Solo Hot Tent in Snow & Freezing Rain - Seek Outside Cimmaron vs. Snowtrekker Crew 

*NOTES/LINKS* 1) LAYOUT: I'm not saying it's a bad tent, but I am saying I dislike the layout and stove jack position and I don't think I'll ever buy a hot tent where the stove goes in the middle again. I'm 6'4" so it might not be such a tight layout for everyone. 2) FUTURE USE: I'm not a survivalist...I like to enjoy nature in reasonable comfort. I'll likely use this tent for cold camping and mild winter conditions when rain is possible on short trips. 3) LINKS TO BOTH TENTS (no affiliation/not sponsored, I paid full price for both): www.snowtrekkertents.com/canvas-tents/crew/ seekoutside.com/cimarron-4p/ 4) SHOPPING FOR SYNTHETIC TENTS: The tent and accessories cost me CAD $1,500 but I realize there are much cheaper options out there for synthetic pyramid tents. I bought this one because it's made in USA and I trust the build quality...for backcountry winter camping down to -40C I think cheaping out isn't a great idea. 5) OTHER HOT TENTS: I also own a pyramid style cotton canvas Atuk Alaskan which has a centre pole but the stove in the corner (much more convenient) and I've been in Xander's poly-cotton Nortent and much preferred it to the Cimmaron layout. Once you go to a framed hot tent, it's hard to go back to a centre pole. 6) MY STOVE: The stove is a Four Dog titanium stove (18" long) and it's a great stove but the customer service wasn't great and their communication was truly awful so it wasn't a pleasant buying experience (also very expensive to get to Canada from the US). If you can buy one in person, do it, but I can't recommend ordering remotely and I've heard from many others who experienced the same. Eventually you will likely get your stove...but people get ghosted for months. 7) LINER: Didn't have time to install it the first night, planned to try it the second night but didn't stay. Creates a barrier to minimize condensation issues that are inherent to synthetic tents (and to a degree canvas).

I know this video is about the hot tent, but those photos from your wedding in the email you sent... I teared up instantly. It's so odd how you and Erin feel like the friends I've never had the pleasure of meeting. Which is silly, but it speaks to your incredible talent for communicating to, and reaching deeply, those of us who enjoy all that you share. I am so happy for the two of you!! ❤

His videos are so calming I always doze off but finish in the morning when I wake up awesome videos

Great video. I hope your leg is feeling strong. Looking forward to some beautiful new art this winter.

Many Congratulations to you and Erin! You're so perfect for each other! May you have many many yrs off happiness. I'm on 34 yrs and counting ❤😊

I like watching these videos in the comfort of my own home. It's super cold there, but you are cozy with the hot tent, and I am cozy with my heat on.

Congratulations Jon and Erin. Beautiful photos of both of you. Thank you for all the work you put into making these videos.

Looks like an awesome Summer Tent! I’m with you on the nylon. Scary, but those tent designers must know what they’re doing. Imagine the $$$$$$$ lawsuit if someone gets burned! I love that big canvas tent. Just seems warmer and more cozy and secure for some reason??. I’d pack that nylon tent away.

I don't have comments for the hot tent, but boy the wedding photos are fantastic. You two are a match made in heaven. Banff is such as beautiful place to spend your honeymoon. All he best to you and Erin.

Hi John, you mentioned it was a purchase you regret, I have been there a few times. I recommend doubling down and fixing the issues - only thing that gets close to being out in the back country is prepping kit for the next visit. I'm sure you've read Horace Kephart's Camping and Woodcraft, but if you haven't I am sure you will love it! A kindred soul reaching out from over a hundred years ago. Sewing in some guy line points would make a big difference I suspect. And if it doesn't work at least you can consign the tent to the spares and repairs bin knowing you tried...

