When it comes to deciding where you will be sleeping during your hunting trip, it’s not a decision to take lightly.  There are a lot of different options out there and it may be overwhelming.  It all comes down to what you are comfortable with, how you plan to hunt, and what you are willing to go without during your hunting trip.

The most popular types of tents, or shelters, for hunting during western hunting season are floorless shelters, wall tents, and trailer campers.  A hunter will choose one of these based on the area they are hunting and how close they need to be to their preferred hunting grounds. 

The time of year is also a big deciding factor when choosing your shelter for the upcoming season. You also need to keep in mind the expected temperatures for the month that you will be in the woods.  Lets a take a look at a few options out there.

Wall Tents (Base Camp)

Wall tents are a great choice for hunters that do not want to pay for a camper but still want a room-sized space to sleep, and be able to move around while standing up.  One of the best benefits of a wall tent is the wood-burning stove.  This allows you to dry out and get warm at the end of a long wet weather day in the woods.

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There are a couple of options out there such as a traditional canvas tent (the white-looking ones), and tents made from the latest waterproof materials like the Cabelas Alaknak series.  

The Alaknak series from Cabelas is one I have personally stayed in and I assure you they are waterproof.  The stove is awesome to start your morning off right.  Get that fire burning, and have a cup of coffee before heading out for the day.  The Alaknak series has different sizes from a 12×12, 12×20, and a 13×27 foot option. 

I would recommend that you have at least one other person to help you set up anything bigger than the 12×12.   

Backpacking Tents (For on the mountain)

Backpacking tents are a great option for those hunters that want to get on the mountain and sleep further away from the roads.  There are a multitude of backpacking tents that would work for this situation.  Keep the weight in mind when making your selection and make sure it comes with a rain fly or rain cover.  Options like this model from MSR would be a good option.

The only downside to backpacking tents during the late fall seasons, is there is no wood burning stove.  That is where the floorless shelters in.

Floorless Shelters

Floorless shelters are what a lot of backcountry hunters are using these days.  Here is why.  They are lighter than a traditional backpacking tent, and certain models come with a small collapsable stove.  The shelters are normally held up by a single pole in the middle of the shelter, like a teepee.  

This style of shelter is a win for backcountry hunters who want to backpack deep into their hunting country and spend the night, stay warm, and not add a bunch of additional weight. 

The Cimarron pyramid tent from Seek Outside, would be a great option for this style of shelter.  If you are on a bit of a budget you can find a similar setup on Amazon for a cheaper price.

Campers

Campers are great for maximum comfort, and minimal effort to set up.  That’s why they are so popular.  If you want all the comforts of home in the woods, a camper is what you are looking for.

This comes with a price, however.  It takes a significant investment to buy a camper.  From a $10,000 teardrop trailer that sleeps 1-2 people to fifth-wheel trailers that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, you should be ready to go all in with one of these options.  

As I just alluded to, there are a vast array of sizes, costs and amenities with camper trailers.  There are some that are just for sleeping and living in, and some that are hollowed out for hauling ATVs, with fold-out furniture after you back your toys out.  

A good starting point to get knowledgeable would be to read this article from Mossy Oak.  They do a great job at going over all the considerations when shopping for a camper for hunting.

Some basic considerations would be:

• Do you have ATVs you want to bring with you?
• How many people would you like to accommodate?
• Storage fees and location for the offseason
• Is there room to park and turn around in the unit you will be hunting in?

If you are determined to get a camper but don’t have the budget for a brand-new one, look around online for a used one nearby.  I have slept in some mighty old campers that hold up just fine.

Hunters have a lot of options out there.  It all comes down to what comfort sacrifices you are willing to make, how far away from people you want to be, and how your budget looks.  So keep these things in mind when prepping for next season. 

If you enjoyed this article, here are some more helpful articles from Pinetrees And Solitude. 

• What You Need For An Idaho Mule Deer Hunt
• Catch Mule Deer While They Are Active
• What Should I Bring Elk Hunting? Idaho List
• Hunting Elk In Timber: Tactics To Even The Odds

(This article was originally published on Pintreesandsolitude.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.)