How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Frying Pan SL3 Tent with Footprint
This product is not available.
Head into the backcountry or the local campground and enjoy 3 seasons of stargazing in the Big Agnes Frying Pan SL3 tent. It's easy to pitch and roomy enough for you and 2 friends (or kids...or dogs).
Shop similar products- 2 large D-shaped doors have easy-grip zipper pulls that allow you to enter and exit your shelter in a flash; 2 roomy vestibules with stormflaps keep gear dry
- Steep walls give you plenty of elbow room for changing clothes or playing dominoes while you wait out a storm
- Generous interior contains 3 interior mesh pockets, an oversize ceiling pocket and multiple loops for lofting gear
- Fast and easy-to-pitch design features precut guylines and tensioners attached to the rainfly
- Quick-stash door keeper on the tent body allows you to stow an unzipped door
- Seams are sealed with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape
- 1 fly vent increases airflow and reduces evening condensation
- DAC Pressfitâ„¢ poles feature durable pressed-in ferrules so the connections are rugged and reliable
- Reflective hits make it easier to find your tent in the dark
- Included: tent, rainfly, footprint, 8 aluminum hook stakes
Imported.
View all Big Agnes Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 5 lbs. 1 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 6 lbs. 4 oz. |
| Packed Size | 7 x 18 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 86 x 63 inches |
| Floor Area | 38 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 8 + 8 square feet |
| Peak Height | 43 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Pole Material | DAC Pressfit aluminum |
| Pole Diameter | 9 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Breathable polyester/polyester mesh |
| Floor Fabric | Polyester taffeta |
| Rainfly Fabric | Ripstop nylon |
| Footprint Included | Yes |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
Buying Advice
More expert advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Light & Durable w/ New Unique Design Elements
ANealos7 years ago
Received free productThe Frying Pan SL3 is an all-around great tent. This is the 3rd Big Agnes tent I've used in the backcountry, and it lives up to the reputation the brand brings to the packable/hikable tent industry.
First off, the tent is easy to pitch-- <5min out of the box by myself. Like all of Big Agnes's products, the ground/pole/fly connections are color-coded (which is a big deal when setting up at night and/or in the rain). The DAC aluminum poles are exceptionally light-weight for such a durable 3-season tent, and the single-pole X-configuration of the main structure is effective in simplifying the assembly (though it's a bit unruly with one person). I'm not a huge fan of the upper pole that extends the headroom-- I never have been, though it seems to be a Big Agnes design staple-- this part of the tent assembly is not as intuitive, though after setting it up a few times it's easy to get the hang of it.
The design of the tent offers a nice potential for privacy-- what I'll call the "back" of the tent (where your head likely goes) has an opaque swath of breathable polyester. In a group camping situation, this could easily be oriented towards the public part of a campsite which would allow the fly to left off during the Summer. Also it seems likely that one could angle this towards the east to block more of the morning sun and/or wind. Additionally, above this opaque swath is a large mesh pocket where you could put outer layers offering more privacy and/or sun-protection. On the opposite side of the tent (by the feet), the polyester mesh goes to the ground, which offers a nice natural view out of the tent. I'm not sure of the design intent of the tent panels, but I really like the flexibility it offers... definitely a plus worth considering.
Typical to most X-person tents, it's a bit small to realistically fit the number of people it's designed for. Think of it (and others) as a luxurious "X-1 person" tent :) This is a great 2-person tent, but with full utilization of the gear vestibules could fit 3 for a longer-term backcountry trip where weight is a great concern. 2-persons and a dog seems like the ideal scenario, for those who travel with fur.
The dual vestibule is a design I think most folks can expect by now in a 3-person tent, but this one is equal--- so there's no "better" side of the tent. There is no polyester/nylin floor in the vestibule, which is fine by me (I'd rather not carry the extra weight) but that may be of concern for others setting up where it rained heavily prior.
The fly is a very durable ripstop nylon with beefy clasps and zippers. I believe this tent is intended for abuse-- I would feel very comfortable taking it into an inclement weather camping situation. The main advantage of this tent is how durable it seems-- the fly is your first/main line of defense against moisture, so this is a good sign.
