Cabelas Geodesic Tents - Instinct worth it?

[Norteno]

I'm trying to decide between these two tents and if the Instinct is worth the extra cost. This will be used for summer family camping and for myself for fall hunting. If anyone has any input on these I'm all ears. They are currently both $125 off regular price.

 

Cabelas Instinct Alaskan Guide 8-person ($675)

Cabelas Geodesic Alaskan Guide 8-person ($425)

 

The Instinct comes with Aluminum poles and a floor liner, so right there it is worth it at $50 a pole ($300) and $40 floor liner

Instinct comes with 8-poles, Geodesic 6-poles

 

I'm thinking the Instinct is overkill for what I will be using it.

 

 

[why can't I copy/paste in this forum?] A real PITA

[Flatlander]

I have the Alaskan guide model. Its more tent than I have ever needed, and is still reasonably easy to set up alone.

 

I wouldnt want an 8 pole version just because of ease for setup, let alone additional cost.

 

My AG has been through some really wet storms and a few really windy monsoons. Never had an issue.

[5guyshunting]

For a family tent i would choose the kodiak canvas. I know that was not your question. Just my.02 cents.

[Norteno]

Does the Kodak Canvas Flexbow ever go on sale? I think Im convinced by the one person set-up

[Viper]

I don't think I've ever seen the Kodiak on sale. I lucked out and found mine in Cabelas bargain cave... $150 off. Sportsmans Mesa has a new model on display.

[Viper]

...oh...and you can copy/paste links but not pictures.

[lancetkenyon]

Not sure which one I have, but I have had it for 3 years. Wind, rain, snow, sun. It has stood up to it all very well. Doesn't flap in the wind either. Which I hate on windy nights when I am trying to sleep.

 

[Couestracker]

I had the Alaskan Guide, the middle sized of the 3 available. Super-solid in the wind. More poles than Poland! Not a friendly shape for cots, sold it and got the Kodiak flex-bow. Better user-friendly shape and easier to put up solo, after all the stakes that is.

[cactusjack]

I have the Kodiak Canvas cabin tent, I like it better then the flex-bow style. The side walls are more vertical, so more room for cots. I also have the Cabelas Alaknak 12x12 that is great. Used it in 6a during a youth elk hunt about 5 years ago and we got snow, sleet and rain. Stayed dry and warm. My boss used it on the youth Kaibab hunt last fall and loved it. Having an option for a wood stove is nice.

 

A good friend has the Geodesic Alaskan Guide and he loves it, but not with cots. He told me he wishes he had purchased a tent with vertical walls.

 

So my answer is, all good choices, depends on how you like to sleep. I hate air mattresses. Always deflate on cold nights, or leak.