Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 Tent

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

Just got back from a winter overnight in the mountains. There was at least 2 feet of powder snow everywhere, and at night, we enjoyed winds the likes of which i've never seen before as well as some snow and rain. This tent went up easily and the only time i was happy for the whole trip was when i was warm and dry inside of it.
However, a couple of problems. First, the stakes have very small heads making it a little difficult to attach things to them. I would recommend picking up some heavier duty ones (that may be just as light) because you're probably going to need to stake this baby down. Although it is freestanding, the footbox area is best when separated by stakes, although you could use it without the stakes; the condensation might be worse, though. I didn't realize until morning that the fly has a clip in the midsection attaching it to the tent body; this saves much irritating flapping noises and offers better protection from the elements, and may eliminate the need for a stake there.
The vestibule is, in my opinion, no good. Although the tent is roomy and gear can be stored in it, i doubt if i could fit my 80 liter bag in the vestibule. In addition, in the morning, while packing up camp, it was impossible to open the door of the fly without getting everything in the tent wet; ice had formed on the fly and it fell into the tent as rain blew into it also. I'm 6'2 but i think it would have been better if they had taken a few inches off the body and put it in the vestibule.
Overall, it's a very sturdy tent that easily withstood a cold, windy, rainy night. When i woke up, there was about 2 and a half feet of snow covering the fly and this tent easily survived it (although i know it's not designed for that kind of use, being a three-season tent). Solid and lightweight tent with lots of room. Would recommend.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

I used this tent all summer on the Appalachian Trail. I literally lived in it, so I know it pretty well.

Here is the thing, the Seedhouse has a lot of stakes. To really use it properly, it must be fully staked. It can be annoying day after day. You may want to consider a Hubba, which it a lot easier to set up.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