A small but nice detail is the zipper pulls are sizable plastic loops which make it MUCH easier to open your tent with gloves (or otherwise freezing hands). Also randomly there is a "tuck" loop for the door panel if you want to quickly and temporarily get it out of the way (as opposed to having to roll it up and secure it like most every other tent I've used).
I tested this tent in the backcountry near Nederland, CO-- dry air w/ low temps in the upper 30s. The weather was nice for camping, so I didn't get to see how the tent performed in rain/wind etc. I will say that based on previous, similar designs of Big Agnes tents I've owned, I believe this would perform admirably in wind-- it seems much more durable and sturdy than previous models (that have held up in 40mph gusts near the Utah/Colorado border).
I've attached photos from when I initially set up this tent, trying to capture the interior spaces.
Overall I'd say this is a great tent for the 3-season "bomb-proof" durability range-- it's competitively priced and the near the low end of comparable weights for 3-person 3-season tents. Given the excellent reputation of Big Agnes, I'd value it higher!
ANealosReceived free product
Boulder, CO, United States
102 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Disappointed
650 Rider6 years ago
Bought this $300 tent for motorcycle camping. First trip was in the AZ dry, high heat and windy desert. Easy to pitch and held up great to some crazy wind. (Side note the tent did fill up with sand.) Second trip to the Everglades not a drop of rain, but very dewy overnight. It’s Floriduh. What would happen in a real Florida downpour. This tent leaked like a colander! What The Actual Heck??? So angry at Big Agnes. I thought I was buying a quality tent from a respected manufacturer. Take away? Nice tent if your only go dry places with no sand.
650 Rider
Boca Raton
10 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
ANealos
Received free product
Boulder, CO, United States
Light & Durable w/ New Unique Design Elements
7 years ago
The Frying Pan SL3 is an all-around great tent. This is the 3rd Big Agnes tent I've used in the backcountry, and it lives up to the reputation the brand brings to the packable/hikable tent industry. First off, the tent is easy to pitch-- <5min out of the box by myself. Like all of Big Agnes's products, the ground/pole/fly connections are color-coded (which is a big deal when setting up at night and/or in the rain). The DAC aluminum poles are exceptionally light-weight for such a durable 3-season tent, and the single-pole X-configuration of the main structure is effective in simplifying the assembly (though it's a bit unruly with one person). I'm not a huge fan of the upper pole that extends the headroom-- I never have been, though it seems to be a Big Agnes design staple-- this part of the tent assembly is not as intuitive, though after setting it up a few times it's easy to get the hang of it. The design of the tent offers a nice potential for privacy-- what I'll call the "back" of the tent (where your head likely goes) has an opaque swath of breathable polyester. In a group camping situation, this could easily be oriented towards the public part of a campsite which would allow the fly to left off during the Summer. Also it seems likely that one could angle this towards the east to block more of the morning sun and/or wind. Additionally, above this opaque swath is a large mesh pocket where you could put outer layers offering more privacy and/or sun-protection. On the opposite side of the tent (by the feet), the polyester mesh goes to the ground, which offers a nice natural view out of the tent. I'm not sure of the design intent of the tent panels, but I really like the flexibility it offers... definitely a plus worth considering. Typical to most X-person tents, it's a bit small to realistically fit the number of people it's designed for. Think of it (and others) as a luxurious "X-1 person" tent :) This is a great 2-person tent, but with full utilization of the gear vestibules could fit 3 for a longer-term backcountry trip where weight is a great concern. 2-persons and a dog seems like the ideal scenario, for those who travel with fur. The dual vestibule is a design I think most folks can expect by now in a 3-person tent, but this one is equal--- so there's no "better" side of the tent. There is no polyester/nylin floor in the vestibule, which is fine by me (I'd rather not carry the extra weight) but that may be of concern for others setting up where it rained heavily prior. The fly is a very durable ripstop nylon with beefy clasps and zippers. I believe this tent is intended for abuse-- I would feel very comfortable taking it into an inclement weather camping situation. The main advantage of this tent is how durable it seems-- the fly is your first/main line of defense against moisture, so this is a good sign. A small but nice detail is the zipper pulls are sizable plastic loops which make it MUCH easier to open your tent with gloves (or otherwise freezing hands). Also randomly there is a "tuck" loop for the door panel if you want to quickly and temporarily get it out of the way (as opposed to having to roll it up and secure it like most every other tent I've used). I tested this tent in the backcountry near Nederland, CO-- dry air w/ low temps in the upper 30s. The weather was nice for camping, so I didn't get to see how the tent performed in rain/wind etc. I will say that based on previous, similar designs of Big Agnes tents I've owned, I believe this would perform admirably in wind-- it seems much more durable and sturdy than previous models (that have held up in 40mph gusts near the Utah/Colorado border). I've attached photos from when I initially set up this tent, trying to capture the interior spaces. Overall I'd say this is a great tent for the 3-season "bomb-proof" durability range-- it's competitively priced and the near the low end of comparable weights for 3-person 3-season tents. Given the excellent reputation of Big Agnes, I'd value it higher!
