Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak 12’x20′ Outfitter Tent

The Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak 12’x20′ Outfitter Tent is very large and tall, with 8 windows and 2 doors, all with mesh and panels, and with an integrated pipe jack.

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Key features & benefits

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What this is about

These Ultimate Alaknak tents from Cabela’s have been on the market for at least two decades already, and this Alaknak 12′ x 20′ Outfitter Tent is the largest.

So this is a cabin style tent built as a single-room construction with no less than 8 windows. Four windows are double-layer type with mesh and with panels, these are the windows in the middle of the tent with the dark hoods as you see in the picture below, so they act more like vents and they are fully protected from the rain. They have mesh, and closable panels from inside.

There are 4 windows that are inverted U-shaped and you can see them in the picture below. These oval windows are with solid zippered translucent panels from outside, fixed mesh behind it, and with panels from inside. 

The solid windows can be rolled up when you need more ventilation, and you can zip them up when it is raining and you will have light in the tent and views around. But if you feel cold or want privacy, you can close them with the inner panels.

So this is a really remarkable 3-layer design. The same windows distribution is on the opposite side of the tent. 

There are two huge doors on the narrower sides of the tent, and they are also double-layer type with full size mesh for protection against insects. They have awnings, you can see them on the sides in the picture below.

You have high quality YKK zippers everywhere. This is a very tall structure with a peak height of 109 inches (277 cm) in the middle, and the vertical side walls are around 5 feet (152 cm) high.

Materials

The fabric: The tent is a single layer type so this is just a shell. You have a fully sewn-in and sealed floor which is a very durable 300D polyester oxford with a 3000 mm waterproof coating. There is a U-shaped zippered panel close to one of the walls where you can place a wood burning tent stove directly on the ground.

The canopy is also a very durable 250D polyester oxford X-Treme Tent Cloth with a high tear strength with top fire-, abrasion-, and puncture resistance. Its official rating is quite moderate 1000 mm.

There is an integrated pipe jack on the roof shown in the picture below and it matches the mentioned zippered area on the floor. Any pipe that is below 5 inches (13 cm) diameter will fit here. This is why I have included it in my list of best tents for stove jacks.

The poles: You have 10 leg poles on the sides, plus two thicker central poles. They are around 9 feet (274 cm) apart. Both doors have A-frames that support the awnings mentioned previously.  

Other features

• There are a couple of E-cable ports.
• It comes with unique fold-down shelves combined with storage pouches, one is shown in the picture above.
• Guy ropes and a repair kit are included.
• The carry bag is large, with a zipper and with handles on the sides.

Ventilation

You have already seen about its mesh on all the openings. They have also added high triangular vents above the doors, and there are multiple vents on the roof around the two main central poles, you can see them in the pictures below.

But I miss some low vents, they are necessary when you have to keep the doors closed during the rain.

Here is a video showing one of the versions of this tent, please have a look:

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Who is it for

Regarding the area, I haven’t seen any statement about official capacity, but the tent offers 240 ft² (22.3 m²) of the fully protected floored area. It is almost the same size as this Ozark Trail Hazel Creek 18-Person Cabin Tent with 3 Covered Entrances.

The dimensions are 20 x 12 ft (625 x 410 cm), so this is huge and you can put many sleeping pads on the floor. The walls are completely vertical so you can also use bunk beds. So I am not sure in which group it should be included regarding its capacity. In any case, I have included it in my list of extra large family camping tents.

Regarding seasons & climate, the tents looks as if you can use it in any season and climate. The pipe jack shows you that you can heat it, so you can indeed use it in a cold environment.

Regarding the weight, this is a very heavy tent, it weighs 106 lb (48 kg). But you have seen its dimensions, and this should be expected, plus its numerous and massive poles.

The packed size is also substantial, you will see the numbers below. All in all, this is not a shelter to be carried anywhere. But if necessary, this is indeed possible, it can accommodate many people, so the weight can be shared, you have separate packages for the tent, poles, and stakes.

Regarding the price, the tent is very expensive, so if you are on a budget better check elsewhere. But it has been around for years, tried and tested by many, so you know what you are buying. 

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Specifications

• Weight: 106 lb (48 kg).
• Dimensions: 20 x 12 ft (625 x 410 cm).
• Inner area: 240 ft² (22.3 m²).
• Peak height: 109 in (277 cm).
• Packed size:
  – Tent: 54 x 16.5 x 13.5 in (137 x 42 x 34 cm).
  – Poles (L x D): 55 x 14.5 in (140 x 37 cm).

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Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons

Below you can see how this tent stands against my standard rating criteria that I apply consistently to all the tents here in the site so that you can easily compare:

 

BEST PLACE TO BUY:

Bass Pro

Cabelas

If this tent is too large for you, see its smaller cousins the Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak 12’x20′ Outfitter Tent and Alaknak 10×10 Outfitter Tent from the same series. If you would want more options from this brand, please check my list with best Cabela’s tents for camping.

Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below. Bookmark this site and come again, this will keep you informed, as you realize I add texts here on a regular basis. Thank you for reading.