Is a 14 x 16 wall tent too big?

Donkey Slayer · #1 08-27-2008, 03:06 PM

We are purchasing another wall to replace our 10 X 12 which has served us well (two people) for the last 18 years. The 12 X 14 would provide us the room but would the 14 X 16 be better or would it be too big? Wondering what the down side would be, if any, on the 14 X16 over the 12 x 14 ie heating issues.

Picture of 10 X 12
camp 1 a.jpg

honda450 · #2 08-27-2008, 03:17 PM

I would say they only issue would be the heating issue. More room is better than not enough. Don't know what stove you have but you can always put a divider into the new one to keep storage and living quarters seperate to reduce heat loss. My thoughts anyhow.

Rusty P. Bucket · #3 08-27-2008, 03:54 PM

I hear the common mistake is that folks tend to buy tents that are too small but that is all I know.

If you are going to sell the old one Donk, please drop me a PM.

Tuc · #4 08-27-2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

I hear the common mistake is that folks tend to buy tents that are too small but that is all I know.

I agree....

I have a 12 x 14 and wish I would of bought bigger. I don't think there is a downside other than you'd be hauling a little more weight. If you have a good stove, heating should not be a problem.

Roebag · #5 08-27-2008, 06:15 PM

14 x 16 is the ultimate size. We have camped 4 people many times for 10 day trips. You just have to have a big enough stove (and good wood) to keep it warm

Biggest air tight from Peavy Mart accepts big logs. I think it's a 20 or 24" stove

Gunner22a · #6 08-28-2008, 07:17 AM

You have to pack your camp in by foot. Our camp started off as three with a 10 X 12. It worked but could be tight at times and there was little if any room for visitors or an extra hunter.

We went to a 12 X 14 with 5 foot walls and that worked well for the three of us and gave us some much needed extra space. Then we out grew it as the kids started coming to camp and we grew to six.

This year I think we have it finally figured out. Two tents, the 12 X 14 and a new 12 X 18 with doors in both ends and a fly on one so we can butt the two together and basically have one big 12 X 32. A cooking/socializing tent and a sleeping tent. Yes it will take a bit of time to set up but when we are done it's going to be nothing less than 5 star.

You will never regret buying bigger than you thought you would need in my opinion.

Mike_W · #7 08-28-2008, 07:45 AM

I have a 14x16 as well and it is nice even for just two the little extra room proves very nice when the weather is crap and you need to dry boots and gear.

If you get a bigger tent I would say your only problem would be others in your camping party wanting to stay with you.

We fit 4 in our tent sometimes but that getting a little tight 2-3 is optimum.

My biggest suggestion would be to get a internal frame makes setup super easy and really expands the living space.

Cheers,
Mike

Big Bull · #8 08-28-2008, 11:43 AM

Only concerns with the larger tent would be weight and overall footprint of the tent and poles. It shouldn't be hard to heat with a decent sized stove. We fit 2 guys and all gear easily in our 12x14.

sparky660 · #9 08-30-2008, 01:07 AM

If there is 3 in your group a 12x14 works real good. With all our gear there is plenty of room for everyone and more than enough wood to last the night. This year we are going to try it with 4 guys but will have a seperate shelter for a cook shack. This way the majority of stuff we don't need like our hunting gear(guns, boots, etc) can stay in it instead of the sleeping tent. I know 4 people in a 12x14 wall tent will be real cozy.

hardCore · #10 08-30-2008, 06:59 PM

Have an 12x14 is good for 3 but tight for 4.

Tuc · #11 08-30-2008, 08:39 PM

I have a 9ft porch with my 12x14. Yes it sleeps 3 guys well but without the porch I wouldn't have room for all our gear and to keep some dry wood for the stove.

Donkey Slayer · #12 08-31-2008, 06:59 AM

Thanks guys, it sounds like the 14 x 16 is the way to go and it cannot be too big.

mooseslayer · #13 08-31-2008, 08:47 AM

We just purhased a 14 x 16 tent about 6 weeks ago and love it. We have only used it for 1 week so far while fishing up in Northern Sask. We slept 4 with most of our gear in there as well and it was great, wouldn't hesitate to throw a fifth person in there. Keep in mind it wasn't that cool out yet but the amount of floor space was amazing. Have plans to use on our 9 day Elk hunt in September, 7 day Moose hunt in October and a 5 day Moose/Deer trip in November and have no worries about it keeping us warm and dry. We had a 12 x 14 that we have slept 4 people in, tight but cozy, but it burnt down last fall. We made sure the new one was fire ******ent which is a stipulation when you buy from the US.

Albertacoyotecaller · #14 09-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Anyone here run the Cabelas Andalak style tent? Recommended or not?

turbo mulcher · #15 09-01-2008, 11:47 AM

I bought a 12x17 , extra length to allow cots distance from stove. Its the blend tent from cabelas or montana tent (same)
I have a few 14x16 and set them face to face with an 8 foot gap and one tarp over the works . This works good when you have 4+ hunters a sleep tent and a cook/party tent.

BIG AL · #16 09-01-2008, 12:55 PM

There's a 14x14 tent for sale on kijiji for $400.00. It comes with poles, stove and piping. I think it's in St. Albert.

BIG AL

Ice Fishing Maniac · #17 09-04-2008, 12:02 AM

Had my wall tent for over 12 years now 14x16x5'walls Norseman Delux with internal frame frame Kwik Kamp. LOVE IT!!! Set it up in the mountains all winter for sledding and Mosse Camp in the fall. Keeps us warm in the winter with a good stove.

Use to be jsu 2-3 guys for the moose camp and 6 guys for sledding, now is 6 guys for moose camp and its ok. We just ordered a new 16x20 delux with 8' porch from Delux Wall Tents in BC for this year. CANT WAIT!!