View Full Version : SLD Winter Hot Tent “The Cabin” Prototype
michigandave
09-11-2018, 16:43
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4625/39790124744_728749c6e9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23C7MPw)
About 2 years ago I contacted Jared about creating one of these for me to add to my winter kit. Some of the group I camp with had them and after being on a trip or two with them, I just knew it was something that I’d needed. Funny how that happens… Unfortunately, after some back and forth discussions, we decided to put it on the back burner due to a variety of reasons.
Fast forward one year: In January 2018 I had just gotten back from a winter trip and I got an email from Jared asking about if I was still interested in a hot tent as a possible item to bring to market. Of course, I was game and we began a rapid exchange of emails discussing size, materials, features, design etc. The design inspiration came from hot tents built by Dogger, TZ Brown, Turkey (Dogger design), and Squirrelbait (Smokehouse built), plus a few versions out there from the internet. Jared then added some other designs details and personal touches, that really shows how time time and effort he put into it. For example, there’s a mesh storage pouch on one of the walls to hold the stuff sacks and other small items. He even made 2 red codura pouches for the poles and stakes There are zippered doors for the hammock suspension to go through on each end, with tie backs to open everything up.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/38689624370_94c3c29b2a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21WSrp9)
A month later, on the day before I was leaving on my annual trip to Green Timbers, a package arrived containing prototype #2 of the SLD Hot Tent, that I affectionately call “The Cabin”
Here’s the details: I really liked the idea of the long back wall and a short front wall, as opposed to a traditional wall tent style, so we went with that. The dimensions are 12 by 10 with a 6 foot ceiling height and 30” front knee walls. The ridgeline is held up with 1” strapping and cinch buckles, then there are two sets of internal folding tent poles that match the profile and add internal support. The short front wall has external poles, a stove jack near the corner of the side wall, and a picture window with cover (thank you TZ for the idea) that provides a great vew of the woods. There’s also an interior dirt skirt, plus attachment points inside for a drying line and lights. All exterior pullouts have line locs, plus there are additional tie outs on the angled back wall and front wall. Jared made it out of silpoly 1.6. A few weeks ago, I spent over 3 hours seam sealing the inside and outside.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4709/38689659520_e5faa971e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21WSBRb)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4768/26629048068_7fc2d569a1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Gz7Qfq)
The tent itself with ridgeline comes in at 3.2 lbs, 2 lbs of poles/accessories, plus a 3 more pounds for those big 10” steel stakes that are needed winter. When it’s on my toboggan for winter trips, the weight is negligible.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/42814449230_9ceb5f7457_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28enf89)
Now, it wouldn’t be a hot tent without a stove, so in August, I purchased a knico Packer stove (with sidetable), that comes in at around 10 pounds total. The stove has been painted and burned in, so once the weather cools down, I’ll be able to finally finish the install and everything will be complete.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/44625144711_c3e3501bcb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2aZnwNK)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/30754488528_781239d7d4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NREMYd)
I’m the proud owner of #2 and if anyone is interested in one of these, it doesn’t look like Jared will be bringing these out of the market. Due to the size, details and how much time and effort it takes to put these together, there just isn’t enough return to justify the time involved. That doesn’t mean that you still can’t get one: Prototype #1 is available on his website in the “Get up and Get Outdoors” section. I have a long relationship with Jared and working with him is always rewarding. “The Cabin” is a welcome addition to my winter gear and I look forward to many, many nights out in the snow.
Prototype:
https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/collections/gear-up-get-outdoors/products/hammock-hot-tent-prototype
Link to photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmbwzpFU
https://flic.kr/s/aHsku6KDR2
Looks like an absolute paradise! I did a pretty miserable canoe packing trip in the UP late last fall. Could have benefited from a cabin of my own - after all, weight doesnt matter when you've got a canoe to haul it all!
Enjoy your future trips!
LuvmyBonnet
09-11-2018, 17:34
Nice set up. I like the window. I have a Smokehouse set up.
Is that flame retardant fabric? I opted for FR because I'm fearful of sleeping inside a flammable shell with a flame source inside. Do you have any issues regulating temperature. I've had issues when I had a hard time keeping the inside from getting too hot.
I love the idea of being able to hot tent in my hammock but I'd be so worried about burning the material with sparks. My canvas hot tent is full of little burn holes...but with canvas it doesn't really do a ton of damage. I'd assume with silpoly any burn holes would be pretty damaging.... Any issues so far? Sure looks comfy!
michigandave
09-11-2018, 19:25
Standard 1.6 silpoly for the tarp, but that is a proper stove jack. I'll also have that reflector cut down to length a bit and secured with uprights. I still need a smoke alarm and CO2 detector. Haven't fired it up yet inside since when I did the initial setup it was 90 degrees outside. Temperature regulation should be fine with the pipe damper and being able to zip/unzip the doors for ventilation.