Yes , I recommend this product
Camplife12
NC
Perfect for 2 & pup
6 years ago
Brought it out for a 2 night trip at the lake. We were unfortunate enough the second night to have to really see it’s worth as it poured rain & stormed for hours. The campsite flooded & the wind was going but we were snug & dry in our tent! Water never came in & I’d left the top vented. We & all of our stuff stayed dry! I love that it comes with the footprint & you don’t have to pay an additional fee like most tents. It’s a super easy set up & the rain fly even has color coordinated buckles! It’s perfect size-wise for two adults & a dog (I have a 55lb Golden)! I was using a 2 man before & it got a liiittle cramped when dog came onboard. I plan to still use the 2man for backpacking due to the weight but can’t beat the space & functionality of this one for car camping I highly recommend this tent, it’s proved it can stand up to the elements & has a lot of neat features I’ve appreciated like the extra venting, interior pockets, ease of set-up, & good overhead space for sitting up/changing, etc.
Yes , I recommend this product
EdM
San Francisco, CA
A very solid, longlasting tent. Not for backpacker
1 year ago
I've had this tent for 5 years. It's been to a ton of parks on the west coast of the US. It's really easy to set up (if you pay attention to how easy they've made it), it's waterpoof, and it fits 2 people, our dog, and some gear. It would fit 3 people maybe if you had no clothes, gear, or any other worldly possessions. This tent is basically still new. I think I noticed a loop that ripped the other day, but other than that it's basically just a dirty, brand new tent. Definitely can't go wrong here. It is not for backpackers or folks that are packweight conscious. It seems a bit heavy to me at around 6-7 pounds. There's also no pockets or anywhere else to put stuff unless you buy accessories (i think, i've never had any). However, for 9/10 camping trips, this is the tent to bring for us.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
cguzman96
Received free product
Royal City, WA, United States
Makes setting up tents a breeze!
7 years ago
Another great product delivered by Big Agnes. Took this tent backpacking and was impressed by how easy the set up is as well as the overall construction. It looks and feels strong inside and out. The seams are stitched and put together well. The pockets are oversized and there are loops that go along the whole inner frame to hang things from and/or out things through. Break down and set up is simple with the poles already connected and seamlessly interlocking with one another. Although this isn't an ultralight back packing tent, it's a great luxury to have if you can muscle it on long trips due to the size and space inside. I would say size wise, great for 2 people but pretty tight for 3 people especially if 3 people are at least 5'10 and move around in their sleep. Overall, great tent!
Yes , I recommend this product
WenInOBX
Received free product
Kitty Hawk, NC, United States
Lightweight, spacious, and durable!
7 years ago
I love so many things about this 3 person tent. It's super lightweight at just over 5 lbs and it was incredible easy to pitch. The orange and gray colors are bright and safe, but also very attractive. It's close to hunting season where I live so bright colors are something I've been thinking about when spending time outdoors. I used this tent for the first time in Cape Hatteras, NC. I was very relieved the tent was easy to pitch by myself even in 20+ mile per hour winds. Sand blew along one side of the tent wall all night but it still looked brand new the next day so I know the material is durable. I didn't need to utilize the dual doors on this trip but I know I will in the future. It was nice to know I had multiple entry and exit options in case the wind shifted direction. Sand in the tent isn't fun! The footprint being included is a major bonus!
