Stephenson’s Warmlite Tents

A review with some not so kind words.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/tunnel_tents_2012_stephensons_warmlite2r.html#.URiErKUu2bA

Gets worse.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=57806

Thanks Ken!

I have an old 2R tent, made well before they switched to Silnylon or the son took over. It's around 3 pounds 5 ounces for a solid four season tent with 40 sq. ft. of space. Note that the tent without windows is more of a cold weather tent – wouldn't want to use it in hot weather. Also, unzipping the door during rain will get the front of the tent wet since the rain will fall straight down on the exposed floor.

The quality of construction seems to have fallen quite a bit, though, in recent years.

I have a five year old 2C that I use primarily for solo alpine trips. Its great for solo use but a little short for duo use. If I were looking for a two person 4 season Stephensons I would at least go for the 2R with side windows. I would add end liners if I to be using it often in the winter to add warmth and reduce condensation. The construction of mine was fine and setup is quick and easy. (3 to five stakes) Its still one of the lightest bomber tents out there.

Ross,
Could you tell us when you aquired your tent, or when it was made if you know?
Would appreciate that info very much.
Thanks.

Sam
I believe I purchased it (new) Dec 2007. The 2C and 3C were a new product launch that year to accomodate those looking for a smaller footprint where tent site selection was limited, as well as for solo campers that did not require the 42 sq ft of the 2R.
Ross

Ross,
That is very interesting and although Jack could be a bit of a bonehead at times, it suggests the quality was good up until fairly recently. I always regarded him as a sort of eccentric genius, willing to talk to me, however briefly, about my MYOG questions.

They are about 45 minutes from me, and I've visited them a number of times over the years, most recently about a couple years ago to buy materials, and the younger family members had a good chat with me about tents and such. AFAIK, the same people have been operating the business in recent years, so it is hard to figure how quality could suddenly drop off. However, the evidence posted on this site during the last year or so doesn't leave much room for any other conclusion.

Sam
Perhaps next time you are near Stephenson's you could inspect one or two of their instock tents and see for yourself. Sometimes its just a matter of a new or sloppy contract seamstress. Just last spring I bought a shelter from a very highly regarded cottage manufacturer (US) and had to exchange it because one lineloc was missing and one was sewn in upside down. To tell the truth, I may not be as fussy about perfect seams as some. As long as it holds together, I'm good.

I bought a 2R a couple of years ago, and the seams on the sides at the front (where sides are sewn to floor) were pulled apart. I noticed it when I set it up the first time to seam seal it. And I mean you could see the ground outside from inside.

Ross,
The same thing occurred to me last couple of trips. There did not appear to be any tents in stock. My impression, and admittedly it was only an impression, is that when they get an order, they send the parts out to a seamster for assembly. There is an expression for this kind of approach, something about 'just in time,' that is used to keep overhead in many types of businesses at rock bottom, so I don't begrudge them for it. It just sounds like they need to retrench on their seamster choices.

Sam
On the Stephensons website there is 10% off on stock 2R and 3R tents so they may have them rolled up and ready to go. Then again, maybe not.

There is a well done recent review with lots of pics at

http://www.gearthirty.blogspot.ca/2012/04/stephensons-warmlite-3

Ross,

"Sorry, the page you were looking for in this blog does not exist."

Not to worry, I've read a ton of stuff on the WL's here, and from links here.
The best link was to a video that showed a WL in howling wind – I think it was on the tableland in Iceland. Pretty scary, but that kind of wind might demolish a lot of tents that are fine for most backpacking.

The reasons I'm not keen on taking a closer look at the WLs are:

>The silnylon is OK, but will sag when the temp drops in the evening. On a long 2 pole tunnel tent, sag can be quite annoying, especially if accompanied by wind and rain. Getting the shorter tent was a good choice, I think.

>While the tent can pitch dry in the rain, opening the door to get in and out will flood the bathtub floor. I asked them to consider putting a small roll out awning on the front of a short one, but they declined on the ground of too much added weight.

>A few of the tentmakers are beginning to use 10 and 20 denier polyester with high quality sil/PU combo coatings. Think I'll wait to see if I can snag one of those. The polyester doesn't sag.

>The newer tents are getting lighter and lighter every year, and now compete well with WL (after almost 50 years) weightwise. So I've been looking for something super light for which I can readily substitute carbon poles, resulting in the best of all possible worlds.

>I may be able to get all of the above for a lower price.

Sam

Sorry about the bad link (my weak computer skills) Try googling it, it still exists.

No question the Warmlite is not perfect and may only appeal to certain folk.

The headroom is a little low, condensation on calm evenings can be irritating.

As for it sagging, its not really an issue. Usually 30 -60 minutes after setup, once the silnylon has relaxed, you can retension it from inside or outside the tent by readjusting the two front tensioners. Thirty or more pounds of tension straightens it right out. As for "flooding" while entering or exiting during a rainstorm, I personally have not had anything more than a few errant drops, no worse than wiping off the condensation on many tents. On the plus side, usually three MSR Groundhog stakes (sometimes with boulders atop) is all thats required. And no guylines to trip over. Essentially if you frequent high windy places, its lightweight and aerodynamic design may be the ticket. If you frequent mainly forested areas, its not ideal. Like many on this website, I have several shelters to suit whatever terrain, altitude and conditions I expect to encounter. Cheers.