Cabela's Alaskan: Fiberglass or Aluminu m???

“I am planning on purchasing the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model 6 Person. I am a college student and have not gone camping too much, I am therefore also on a limited on money. This tent seems to the best all around that I have seen, other suggestions are welcome.

Main question is aluminum poles worth 150 dollars, fiberglass 6 person is 300, the aluminum is 450. That seems like a big jump.

Advice, help, suggestions?”

“If there isn't much response tonight, you'll likely get more tomorrow when the full crew is back. I can't help you with this. A 6 man tent is likely bigger than the house I live in.”

“okay, here i go....at 6 person size I assume that you most likely will be using this for car camping vs backpacking. Therefore if transported by vehicle i would opt for the cheaper poles keeping overall cost down. Money saved would put a cot in it and leave some for a 2 burner stove if you shop around.....2 cents worth”

“Contact Cabela's Customer Service, and ask them.”

“I am just starting to get gear. I want a bigger tent for car camping for now and family in the future. I and trying to get all the main stuff and then start getting a pack and stuff for backpacking.

If I use fiberglass poles in a the winter every once in a while should I fear them becoming brittle and breaking?

And anyone any experience with Cabela's tents, espically this Alaskan one?
last edited: 12/11/04 7:47:37 PM”

“You're not going to carry this thing on your back.The differe0
nce is weight--$150--no weigh.”

“i understand the weight issue, my question lies in the issue of fiberglass poles in colder weather, I was told they can get brittle. any ideas?”

“Duck Tape or $150.

BTW, what did Cabela's say?”

“Fiberglass is fine in freezing temps. Cabela's is a good company with quality stuff.
last edited: 12/11/04 9:38:24 PM”

“i called cabela's and they is no person to answer my specfic questions until monday...

i wonder how much replacement poles cost, fiberglasses or alumium”

“I hope you are not planning to use this for backpacking. It's 30 pounds and way too big for that. Plus unless you are planning on camping in blizzards a lot it is overkill. Definitely bombproof, you probably could not find many stronger tents anywhere - that is how Cabelas makes things.

If you insist on a big tent why not look at their XPG series. They have an expedition model XPG that is probably almost as tough as the Alaskan Guide but quite a bit lighter, and aluminum poles are standard. The non-expedition XPG models get you into the realm of backpacking weights and are a lot cheaper too, still pretty tough tents for most purposes.”

“I'd say weight.

I've used fiberglass tent poles in -20 degree weather for 4 day stints without difficulty. Cabela's is a very good co & if you did have trouble, they would prob replace them.”