Yes , I recommend this product
650 Rider
Boca Raton
Disappointed
6 years ago
Bought this $300 tent for motorcycle camping. First trip was in the AZ dry, high heat and windy desert. Easy to pitch and held up great to some crazy wind. (Side note the tent did fill up with sand.) Second trip to the Everglades not a drop of rain, but very dewy overnight. It’s Floriduh. What would happen in a real Florida downpour. This tent leaked like a colander! What The Actual Heck??? So angry at Big Agnes. I thought I was buying a quality tent from a respected manufacturer. Take away? Nice tent if your only go dry places with no sand.
No, I do not recommend this product
sce714
Received free product
VA, United States
Good competitor in its class
7 years ago
The Big Agnes Frying Pan 3-person tent is a worthwhile competitor to any tent in its class. It is priced well and provides a comfortable and durable living space for any of your 3-season adventures. The tent has held up on a couple short weekend trips thus far, during one of which dreary weather took hold in the Shenandoah Mountains. It held up to the weather and made for a comfortable spot to settle in and enjoy a card-game break while waiting out the rain. Pros: The Frying Pan is relatively intuitive to set up; all pieces for the footprint, poles, and cover are color-matched. The only piece that might seem out of place is a small tent pole that runs over the top, but it becomes obvious once you have the main body of the tent set up. It took no more than a few minutes the first go to get it set up and staked down by myself without any previous knowledge of its set up. The footprint was pretty durable and helpful for increasing the tent's durability and minimizing how wet the tent floor became during the rain. The tent's breathability is a fantastic feature for humid weather and there are plenty of spots to hang any gear that might need to dry depending on weather conditions. I hung my headlamp at the top for light, but you could easily bring a small lantern and hook it in multiple places for better lighting. I appreciated the numerous pockets for storing small bits of gear, especially if you plan to stay a couple nights in the same location or need to do a gear sort. My pup is my consistent camping buddy and the durability of the tent floor is always a testing point to ensure how long it will last once she enters the living space; this tent held up very well and was roomy enough inside that she decide she could splay out instead of remain curled up on her corner bed. As a tall gal (5'11"), I often have to remain crouched in some tents, but not in the Frying Pan. The headroom was phenomenal, and it felt incredibly comfortable - almost like a mobile hotel! Cons: While it is pretty comparable to several other 3p tents, I still consider it a bit on the heavier side for a lightweight tent a ~6 lbs (packed w/ footprint). Additionally, three tall people might be a tight squeeze. I'm 5'11" and had plenty of room for all my gear, my pup (~50 lbs), and an additional person. However, adding another adult around the same height would easily be possible, but might prove a bit snug. The length is great for us tall folks, however. Doors at the long ends (head/foot) would make exit/entry easier for 3 people so there's no crawling over one another, but that's a dream yet to be had with most tents! Lastly, the vestibule is large enough for your pack, but is a bit shallow. You'll push its limits with 3 packs if you max out the number of travelers for this tent. Overall, the value and durability of this tent definitely makes it worth any of the cons listed in my book. It held up to dreary weather and I look forward to continuing to test it during the Fall/Spring rains. It's useful for most any type of camping you'd like to do (e.g., backpacking, car camping, etc.), and you won't feel cramped if your head tends to be in the trees like me (tall people unite!).
Yes , I recommend this product
Aviator
Received free product
Berkeley, CA, United States
The roomiest tent
7 years ago
Interior space -- The first thing I noticed with this tent is how roomy it feels. The "walls" of the tent are pitched at a near vertical slope so it feels like there is a lot more room inside -- you can sit up near the side of the tent without hitting your head on the tent roof. This makes the tent feel extra spacious even though it's footprint is about average for a 3-person tent. Also, the side entrances are nice -- I can get up in the middle of the night without having to step over my partner's face. Also, the interior pockets are large and well placed. Weight -- In terms of weight, the tent is a tad heavier than a 10-year old 2-person tent that I own (estimated 6 oz heavier). So even though it's heavier than the usual tent I carry, for the extra space it provides, that extra bit of weight doesn't feel so bad. Though I took this tent on a solo trip, if I were to split the tent parts with my backpacking partner I wouldn't notice the extra weight at all. Durability - In terms of durability, I know that achieving a roomy light weight tent means using thinner fabrics. I didn't notice the thinness of the fabric much. The nylon felt sturdy enough, nothing out of the ordinary. The plastic parts (the tent pole clips) felt a little flimsy, like I had to be gentle with them if I don't want them to break. I haven't felt this with previous tents I've owned - in fact I've never noticed the sturdiness of tent pole clips before. I'm not sure if that's because I was evaluating this tent and was noticing things like that or because these clips are noticeably flimsier than others I've used. Stability/weather proof -- I also backpack in rough weather conditions that would really test the tent, like wind or rain. That said, it stood up fine to a cold night. It kept me warm with little condensation.
