Who uses a Kifaru Tipi & Stove in the Wild?

Q

Quirt

Joined
Oct 10, 2005
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I've been a hard core Tarp Shelter kinda of guy who is a big believer in having a reflective warming fire in the Wilderness. I generally live/camp in weather ranging from snow covered mountains down to zero degrees (or a bit below) with 35+ winds at elevation down to 500' in elevation and the typical bone chilling 80% humidity & rain soaking wet Pacific NorthWet forest.

My Tarp Shelter and fire system works great. But I've been doing this for years. But after much research I'm becoming convinced in my elder years this Kifaru Tipi concept with a small to medium wood stove will be better system for the dog and I. Kifaru is known for their quality AND price. Before I shell out some serious coin on a Tipi and stove I'd like some feedback.

I'm torn between the 4 man and 6 man Tipi and probably medium size stove. The reason for the size difference is occasionally the wife will accompany me and/or my son. This is a rarity when I get all four of us plus dog. So it isn't a requirement but a "nice to have." The key consideration for the dog and I is the speed & ease of set up and take down. I need something I can set up quickly in 12-15 minutes max (as well as take down).

Anyone use one or own one? Thoughts?
 
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Great question. You may have done this already, but I would also recommend joining and posting the same question on Kifaru's own forum.

I'm sure you will also receive some great advice from others on this forum. While I do not own a tipi, I have owned several Kifaru products and have been more than satisfied with the investment in top end equipment.
 
You may run a google or yahoo search for kifaru tipi tent reviews. Several showed up when I ran a search.
 
I'd love to own one, but man they don't give those away!

There are other makers on the market such as Titanum Goat they make a great product as well. I have seen some golite tents converted with stove jacks that seem to work very well for a lot less money.
 
I second the recommendation to join the Kifaru Forum and read everything there. I spent quite a bit of time learning and asking questions and ultimately went with an 8 man mostly for me and my two boys. I spent around $1100 for a used 8 man with large stove on the Kifaru forum (a smoking deal of you've priced them). Their new Sawtooth may also be a good option for your needs. I think a tarp guy will make an easy transition to any Kifaru shelters (no floors) :)
 
Quirt

What will your intended uses be? Backpacking? Car camping? And for how long?

I have been researching tipis for the last couple months and in an attempt to find the lightest 6 man tipi/stove combo for backpack hunting I looked at Kifaru, TiGoat, Wyoming Lost and Found and Seek Outside.

I know Kifaru has awesome products but they are awefully heavy for what I was looking for. Not to mention the price. For the price of a Kifaru you can get a tipi/stove combo from another manufacturer.

If you intend on having 3 people w/ gear and stove I would suggest a 6 man tipi. If it is just you the dog and occasionally another person a 4-5 man would do.

Recently I stumbled upon a new company called Seek Outside based in Colorado. Kevin the owner is a sponsor and member of a backpack hunting forum I read. His 6 man tipi weighs in at 4lbs 8oz. His tipis seem to be well thought out and come with many neat features.

I have decided to go with one of his 6 Man Tipis and a TiGoat cylinder stove. I'll let you know how it works out. Check it out here http://seekoutside.com/products/ultralight-tipis/

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All I can say is I've been looking at the same sorta thing. Good Idea!

What size tarp are you using now? It would be pretty luxurious to have a sawtooth. But that's more than i want to spend and or carry :)

When we were a bit younger my wife was a bit more interested in coming along. These days; not so much:D I know I only need make arrangements for me and the dog. To be honest it was a bit of a drag- feeling the need to have shelter; gear suited for two or three when 75% of the time there was only one.

I'd say if you're really going to spend that much it is best to be realistic about how it will really be used. In the end room for 4 is a lot more space to heat and gear to carry for one.

good luck. Let us know what you get and how it works for you
 
Thanks guys for the input/feedback and responses! I've looked at most of the links and after much pondering am more confused on what to do and which way to go. There is some really nice Tipis on the market. These are all expensive kit so I want to make the right choice.

After reading your responses I think I'll stick with the 10' x 10' tarp shelter for backpacking as there are no poles, stoves, tent stakes or carry bags to deal with. I just make stakes once I get to my RON (Rest Over Night). It is less than 8 minutes to set it up and less than 3 minutes to take it down and be gone. Plus it is light in the rucksack and no fuss.

I'm still seriously considering a 4 to 6 person size Tipi for the dog and I (and extended party of son and wife on occasion) when I back the rig up to a remote area and want to camp. They are traditional yet functional. My only reservation is the condensation issues since they don't vent like most tents and hold heat at the upper part of the Tipi and it is a challenge to vent that moisture out unless you have two doors one can open up periodically.

So in retrospect I don't think I need a super lightweight Tipi since I won't be lugging it on my back. But on the other hand I don't want a 50 pound canvas Tipi either. I already have a Canvas Cabin Tent I use when I want the ultimate in comfort and I'm staying long term beyond three days. The Tipi is for a one or three night situation and for the vehicle - it will be used a lot! I want quick and easy up/down, the ability to have a stove, and a place for a couple low profile cots and the kid and dog can sleep on a mat. Of course enough room for a pile of firewood!

Most of the time it will be a driving on a back road (just dog and I), find a great spot for a RON, pull over, open the hatch up, set up the Tipi, gather some smaller wood, fire up the stove, and go to sleep. Get up the next morning tear down - be gone. So the lightweights appeal to me because of their ease and speed in setup/teardown. But which manufacturer and which model? Hum...
 
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