What was recalled
In the world of outdoor gear, few things are as essential as a reliable shelter during a cold-weather camping trip. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued an alert regarding specific tents manufactured by Westfield Outdoor that have been found to pose a significant safety risk. This recall is not broad; it targets a very specific set of products sold exclusively through two major retail giants: Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. If you purchased one of these camping tents from either of those stores, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit is part of this affected batch.
The products at the center of this recall are heavy-duty outfitter tents designed for winter use, where occupants often rely on wood stoves for warmth and cooking. These are not lightweight backpacking shelters; they are substantial structures intended for stationary camping. The recalled models include the Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak Outfitter Tent, available in 12-foot by 12-foot, 12-foot by 20-foot, and 13-foot by 27-foot configurations, as well as a smaller 10-foot by 10-foot version. Additionally, the recall covers the Cabela’s Instinct 12-foot by 16-foot Outfitter Tent and the Cabela’s Big Horn 6P Tent. All of these tents are green in color and range in size from 10 feet by 10 feet up to 13 feet by 27 feet.
To determine if your tent is affected, you must look at the sewn-in warning label located on the inside of the tent. This label contains the model number, product name, date code (formatted as HF MMDDYY), and SKU number, which together identify the place and date of manufacture. The recall encompasses tents manufactured between March 25, 2020, and July 30, 2019, with specific date ranges for each model. For instance, the Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak 12'x12' Outfitter Tent (Model HW-20361, SKU 2502967) includes units made from June 20, 2019, to June 25, 2020, and July 30, 2019, to July 3, 2020. Other models, such as the Instinct Outfitter (Model HW-60354), were manufactured on specific dates like July 30, 2019. Because these tents are designed for the optional use of a wood stove inside, identifying the exact model and manufacture date is vital to ensuring your safety.
If you own one of these tents, do not panic, but do act promptly. Westfield Outdoor is aware of the issue and has initiated a process to contact all known purchasers directly. However, relying on that notification alone may not be sufficient if your contact information has changed or was not captured at the time of purchase. It is always safer to verify your status independently. The recall highlights the importance of checking your gear against official lists, especially when the hazard involves fire and smoke risks.
The scope of this recall is limited to these specific models sold at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Tents purchased from other retailers or different brands are not included in this alert. By focusing on the exact model numbers and SKUs listed above, you can quickly determine if your camping equipment requires attention. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed where they are needed most, providing peace of mind to consumers who have the affected product.
The hazard, explained
To understand why the CPSC issued this recall, it helps to look closely at the specific mechanism that fails in these Westfield Outdoor tents. These products are designed for a unique type of camping experience: they allow campers to use wood-burning stoves inside the shelter for warmth during cold weather. This is a popular feature among serious outdoor enthusiasts who want to avoid the discomfort of freezing temperatures while sleeping in the backcountry. However, this convenience introduces a significant engineering challenge. The tent fabric must remain intact and sealed around the hot metal pipe that carries smoke from the stove out into the open air.
The critical point of failure in these recalled models is the stove jack ring. This component is typically a heat-resistant grommet or collar installed where the stove pipe exits through the tent wall. Its job is to create a tight seal, preventing wind from blowing smoke back into the tent and stopping sparks from escaping. According to the CPSC, the specific material used for these rings in the affected Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak, Instinct, and Big Horn tents is not durable enough when subjected to consistent high temperatures. When the stove pipe gets hot during use, it transfers that heat directly to the ring. Over time, this exposure causes the material of the ring to deteriorate or break down.
Once the ring begins to degrade, its structural integrity is compromised. It may become brittle, crack, or lose its tight fit around the pipe. This physical breakdown creates small gaps or holes in what should be a sealed barrier. The immediate result is that smoke, which is supposed to travel up and out through the pipe, begins to leak back into the interior of the tent. Instead of being vented safely outside, toxic combustion byproducts accumulate inside the confined space where people are breathing.