Congratulations / and thank you for sharing your photos! Beautiful. You both feel like friends I know, and that is a testament to your videos and your authenticity as a content creator. Good honest gear review. It’s so refreshing to see gear reviews that aren’t sponsored. I’d love to try winter camping in Wisconsin / but rent the gear first. I love watching you enjoy winter camping!!

Being from upstate New York I had a chuckle at the sound of early morning rain hitting the tent. Love the early winter weather in this part of the world!

You confirmed everything I assumed about a synthetic hot tent. Watching this makes me appreciate a cotton canvas hot tent even more. The part of the vid where the wind was blowing in the sides of the tent even closer to the stove pipe, yikes!

Congratulations on the wedding! You two looked absolutely dashing and it looked like you both walked straight out of a fairytale book.

An informative video to share your views on the hot tent. It still showcases your great video skills as well with the beautiful scenery around you. Stunning wedding photos! Congratulations Jon and Erin❤️ ...as others have mentioned, you feel like friends.

Any day in the bush, is a good day!

Cheers to winter, only 7 months left....I literally laughed out loud.....then remembered my saying, Summers here, only 8 months left!! LOL

Congrats to you two! On the other hand 1,500 for a tent is crazy!

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Thank you for taking us along. Cheers!

Cool camping trip! Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations you two.SO HAPPY FOR BOTH OF YOU!!!!!.wedding backdrop was AMAZING! Can't wait to see the whole video.

Must be winter the jumper is back :-)

This is intended for mountain use, carrying in a backpack not a pulk. It’s meant to pitch fast and easy. It’s also $460 without the liner. The liners are not fun, they considerably cut interior space and you trip over them getting in and out of the tent but it does make it more comfortable as far as keeping condensation off of you and your gear. Seek Outside has many other options that would be better than the cimmeron. It’s not intended to be super comfortable. It’s also not meant to hold a massive stove like you have. It’s meant to burn pine twigs, pencil up to thumb diameter to warm you after a long day hunting in the mountains and to dry off your gear, quick to light and heat and fast to burn out so you can go hunting quickly in the morning. They do have a cimmeron light version that places the stove jack in a more optimal position for 2 people, centered and behind the center pole. I personally think the cimmeron is too small for the stove to be in the middle but it’s the safest place for high winds and not having to guy out the pipe. Guys love them here in the Rockies. I’ve had the 8 man tipi and it is set up to be better guyed out and can handle higher winds and is more comfortable than the cimmeron and is still much cheaper and lighter than the snowtrekker. None of the silnylon tipi tents are anywhere near as comfortable as a canvas tent. They have a traditional shaped tent called the courthouse that would be a more direct comparison to the snowtrekker. Be thankful you live somewhere you can use a pulk or not have to rent a mule to get where you need to go to carry a heavy comfortable canvas, canvas blend tent.

I take it this is a members only reupload as it’s got everyone talking from a week ago in the comments regarding your wedding . I hope you guys had a beautiful ceremony and hot tent video sounds great ❤ Congrats and a long and happy life together ❤ 🔔

Thank-you for sharing. Beautiful photos from the west trip. High 5's. A great treat on my break from the last of city yard work. The perfect reminder to go through my camping gear, to prep for my next plans.

I always enjoy your videos. And your conclusions regarding your two tents match mine exactly. Nothing like a canvas cabin on a cracking cold night. I like how easy it is to light at night in comparison to my synthetic tipi, as well. Looking forward to your winter trip videos!

Congratulations Jon and Erin!!! What a year, huh? Truly I wish you both all the best. Your photos are beautiful and you both look great!! Much happiness.

100% worth the buymeacoffee for the early access. Happy to buy more coffees/beers/chipz for more early access!

Hey Jon! Great to see the test run on this tent. I really can't wait to see you back at it in the hot tent season with all the snow and freezing temps. You always make it look so amazing and cozy with all your cool equipment, knowledge and skills. It's going to be an awesome journey with ya this season.😜 Take care...((Hugs)) from Texas!🤗

I've had a snowtrekker for almost 5 years and can't imagine there's anything better out there. It's totally worth the little weight to haul on a sled to have the luxury and comfort of a snow Trekker hot tent.