This is the review that I sent into the owners of Big Agnes... [...]--So... I have just spent my third summer in my Seedhouse SL1. You asked for some feedback on the new improvements and since I was in some hefty weather conditions, I thought I would be a good person to give you a review. I have included some pictures (taken from 2006-present) within this document, but have also sent a link for you to download the pictures themselves. I provided you with both high quality images as well as low so you can choose which you would like to keep. You run a fabulous company in my favorite part of the states (did I mention I was born in Crested Butte?) so I feel a little loyalty there! Feel free to ask further questions, as there is something I might have not thought to comment on, but I'm sure I could if you asked. If there is a specific website you would like me to place the review on (REI, EMS, etc.) just let me know.Just a few things you should know:o I LOVE MY TENT. I swear it's the most amazingly comfortable, cozy home I could have ever wished for! Her name is Tigín (Irish for "small home") o I am not a professional so please excuse my lack of vocabulary. I'll try not to refer to too many things as "those things..."o I pitch my tent in fields, on hills and in the woods. I tried to get images of a combination of them. Please also note that it’s difficult to take pictures during bad weather (obviously) so, you’re looking at the good only!o I am just writing like I speak. If you need something more professional written up, just let me know. This is just for you all.Please Note... Some pegs, the poles and the footprint are two years old but the tent body and fly were replaced before this summer.I have marked this with an N or O before each categoryHISTORYPURCHASED: May 2006USED: 1 week during May 2006 (New York) 7 weeks during summer of 2006 (Ireland) 7 weeks during summer of 2007 (Ireland) Random weekends throughout two years (New York)REPLACED: fly and body replaced in June 2008USED: 7 weeks during summer of 2008 (Ireland)UPCOMING: Camping in New Zealand, Australia and Southeast AsiaPEGS (O and N)Lightweight and perfect. I have only had one or two bend and that was my fault as I hammered them into rocks. I clean them well after each usage and cleaning is super simple... the dirt just slides right off them. Only a couple of the really old ones have rust on them. They hurt like hell if you stub your toe on them, but once you and everyone around you know where they are, it's all ok! They are perfect and lightweight.FOOTPRINT (O)It has lost it's waterproofing but serves as the extra barrier that is needed. However, last year with the old tent, water came through the bottom of the tent, which means it was also coming through the footprint. I believe this will need replacing very soon but it's still good to have an extra layer there under the tent.TENT MESH (N)I can't even tell you what an improvement this is over the old model. The old model I would snag all the time... on the velcro of my sleeping bag or even on the fly itself. It was very hard to be that careful. This new mesh is AMAZING. I don't even have to think or worry at all. The entire two months... not one snag or rip. Awesome move.TENT BASE (N)The old tent base lost it's waterproofing after two summers. This new base I have used for just one summer but it hasn't had one leak and the condensation is minimal compared to the old one. I also LOVE how you increased the height on the sides before the mesh starts. It made for MUCH warmer nights... I know it wasn't much, but it made a huge difference and I felt much more secure from the cold and dampness of Ireland.TENT INTERIOR FEATURES (N)I love the hook in the center of the peak of the tent... always have... it's great to hang a light from or even something to dry. It's strong enough to hold a wet towel and probably more. The pocket above the door opening is wonderful. I am able to stuff a lot in there (light, phone, jewelry, swiss army knife, tissues) and it never destroys the shape of the pocket and nothing ever falls on my head. I like the two loops on either side of the pocket as I use them to connect a rope to the center loop sometimes to hang stuff. Very handy. Might be nice to have one more loop at the small end of the tent. TENT ZIPPERS (N)The tent zipper itself (mesh) was very tight the first couple times I used it... After that it loosened up and it's just fine now. The zippers flow easily and rarely get caught. If, for some reason, I didn't stake the tent taught enough, then they won't work well, but that's easily fixable. The outside zipper is fantastic on the new fly. It leaked on the old fly so I'm hoping that won't happen again, but it shouldn't.FLY (N)The old fly was damaged by UV rays so I have protected this fly before use during the summer. There was very little condensation and no dripping all summer. As long as it's taught enough, none of your stuff will get wet on the inside of the tent. If there is condensation and the fly isn't far enough away from the mesh, than you or your sleeping bag will get wet. No water came through at all and... trust me... it rained EVERY DAY I was in the tent here. WEIGHTWe all know how tricky backpacking can be and every ounce counts. It always amazes me every time I pack her up how small and compact she is. I wouldn't even know she's there! I strap her on to the outside of the pack and the light weight is just perfect. You can see her attached to the base of the pack in the image to the right.TENT DIMENSIONS (N)The height and size are perfect for me. I am a 5'4" woman of average build (have wide hips) and I have plenty of room for the followingo My sleeping pad and bag (on the right of the tent)o My pack (at base of the tent, with stuff sacks, etc.)o My food which lines up the left side of the tento My clothing which lines up the left side of the tento My personal items (books, journals, camping gear) also on the lefto My camera bag which fits in wherever there is room I have also actually managed, with all this stuff, to fit another person into my tent. Now, it's a little cramped and I would only attempt this with someone you're close with, but it does actually work! TENT VESTIBULE AREA Now, this is great. I do love this little area... It's the perfect size for what I need. In the front area I have room for the following (still with room to walk in and out of the tent comfortably):o Camping Stoveo 2 Canisters of gaso 2-3 pairs of shoes (shoes, sandles, flip flops) piled on top of each othero small camping chairo jug of watero garbage bagWINDThe tent holds up amazingly in the wind and we get some HUGE wind gusts (I was caught in a gale force 6 wind storm while IN my tent!) here combined with rain rain rain. Most of the areas I pitch in are not guarded by this wind so. Nothing ever gets in... my neighbors tents will be soaked in the corners and mine is dry as a button. It's amazing. I am NEVER concerned for the safety and dryness of my belongings. In fact, there is such a dampness in the air ALWAYS, in Ireland, and my gear never gets even damp. It's such a wonderful thing to feel safe!TENT POLES (O)Now, I LOVE how light and easy these are... ya just pull them out and watch them unfold like a spider. Everyone around me usually makes me do it again or "wants to try" unfolding them. Fantastic design. These are from the original tent. Last summer I started to notice that they were bent and they are still that way. It could be due to wind as when there is really bad wind the tent will bend a bit and the poles will offset themselves a little bit. Again, easily adjustable, but it might be that tension that is causing the bending. I can send you a pictures of the poles if you would like to see them. They still work... I think! :) :)REFLECTORS (N)You added more reflectors on the outside of the fly. Good move. Much easier to see and to avoid those stubbed toes!ROPES (N)These are, I think, the same as the old. They work very well. They become taught easily and wrap around the pegs very easily. The plastic pieces at the end are perfect. After the tent is pitched and it rains once, the ropes need to be tightened, but then I never need to adjust them again. I am not sure how everyone else sets it up, but the ropes with the clips in the middle part of the tent (under the fly) that connect to the tent part itself work really well to keep the sides of the tent kind of off the ground. I can send you pictures of this as well if you would like. All the ropes work really well to pull the tent outward and maximize the room inside.STUFF SACKSThe outer stuff sack is ripping after 3 years but I also keep it at the bottom of my pack on the outside. It's very thin and maybe could be a little thicker. The other sacks are all perfect. They have held up perfectly.WASHABILITYThis is the best part. I hardly have to do a thing to keep it clean. I just use a damp cloth (a hose down if really necessary) to get off the mud, but it usually comes off with hardly any pressure... which is really good for the life of the tent. APPEARANCENow come on. This is the cutest tent ever. Ok... sorry. The color is perfect (and not because green is my favorite color) because it blends in very well, but you can still see it if needed. It lets in light, yes, but not an annoying amount. The logos and designs are placed modestly, but where they are still seen. I have sold quite a few of these tents for ya because of the logos and people asking about itFEATURESOk... one of my favorite things about this tent is that when everyone around me is groaning and huffing at dawn because they are beginning to cook from the sun (on the rare occasion in shines here) inside their tents... I am laughing as I am removing the back part of the tent and pulling the fly back so that only the mesh is there. Oh this feature is so so so handy. It's great to cool off the tent and it's wonderful to just air it out when the air is stuffy inside. Leaving the front open gives a nice breeze even! CREATURE PREVENTIONOh I'm not one for the creatures. If I keep the mesh zipped, nothing gets in... ever! If one did, I know it was my fault. Also, in Ireland we have midgets and they are known to make it through the mesh of most tents. When they do, they feast on you... Not one midget has ever made it's way through! That tent is a wonderful bug net. SET UP & TAKE DOWNThe tent itself is really easy to set up and only takes about 5 minutes. I usually spend another 5 staking it in properly. Take down is a bit longer, but that's normal so... I would say take down is about 15 minutes. But on either end, it feels quick and easy :) A friend had their camera handy when I was taking down the tent last month so, enjoy those shots. DURABILITYThis tent is so strong and stable. I had a small puncture in the old floor the first summer, but it never caused a problem and it was completely my fault that it happened. I have pitched on top of some rough ground and nothing has ever gone through it. The mesh, as I stated, is just superb and it just holds up so well. I have never had a single tear or stitching problem.SUGGESTIONSSecurity... the zippers on the mesh of the tent contain a small cloth piece so you can grab onto them. The cloth feeds through the zipper head. It would be good if the hole in that zipper head were a little bit bigger so that one could feed a lock through it. Now, I know that sounds silly since all tents can be broken into with a quick slash, but sometimes a lock is a little bit of a deterrent. I have been actually feeding a thin lock through the cloth on the zipper heads just to give an illusion that it's locked when it's actually not. We were camping and the 3 tents around me were broken into and mine wasn't. Just an idea to build something there. Pegs... You were wonderful in sending me some extra pegs. My assumption is that the fly and the base should be pegged down using the same peg, but I'm finding that it's not taught enough that way. So, I need more pegs. By my calculations, to set the tent up properly, it takes 16 pegs. Now, that might be a LITTLE bit of an overkill, but it's not goin' anywhere when securely pegged!Footprint... I would make it a little bit larger if you could. It doesn't cover the entire floor of the tent. Now, I realize your size limitations are probably there because you want to make sure that, when used without the tent (which I haven't done yet) that it fits properly, but this is just my observation. Not sure if you have improved the waterproofing on this since I bought my anyway :)OVERALLThis is the best tent in the world. I completely love it and won't ever see myself in another!Thanks to all of you there for helping my summers be so comfortable.Smiles, Jess[@]