This leads directly to the primary injury hazard: smoke inhalation. In a small enclosed space like a tent, even a small leak can quickly raise the concentration of carbon monoxide and particulate matter in the air to dangerous levels. Smoke inhalation can cause dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. It is particularly dangerous at night when campers are asleep and may not notice the smell of smoke until they have already suffered significant exposure.
The recall data highlights a secondary but serious risk associated with this hazard. In one reported incident, a camper experienced frostbite after deciding to stop using their wood stove due to concerns about smoke or other issues. This illustrates a complex safety dynamic: when people rely on these tents for thermal protection in extreme cold, any failure in the heating system can force them to choose between staying in a freezing environment and risking health from smoke exposure. The deterioration of the stove jack ring undermines the very purpose of the tent’s design, turning a tool for comfort into a potential source of severe respiratory injury.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of outdoor enthusiasts who purchased specific Westfield Outdoor tents from Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops between 2019 and 2020. These individuals are likely planning winter camping trips, ice fishing excursions, or extended stays in cold climates where the use of a wood stove inside a tent is not just a comfort but a necessity for survival. The recalled models—specifically the Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak Outfitter series (in 10x10, 12x12, 12x20, and 13x27 foot configurations), the Instinct Outfitter, and the Big Horn 6P—are designed with the explicit intent of accommodating an internal wood stove. Therefore, anyone who has installed a stove pipe through the tent’s designated stove jack ring is potentially in the danger zone. The risk is not limited to new owners; because these tents were sold over a period extending from mid-2019 through mid-2020, many users may have been using them for several seasons without realizing that the metal ring sealing the stove pipe could be degrading.
While any camper using a wood stove in these specific tents faces a direct threat of smoke inhalation, certain demographics are at heightened risk due to physiological vulnerabilities. Young children, whose respiratory systems are still developing and who have smaller lung capacities, can suffer severe harm from even low levels of carbon monoxide or particulate matter found in tent smoke. Similarly, elderly individuals or those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease are far more susceptible to the effects of smoke inhalation. In an enclosed space like a tent, where ventilation is naturally limited compared to a house, smoke accumulation can happen rapidly. The recall notes that Westfield Outdoor has received reports of smoke inhalation incidents, confirming that this is not merely a theoretical hazard but one that has already caused physical distress.
There is also a secondary, perhaps more complex risk profile involving the very people who rely on these stoves for warmth. The incident data reveals a report linking smoke inhalation to frostbite, stemming from the decision to discontinue stove use. This highlights a critical dilemma for campers in extreme cold: staying warm enough to avoid hypothermia and frostbite often requires keeping the stove lit, but a deteriorating stove jack ring can introduce deadly smoke into that same warm environment. Individuals who are alone or camping with partners who may not recognize the early signs of smoke buildup (which can be subtle until it becomes overwhelming) are particularly vulnerable. The risk is amplified in smaller tent models, such as the 10x10 foot Alaknak Outfitter or the Big Horn 6P, where the volume of air is limited and smoke density increases faster, leaving less time for reaction before symptoms of inhalation set in.
- Primary Users: Owners of HW-20361, HW-20361-M, HW-20361-L, HW-20361-S, HW-60354, or HW-20482 models who have installed a wood stove.
- Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at greater risk of severe injury from smoke exposure.
- Situational Risk: Campers in extreme cold who may feel pressured to keep the stove running despite potential defects, balancing warmth against air quality.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action or contacting customer support, it is essential to confirm that your specific tent is part of this recall. Because Westfield Outdoor manufactures these items for two major retailers, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops, the branding on the outside might not immediately signal the issue. Instead, you need to look inside the tent itself. The CPSC has specified that all relevant identification details are printed directly on a sewn-in warning label located on the interior wall of the tent. This label is your primary source of truth, as it contains the model number, SKU, and crucial date codes that determine if your unit falls within the affected production windows.
