Camp?

[Pasteve]

I'm heading to the flat tops wilderness area for the first elk season and planning to camp near the truck and hike in from there. Is a wall tent needed that time of year? What does everyone else use?

[Elkduds]

@ what elevation will your base camp be?

[Pasteve]

Roughly 9500 ft

[Elkduds]

When you say 1st elk season, I'm hearing mid-Oct. You'll want a heatable shelter. Hard to beat a canvas tent for that. Potential for snow, but unlikely to see deep accumulation. The last 4 Octobers weather has been relatively mild in the CO high country. That means days in the 50s, nights in the 20s @ your elevation. If a storm comes through, subtract 15-20 from those #s. Higher up will be cooler still.

[Bullseye]

I've hunted in the Flat Tops for the past 6 years. Year 1 - Stayed in the back of my truck for a week (has topper). Year 2 - Stayed just outside my truck in a regular 4-man tent. Years 3-6 - Stayed in a 14'x16' canvas wall tent with wood stove. All I can say is, I love the wall tent! I always hunt both the 1st and 2nd week, and have seen varied weather in the Flat Tops. Last year, it was extremely warm in the first week. A few years ago, we had a foot of snow during the first week. As for temperatures, I've seen mornings between 9 degrees and 50 degrees. Gotta love Colorado weather in October. If it was me, and I wasn't going to be making the elk hunting venture year after year, I probably wouldn't spend a bunch of money on a wall tent. However, if you plan on making it a regular thing, the investment will certainly pay off (in my opinion). Good luck!

[saddlesore]

Definitely a wall tent with a wood stove. If things get wet, you can sure dry off. Never count on good weather in CO. Notice 1st season is a week later this year

[elkhuntfever]

Been hunting that area for several years. We have a walled tent and use propane heater. Didn't use the heater during the night last year but once up used it to take the chill off. We also hiked back in and overnighted, was comfy then also. Best of luck.

[Indian Summer]

With everything in elk hunting such as gear, clothing and especially your shelter you should always tell yourself "Hope for the best but plan for the worst"

Get a wall tent. If your partners are steady then have everyone chip in on it. I guarantee you'll be glad you did or I promise Elkduds will give you your money back.

[Elkduds]

Get a wall tent. I guarantee you'll be glad you did or I promise Elkduds will give you your money back.

That is a generous offer on my behalf. I guess I woke up this sunny Sunday morning, no longer the cheapest skate on WF. Maybe I can use my newfound largesse to become a Logistics Consultant! Joe, R U looking for an apprentice?

I heat my canvas cabin w propane, but I turn it off when sleeping. I don't look good w blue skin and cherry red lips.

[Indian Summer]

You're already a consultant on here. You and I both know they will fall in love with their wall tent. I use a wood stove in mine and it simmers all night when it's cold.

[Pasteve]

Ok guys wall tent it is!I guess I was just being a cheap skate!

[Indian Summer]

Nothing wrong with that. But there are a couple items where you just don't cut corners and number one is your shelter. Next is sleeping bag. Those 2 things will keep you alive and well if all else fails. Proper boots would be another item where price isn't the top criteria. Without those you're literally going nowhere.

Nearly everything else you can get by without paying for a name brand because it's popular or supposedly better. Wal Mart sells polyester to right!