TexAg09
Active member
Howdy everyone! I just wanted to post this in case it might be helpful for others since I was really on the fence on which size to choose when I was looking to buy an Argali tent. I was torn between the Rincon and Absaroka, and I bought the Rincon. However, I just picked up an Absaroka used, so I thought I would compare the two. I posted on Instagram some videos that might help. I'm 6'4" and use a Long/Wide Exped Dura 5R pad in both videos for reference.
Here are my thoughts on the two, and how I plan to use them both:
Rincon - I initially chose the Rincon because I had a concern that it might be hard to find a place to pitch a larger footprint in some of the areas we hunted, but was worried about how I would fit in it at 6' 4". This all turned out to be valid. Once we were out on the hunt I knew that anything with a larger footprint would had been tough to pitch in some areas due to space constraints and the steepness we encountered in some areas. Now having the Absaroka it has reinforced this thought. However, the Rincon was tight! I fit at 6'4", but it wasn't the most enjoyable experience. The lack of head room to sit up (except in the middle) was what bothered me the most. To use the stove and keep my pack and extra firewood inside I would have to be very organized with my gear and set up. All that being said I plan on continuing to use it for backpack hunts, and just know that I'll have to deal with the lack of head room. It performed well in all kinds of weather including a pretty solid snow storm on this most recent trip.
Absaroka - I got this for doing backpacking trips with my kids, and for using the stove when I'm not backpacking. It's still not all that heavy for backpacking, but again the size of the footprint might be a factor. I think it is awesome space wise, and plan on eventually getting the full insert. It's weird that it's only a little bit bigger, but I feel like there is a big difference in interior space.
To summarize: When weight and footprint are a concern I will take the Rincon and just deal with the tightness of space, but when I'm bringing the kids and have the space to pitch it I'm going to take the Absaroka. I hope this helps, and let me now if you have any questions.
Here are my thoughts on the two, and how I plan to use them both:
Rincon - I initially chose the Rincon because I had a concern that it might be hard to find a place to pitch a larger footprint in some of the areas we hunted, but was worried about how I would fit in it at 6' 4". This all turned out to be valid. Once we were out on the hunt I knew that anything with a larger footprint would had been tough to pitch in some areas due to space constraints and the steepness we encountered in some areas. Now having the Absaroka it has reinforced this thought. However, the Rincon was tight! I fit at 6'4", but it wasn't the most enjoyable experience. The lack of head room to sit up (except in the middle) was what bothered me the most. To use the stove and keep my pack and extra firewood inside I would have to be very organized with my gear and set up. All that being said I plan on continuing to use it for backpack hunts, and just know that I'll have to deal with the lack of head room. It performed well in all kinds of weather including a pretty solid snow storm on this most recent trip.
Absaroka - I got this for doing backpacking trips with my kids, and for using the stove when I'm not backpacking. It's still not all that heavy for backpacking, but again the size of the footprint might be a factor. I think it is awesome space wise, and plan on eventually getting the full insert. It's weird that it's only a little bit bigger, but I feel like there is a big difference in interior space.
To summarize: When weight and footprint are a concern I will take the Rincon and just deal with the tightness of space, but when I'm bringing the kids and have the space to pitch it I'm going to take the Absaroka. I hope this helps, and let me now if you have any questions.
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