Review: Argali Absarkoa Tent

Cowboy campers in Montana are familiar with the “midnight shuffle” in the wee hours of the morning: when the dark clouds roll in, and you grope hopelessly in the dark for a headlamp and a tarp. Usually it’s too late, and you’re soaking wet within minutes. But heck, it sure beats sleeping in a stuffy, cramped tent. If only there was another option… such as the Absaroka 4P Tent ($410) from Argali. “Tent” is a bit of a misnomer; it’s simply a teepee-shaped tarp with a Carbon Fiber Center Pole ($90) and an open-floor configuration. And with two full-length zippered entrances, a guy can sleep on the grass and under the stars, while still having security when the rain clouds blow in.

In terms of material, the tent is made of a superlight Ripstop fabric weighing in at only 1.8 pounds. The pole weighs just over a half pound, so the whole setup with Piton Tent Stakes ($14) and all is a backpacking-friendly weight. After an at-home seam-sealing job (Argali provides the sealant and instructions), the shelter is fully waterproof; and with the addition of a couple guy-out ropes, it’s stormproof too. A removable stove jack allows the tent to be converted into a hot-tent in the colder months, which could prove especially useful for late-season backcountry hunters.

Most folks, however, would likely be more interested in the tent for summer camping and backpacking trips. With gear, it can comfortably fit two people. Without gear, four people can be cozy in the “chalet,” as a friend calls it. Best of all though, two people can pitch the tent in less than a minute, so you might even stay dry during the midnight shuffle. After all, old habits die hard.

The tent and all associated accessories are available at argalioutdoors.com.