I have a few winter tents and I agree that you won’t beat canvas. There is a reason why the Innu and Inuit here in Labrador all use canvas. Thanks for the video Cheers buddy

I have the pomoly manta hot tent and it has a side wall stove jack opening. It also has a reflective inside for the heat. It still has a center pole but I make it work for two cots, one on each side of the stove. I use the one Tigris stove. It’s only 15” long so a little less room needed. The tent was $500 Canadian and I’ve used it for 3 seasons so far and I love it. I atv camp with it.

Congratulations on your wedding! Got a peek at the photos, a stunning couple indeed! ...and the tent is ok too. (these wintery cold rainy vids give me chills)

Nice to see you out and about! Comments re: wedding photos are a bit confusing, though. I watched the whole video (here on RU-vid) and saw nothing of the sort. :confused: Anyway, good to hear that you got yourself all married up. ❤

Many Congratulations To You And Erin !! Love The Hot Tent Camping .

Thank you, Jon, for the hot tent comparison! Sweet area!

Good to know. I'm thinking of getting one. Thanks

The price is insane. Bought a firehike tent in 2020 for about $85 CAD. It’s been amazing. Looks like the same size and 5lbs.

Thankyou for answering...really looking forward to seeing them.

You really made some great points on that style of hot tent.

Congratulations! and keep the Hot Tent Camping videos coming.

Thanks for the review .

I want to go on an adventure like the ones you go. Even though it looks like a lot of work sometimes, it definitely looks very fun and interesting

You can’t beat a snowtrekker the best hot tent out there. I’ve had a couple of them and gave them away when I got sick. One went to Joe robinet I now have three nylon pomoly tents. A lot lighter but I like every one of them. Mine are a little larger. My favorite is a hammock tent only 6 lbs but tons of room. Great video and good idea to try things before taking it out on a trip. Congratulations on your wedding very happy for you and Erin

As a user of synthetic hot tents, I must say, most Titanium hot tent stoves have a chimney pipe that is 2 1/2 - 3 “ max , your stove pipe is a lot bigger so it’s not surprising that it seems close to the fabric. Cheers

Great video

Excellent review my man. Really helps. Your content is appreciated.

Great video Jon, I have the Pomoly dome x4 and love it. Lots of room, freestanding, offset stove placement. Only mishaps have been a few pinholes from errant sparks.

Congratulations to you and Erin!

Bravo! Great video as usual. It’s going to be wonderful nights watching 👏🏻👏🏻🔥🤗

thanks for letting me know!

Hopefully you can get some use out of your new tent. Your video was quite informative. My best wishes to you and Erin, Jon.

Congrats to you two!😀

Love all your videos

Good choice I think on not using it in winter. Can't imagine being 40 kms in the bush and that tent burning in the midst of a winter trip. Best to find out now. Great education video.

10:37 almost thought they werent going to show up. It's just a quick flash of heaven, y'all. While the tent was a bit underwhelming, the pierogies keep us coming back for more. 👌🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟. Appreciate this video and congrats on your marriage! 🍻🥃

well thought out thoughts (?..lol) as one would expect from Jontario - congratulations again to you and Erintario💚💚

Gotta be the Snowtrekker 👍

First, congrats on the wedding! Thank you so much for sharing some photos from your wedding, they are magnificent! In regards to the tent, it is a real bummer that it didn't work out. I have yet to do any hot tenting but I'm hoping to get into it this year. I recently moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan which doesn't have winter quite like you but it is still long. I thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us, it greatly shortens the learning curve!

Yea! Been waiting for these videos!!!

