Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2
- Details
When my search for a new ultra-light backpacking tent began, I poured through copious reviews and buying guides and spent countless hours at my local REI. A friend who owns the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 suggested that I take a look at the Seedhouse SL series of tents. And, first impressions of the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 were favorable. With a weight of 3lb. 6oz. I had expected something roughly the size of a coffin, but what I found was a tent that provided sufficient space for two. The vestibule is a little smaller than I would have preferred, but I guess that's the tradeoff for all that is saved in weight and space. The tent consists of a nylon and polyester mesh canopy that offers about as much ventilation as is possible in a tent and an almost unobstructed view of the night sky that is sure to remind you why you head to the backcountry in the first place. The bathtub floor and fly are constructed of a silicone-treated nylon ripstop with a waterproof coating. The fly buttons up securely to create a safe refuge even in the worst of weather.
All seams are waterproof taped to ensure you stay dry. To save weight and make setup a snap Big Agnes used super light DAC Featherlite pole system. This system uses aluminum poles all attached to two hubs and plastic press snaps to hang the canopy. The stakes included with the tent may be some of the best tent stakes ever created. Extremely light and X-shaped ensue they hold well under almost any placement. Here's a trick I like to use on nice nights (when rain is not threatening) -- stake out only the bottom half of the rainfly so you can view the stars and get a nice breeze. If rain starts during the night you can just pull the top portion of the fly over the tent. When traveling in areas where bugs are not a problem the fast pitch option can be used -- pitch only the fly over the footprint (or nothing) reducing the weight to 1lb 12.22oz (800g) (1lb 6oz (626g) without the footprint). My preferences for a large vestibule aside, there is one technical problem with the small size of the vestibule. When left open during a rain storm the water from the top of the vestibule door drips into the tent. So, take care to avoid this and you should stay nice and dry. All in all, this one gets a thumbs-up. I have yet to find an ultra-light tent that beats the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2.
Quick Review
Design: Free Standing, Double Wall Capacity: 2 Retail: $319.95 (Buy) Weights:
- fly 1lb. .625oz (470g)
- canopy 1lb. 3.125oz (543g)
- footprint 6.125oz (174g)
- poles 12.25oz (348g)
- stakes .375oz (12g) each
- total (13 stakes) 3lb 12.5oz (1kg 715g)
Why it's hot:
- Stakes
- Weight (light enough for one, big enough for two)
- Mesh canopy
- Weather resistance
- Size
Why it's not:
- Vestibule size
- Upper vestibule can leak into tent when open