You are looking for one of six specific product configurations. First, check if you own a Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak Outfitter Tent. These come in several sizes, including 10’x10’, 12’x12’, 12’x20’, and 13’x27’. Second, verify if you have a Cabela’s Instinct 12' x 16' Outfitter Tent. Finally, check for the Cabela’s Big Horn 6P Tent. All of these tents are described as being sold in green. If your tent is a different color or from a different brand line not listed here, it is likely not part of this specific recall regarding the stove jack ring deterioration.
Once you have identified the product name, you must cross-reference the model number and SKU with the following list to see if your manufacture date aligns with the recall scope. The date code on the label follows the format HF MMDDYY, indicating the place and date of manufacture:
- HW-20361 (SKU 2502967): Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 12'x12' Outfitter Tent. Affected dates: June 20, 2019 – June 25, 2020 and July 30, 2019 – July 3, 2020.
- HW-20361-M (SKU 2502968): Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 12'x20' Outfitter Tent. Affected dates: July 10, 2019 – June 25, 2020.
- HW-20361-L (SKU 2502969): Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 13'x27' Outfitter Tent. Affected dates: July 10, 2019 – June 25, 2020.
- HW-20361-S (SKU 2840973): Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 10'x10' Outfitter Tent. Affected dates: March 25 and 30, 2020.
- HW-60354 (SKU 2502617): Cabela's Instinct 12' x 16' Outfitter Tent. Affected date: July 30, 2019.
- HW-20482 (SKU 268872): Cabela's Big Horn 6P Tent. Affected date: June 15, 2020.
If your model number and SKU match one of the above and your manufacture date falls within the specified range, your tent is included in this recall. Remember, these tents were designed for the optional use of a wood stove inside, with the pipe exiting through the stove jack ring. If you are unsure about your label or cannot find it, Westfield Outdoor is contacting all known purchasers directly, but you can also verify your status by visiting www.basspro.com and clicking on "Recall Information" at the bottom of the page.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the affected Westfield Outdoor tents, your safety is the immediate priority. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) outlines a specific, straightforward path to resolving this issue. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure you are protected and that the problem is corrected properly.
Step 1: Stop Using Your Wood Stove Immediately
The very first thing you must do is discontinue the use of any wood stove inside your tent. This is not a suggestion; it is a critical safety requirement. The recalled stove jack rings can deteriorate when exposed to the high temperatures generated by a stove pipe. When this material breaks down, it allows smoke to leak into the interior of the tent. Inhaling this smoke poses a serious risk of injury, including potential respiratory damage or carbon monoxide poisoning. Even if you have not noticed any issues yet, the deterioration may be happening silently. By stopping use now, you eliminate the immediate danger of smoke inhalation while you arrange for a fix.
Step 2: Identify Your Tent’s Model and Date Code
Before you contact customer support, it is helpful to have your specific tent details ready. Look at the sewn-in warning label on the inside of your tent. You need to find the name, model number, date code (formatted as HF MMDDYY), and the SKU. This information confirms whether your specific unit is part of this recall. The affected models include the Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak Outfitter (sizes 10’x10’, 12’x12’, 12’x20’, and 13’x27’), the Cabela’s Instinct 12’ x 16’ Outfitter Tent, and the Cabela’s Big Horn 6P Tent. Having these numbers handy will speed up the support process significantly.
Step 3: Contact Westfield Outdoor for a Free Replacement
Westfield Outdoor is providing a free replacement stove jack ring to all affected customers. You can reach their dedicated recall support team by calling their toll-free number at 877-579-1550. Their agents are available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may email them at bassprostovejack@westfieldoutdoors.com or visit the recall information page on www.basspro.com. When you contact them, they will guide you through receiving the new ring. Please note that Westfield Outdoor is also contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye out for their communication as well.
Step 4: Install the New Stove Jack Ring
Once you receive your free replacement part, do not throw away the old ring just yet. Follow the instructions provided with the new ring carefully. You will need to remove the deteriorated old stove jack ring from the tent and install the new one in its place. This DIY repair is designed to be manageable for most users, but it requires attention to detail to ensure a proper seal. A correctly installed ring prevents smoke from escaping into the living space of your tent, restoring the safe functionality of using a wood stove inside.
