Skip to main content

Trekking: Trade in your two-man tent for a tipi with Kifaru

Man isn’t meant to stay indoors — our weekly “Trekking” column can attest to that. It’s a column dedicated to the adventurer inside of all of us, the one pining to ditch the office humdrum for a quick surf session or seven-week jaunt in the Grand Tetons. One day we may highlight an ultra-light stove and the next a set of handmade canoe paddles. Life doesn’t just happen inside the workplace.

There once was a time when tipis, not tents, were the mainstay of nomadic people. The indigenous people of the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies traditionally utilized wooden poles draped with painted animal hides, such as buffalo, to supply themselves with shelter from the elements. Times have changed, however, and people no longer rely on the classic structure like they once did, especially given the lucrative weight of modern offerings. That said, Kifaru International’s Tut 4 Man ($650) isn’t like most when you consider the tipi’s lightweight design and ample head room.

Recommended Videos

Kifaru International has built a name for itself since it first arrived on the scene in ’79, quickly separating itself from other outdoor manufacturers with a smorgasbord of American-made equipment that spans basic hunting packs to industrious sleds. The apt-titled Tut 4 Man is one of the latest in the company’s limited tipi selection, one designed to grant you and one other more than six feet of headroom when erected. The minimal footprint spans 8.3 x 8.3 feet when fully assembled, and, moreover, packs down to a mere 6.5 x 22 inches when you need to take it on the go. It weighs just under 4 pounds, too, which includes the pole, pegs, a seam sealer, and the accompanying tote.

Hardware specs aside, the tipi’s fundamental design also aids with the elements. The steeped walls help it better shed wind and water outside, while the small vent at the top allows you to cook with a small, internal stove (sorry, no open flames). And while it may not be easy on your eyes — or your wallet — it’s built to last. You can’t ask for more.

Check out Kifaru International online to pick up the Tut 4 Man, or to browse the company’s selection of tactical gear, sleep systems, and outdoor equipment.

Brandon Widder
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brandon Widder is a journalist and a staff writer for the Manual and its brother site, Digital Trends, where he covers tech…
Why Spokane is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated outdoor destinations
Spokane is high luxury, but it's interconnected with the outdoors
View from the Numerica Sky Ride in Spokane

I've lived in Washington State for a couple of years now, but I'm still unpacking all of the great places to stay and visit. There's so much to do in the Evergreen state, and during my recent stay in Spokane, I can definitely say that there are a lot of high-end luxury experiences too. From high-end hotels like the Davenport Collection and eateries to some of the best wines in the state, you might be surprised to learn that Spokane is actually a top destination for nature lovers, too. Here's everything you need to know about the wilder side of Spokane and why you should consider coming here during your next vacation.
Outdoorsy things to do in downtown Spokane

This city is a particularly unique place because the town was built around the Spokane River. This is a gorgeous ribbon of blue that's full of waterfalls, eddies, and streams that wind their way through the city. The best place to see this is in downtown Spokane, specifically at the famous Riverfront Park.

Read more
Looking for adventure and culture? This city is the best in the world for urban hiking
Here's the world's #1 city for outdoor lovers
Rio de Janeiro

As an outdoor enthusiast, one of the top things I look for in a travel destination is proximity to the outdoors. I'm certainly not averse to pitching tents, but sometimes it's nice to mix in a bit of urban excitement to my travels. Sports Shoes, a UK running retail brand, just completed a study that analyzed the top urban areas for hikers on break. My personal favorite hiker-friendly city is Seattle, which squeaked in at number 12. The number one spot goes to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The winner was decided through two primary variables: the number of hikes in the area and the average rating and reviews of those hikes. This was averaged out into a hikeability score out of 100, and the only one to get a perfect score was Rio de Janeiro. With a total of 334 hikes averaging a rating of 4.8 stars, this city is officially the world's number one urban area for hikers.
Top hikes in Rio de Janeiro

Read more
Airstream’s new Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer is an instant classic
Two classic mid-20th-century design icons combine in this handsome, ultra-exclusive travel trailer.
An Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer parked in the desert.

An icon of the all-American road trip meets an icon of mid-century modern architecture in the all-new 2026 Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer. By combining Airstream's unmistakable travel trailer design ethos with Wright's Usonian principles, the result is something truly elegant, timeless, and modern. But it'll only be available to a select few.
Everything we know about the Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer

Many of the features and design elements in this one-of-a-kind, 28-foot travel trailer are classic Airstream. But it also features a few firsts. Most notable is the dual-purpose lounge/sleep area anchored by a pair of twin beds that convert to a king (the largest bed ever in an Airstream) with the push of a button. Exclusive bolster pillows, tailored slipcovers, and quilted coverlets round out the space. The front lounge also transforms seamlessly between dinette and desk as needed, making this a true live/play/work travel trailer. The entire interior is awash in daylight thanks to 29 total windows—more than any other Airstream in history.

Read more