I absolutely love your videos man.! I want y to come visit!

amazing view

Great video! Thanks for the sneak peek and wedding photos were awesome. I use a Silnylon hot tent and I can't imagine hauling out something much heavier. I use a very large tent solo to make up for the sloped walls but everything fits into a backpack if I wanted. I still use a sled but it's very easy to pull as in comes in at 60lbs including luxury gear like a table and chair. I also use the Military Surplus extreme arctic sleep system which weighs quite a bit, but will work without a tent.

Fun video

Access cab Taco for the WIN!!! Manual too? I’m drooling.

The original outdoor boy hahaha

Yes! Love the hot tent. Was sad that you got hurt and missed last years. Based on comments I assume you and Erin made it official. Congratulations and best wishes for a long happy marriage.

Run an A frame above it and suspend the tent to get rid of the center pole. I use a 3/8 piece of shock cord on the guy outs to take up some of the shrink/swell issues. That should help, but your comments on the tent are spot on. It’s a good option for dry 3 season camping with the occasional need to dry out after a wet day.

What a beautiful area! And thanks so much for sharing this. I was seriously eyeing the various synthetic teepee style tents like the Seek Outside, Nortent, and One Tigris ones. Your analysis makes me feel the opposite of buyers remorse. I went with a Snowtrekker, thinking "buy cheap, buy twice", and ~2 years later, I am so glad I did. The weight is a bit of a pain for sure. But you said it... it's like a cabin, and so comfy! Not just solo, but with 2 people, or squeezing in 3 people in a pinch. There are a few products, like the One Tigris Tegimen that might provide a slightly better experience. It strings up like a tarp, has a ridgeline, has a foot print similar to the A-frame's like a Snowtrekker, costs way less than the high end canvas tents. I dunno though. When you've got a winner... sometimes if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Thanks for sharing this mini adventure and super helpful review!

I have a similar hot tent, but mine has a center pole and my little Winterwell nomad medium fits really well off to one side by one of the doors. Mine came with an inner tent as well; i dont use it much. My tent is lightweight for backpacking, but the pyramid design doesn't give anywhere as much room as a rectangular tent or even a dome like Xander's Nortent. But, if it gets me outside in the winter, even my cheapo pyramid was well worth the cash.

Nice to see you had a video up, I am partial to your snow trcker love the window you put in it and the roomy look it has compared to this one. besides i dont think id like a center pole . Gorgeouse area loved the fall's . Thank's Jon for this video and review appreciated . congratulation's to yourself and Erin.

Lost lakes video! Let’s go

Great video buddy and congratulations on your big day

Congrats on the wedding!! (now you can bring back the moustache)

Where are the wedding photos?! How’d I miss those you two! Thanks for this video Jon and sorry the new tent is a bit of a bust. Bring on the canvas and window 💜👊🏻 Barret

Well done cool, Informative little video. Thanks Jon, Looking forward to your next video. And WOW those wedding pictures are stunning! Say hi to Erin and as always, take care of each other.

very informative video, $1,500 is a lot, glad you did your review. Thank you.

The extra dozen pounds for the canvas seems worth it. Beyond the comfort thing I just think canvas seems way safer. No moisture trapping and much more likely to withstand a stove mishap.

Love the Taco

Looking forward to wedding video that you will be sharing soon.

Lovely to be in a hot tent in weather like that. I've got the Seek Outside Redcliff which is one size up from the Cimarron you have, as I found the latter too cramped even when solo camping - let alone when out with the missus. I couple that with a NorTent titanium stove, which is somewhat smaller. Framed canvas tents are fantastic for the reasons you outline, but they are bulky and weight a fair bit. Matter of preference and priorities I suppose. Tips with your tent is to always tie out the guy lines which gives tons of additional room and prevents sagging due to rain, snow or just wind. That pyramid shape does make things a little complicated. I had the bottom part of my centre pole shatter one night (fortuantely during the last night) when the stove was ripping so your fear is not unfounded. Seek Outside replaced it under warranty, and I taped up the new bit with heat reflective silver tape which completely elimiated the problem. It's not even hot to the touch now. You can tie up a rope in the Redcliff up top in a way that makes it go around the stove pipe but still allow clearance and we've never had a problem when drying out a bunch of wet or damp gear. I'm guessing the Cimarron is similar but with less clearance. Your point about allowing rain in together with fresh air is correct with this sort of tent, but I find that opening it up 50 cm or so allows for sufficient fresh air while keeping most of the rain out. It does get toasty though, especially when cooking. Finally I can confrim the material has zero resistance to heat, and I've had to fix quite a few small holes over the five years I've had the tent. You definately compromise as compared to a canvas tent, but I really do love mine! So many good memories.

