As an AT thru hiker, I would carry this tent only in the summer due to fly leaks, especially in the droop over the top front. SD replaced the top and I double sealed it twice but still had leaks and heavy condensation. Otherwise exceptional headroom and space for 2 sleeper. Weight is low for the size. Would not purchase again.

Customer Service

Have owned 4 different SD tents and always received prompt support. SD repaired two tents used for AT thru hike without charge !!

I love this tent! I've had it for 2 years and haven't had 1 problem with it. Pefect fit for my build; 6 ft tall, 180 lbs. It can hold 2 people very comfortably. I had 3 sleeping in it in Rocky Mtn, Park with temps around 0-10 degrees and we slept it off very well. The interior is remarkably engineered and very nice to sit in during a sunny day or a loud storm. I can't say enough great things about this tent. It got the Editors Choice award from Backpacker Magazine in 1997. Best backpacking investment I've ever made. Sets up in less than 4-5 minutes! AWESOME TENT!!!

I bought this tent to use as a summer tent while backpacking. I have a North Face Mountain Tent for use during the winter and while mountaineering. The light weight and free-standing design were what attracted me to this tent. After purchasing it and setting it up in my living room, I came accross an important fact. This tent is REALLY small. It would be comfy for one person, but two thermorests take up the ENTIRE floor area. In short, I ended up taking this tent back and trading it in for a SD Meteor Light CD.

Customer Service

Have never had to use Sierra Design's customer service, but have heard great things from others.

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TNF Mountain Tent
SD Astro CD

Great design. Tent is light, roomy, and airy. Unfortunatly my example leaked. Sierra Designs replaced it , after some prodding.Hopefully new fly will be watertight.

Customer Service

Fair. Had tosend in fly for them to examine it prior to replacement

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I have owned the tent for 1 year and been on a 3 bicycle tours with the tent. Good all weather protection. Withstood a hail storm at 7000 ft with no leaks. Packs small enough and gives plenty of room to sit up and dress. Rather easy tent to set up except for the bungee string hook where the main poles cross. It is a bit hard to handle with cold, wet, gloved hands. A good value if bought on sale.

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I've had this tent for a couple of years now. At first I thought I would love it but I've decided otherwise. Over-all it's an okay tent but I could find better for a lot less money. I've had some trouble with condensation even with venting the fly and guying it out. The factory sent a tube of sealant with the tent. THROW IT AWAY AND USE SOMETHING ELSE!!! It is always sticking to itself and the fly leaks no matter what I do. It also does not hold it's shape well because the poles seem to always turn inward. The clips that link the poles are too much trouble!!

Customer Service

I have given up on this tent and should have my new Walrus Velo-dome tomorrow and can't wait to review it!! I've heard good things about their tents and hope it lives up to the hype.

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I had the Orion 3 and used it during a rainy night. The weather proofing of the design is flawed. The fly doesn't properly cover the corners of the tent, so leakage can occur if the seams are not perfectly sealed. Also, there is a strap on both sides of the fly right above the window. The water wicked through the strap which would be hard to stop without cutting off the strap and sealing the area. I loved the inner tent. It was roomy and a tight design but the fly is flawed. I returned my tent to REI without a problem and ordered a tent from another manufacturer that doesn't have this rainfly coverage problem. It's too bad since I really liked the design of the inner tent but I will be very reluctant to buy another tent from them. It might be OK with good seam sealing and some modifications, but they should do a better job on the design. I checked many of the professional reviews about this product before I bought it and I was a little surprised that they didn't mention this problem.

Customer Service

N/A

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My first backpacking tent.

I Bought this tent about three years ago and overall it has been great. the only problem I've had was probably my fault in that I didn't use the seam sealer when I first purchased the tent and after the first year the fly began to leak badly. But since sealing the seams and treating the fly with a waterproofer it has been great. It may be a little small for some but it's weight and packed size are hard to beat. I would definitely recommend this tent to anyone who plans on using it for backpacking.

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I've had this tent for almost three years now and the only problem I have had was a little condensation. This was my fault because I didn't guy out the fly. When I have guyed our the fly I have had no problems. For the weight and price I think it is an excellent choice. For my 5'8" frame it has plenty of room for two, and had withstood strong winds, rain, and even a little hail.

I think this is a great three-season tent that has taken me from the plains to 12,000 ft. I never have to worry about performance or leakage. It is great.

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A great tent for the weight (4.5 lbs including extra stakes). The tent is just big enough for 2 people to be comfortable with some gear inside. The tent is tall enough to sit up or to change shirts. Packs can be stacked on top of each other in the vestibule, but it is hard to get in and out of the tent then. I can testify that after 10+ days in monsoon rains, weather proofing was no problem and I had no leaks. (I carefully sealed all the seams; mine is an older version without factory sealed seams). Consendation is not a problem if you stake out the sides and end of the fly.
One problem with the tent is that when getting in and out of the tent in heavy rain, water from the rainfly can drip or run off of the fly and onto the floor of the tent.
A larger vestibule would be nice, but that would add weight.
I am happy with Sierra Designs and I would buy another one of their tents.

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