Gear Review
Sierra Designs Lightning Tent 2-Person 3-Season
Portable Sauna
By Stranger in a Strange Land
Ranked #361 - 3-Season Tents
August 25, 2006
I got this tent to replace my QuarterDomeUL because it had no fly-footprint option. However, first time I used the Lightning I realized it had no top ventilation slot. With the fly on and zipped, there is no where for rising hot humid air to ventilate, it becomes an absolute sweat box. A simple overhanging slot with hook-and-loop tab (as on the Quarterdome), or a side chimney tube (as on Montbell products) would let the hot air rise out and solve this problem, and only add maybe 40 grams. This tent is now reserved for shoulder season use only and I am back to my Quarterdome for summer camping. Also, Entry and exit are difficult because the fly zip creates a triangular shaped slit which narrows at the top. Instead of one long zip; dual 1/2 length zips would be the same weight, and create a garage door type entry of sufficient width, and would create dual vestibules on both sides of the entry. On a positive note, this tent is a little lighter than other comparably sized 2 person 3 season tents. But again, I'd rather carry the extra weight of a top vent.
View Details: Sierra Designs Lightning Tent 2-Person 3-Season
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- 40D 1.4oz. Ripstop Nylon (Canopy), 70D 2.6oz. Polyurethane Coated Nylon Taffeta (Floor, Fly), 20D 1.6 oz. Woven Nylon (Mesh),
- Freestanding:
- Yes
- Poles:
- 2
- Pole Material:
- Easton FX Carbon
- Doors:
- 1 Stash Door
- Clip/ Sleeve:
- Clip
- Floor Space:
- 30 sq ft
- Interior Height:
- 40in
- Vestibule Space:
- 10sq ft
- Seam Sealed:
- Yes
- Bathtub Floor:
- Yes
- Ventilation:
- 20D No-See-Um mesh (Door, Side and Back Vents)
- Packed Size:
- 6 x 24in
- Weight:
- 3lbs 15oz
- Recommended Use:
- Backpacking
- Warranty:
- Lifetime
- Country of Origin:
- Vietnam
Change me.