The 6' pipe (5 inch) goes out the side and does have a spark arrester I can add. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180912/ca78950931674abba4a6799ed5f5d12b.jpg
OneClick
09-12-2018, 07:36
The 6' pipe (5 inch) goes out the side and does have a spark arrester I can add. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180912/ca78950931674abba4a6799ed5f5d12b.jpg
Is the arrestor a mesh or more of a metal cap? Without that, it seems like wind would blow right down there, and what a mess that would be! Or just angle the pipe up more.
michigandave
09-12-2018, 08:47
The cap/spark arrester just slips into the end of the pipe. I've been told that the mesh screen should be removed since creosote can build up in it. I may just make another pivoting cap that gets held on with machine screws.
I can also angle the pipe more by using the adjustable elbow that is inside the tent. It's going to take some tweaking to get everything dialed in.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180912/56d885a9b7326a07f776ba64274e5e6f.jpg
LuvmyBonnet
09-12-2018, 09:30
I have that same spark arrester and would highly recommend it for the safety of you, your gear and the forest.
Good luck this Winter! Stay safe.
OneClick
09-12-2018, 09:35
The cap/spark arrester just slips into the end of the pipe. I've been told that the mesh screen should be removed since creosote can build up in it. I may just make another pivoting cap that gets held on with machine screws.
I can also angle the pipe more by using the adjustable elbow that is inside the tent. It's going to take some tweaking to get everything dialed in.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180912/56d885a9b7326a07f776ba64274e5e6f.jpg
That's what I was thinking of. Looks good!
A fine looking winter hot hammocking shelter! Very nice report, as usual MichDave!
Looking forward to seeing it during the next 6+ months of cooler weather.
G
Tyroler Holzhacker
09-13-2018, 08:29
This is hardcore...looks like a real nice winter shelter for ice fishing/car camping.
michigandave
10-29-2018, 10:58
Fyi, prototype #1 is sold! I had a chance over the weekend to use the tent and my knico packer stove together for the first time. Spent the evening tending a fire, enjoying a special beer and listening to jazz. Nice way to spend the evening and kept the tent warm and toasty, until I let it die down so I could retire to my hammock. Heading out this weekend for 3 nights and 4 days with the Cabin.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181029/09f93bf98fa15f8f3ccc7e8f3e7f5022.jpg
Jazz with a little RAIN Accompaniment was the way I heard the story.... /Smile
G
P1Scubbs
10-29-2018, 12:00
This is all i need in life! Lol looks like a good time ive done someting close with an old army parachute and always stayed warm! +1 for jazz aswell
Papatechie
10-29-2018, 13:26
Cabin in the Woods! YEAH MAYNE!
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
michigandave
12-17-2018, 09:27
In my pursuit of creating the perfect winter hot tent setup, the one thing missing is a way to organize all the pieces. And, I wanted it to look good and match the current accessory bags (stakes, poles) that came with the tent.
So, I contacted Jared with my ideas to hold the tent, stove and other items all together as a all in one solution that can be packed on my toboggan. Thus, the stove sack was born (stove is a knico packer). It has carrying handles on both ends, an inner flap with buckles to separate the stove from the hot tent, end flaps that flip in plus a large oversized top flap that can be tightened down with buckles. This thing is built like a tank and is the perfect solution! Once again, Jared at SLD has come through with a well thought out and executed design!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181217/b2d5c2e03fc3d3c1f980df73e4135c28.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181217/b9ac3d12b0b36f79df40324c4e73f5f9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181217/b544ab721cdaac824ac93dc15605c09f.jpg
Wow, that setup looks awesome!
michigandave
01-14-2019, 09:38
Had another 3 day outing with the Cabin and the custom stove/tent bag worked out great. Plus I could use it to store stray gear inside.
Set a new high for interior temp then started venting like crazy to avoid a potential melt down. Temps were in the high teens outside at the time. Even when the stove would burn out in the night I still had an extra 10 degrees over outside temp. I also learned that when I wake up for my 5 am water the tree break, spending a few minutes getting the old coals out and prepping for wake up fire was well worth it. Just get out of the hammock, light the fire then put the coffee pot on my small propane stove. Winter camping has never been this good!
Note: the wood stack was around the stove to start drying it out and un-freezing it. We brought it in and it immediately sucked the heat out of stove and tent. We struggled to get it over 50 degrees inside, then all of the sudden, the temps shot right up. The next morning I had a fire going within minutes, since we had good, dry split hardwood to work with.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190114/a34c0d3ee21df8e5156e4d98141778ed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190114/b8221241200a75cca0f7dfd2de3ed1cc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190114/9e19fcf4a6fb8da1a7e0692a519bd57a.jpg
psyculman
01-15-2019, 04:39
Thanks for all the pictures, looks very nice.
