opinions on sierra designs zilla 3 tent

Sierra Designs makes good tents. That one is a typical 2-pole dome with standard materials for the price range: PU coated polyester inner and fly, PU coated nylon floor. Sized for two people. You could probably save 1 pound in a light weight tent: all mesh inner, thinner nylon floor and fly. But it will cost twice as much and may not be as rugged. With two people backpacking, that’s an extra 8 ounces each for a tent that will be more weather-resistant in a storm or cold weather than the lighter option and be much cheaper.

The tradeoffs on tents are size, price, weight, and weather resistance. I think the key is to really think about how you are going to use the tent most of the time and juggle those factors. For example, a 4-season tent will handle heavy snow loads and gale force winds, but be very heavy and expensive. An ultra light will be easy in the pack, but expensive and not as weather resistant. Tents like the Sierra Designs are good all-around tents. Affordable, good weather protection, decent weight.

Another option in a very similar tent is the Marmot Limelight 3p. Same materials. A little more expensive (Backcountry has it for 25% off – $165, but you might be able to find it for 30% off some time). But, that includes the custom footprint and a gear loft. Like the Sierra Designs, it has two doors and two vestibules. The big advantage is that is has a spreader pole to give you vertical walls and more interior volume from the same basic footprint. I picked up the Limelight 2P “2-person” version for $110 to use as a solo tent. It’s a very solid tent. It’s not a bomb-proof as a 4-season tent, but it would handle some pretty rough weather, including some winter camping.

Limelight 3P

YouTube

YouTube review of a slightly older model (minus the newer D-shaped doors

Thank you for your reply. This was very insightful, and helpful. I will be looking at the marmot now.

I've had a Marmot Limelight 3 for 'car camping' for a couple of years now. Price, durability, and livability were the first choosing factors. This one has been to music festivals and the like where I'm obviously not gonna bring a tarp.

I like it a lot! It's very spacious and comfortable to hang in (I'm 6'3") with another person. I've had it in some really rough storms and hail and snow and it's held up through all of it without any collapsing or flopping around. Set up is a breeze. Weight and packability is meh, but to be expected with this kind of tent, and I sure don't want to lug it around in a backpack. The one complaint that comes to mind is that it doesn't seem to vent too well, even with the doors partially open.

Anyways, I say go for it! If you have any other questions you can PM.

Thank you, maris. What you said is pretty much how i will be using it. So, that info was appreciated. I am still looking, as i do that way to long before purchasing. Haha

You don't want a tent that heavy (6 pounds) for general backpacking if you can avoid it. Not only is it unnecessarily heavy, it will take up a lot of space in your pack.

If you are looking for a double wall tent for two persons, I suggest saving up your money for something lighter such as a Tarptent Scarp 2, Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3, Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3, or GoLite Imogene UL3.