Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 Review

"First off let me tell you I definately recommend this tent. I've only had the tent a week, so i will update accordingly if my experiences change, but after one 3-day camping venture, it tested out nicely.

Im a pretty big guy at 6'5" and close to 320-lbs, an old Georgia Tech FB lineman, so I did a lot of research to find accomadable gear.

Whle this tent was designed for 2, I used it by myself, and was very comfortable, would have been a tight squeeze for 2 but definately possible. I was able to lay out my Thermarest prolite-4 Large sleeping pad easily, and kept my pack inside as well with plenty of space. Also room to sit up inside to review maps, change clothes and adjust items in my pack.

The first night we set up camp at Osceola National Forrest, there was a major storm coming in so i staked it off well. Might i add these are the nicest stakes i have ever used, very sturdy, and easy to install in solid ground with no major force. Super light as well. As far as the set-up goes, this was a breeze, i never even looked for directions(i did a trial set-up in my living room the night it arrived). I purchased the footprint in hopes of protecting the floor better due to my size. I set it up easily under 10 minutes myself taking my time.

The storm had very strong gusts and hard rain for 8-10 hours straight. Not a drop got inside! Actually i did zip the vestibule door to the top instead of the bottom at first and realized i didnt zip it completely, so one or two drops got through but i adjusted right away, and was good to go. The Vestibule had a descent amount of room, i could have left my pack and shoes under easily. Just make sure when you come out after rain, to open the door to where the rain runs off outward instead inside on you and your stuff. Also if still raining and you have to get out, dont open the fly door all the way so it doesn't get inside the tent. The bottom tub style design, held up nicely, as no water penetrated. I had no moisture build up. It also reached into the 40's, but with the low-profile fly design it blocked most of the cold wind.

The pocket features inside are useful. I put a forehead light in the pocket above the tent door, and it was perfect as it gave plenty of light throughout to do whatever needed. the bottom side pockets were ideal for my watch, so that i could hear the alarm.

I conclude with the fact that this tent lived up to all the reviews and i am very impressed "so far"...Best tent I've ever owned!
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"This new addition to the Big Agnes line-up is awesome! Extremely light, plenty of headroom, set-up is quick and easy - what else can you ask for. The double wishbone pole system makes this a one pole tent and the clips instead of pole sleeves allow this shelter to be erected in a matter of seconds. Snap on the rainfly at the corners, stake out the vestibule and you're in business. At 6'3" and 200 lbs., I consider the SL 2 a very roomy one man tent. I'd share it with my wife or perhaps my 13 year old son, but that's about it. As a solo tent it allows me keep my pack at my side and only my boots in the vestibule. This tent breaths extremely well and rain rolls off like water on a duck's back. I've ditched the original storage bag and packed it into a 6"x15" compression bag. The only thing that could be improved, in my opinion, would be the stakes. I prefer something with a hook at the top. I think they are both easier to install and remove. Worth every penny!"

"I bought the seedhouse SL 2 used at an REI sale and it is a fantactic tent. It's baptism was a few nights in the colorado backcountry where we experience both beautiful western skies and an all night rain storm. The tent passed the rain storm with flying colors, a bit of liquid inside the tent (as to be expected after 8 hours of rain) and a little bit of liquid in the vestibule but that was mainly due to the angle of the tent. Very little condensation formed as well. The tent's weight is also a plus, it is half the weight of many other backpacking tents. The tent also goes up in about 35 seconds so when a storm is blowing in you can get some shelter up pronto. The only thing that I am a little unsure about is the total mesh canopy while this is very light weight and looks cool I am always a bit nervous as to whether or not it will tear easily or get messed up. When a piece of velcro made contact with the mesh it did distort the griding a bit but did not rip it."