I also have a 'prototype' of that configuration. Got it from a HF member a couple of years ago. It is made from black fabric, still plenty light weight, fits great on a sled. But, your pictures show some possible modifications, mine does need a clear window. Stove pipe sparks are however an on going concern.
michigandave
01-15-2019, 17:38
This hot tent is based off designs by Dogger and TZBrown and both of the use the side exit chimney. After seeing theirs at a hang, I really liked that configuration. My buddy has a smokehouse with a chimney straight up through the roof and he's gotten a few spark holes. Coming out the side works for me and I've got at least 5-6 feet of chimney outside, supported by a tripod stand that is rock solid.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190115/eb2e7d2f2c97a2ab3971836cbe09aea0.jpg
michigandave
11-05-2019, 08:40
Looks like Prototype #1 is coming home to Michigan, since another hanger here purchased it! I had mine out last week at a hang, in anticipation of the upcoming winter hang season. Every time I put it up, it's easier to adjust and get almost right the first time.
I've also added some extra gear and made some mods: purchased 10' chainsaw for wood gathering, added 16' wire LED with remote for internal light, switched the nite eyze figure 9's that I use for tensioning the tent over the webbing ridge line to a simple line loc with reflective line and cut down my stove reflector to a more manageable length plus added a crimp at each end to insert a small metal rod. Now its a lot easier than shoving a stick in frozen ground plus is a cleaner look. Looking forward to some more quality time in the cabin!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191105/158dba519922e5f9d5ba8da6f252c16f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191105/e3d497e6cf469fd0b8cb703c0eb6a4d6.jpg
LuvmyBonnet
11-05-2019, 10:21
I've also added some extra gear and made some mods: purchased 10' chainsaw for wood gathering
10ft chainsaw?!? :scared: Wow! You folks in MI really take your wood gathering serious! LOL.
JK, I know what you meant.
I'm getting ready to dust off the Smokehouse. May set it up in the backyard this weekend.
OneClick
11-05-2019, 10:24
10ft chainsaw?!? :scared:
Dave doesn't play around. UL...only need to carry about 1/4 cup of gasoline since you can take down 6 trees in one swipe.
Bothwell Voyageur
11-05-2019, 12:25
This hot tent is based off designs by Dogger and TZBrown and both of the use the side exit chimney. After seeing theirs at a hang, I really liked that configuration. My buddy has a smokehouse with a chimney straight up through the roof and he's gotten a few spark holes. Coming out the side works for me and I've got at least 5-6 feet of chimney outside, supported by a tripod stand that is rock solid.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190115/eb2e7d2f2c97a2ab3971836cbe09aea0.jpg
You may want to try getting that stove pipe more vertical if you want the stove to work efficiently. Either add an elbow or bring your stove closer to your tent wall.
michigandave
11-05-2019, 12:47
Opps, typo....meant 10" chainsaw. A 10 foot one would barely fit on my pulk[emoji6].
I haven't had any issues with the draw using my current angle, but I do see the benefits of getting it a little higher. I feel pretty safe with the stove about 16 inches from the wall, using the reflector in between. At our last hang, TZbrown uses the same stove/chimney configuration but suspends the chimney from the tripod, whereas I put mine on top. I think I'm going to try it his way, move the tripod closer and see what I can do to adjust the angle.
Thanks for the tip, BV! There's always stuff to learn and having another eye on something is a plus!
Bothwell Voyageur
11-05-2019, 16:22
At the moment it's only drawing like a 3ft vertical but if it works that's all fine.
LuvmyBonnet
11-05-2019, 17:13
Any pointers on starting the stove?? I sometimes smoke the tent out when starting up the stove.
Another question is Does anyone use a carbon monoxide detector in their hot tent?
michigandave
11-05-2019, 18:41
No carbon monoxide detector, since it's not as sealed up as a house would be and there's lots of airflow.
When I first set it up when I got it, I got a ton of smoke in the tent. But, after one of our stove gurus gave me a lesson, I was good to go. I thought it had to be level front to back....nope, elevate the back to help with the draw. I usually use a combination of birch bark, small twigs and Menards fatwood (slivers of various sizes) to get it going. Sometimes I'll use those small duraflame starters or if I'm lazy, one of those big fireplace logs. Then I'll just feed it with small chunks of split hardwood.
There's a learning curve and I'm no expert, but I can still get a fire going pretty quick. As I've found out, making fire is all about the prep work.
The detector is a very good idea. They are small and cheap. Some have also low oxygen alarms built in. Not likely a problem in a cabin but you never know. A hot pine fire can suck up a lot of O2.
