Sierra Designs Lightning Tent - 2006

“I've been contemplating a new tent recently and found the Sierra Designs Lightning Tent - 2006 model on sale! For anyone that has this tent is the 4 lbs. 2 oz. pack weight accurate?

How does the tent perform for 3.5 season use?

Thanks,

Reg”

“From what I have found, most tents weight about 3 to 6 oz more than advertised. Pack wieghts do not include the stuff sacks. Don't know about this one but I had a meteor light once and it was an awesome tent, albit heavy though.”

“you are not using it in blowing snow and the temps are moderate where you hike in the .5 of that 3.5 season scale...

Pole system seems sturdy, free standing and all that, but there is an awful lot of mesh that doesn't have cover, so spin drift, and aircirculation will keep the interior much cooler than a model with zippered vent covers.

Just my .02”

“I've seen that tent advertised at 4 pounds 5 ounces, which is prob about right.

The single door will be a pain if two use it.”

“http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=47

Looks like a nice 2 person tent. I don't have it, but I guess it performs as well, if not better that other freestanding tents in this class. As supertroll points out, the abundance of mesh, while keeping it lighweight and airy in warm temps, may keep you from using it in colder temps.”

“Thanks for the input guys! I just purchased one on abay (new in box) for $189.00! I guess I'll just use it as another 3 season tent.”

“Sd has recycled that name a lot. I have a 'Divine Lightning' from about 2001... 1 person, 3 season, ~19 sq. ft, ~3.5# trailweight.

I found an REI catalog fon 1985 a while back. There was an SD 'Lightning' made of 100% gore-tex.”

“I have used a SD lightning for 2 years and used it for all 4 seasons. Yes there is a lot of mesh but if you do not stay out the rear of the rain fly the tent stays very warm. I have tortured this tent in the snow and the wind to elevations of 8500' on Mt Hood and it still performs perfectly.”