BA SL 2 and condensation

I own a BA SL2. Condensation can of course form on the underside of the rainfly when conditons are 'right'. However, I have never had any droplets actually dropping into my tent. Instead, some will flow down the fly to the ground outside while the rest just cling to the fly.

I suppose if you've got tons of condensation and rain pounding on the outside, some droplets could theoretically get dislodged, but I've been through overnight rains, and that has never actually happened.

I too own a seedhouse and can second Ben's comments. I have had condensation form but never to the point where it forms and droplets drip thru the mesh.

Reviews of the SL2 and SL3 on this site-

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/ss/Shelters%20-%20Double%20Wall%20Tents/index.html

I reviewed the SL2 and had no problems. Any condensation that beaded up rolled down the inside of the fly and didn't enter the mesh. However, I'm sure it's possible given the right conditions.

I want to add that even if a drop or two should actually get dislodged and drop vertically onto the inner tent, I really think that the droplet will more likely than not just land on the mesh and flow down along the mesh — and not straight down onto you.

I say this because the few times when I took down the tent in the morning — with the underside of the tent wet with condensation — a few drops will plunk down onto the mesh. However, those droplets would just flatten and spread out on the mesh — not dropping through at all.

In conclusion, maybe "internal rain" can happen, but it really hasn't. I am not concerned about it.

Thanks to all for your reassurance. Now the only question is whether I want to carry the extra 17 ozs and carry the SL3. Although that seems like a very heavy pound–given all my current attempts to get lighter. Much appreciated.
Ben

I have the SL3 for my wife and I. We compared the two side by side and climbed inside each one. The SL3 was much more roomier than the SL2. Both are nice tents. If you are to spend sometime in a tent ie waiting out thundershowers, etc. Then the SL3 is much more worth it. I love mine.

Hi Benjamin-

I totally agree with Ken. Having used both the SL2 and SL3, the 2 is a very tight 2 while the 3 is more like a 2.5- room for 2 and gear.

If you're buying a new tent, there are some other options to look at as well. I prefer the MSR Hubba Hubba over both of these tents, for example, because it has great headroom, 2 doors, and way more vestibule space. The cross pole in the center makes a HUGE difference in usable space.

And there are other great options such as Big Sky Products. The Tarptents (single wall) are also incredibly spacious for their weight…as are the Six Moon Designs tents. The condensation is very manageable and truthfully these tents are really hybrids with large mesh areas. But the Big Agnes stuff is cool too (but I definitely prefer the SL3). All depends on what you're looking for.

Lots of great reviews to check out on this site.

Have a great journey into ultralight- I think you'll love the freedom and comfort you'll discover!

Doug

i use an sl3 with my kids and have never had any drops actully fall into the tent. even when the 4 yr old crashed into the side while doing "flips" the water strayed on the mesh and did not drip in the tent. overall imho a very waterproof tent. i think the extra pole on the sl3 might also add some support in windy weather also.

I LOVE my BA SL2 — but I only use it as a solo tent! Sure, you can physically fit 2 full-size sleeping pad in there with some room to spare (which qualifies it as a two-person) — but seriously, two adults will not be happy inside unless they both live to snuggle.

For sharing, I would want something with two doors/vestibules. The MSR Hubba Hubba (mentioned above) is a very popular choice — as is the REI Half Dome HC.