This is one of those times where the heart and the mind (more precisely, the shoulders) diverge. First off, in terms of design quality and overall construction, this thing is exceptional. Good example is the pairing of solid, configurable fabric panels with all mesh surfaces (doors, side AND TOP vent space); this makes the tent so much more versatile, with so little extra weight, that I found myself irritated with other brands for not providing the same. Another example is the brow pole over the front door, which pulls VERY taut and maximizes the door height for entry/exit ease; the design also makes the tent more survivable in harsh wind conditions, though you're likely to find me at the local Hyatt if that's going on anyway...

So here's the problem: For the life of me, I can't figure out how other reviewers are getting three bodies comfortably into this puppy. In fact, I think you have to stake and tie this thing just right to have it make a generous two-person habitat. The problem isn't overall space, it's that the floor geometry and side slope conspire to ensure that two out of the three people will be eating tent body all night. Admittedly, myself (5'10", 250lb) and my brother (a slightly less tubby branch of the family tree at 190lb) aren't exactly toothpicks. But just the two of us FILL this thing width-wise, and take up enough length that you can't have anything larger than a preteen or a docile Golden Retriever laid out at the foot.

In the end, this is a true cautionary tale. I've learned my lesson, and it's BUY WHAT MOST FITS YOUR NEED, NOT WHAT'S COOLEST. If you're trying to maximize utility per pound, in demanding and diverse conditions, this tent is a winner. If, like myself, you're a wide load who does mostly car camping and short-throw backpacking, the fact that this thing is so well built will quickly take a back seat to the fact that you're having to elbow your brother for space all night. Sometimes good and cavernous does beat great and "space-efficient."

Next stop, REI Taj perhaps?

Customer Service

Never had any issues with REI service. These people work to earn your business. We'll see how well it goes when I take this tent back, I suppose...

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Timberline; Eureka family tent

For the price I paid (used once) I can't complain. All of the features I like except for the door which tends to get trampled on. But the new 2001 models have a circular door which fixes the problem, and can be open in any direction! I have never had problems with leakeage, or trouble in high winds. The tent is very convienant for winter (lighter than a true 4 season tent), and with the fast pack option a light shelter for summer.

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TNF, Eureka, good ol' fashion tarp

I have never owned a tent made by sierra designs and I am now hitting my head against the wall at not owning one untill now. This tent is a joy to set up,I cant say that for any other tent I have ever used. The Alpha has plenty of room and I do expect to be able to put 3 people into it. This tent is bomb proof, I cant imagine having to have to guy out all points inside and out.
As far as wieght, at under 10lbs. this is a winter campers dream! Did I say yet that I liked this tent? yes yes yes

Customer Service

When I ordered the tent to my dismay there were no poles included,1 call to Sierra and they next day aired me the poles for delivery the following day at 8am!

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LL Bean tents And north face 4 season 2 man domes

I love this tent. I have found this tent to be very roomy and the large front vestibule is large though I wish it were hooped. Plenty of room for three adults plus two dogs in the vestibule. It is the lightest three man tent I could find at just under 8 lbs. There is also the option of leaving a pole off and also the tent if you have the fast pack ground cloth

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tnf stratos
marmot hoot

This tent is great! it has surpassed all my expectations. It has tons of room and the large vestibule is a godsend! Set up is super easy with the clip system. I got the footprint that goes with the tent and it all fits together into a simple unit. It's a little on the heavy side but isn't too bad if you can get your partners to take some of the burden. I'm taking it on bike trip this summer all over minnesota and anticipate a worry free trip.

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Eureka timberline

This tent is easy to set up, roomy,and has great ventilation. I haven't used the tent in any adverse conditions, but when set up, it appears to be very stable and sturdy.

Customer Service

No experience with warranty, but from everything I have read, Seirra Designs is a company that stands behind their product.

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Walrus, Kelty

Geat tent...Like the Omega, but bigger. Really easy to setup and great for all weather conditions. I've used it in summer and winter (down to 0 degrees on snow) and don't have a complaint. I bought it because it's convertible (3-4 season) and wanted a tent to sleep 3. The seams come taped from the factory ('99 or newer) and the large vestibule and 2 doors are a big plus. I bought the fastpack footprint and it sets up with just the poles and fly. That works good for a quick (light) summer over-nighter, as the fly can reach the ground all around. Great structure--I've used it in montana winds, rain, and snow. The clip design is the easiest to set up by far, and comes in handy when it is raining hard or blowing. The weight really isn't a problem, especially if you can get your partner(s) to take a bit of it.

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Sierra Designs Stretch Prelude (4-season 4-man expedition tent)
REI 3-season, 2-man dome (?)

This tent rocks! Granted at 9 lbs. it's a monster but for car camping and some pack trips all is forgiven in the weight department. I bought this tent because I was sick and tired of never having any room with 2 people in a two person tent. I guess I've reached that age when things like that matter more and more. Lets face it when you live in the pacific northwest and it rains, rains, rains, a two person cracker box doesn't help the mood. One nice feature besides the large vestibule is having a front and rear door which makes it nice for those nature calls in the middle of the night. Also the high ceiling comes in handy if you get my meaning. Set up is almost idiot proof and it has easily handled all the wind and rain thrown at it. If however I were to go on some serious pack trips with mondo elevation gains I'm afraid I'd have to leave this one at home and get something lighter.

I don't think I've ever carried a tent this big, but I bought it on a whim back in April along with a thermarest tandem.Talk about luxury camping! Since then, I don't think I've ever seen my wife happier on camping or kayaking trips. I can't remember a time before when she's asked ME to go camping. This is definitely the most versatile tent out there. It's big enough for three and absolutely palatial for two. The zip up windows are perfect for privacy when camping in tent city, and the strength of the convertible has kept us safe on mountain ridges. Because of its size, I've always carried the extra shok-serts for the added stability. It makes it a little nicer when the weather gets bad. This past summer, however, I was caught in a storm in the sierras. I was too lazy to go outside so I internally guyed the tent with 3 mm cordlet. The tent stood up like a fort. When we packed back out in the morning we passed two tents that had been blown over and tree branches were everywhere. It definitely made me a believer in the "convertible" aspect of the tent. If I didn't already have a four season tent, I would definitely consider this one. The only problem is that the mesh is on the outside and would ice up. Also, I would prefer more poles to handle a snowload and for the winter, I'd give up the convenience of clips for the security of sleeves. When spring comes though, you'll probably see this tent in the Tahoe area staked out with a pair of skiis. Thank you, Sierra Designs, for the comfort and security all rolled into one.

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None

I have had this tent for a little over a year now, and have been very pleased with it. We have used it on many trips into the Bighorns, and it has endured a great deal of rain and some snow -- climbed Cloud Peak on 9/9/99 and it lived through a snow storm a few days prior to that climb. It has also been to the Wind Rivers several times now -- 8/18/00 we went in to climb Gannett Pk. Survived one of the worst wind stomrs in the Ticomb basin I have experienced, our other groupgs tent a Mrmot Hoot didn't fair as well and we were forced of the mt.

I am VERY pleased with the tent -- it does however have a slight low spot on top where rain/snow collect somewhat.

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None