Stephensons Warmlite Tents - Opinions?

“Wondering about opinions from Warmlite users out there. I think Snownymph and Snowdude use one.

Questions:
How well does it handle condensation?
Is it bug proof?
Do the windows or doors have bug netting?
Does it have a bathtub floor?

As entertaining as their website is I had difficulty finding some detailed info.”

“Snow Nymph can speak for herself, but here is a picture of her Stephenson Warmlite covered with a light snow at Dingleberry Lake a month ago.”

“I cant speak on the tent itself but have read several internet based diatribes concerning thier costumer service. Just not sure I would want to trust them......”

“I dont know about the tents but the ads sure got some good pussy.


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“Bag & tent snatch

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“this thread rated r...... a very nice r too”

“Thanks for the pic Phil. Looks like it did ok - even without the middle pole.

I feel pretty confident in it's ability to keep the weather at bay, but it strikes me as more of a "Sierra" tent than a Florida or AT tent. Wondering if it handles humidity and bugs well.”

“SN should be back from Mammoth tonight. She has discussed condensation with me so she can answer your questions. It definitely is a lightweight alternative...a little pricey. If I had the money I would get one.”

“I wonder if the Stephenson people would like to use my pic of Snow Nymph's tent covered with snow?

Probably not. She has her clothes on.”

“I think Snowy said she didn't have it staked out right because of the rocks or something ...normally it wouldn't have had any sag in the middle.

Like Phil said she should be back tonight sometime.”

“^ bump ^”

“One more time...”

“about this thread Big Coop she said that she'll be on later.”

“Its snowboarding season, so we're getting home later. Whoo hoooo!! A great weekend!

I love the warmlite! We have the 2R so we don't have the middle pole. When I'm alone, I don't always stake the sides. A lot of times the ground is too hard, or rocks or whatever, and I'm too lazy to get the rope out and tie it to boulders. SnowDude takes care of that. With one person there's plenty of room, even for a big guy. When I get condensation, I ask others with me if they have it in their tents, and they usually do. When I'm alone, none. On the JMT sometimes we slept with the door open, because it was warm out, and not much of a breeze. I noticed with two of us, in lower elevation with trees, we got condensation. Use a handi-wipe to wipe off the front of the tent (single wall), and you'll be ok. We don't have problems with bugs. No bug net on mine, but you can order it with screens, and raise the sides up using your poles. I wanted mine as light as possible. I asked for the big front door, which adds a few oz, but its worth it. I'm getting ready to send mine back for zipper repair. I'll see how customer service is. I have small pinhole tears on the floor, but its got over 140 days in 2 years of use. I repaired it with silicon glue and material they sent me. When this one goes, I'll buy another one. We had plenty of room for our 30 day trip on the JMT.”

“Just bringing this back to the top so SN can see it.”

“Oops...she saw it already!”

“Thanks for the review, quite a ringing endorsment from the most backpackingest person I know. You've given me all the info I need to help me weigh the options - thanks.”

“They 2R that I have has a real problem with condensation. I have used it on 7 backpacks and have to wipe it down 3 times a night minumum or my bag is soaked and gets thru to me. Even then in the morning it is still wet inside. This is not solved by keeping both vents wide open and free from blockage to make sure there is air flow. It is not me either as 3 other friends have used it and had the same problem. The only way it stay mostly dry is with the front door completely open. Of course if it raining that won't work. For a 4 season it is nice and light, real roomy, but a pain in the but to use. Any suggestions on how to fix this or of a good light 4 season roomy tent in the same wieght range?

As for the bags however, WOW! Their bag is a bit of time sonsumption to inflate but wow is it warm and light. It is very bulky so I compression bag it to make it not take up half the pack. I have never zipped this 3 layer bag more than half way up to keep almost to warm, even when it was below zero outside. Also after a hard day on boulder fields and bushwacking off trail and your feet are beat the sizeable leg room is great let alone the comfort of the down filled air matress which is comfortable even when on very rough ground.”