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Strong, adaptable and far roomier than most solo shelters
Big Sky International says:
Big Sky International’s Chinook 1 Plus is a robust yet lightweight 4-season shelter engineered for demanding backcountry conditions. Built around Big Sky’s signature exoskeleton architecture, the tent pitches fast and clean with its three external poles, creating a robust structure capable of handling storm-level winds.
The double-wall construction enhances warmth, reduces internal condensation, and provides a spacious, non-claustrophobic interior with excellent headroom for a solo adventurer. With dual side doors, top vents for cross-flow ventilation, and breathable-fabric inner panels designed to block spindrift and fine sand, the Chinook 1 Plus is designed for comfort in all environments.
High-quality materials such as SuprSil fabrics and 9mm aluminium poles ensure durability without unnecessary weight. For those counting every gram, the tent can be run with only two poles. Like all Big Sky shelters, the Chinook 1 Plus arrives ready for the backcountry, with fully factory-sealed seams.
Our Verdict
The Big Sky International Chinook 1 Plus, at 1638g stands out as an impressively balanced solo shelter, combining real stormworthiness with a weight that still feels manageable. Its three-pole exoskeleton creates a reassuringly strong structure, and because the tent is fully freestanding, it remains straightforward to pitch even on uneven ground. What really surprised me, though, is just how much usable space this tent offers. The asymmetric inner layout provides enough room for a wide sleeping mat, with space left over, and the overall headroom and livable volume help avoid the cramped feeling common in many one-person winter tents.
One of the most impressive and useful features is the “floating vestibule.” Instead of being fixed, the inner can be unclipped on either side to create a sheltered vestibule, when needed. In bad weather, this means you can instantly open up a protected cooking or storage space. It adds a level of flexibility I haven’t seen in many tents of this type. The Chinook has a nice compression sack that helps the tent pack away, making it small enough to store in a rucksack side pocket. The tent also offers well-considered ventilation options, with two roof vents, a double-zip door that can function as a vent, and the ability to lift the fly hem for increased airflow. Im also a fan of the inclusion of two different peg lengths, with shorter ones for the corners and longer ones for the guy-outs, which shows a thoughtful approach to the pitching system.
There are, however, a few things worth bearing in mind. Although the tent is labelled as a 1 Plus, the interior is realistically suited to one person, and sharing it would only be practical in an emergency or with a very small dog. Although marketed as a four-season tent, the fly does not fully extend to the ground, which means that wind, snow and spindrift can find their way underneath in harsher winter conditions.
In use, the Chinook 1 Plus handles wind with confidence, and its breathable inner, high vents and double-wall construction keep condensation under control. The floor fabric is on the lighter side but still feels robust, and it simply benefits from a bit of care or a footprint on rougher ground. The third pole can be left behind in milder conditions to save weight, and the dual side doors, multiple pockets and tidy clip points make the living space easy to manage.
Taken as a whole, the Chinook 1 Plus offers an impressive combination of strength, comfort and carefully considered design. For solo users seeking four-season shelter with excellent interior space and practical adaptability, it remains a particularly compelling option.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 3 poles creates a very storm worthy design
- Double wall construction to prevent condensation inside
- Pole clip design for very fast and easy setup and take down
- Interior buckles to outer shell for one piece setup/take down
- Two top vents on vestibules for cross ventilation
- Large no claustrophobic interior with high ceiling
- Large side door on each side for easy entry and exit
- Breathable Fabric interior for more warmth and to keep spindrift and sand from blowing in
- Mesh netting window on each door with zippered Breathable Fabric flap
- Light weight, yet durable 30D nylon silicone/PU coated and seam taped fabric floor
- Four interior pockets
- Want even lighter weight? Leave the 3rd pole at home
- Highest quality components
- World class quality
- Ready to go out of the box; seam sealed where necessary at the factory
Specifications
- Flysheet & Inner weighs: 1077g
- Poles weigh: 561
- Total weight: (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs
- 10 x Long weigh: 132g
- 4 x Small weigh: 38g
Material & Construction
- Outer: SuprSil fabric
- Inner: Breathable fabric
- Floor: PU seam taped fabric
- Poles: DAC Aluminium 9mm
- Bag: SuprSil compression
- 4 season - double wall tent
- Exoskeleton design (3 poles on outside)
- Includes 14 pegs, 6 guylines and tent bag
