Alaska Huts Buys Alaska Yurts

The Alaska Huts Association is pleased to report the purchase of two yurts from Nomad Shelters in Homer. These Alaska-made, Alaska-tested modern circular “tents,” patterned after ancient Mongolian designs, are intended for placement at Manitoba Cabin next summer. Alaska Huts is awaiting word on transfer of the land and cabin from the federal government to the state, and about a permit from the state to allow us to restore the old cabin and erect the yurts.

The plan is to make the cabin space a common living space (and sometimes hut keepers’ quarters), while the two 16-foot-diameter yurts would provide bunks for 16 people. The yurts will be mounted on an insulated wood floor, and the yurts themselves are insulated for winter use. They have nice wood doors and a couple of windows each, and should make homey places to stay.

Nomad Shelters’ yurts are manufactured in Homer. They have many design features that make them far more resistant to the elements than competing yurts. For example, instead of using small metal pins to fasten the rafter beams to a tension ring, Nomad routs out holes into the tension ring for the whole rafter to fit in, eliminating the need for the torque-preventing cables used in the other yurts, and increasing the snow load. Instead of using Duralast fabric on the roof only, Nomad uses it on the whole structure, preventing mildew and corrosion, extending the life of Nomad yurts, particularly in Alaskan weather.

The other reason we chose Nomad Shelters is because they are based in Homer, and we wanted to support local business. It doesn’t hurt that their yurts also cost less than competing companies’ yurts.

Want to help set up the yurts next June? Let us know, and we’ll keep you apprised of progress toward a permit.

Visit the Nomad Shelters web site to see pictures and learn more about the usability and comfort of a yurt.