Step 5: Verify Completion
After installation, double-check that the new ring is secure and that there are no gaps around the stove pipe. If you have any questions during the process, do not hesitate to call Westfield Outdoor again or check their online resources for clarification. By completing these steps, you ensure that your tent remains a safe and enjoyable place for camping.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the affected Westfield Outdoor tents, the good news is that the remedy for this recall is straightforward and entirely free for you. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Westfield Outdoor have determined that a simple hardware fix resolves the safety issue without requiring you to return the entire tent or surrender your money. Instead of a refund, the company is offering a free replacement stove jack ring. This component is the specific part that deteriorates when exposed to the high temperatures of a wood stove pipe, creating the smoke hazard. By replacing just this small but critical piece, the seal between the stove pipe and the tent is restored to a safe condition, allowing you to continue using your tent as intended.
You do not need to wait for Westfield Outdoor to send you the part if you have already been contacted; however, the company states that it is reaching out to all known purchasers directly. If you have not heard from them yet, or if you simply want to act quickly, you can initiate the process yourself. The goal here is to get you a new, heat-resistant ring so you can safely enjoy your camping gear again. There is no cost associated with this repair, and you are not required to ship the defective ring back to the manufacturer unless specifically instructed to do so in your correspondence.
To get your free replacement stove jack ring, you have several convenient options for contacting Westfield Outdoor. You can call their toll-free number at 877-579-1550. These lines are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, which provides ample opportunity to speak with a representative during standard business hours. If you prefer written communication or want to keep a record of your request, you can send an email to bassprostovejack@westfieldoutdoors.com. This email address is dedicated specifically to this recall, ensuring your inquiry goes to the right team.
You can also handle this entirely online if that suits your schedule better. Visit www.basspro.com/shop/en/product-recall-information or go to the main site at www.basspro.com and click on "Recall Information" located at the bottom of the page. These digital portals provide detailed information and likely streamline the process for receiving your replacement part. The instructions for installing the new ring will be included with the replacement part itself, making the DIY repair accessible even if you are not particularly handy. Simply remove the old, deteriorated ring from your tent’s stove jack and install the new one following the provided guide.
It is important to note that while this remedy fixes the mechanical hazard of smoke leaking into the tent, the recall also highlights a broader safety consideration. Westfield Outdoor has noted incidents involving smoke inhalation and even frostbite when campers discontinued using their wood stoves suddenly during cold weather. While replacing the ring eliminates the smoke risk, remember that your primary safeguard is to stop using any wood stove inside the tent immediately until you have successfully installed the new replacement ring. Do not attempt to use the stove in the meantime.
- Contact Westfield Outdoor via phone, email, or their online recall portal to request your free part.
- Wait for the instructions and the new stove jack ring to arrive in the mail.
- Remove the old ring from your tent’s stove jack opening.
- Install the new replacement ring carefully, following the included directions.
- Only resume using a wood stove inside the tent once the new ring is securely installed and you have verified the seal is intact.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall notice arrives in your mailbox or inbox, it is natural to feel a sense of inconvenience. You might look at the tent you have spent countless hours setting up on campgrounds, admire its spacious interior, and think that replacing a single metal ring is a hassle you can postpone until later. However, ignoring this specific recall carries consequences that extend far beyond mere annoyance. The hazard here is not abstract; it is physical and immediate. The stove jack ring is designed to create a tight seal around your wood stove pipe, keeping sparks out and smoke contained within the chimney system rather than your living space. When this ring deteriorates due to heat exposure, that seal fails. If you continue to use the tent with a wood stove inside without addressing this defect, you are essentially inviting smoke into an enclosed environment where you are sleeping, cooking, or relaxing.