Service and delivery comments:

Big Agnes is one of the best companies I have ever worked with. They genuinely stand behind their product and are kind people who deserve to do well! Support their company! Smiles.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

I just used this tent on a 6 day back country hunting trip into the John Day Wilderness area in Oregon. We chose this tent after setting up and testing several others including some bivi sacks. The tent footprint provides plenty of room for me at 6 feet, and there is enough room to store extra cloths and get dressed inside while sitting up. Once the fly is attached, and the tent is staked down, it’s an extremely solid shelter and easily withstood two nights of wind and rain. It also provided some extra insulation as the inside temp was warmer than outside. The ease of setup, sturdiness, and comfort of this tent exceeded my high expectations and at only 1 lb heaver than a bivi, it’s definitely the way to go. Get it and you won’t be disappointed!

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

I bought this tent to do my A.T. Thru hike, and loved it. The stuff sack that came with the tent did not make it thru the journey. I would recommend this tent for it's freestanding design. Great for Stealth camping the Whites.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

I like this tent a lot with one exception. I am 6' 2" tall and it is not quite tall enough to sit up in comfortably. I have used it on both weekend treks and an 11 day trek. I love it's light weight and ease of use. It has plenty of room horizontally, with enough space for me and some gear (all my gear if I include the vestibule). The A-frame shape narrows quickly towards the top, so my head and shoulders touch the sides when i am sitting up, not a good thing in the rain. A side door would also make getting into and out of the tent easier, especially in the rain, when water can drop into the tent with the vestibule open.

