Winter tent

> Big Agnes SL3
Ah, but which SL3? There are at least two different ones!

But to answer the question in general terms:

The SL3 tents are basically single skin tents with an internal mossie net. So they won't be quite as warm as a true double-skin tent, and you may well get a lot of condensation (or frost) on the inside of the tent. But you want the tent for only one night. This means you can afford to handle some of this, although the tent and your SB might be a little heavier going home :-)

Provided you pitch the tent with adequate snow stakes and some shelter from wind, and you have enough thermal insulation under you and over you, I can't see why you shouldn't have a good time.

Cheers

I agree with Roger. While the SL3 is certainly not the ideal winter tent, the cross pole helps with wind stability and will help a lot with snowloading too. Get a set of snow stakes, use your guy-outs, and you should be just fine.

A true 4-season double wall (I love my Hilleberg Kaitum) has vents for helping with the extra condensation and the non-mesh inner tent is warmer and blocks wind and spindrift much more effectively.

But if you watch the condensation, your SL3 will be just fine. I've certainly winter camped in tents that were far less "worthy" than that!

Have a blast!
Doug

Thanks for the comments guys. Not sure which SL3 I have. It is two years old if that helps. But the topics that you both touched upon is exactly why I feel a single wall would be alot more worthy. In the Sierra's it can get quite cold.

This BA SL3 is great for my wife and I during the summer (she needs to sleep in a tent….darn!) but I think that maybe a single wall tent would be great.

Any suggestions folks?

I have been extremely happy with my Golite Hex3 tee-pee style tent for winter. Used floorless for winter makes a good lightweight tent with such steep walls that problems with snow loads are non-existent and condensation runs harmlessly down the sides. There is a ton of room (65 sq.ft.) so it's easy to stay away from the walls. It's supported by two trecking poles, if you use them, or a single tent pole. The fabric is fairly tough, not gossamer thin, so it should last. Due to its shape, it spills wind supperbly. The pitch can be tightened from inside the tent which is a really nice feature when it's cold and windy.

Thanks Michael, I have been looking at that one for sometime and just might pull the trigger and get it. I have started a new job so money is somewhat tight at the moment but that just might fit the bill!!