The primary danger of ignoring this issue is smoke inhalation. Unlike a well-ventilated campfire, a wood stove in a tent creates a high-concentration environment for combustion byproducts. When the deteriorated ring allows smoke to leak into the tent, you are breathing in carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other harmful gases. These effects can be insidious because they may not hit you all at once. You might start to feel a mild headache or nausea, symptoms that are easy to dismiss as fatigue from hiking or altitude sickness. Over time, however, exposure to these pollutants can lead to more serious respiratory distress, dizziness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. The CPSC and Westfield Outdoor have documented three specific instances where the stove jack ring deteriorated due to heat, resulting in smoke filling the tent. While these are reported incidents, they serve as a stark warning that the failure is not just theoretical—it happens in real-world conditions.
Furthermore, there is an ironic but serious secondary risk associated with ignoring this recall: the very reason you bought the tent for warmth may lead to injury if you stop using it abruptly. According to the recall data, there has been one report of frostbite related to discontinuing the use of a wood stove while camping. This might seem contradictory, but it highlights a common behavioral trap. Campers often rely on their stoves for critical body heat in freezing conditions. If you suddenly decide to stop using the stove because you noticed smoke leaking, but you do not have an alternative heat source ready, your body can drop to dangerous temperatures rapidly in cold weather. Frostbite damages skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing long-term injury or tissue loss. Therefore, ignoring the recall creates a double bind: you risk poisoning yourself with smoke if you keep using the stove, or risking hypothermia and frostbite if you stop without a safe plan.
The good news is that the remedy does not require you to abandon your tent or buy expensive new equipment. The risk of these outcomes exists only as long as you continue to use the compromised part. By taking the few minutes to remove the old ring and install the free replacement provided by Westfield Outdoor, you effectively eliminate both hazards. You restore the seal that keeps smoke out, ensuring your air quality remains safe for breathing. Simultaneously, you regain the ability to use your stove safely, preventing the temperature drops that led to frostbite in reported cases. Ignoring the recall leaves you vulnerable to these compounding risks, while addressing it restores both your safety and your comfort. Please do not wait for a fire or a medical emergency to motivate you; the free replacement is available now, and installing it is the most prudent step you can take for your health and peace of mind.
Staying safe: broader tips
When you are enjoying the outdoors with a wood-burning stove inside your tent, you are engaging in an activity that blends the comfort of home camping with the unique risks of fire and air quality management. While this specific recall addresses a defective component on certain Westfield Outdoor tents, the broader lesson applies to anyone who uses camp stoves or portable heating elements in enclosed spaces. The most critical step in preventing injury is understanding that wood smoke contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly even in small concentrations. Therefore, never rely solely on your sense of smell to detect danger. Instead, invest in a battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide (CO) alarm specifically designed for camping use. Place this alarm inside the tent but ensure it is positioned away from direct heat sources and sleeping areas to prevent false alarms while still monitoring air quality effectively. This simple device can provide an early warning that allows you to ventilate the space before symptoms of exposure set in.
Proper ventilation is just as important as detection. Even if your stove jack ring is intact, smoke can accumulate if the tent is not adequately aired out. Always ensure that the chimney pipe is securely attached and extends well above the tent roof to promote proper draft and reduce backflow. Additionally, keep windows or vents slightly open to create a cross-breeze, which helps circulate fresh air and dilute any potential buildup of exhaust gases. It is also wise to inspect your stove setup before every use. Look for cracks in the stove body, gaps in the pipe joints, or signs of wear on any heat-resistant materials. If you notice any deterioration, discontinue use immediately and seek professional repair or replacement parts from the manufacturer rather than attempting a makeshift fix.
Beyond the immediate equipment check, staying informed about product safety is a proactive habit that protects your entire household. Regularly visit official government recall databases, such as those maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to see if any items in your home have been flagged for safety issues. Many manufacturers now offer email alerts for specific product lines, which can save you time and ensure you are among the first to know if a defect is discovered. Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding weight limits, anchoring, and fuel types. Using the correct fuel and ensuring your tent is properly staked down against wind can prevent tip-overs that might lead to fires or structural failures. By combining vigilant maintenance, proper ventilation, and general awareness of safety standards, you can continue to enjoy the warmth and convenience of stove-heated camping with greater peace of mind.