Gear Review
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Super Light Tent: 3-Person 3-Season
Nice Tent
By Sierra Hiker
Ranked #2754 - 3-Season Tents
September 20, 2006
Great tent for two people. Cool looking design. Plenty of elbow room. The square footage versus weight was the best I could find...... 36 square feet / 4+ pounds. The 46 inch height is relatively decent, too. Easy to set-up. The all-in-one rain fly/vestibule had ample tie-downs to keep it taut for high winds. The color (sage) blended nicely with the forest / granite surroundings. The interior side and overhead pockets for small gear kept the inside clutter to a minimum. Without the rain fly, it's a summer delight for viewing stars. Excellent quality / workmanship.
View Details: Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Super Light Tent: 3-Person 3-Season
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [Fly] Silicone-treated ripstop nylon w / 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating; [Floor] Silicone-treated ripstop nylon w / waterproof polyurethane coating
- Freestanding:
- Yes
- Poles:
- 6
- Pole Material:
- DAC Featherlite NSL aluminum
- Doors:
- 1
- Clip / Sleeve:
- Clip
- Floor Space:
- 84 x 62in (213x 157cm), 39sq ft (3.6sq m)
- Interior Height:
- 46in (117cm)
- Vestibule Space:
- 11sq ft (1sq m)
- Packed Size:
- 20 x 8in (51 x 20cm)
- Ventilation:
- Mesh walls
- Weight:
- 3lb 15oz (1786g)
- Recommended Use:
- Ultralite backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
- Country of Origin:
- China
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: July 25, 2009 By: mla2483330
I got the SL3 just before going off for a week of Scout camp in the Adirondacks with my son, and set it up in the living room just to make sure I knew what I was doing. The set up couldn't have gone easier -- I particularly like how the tent clips to the pole system, and how the fly clips to the tent and/or footprint. I confess being surprised when I opened the poles the first time -- I didn't expect the main pole to open up straight and resemble a large, ham radio antenna -- and was a little concerned about bending it into the footprint grommet holes. My fears were unfounded -- it works just fine. I used the tent on three overnight hikes in the Adirondacks and it worked just fine. One night we camped in an area full of prickly bushes, so I placed another tarp underneath my footprint to make sure no thorns punctured the footprint or tent floor. Maybe i was being overcautious, but the footprint is THIN! On the plus side the SL3 is very light, small enough to fit inside my backpack, sets up very quickly, and appears to be very well made. I was surprised it was not cooler inside the tent at night -- given all of the mesh -- but this probably had more to do with the fact that it rained all week and the ambient humidity was very high -- with little or no breeze. My only real criticism at this point is the fact that this is a comfortable 2-man tent, rather than the 3-man tent it is promoted to be. I shared it with another adult on two overnights, and with both our sleeping bags against the outside walls, we only had around a foot or so between us -- certainly not enough room for a 3rd mattress pad and bag. By way of minor beefs, I agree with others who have complained about the way that the tie downs come rolled up from the factory -- I needed my reading glasses to figure out how to untie them before staking down the tent. Also, while I really like the muted color of the tent, fly, and stuff sack, I wish that the stake and pole bags came in more vibrant colors -- it can be tough to find them at dusk if they blow away from your site. Overall, I did a ton or research before committing to the SL3, and I'm very glad I bought it. I expect to use it with my son on many trips to come.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes