My brother just picked up a 12x12 as well.
we have other canvas tents, but he got a good used deal on this one and we plan to use it as an over flow sleep shack on his upcoming Wenaha hunt.
Of couse he had it set up in the yard trying differ stoves with it and so far he's kinda digging it. It is a little dark inside though. One of the things he though was kinda cool about it was all the wall storage pockets and the zip in floor.
Will have my own opinions later this fall.
Hunt'nFish

 

Wife and I have one we got used(2x) for $450. We love it and have been through all kinds of weather in it. -4 for 4 nights and with a good wood stove, you are set. We love our Taj Majal.

 

I had a 12x12. It did not breath well, but they have added bigger vents on the newer ones. It also started leaking, and it was almost impossible to get it tight enough to keep water from pooling in the roof corners. About the time the roof was stretched out, the door would not zip.

It was very roomy though. We has the vestibule, and 3 cots with a wood stove could fit nicely. That left the vestibule for the kitchen and storage.

 

I stayed in one for 10 days during a November elk hunt and was very impressed. Not sure what all they offer in floor options but I would personally go without a floor at least in the high traffic areas but I know a lot of people that love them. A good wood stove burning quality fuel and I think you'll be very happy.

 

I have used the 12x12 since 2007, including on November Mt. Emily elk hunts. It is absolutely weather tight but as someone above pointed out, water and snow pool on the outside corners. I usually tend them once a day and clear them of snow and ice.

The tent does get a little condensation in the colder corners that are blocked from direct heat but the wood stove keeps it very comfortable and dry inside. I purchased two sections of indoor/outdoor carpet at Home Depot to lay on the floor.

I have spent many nights in this tent in a comfortable chair, drink in hand, wood stove glowing, while it rained and snowed sideways outside.....all in the comfort of my pj's.

E

 

So basically in worst case scenario have you or your bedding ever gotten wet during a nasty weather year?

 

I have a 12x12 and a larger canvas tent. Between the two, if I could only own one tent I would go with traditional canvas. The Alaknak tent is weather proof and strong in high winds, but it doesn't breath well. My big beef with it is that embers from your fire will put holes in the roof. I have the spark cover for it and that helps but embers can be an issue. I bought it because I wanted a lighter weight tent we could take on a bike hunt and still have a wood stove. For that purpose it has done well. I have had it on two hunts with extreme wind and snow. It has done fine although we did get a little leak near the peak. Personally if you are truck camping I would get a well made canvas tent. I think it will last longer.

 

I had a 12x20 Alaknak for 12 years and it was awesome. It did finally spring some leaks after being stored in our garage in AZ for 3 years and in New Hampshire for 2 years. Hot then Cold didn't do it any favors. Seal the seams well prior to using and it'll last you a long time. They all have floors but you can add a floor liner which saves the bottom. I also used big moving pad blankets on the floors in the walkways and by our cots and that helped a lot as well. The newer tents have better ventalation but if you use a wood stove the condensation is hardly noticeable. I used my tent during late season in N Idaho and it stood up to several snow storms and wind storms. Just make sure to use all of your stakes and use good ones to secure the tent and you'll love it. You can keep the water from ponding on the corners by adjusting your tension and rope / stake direction. The vestibule is a super addition as well as is the stove protector they sell with it. My wife and kids wouldn't camp in a regular wall tent due to the critters having access, the Alaknak is a sealed unit. Good luck, you won't be disappointed. I also used a heavy duty tarp under the tent and dug trenches around the base just in case of heavy rain. :twocents:

 

My father and I have this 12x20 tent and it works great. The first year I used it was a 2009 Muzzleloader hunt. The year it was freaking cold. It snowed 3 inches, was 6 degrees most of the time we were there, and I set it up with 2 people in 25 mile an hour wind......yes quiet a test but it was great. The stove that Cabela's cells works great also (although burns a little hot). We've had it for 6 years with lots of use, used it 2 weeks ago during our buck hunt.
It's light and sets up quickly and is very nice. With a stove you can crowd in 6 people with cots but it sleeps 3 or 4 comfortably with a table for pinochle.

The only negative thing I can say is, it gets hot really quick in temps above 70 degrees. Hope this helps

 

I have a 12x20. I love it. Lived in it for 10 days in the Minam last year. Best tent I've ever had. We also have the vestibule and the spark cover. We love them all. We've only had it down to about 15 degrees but we slept with our sleeping bags open!

 

Oh yeah get the vestibule and spark cover for sure. We use our vestibule to store our firewood along the side out of the snow and rain. Works great for putting your boots and muddy gear aside too.

Weld a hook 1/3 of the way down on each inner pole. Great for stringing a rope across and laying out wet cloths to dry or hang the lantern up and out of the way.

 

I've had the 12x12 since 2004 and have enjoyed every stay in it, rain, snow, freeze or shine. As mentioned above embers can be an issue. We've always had the windows open enough for fresh air that condensation has never been a problem. I have the floor liner, roof liner and the vestibule. We slept 2 with cots and had plenty of room for the stove and a breakfast cook table. I welded a 4" piece of 1/4" round stock with a dog leg on the far end to the bottom of a 4" piece of 1x1 angle iron that I hose clamp to the pole to hold the lantern. Actually I made about 6 of them, so I can hang the lantern and some clothes to dry. One thing I really like about this tent over canvas is if it gets put away with a little bit of moisture, it gets a little bit of mold, if you do the same to a canvas tent it gets destroyed.


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I just picked one up this year (12x12) and use a Heater Buddy for heat as I couldn't decide on a wood stove yet. I would recommend this tent to anybody looking for a simple, quick tent to set up. There was only two of us and we had plenty of room with huge cots and a 5' table set up where the wood stove would be. The heater buddy was beside it. There was some condensation in the tent the first night as it was 25 degrees. After that it warmed above freezing and we never had had that happen again. My only complaint is during these hot days it was hard to keep it cool in there even with all the windows and vents open....

 

Highly recommend these tents... Also highly recommend in a extra section(or two) of stove pipe, puts those embers up higher, and they wont be as hot or damaging if they should hit the roof....

 

I have a 12x12 and love it. Stays completely dry and fit four grown men in it with cots and the wood stove . I would say that a 12x20 would hold at least six comfortably with the stove.

The Hunting Gear Review, Athens Archery, and HHA Sports Optimizer

 

I have 12x20 alakanak with vestibule I would sell don't know what kinda price tho pm me

 

If you decide on a price let me know. Might be interested.

 

I have the 12x12, bought new this year, I absolutely love it so far. Spent a couple nights glamping at Beverly Beach with the daughter. I had no problems with condensation, setup very easy, no complaints whatsoever.

 

I have a 12x12 I bought in 2003, or 2004. Ventilation is lacking, but I gather that has been at least improved. I've used it in HEAVY snow at 2°f and over 100f° in the desert on a sheep hunt. I have the zip-in floor, snow slide, and spark shield. All are worth the $$, I still need to buy the vestibule...and want to.

3 with a stove seems about max to me, at least on cots+personal gear. 4 on the floor, so to speak?

Been VERY happy with it, though our main tent is now a 15'x24' wall tent, it still occasionally comes with as overflow.

 

Here is couple pics I set up in backyard today setup and tear down in 1 hour 15 minutes

 

Couple more pics

 

Looks like a nice setup and good price

 

I bought one about 15 years ago. Never could get it to stay dry. I finally started putting a blue tarp over it as an okie rain fly. I haven't used it in several years. It sounds like maybe I got a lemon.