 2005
      • Guide Tents AGAIN Kusko Oct 10 2005
    • 1st hand experience homerdave Oct 10 2005
      • Tent Burn Holes MichMike Oct 10 2005
        • Burn holes Snowwolfe Oct 10 2005
  • kodiak tent...Arctic oven fullkurl Oct 08 2005
  • rest of message Jason in Anchorage Oct 08 2005
    • lantern inside Jason in Anchorage Oct 08 2005
      • Arctic Oven Lone Wolf1 Oct 08 2005
    • Arctic Oven Snowwolfe Oct 08 2005
      • lantern inside Jason in Anchorage Oct 08 2005
        • Lanterns in tents Michael Strahan Oct 09 2005
        • Latern Snowwolfe Oct 08 2005