Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 6-Person Tent (2024)

The Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 6-Person Tent is a solid double-layer tent with a high waterproof rating and a full-coverage fly, ideal for cold-weather camping.

Key features and advantages

• It’s an actual two-layer tent.
• Waterproof to a high standard.
• A sturdy frame.
• Long-lasting fabric.
• 3 Doors.
• Vestibule.
• Zippers by YKK.
• Poles made of fiberglass.
• Port for an ethernet cable.
• Cupholders with a twist.
• There are numerous storage pockets on the walls.

What is the point of this?

This Alaskan Guide Model from Cabela’s The Geodesic 6-Person Tent is one of three tents constructed in the same style; there is also a 4-person and an 8-person tent. The tent has been on the market for several years and has been tried and tested by many people.

The name Geodesic denotes that this is a dome tent with multiple poles that create numerous intersection points. As a result, the frame is solid and stable. The image below shows the tent without the fly to give you an idea of its overall shape and frame.

The peak height of 72.8 inches (185 cm) is a stand-up height in the middle of the tent, which is unusual for a dome tent. The image below shows its floor plan, an irregular hexagon at the base, with 6 sides that are not all the same length. The full-coverage fly forms a large trapezoidal-shaped vestibule. This provides additional storage space as well as a dry entry point.

The entrance doors

The main door is under the vestibule, but one is in the back and one on the side. The pictures show that they are indeed a little low.

The vestibule

The tent is completely self-contained without the fly, but an extra pole supports the vestibule, which must be appropriately staked to be functional. As a result, the tent as a whole is not self-contained. Consider this if you have to camp on frozen ground. The tent is shown below with the vestibule flap zipped up.

The vestibule has two zippers and can be unzipped in several ways, including from each side or by opening the central flap. This is possible because you have separate buckles for the sides and the center. If the wind changes direction, you can switch to another entry point without moving or rotating the tent.

Materials

The poles and stakes: The package includes a set of shock-corded fiberglass poles and 24 aluminum stakes. Numerous Velcro tabs connect them at intersections. They are connected to the inner tent with clips and top sleeves.

The fly is made of a rugged 75D polyester ripstop with a 2000 mm polyurethane waterproof coating. They also state that it has been UV tested.

The floor is abrasion-resistant 210D polyester Oxford with an extra-thick 3000 mm-rated coating. So you’re safe from harm’s way.

Additional information

• Quality No. 8 and No. 10 YKK zippers are used throughout the tent, so this is the best you can get.
• Three mesh organizer panels, one shown below, are installed on three walls, each with several storage pouches in two layers.

• There are four interior cup holders. This is a one-of-a-kind detail, as illustrated in the image.

• Three roof hooks.
• A storage area for equipment.
• Port for an ethernet cable.
• Multiple guy line loops for strength and longevity.
• A 2-oz seam sealer and a repair kit are included.

For ventilation

the inner tent has three roof vents and three two-layer mesh/panel windows. The windows are matched with zippers on the fly (the previously mentioned doors), allowing you to open the fly for additional ventilation. However, the fly is susceptible to condensation because it has no vents.

Who is it intended for?

In terms of space

The tent is officially designed for 6 people. They do not specify the size, but it should be approximately 96 ft2 (8.9 m2) of floored space. This equates to 16 ft2 (1.48 m2) per person. The dimensions allow for the placement of six sleeping pads on the floor. If you use cots, you should reduce this to 3.

The previously mentioned vestibule also adds a covered area of approximately 21.5 ft2 (2 m2) for gear storage. So this is alright, but if you have a lot of gear, it’s best to limit the number of people to four.

In terms of seasons and climate

This is an actual two-layer tent, with an inner taffeta tent and a full coverage fly. The waterproof rating is adequate, and the frame and fabric are highly durable. It’s worth noting that the relatively large inner tent vents aren’t retractable, but the windows are.

The tent is aerodynamic and will perform well in any weather. The structure is ultra-rugged, and they claim it has been field and lab-tested in Alaska conditions.

It is best suited for a more relaxed environment; the name implies something. They call it a 4-season tent, usually a winter tent or a tent for cold weather. It’s on my list of the best tents for cold-weather camping.

In terms of weight

This is a large tent weighing 33 lb (15 kg). This is not surprising, given the number of poles and the durable fabric.

The packed size

The packed size is 31 x 10.6 x 9 inches (79 x 28 x 23 cm), which makes it quite bulky for the same reasons. Overall, this is a tent for locations with car access.

The price

The price may appear high, but I believe it is reasonable for a four-season tent. You can check it out in the links below; this constantly changes.

Specifications

• Weight: 33 lb (15 kg).
• Official capacity: 6 people.
• Dimensions: 194 x 126.4 in (493 x 312 cm).
• Inner area: 96 ft² (8.9 m²).
• Inner area per person: 16 ft² (1.48 m²).
• Vestibule area: 21.5 ft² (2 m²).
• Peak height: 72.8 in (185 cm).
• Packed size: 31 x 10.6 x 9 in (79 x 28 x 23 cm).
• Made in Vietnam.

Final thoughts, rating, pros and cons

If you have any queries, please leave them in the comment section below. Bookmark this site and return; this will keep you updated; as you know, I add texts here regularly. Thank you for taking the time to read this.