Best way of keeping any smoke from backdrafting is to create a quick hot fire. Usually a wadded up newspaper page will do the trick. You have to get the air rising up the chimney at the start of any cold stove. Once the initial draft is started it will continue as long as there is some heat being generated at the stove. It just has to change the temp differential between inside the stove and the outside of the cabin.
West michigan
11-11-2019, 18:42
This is exciting stuff Dave
I just bought a guide gear wood stove and made a teepee
Not hammockable but is fun
Made my own stove jack
Will be more of a wind shelter at my campsite
Totally_Wired
11-19-2019, 07:15
Soooooo it's finally official...... Prototype #1 is in Michigan.....USPS decided to send it on a scenic tour around the states before it eventually showed up last night...only 6 days late...
""" Soooooo it's finally official...... Prototype #1 is in Michigan.....USPS decided to send it on a scenic tour around the states before it eventually showed up last night...only 6 days late... """
Hopefully you get a chance to setup and try it out in the backyard or nearby soon!!
Practice makes perfect is a pretty good rule for hammock camping....
michigandave
11-20-2019, 14:38
Yep! It will be good having them back home in the same state. Looking forward to seeing it at one of our winter camps.
Totally_Wired
11-20-2019, 19:24
""" Soooooo it's finally official...... Prototype #1 is in Michigan.....USPS decided to send it on a scenic tour around the states before it eventually showed up last night...only 6 days late... """
Hopefully you get a chance to setup and try it out in the backyard or nearby soon!!
Practice makes perfect is a pretty good rule for hammock camping....
I think I have room in the back yard.
I'm going to need a lot of practice...........
Totally_Wired
11-20-2019, 19:31
Yep! It will be good having them back home in the same state. Looking forward to seeing it at one of our winter camps.
You didn't tell me it was BLACK...... my favourite colour but it's so hard to find the linelocs/tieouts (or anything black) without a torch.............not complaining just an observation... absolutely luv it.
michigandave
11-21-2019, 13:28
You didn't tell me it was BLACK...... my favourite colour but it's so hard to find the linelocs/tieouts (or anything black) without a torch.............not complaining just an observation... absolutely luv it.Good looking color! Glad you like it. I found these pics in an email from Jared of the first time your hot tent was setup in his Idaho backyard.178258178259
Totally_Wired
11-23-2019, 14:51
It's alive!178302
Really cool setups! Our winters aren't that intense, so I continue to backpack, but I can see how your pulk camping could be fun. How far do you typically hike in/out?
Is the footprint integral to the Cabin?
Does that thermometer really 118* ??
Really cool setups! Our winters aren't that intense, so I continue to backpack, but I can see how your pulk camping could be fun. How far do you typically hike in/out?
Is the footprint integral to the Cabin?
Does that thermometer really 118* ??
Well, given that the picture shows the temp, and that is my hand in the picture, I can honestly say it was that HOT!!
We couldn't get the temp above 50* for over an hour, then suddenly it just exploded into super sauna hot hot HOT....
Both end doors were opened wide and we vented for 5 minutes until we started to feel a little cooler, it was in the teens outside with a brisk 20 mph wind or so.
Dave made smaller fires the rest of that trip!! /SMILE
michigandave
11-25-2019, 08:27
It's alive!178302
Looking good and it's a great color! Next step is adding some heat, because without a stove, it's a cold tent! Been there, done that....
michigandave
02-25-2020, 08:25
Just got back from another group hang and 5 days in the Cabin. This time, Cabin prototype #1 (black) was in attendance. It was pretty cool seeing another of Jared's hot tents in person.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200225/5fbbf1a109d9c565aa8cde8ffeaf6471.jpg
Peirre O`Bollox
11-10-2020, 04:15
Are these on general sale?
Are these on general sale?
You could ask Jared. I believe he has told people that these were the only ones he wanted to make.
There are several other similar builds that are available, Smokehouse and ??. With some alterations almost any larger tent can be retrofitted for this purpose.
I use tarps to achieve the same effect, calling mine a hot-tarp setup. It works well for me. Depends on what you are looking for.
G
How does a fella go about ordering one of these? I have gone back and forth on building one myself as I’ve made several tarps and modified lots of gear but this might be a bigger project than I want to tackle.
OneClick
11-23-2021, 16:18
Just bumping this since I'm converting my Smokehouse with a roof stove jack to the wall. I put 3 holes in my tent in the blink of an eye, so I'm done with that. Spark arrestors, baffles, etc. No avoiding it.
I like Dave's setup out the wall and it works great, like all the other guys doing it. I just hope my sewing skills don't screw it up! Small, but high-stakes project here.