There are trade offs with all gear and, overall, this is an excellent light weight tent for 3 season backpacking.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

This is a very nice little tent! I got it to replace my venerable old Eureka Timberlite 2XT, which is a solid tent, but not quite ultralight. If you're familiar with the Timberlite/Timberline series, the layout of this tent is very similar. It's not quite as sturdy, and it's a bit more drafty, but that's pretty unavoidable in a tent this light.

First thing I noticed about the SL1, it is very light weight, and the pack size is as small as any other tent I've seen (other than bivy sacks, of course). But it's surprisingly roomy. I'm 5'9, and there's ample room to move around inside, and room for gear as well. I like the fact that they were able to keep the weight so low, while still having a full rainfly, instead of a single-walled design. This gives it good ventilation, and flexible setup. I just took it on a late season trip, where the temp was nearly freezing and there was a bit of rain, but I stayed warm and dry the whole time. Plus the vestibule is handy in wet or cold climates.

Speaking of flexible setup, the fact that you can use just the fly and groundcloth to make an ultra-ultra-light shelter is very cool. I can see where this could be handy in hot climates, or where weight is a big concern.

Another thing to note, in addition to the regular stake points, this tent has four guylines built in. When they're all staked down, this thing could probably withstand a hurricane (not really, but you get the idea).

The cons: it could use a few more loops on the inside for hanging stuff. And there doesn't seem to be a gear loft available for it, in a tent of this size that is a nice thing to have. Also, you might want to pick up a few more stakes for the guylines... depending on how you have to stake it up, you may not have enough. Also, not really a con - more of a note, the ground cloth is separate, but essential. The tent is made of very light weight material, so snagging/tearing is a real possibility.

Bottom line, this is a wonderful tent. I'm extremely happy with it, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an ultralight tent for extended backpacking trips.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

What I love most about this tent is the roomy, ultralight fast fly set up. Without the tent body, there is a lot more room and you can hang stuff from the fly poles. I have used this tent throughout Oregon and the NW.(Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Hood Wilderness, Three Sisters Wilderness and the N. Cascades of Washington). If bugs are a problem, take the tent though. I don't like the fact that the mesh is easily picked and I have a few mesh tears at the pole connections from pulling the tent taut. I can easily repair this myself so I don't plan on returning it, because I love the fast fly option so much without the tent itself. With this option, be sure to use all the guy lines if you are in the wind. A very windy day at Golden Lake near Broken Top slightly bent one of the front pole sections. Without the tent body, it tends to blow around a bit more, so stake it well and you won't have this problem. I HIGHLY recommend it for tour biking as it is very small and fits well in a pannier or on top of a rear rack. The olive color blends in well with the landscape. If you are a big person who likes more room, go with the SL 2 instead. For just a little more weight you will have a lot more room and all the pole connections are clips. The SL 1 has loops across the top of the tent instead of clips. They didn't include the clips along the top of the tent to save weight, but to Big Agnes' credit, they said I could buy clips from them [$].

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

I used this tent on an 11 day bicycle tour down the Oregon and California Coast. Many days were foggy and drippy, with one day/night of rain. The tent kept me dry in the light rain and dripping out of the trees. It pitches very fast. I could pull into camp and have it up in just minutes. I was able to bring all of my touring gear, panniers, etc. into the tent with me, and still have room to stretch out. (I am 6'-4") The gear laid along the tent wall next to me. Big Agnes was one of the few companies that publish accurate weights and dimensions for their tents. (sub 3 pounds as published, and finally I was not hitting the ends of a 7' tent like I was with other brands.) There is pretty good head room in the tent, but not enough to sit completely up, for me. I received a lot of complements on the tent.The fast fly option is not something I would use because on most of my trips I take a tent to keep the bugs off. The drop cloth is almost [$] which seems very expensive. I used a piece of visqueen which worked fine and was quite light.

Comments about Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent:

The tent is very light. Six stakes minimum with a preferred 7th at the foot. With titanium stakes and Tyvek ground cloth mine is 2# 14oz (including bags). The tent is not free standing, in that the foot does not have a spreader. The floor material is very thin, thus be careful. Zippers are a little rough and I wonder how long they will last. The one big negative is the thin 20D mesh, as it snags very easy. After the first couple nights I already had 4 snags. Once I realized how light the mesh is I started rolling the tent around the mesh when stuffing, and never laid it on the ground. Zelcro is the meshes enemy.