Great Video. More gear reviews please :)

Some times the extra weight, is worth the comfort. Thats the way i feel about it, i'm the type to take a snow machine or quad so i can bring my stuff

Sorry the tent was a disappointment. Love your videos and the poppy you were wearing - but do you plan to share any pictures from the wedding? I’ll be watching. Have a great Christmas holiday.

100% agree...canvas!

Congratulations on your wedding

A great practical review Jon. I would be tempted to eliminate the center pole and replace with 4 or 6 narrower poles where the side seams are (teepee style) to support the tent and make more room. I would also use a smaller stove and/or relocate the hole for chimney pipe with proper fire proofing material. This tent reminds me of a Mt. Logan tent that I had to use years ago in the Yukon during my mineral exploration days. We used a kerosene radiant heater for warmth on snowbound days in alpine meadows we camped in.

I've been looking at hot tents. Was considering a teepee with a 12ft base 9lbs. You've given me lots to consider...Congrats to you and Erin on your wedding. We just got married too and spent 2 days in a glamping hot tent after the wedding..lol. Thanks for the great vid!

Sorry to hear you feel like you wasted your money. You never learn if you don’t try, and that is more than most of us can say. Thank you for bringing us along ❤️

Hey bud! Sending much love

Just a tip I learned over time , wrapping fibreglass cloth around the pass through pipe stops all worries of burning the tent pass through. Edit : and the carbon fibre poll

Nice quick overnight Jon. Last year I tipi hot tented and it was a game changer because I had never hot tented before but I did find some challenges. I did have enough space solo for sure and I found a way to vent without dumping water on my gear. Hanging up gear was a problem as well. This year I switched to a dome hot tent and it took care of most of the issues I had but it came at a weight penalty. Its all about trades offs I find. Nate

That thing is pretty small. My wife bought me a Tipi style hot tent off of Amazon I think called Mountain Cattle. Comes with snow skirt, bug insert with bathtub bottom, stove jack hole and is 7'6" in the middle. It's huge and only cost like $200 USD 👍🏻. Very roomy Looking forward to your winter camping

I own a seek outside Redcliffe and I love it.. super roomy and light. I’ve portaged it into Algonquin in the fall with the titanium stove and it was amazing. I use it early in the spring for trout fishing and last year, it saved me in a 50 mm rain day with temps right above zero. Warm and dry with scotch and a book. It’s bomb proof if you set it up right. I agree with you though… definitely not as good as your Snowtrekker for winter camping. It’s a trade off though as it relates to weight right? Bottom line, Great shoulder season tent… I’d opt for your snowtrekker for winter 💯

Well done! Thanks for sharing. Looks like the mergansers and mallards are socializing...say what..

I hope you're letting your firestarter age for at least 7 years. Nice comparison of tents. Like most things usage always shows the better design.

Wood cutting eye protection ✅ 😎

All the patreons commenting about your wedding photos was confusing. Thanks for making the rest of us feel left out Lost Lakes Patreons! 😉

If you are concerned above the Carbon fiber pole your could wrap some aluminum foil loosely around it to act as a heat shield.

Hey I love your channel and love everything you do. I am very shocked you spent 1500 on that tent. I got into hot tenting last yr and got a similar design much larger though. It was the rockfortress $280. Absolutely love it. My kicker is I want a lighter stove like yours.