5 nights without rain in Nankoweap, Grand Canyon this tent was perfect, not yet sure how I will enjoy with rain, but I will bet it's better than a bivy.
Set up was easy, used a different stuff sack to save weight but still brought the small pump, (barely over 2 pounds this way), could have done without it. The pump allows you to increase the air pressure in the bladder, but in calm weather is not needed. Works best when staked out at foot and head, but one night on a rock slab used a rock on the head point and my hiking pole through the feet loops with a rock on top and it held just fine, faster set-up and take-down. Plenty of room inside, able to watch the stars through the screen.
Only a half pound more than my bivy, and packs nearly as small, tough call what to take on the next trip.

Hillbilly Dave found this to be poorly designed. I disagree, this tent has a specific function and satisfies many if not all ultralight backpackers. Yes, it is more difficult to enter and exit than a side door tent, but what isn't? Hikers that buy this tent are usually more concerned with quality construction, WEIGHT, space, and how it sheds water. The SL1 IS freestanding, the foot area can be staked out but does not need to be unless using the rain fly, with the fly you must stake the tent. I usually set it up, stake it out, set the fly, then remove the fly from one side and fold it over the top laying it on the ground next to the tent. This way I can enjoy the stars and keep the creepy-crawlers out, but if weather arrives I can quickly re-attach the fly and I am dry. I have never found it too much trouble entering this tent, it is definitely easier than getting into a bivy, but definitely harder than a side door tent. The spitfire is a great tent, but lacks the length of the SL1, I am 6'1" and found the spitfire too short, but my hiking companion who is shorter loves it. I have no vestibule problem, My pack becomes my pillow and goes inside the tent with me, one of the reasons the SL1 is so great, tons of room at the head. I have tried and I own many tents, always looking for the lightest and best, the SL1 still tops my list. Love the Nemo Go Go, but it's nearly a bivy without the room of the SL1.

I have used this tent on many trips in Grand Canyon and found it to be my favorite. Even with extreme wind I was able to pitch this tent on a narrow ledge (pointing feet to the wind). I have not tried this tent in snow yet, but assume it will perform equally as well as my SL2 and SL3. Even though the tents are mesh, with the fly on they stay quite warm with no condensation.
Wide enough to bring your pack inside to use as a pillow, and still fits my 6'1" 205#'s with a little room to spare at the feet and more than enough space on each side.

I own the Megalite and the Kodiak Super Microfiber and bought this bag for my 7-year-old. His previous bag was a Big Agnes 48" bag. But since I had to carry it, I went lighter; I bought the 5'6" length. He loves it, it keeps him warm, and he can grow into it for several years. I love it because I no longer have to carry the extra load. The 20 degree rating is fairly accurate in windy conditions, inside a tent you will probably need to unzip a little. If it gets below 20, my kid just slides all the way in. Western Mountaineering has produced high quality, full length zipper bags for many years; I can't imagine travelling in any backcountry without one.

This is the second generation of Z packs. The first Z pack was great, This Z pack is fabulous. Super lightweight and still rock solid even with heavy loads. Rated to 35 sure, but I've carried nearly 45 pounds in this pack with no discomfort. At 45 pounds the pack tends to bend adding extra weight to your shoulders, but if you are packing in a heavy load and packing out much lighter, the bending is worth it for a few miles (it pops right back to the original shape immediately, old Z pack could not do this well). Enough room for 2 bladders inside if you carry that much water. Hipbelt easily holds a camera and snacks in mesh pockets. And best yet!, when pack is fairly empty in your tent, it makes an unbelievable comfortable pillow backside up, under your sleeping bag.

After setting up this Bivy in my living room, sliding in my pad and my winter bag, it was nearly impossible to get in the thing myself. I am 6'1", 200 pounds and need to be Houdini to get my head under the hooded beak. Lengthening the zipper 18 inches, or using a waterproof center zipper like the Bugaboo might help. I loved the quality in the construction and the roominess once inside, but disliked the claustrophobic feeling of the hood. You are completely cut off from the world around you on even when using the mesh only.