Yes , I recommend this product
Yos3030
Received free product
Stamford, CT, United States
Great 3 Person For Backpacking!!!
7 years ago
I brought this tent on a 4 day overnight hiking near the Lake Powell area in Utah. First, I want to say that Big Agnes thinks of the little things which instantly made me fall in love with the tent. They include a footprint (nice not to have an instant add-on charge), storage pockets inside where well placed (love the large pocket spanning the top wall well midway up, and the built in tie-downs on the rain fly were all awesome. For backpacking the size and weight was very doable for a 3 person tent. Setup was for the most part easy (more on this below) but I loved the clip design for attaching the poles as it was an easy connect and disconnect even with gloves. What I didn't like about the tent I think will change over time. My main complaint was the pole system design. The two main poles are affixed at a central point which makes setup a bit awkward if you are setting the tent up yourself. The vestibule space was sufficient and the height in the tent was more than enough. Two of us could easily move around to deflate and pack up our ground pads in the morning. Overall, definitely recommend the tent. While its a high price, it is a quality tent that really signs when you look at the finer details.
Yes , I recommend this product
Aaron
Charlotte, NC
Pretty good
6 years ago
Let me start by saying this is the first "backpacking" tent i have ever owned. You get what you pay for. At this price point, it's a pretty great tent. I also got it on sale for an even better deal. I would say that it is a beginner backpackers tent, or suited for occasional use at best. I don't think this is something anyone would take on a hike of the AT or anything serious like that. Some people also consider it to be on the heavy side for backpacking, but it think it's fine in that regard. Overall, i am pleased with the purchase. Pros: Includes footprint Good headspace Easy to set up Good size vestibules for pack storage Double doors Freestanding Emergency pole splint included Cons: Some parts feel cheap Seam down the middle of floor The footprint seems to be a perfect fit, and the inclusion is great as that's $30-$40 saved right there.There is plenty of room for me to sit upright in it on either side (i'm 5'10"). The set up is easy, but it is different. There are no sleeves that the poles go through, the poles are just free standing and then the tent clips to them. If you've never set up a tent like that, it may throw you for a loop at first but it is very easy. The two main poles are also connected in the center to form an "X", and a third short pole runs laterally between the two doors. The poles are also color coded to the stake webbing so it's kind of fool proof. The rainfly vestibules extend out a decent amount, enough so that your pack can be left outside the door. I believe this is the intention in order to get 3 people in the tent. Personally, we have 2 people and a dog and we all fit fine with gear in the vestibules. There are also doors on both sides for exit without climbing over someone. It's also freestanding which makes it easy to move while set up if necessary. However, the plastic parts used in the tent feel cheap. There is a plastic piece which holds the two main poles in the "X" shape, and i feel like UV and normal wear would take it's toll on it. If it breaks, the tent could no longer be reliably set up. There are also "ball cap" clips which attach to the ends of the short pole which appear to be the same plastic, and clips for the rainfly to the other poles seem to be even cheaper plastic. Time will tell how long they hold up. There's also a seam running right down the middle of the floor, which to me seems to be a no-no. However, it is taped and the footprint is underneath it so i guess it's all right. Other Notes: The instructions state to secure velcro straps of the rainfly to the poles, however there are no velcro straps. It took me about 10 minutes of looking at the rainfly to realize it must be an error in the print. There is also a rainfly vent that, when deployed, comes very close to touching the tent and in fact does touch the tent body if the fly is not properly guy lined out. The tent and fly are factory seam sealed with tape. There are multiple loops inside the tent for attached optional loft accessories, or hanging a lantern. The rainfly vestibule doors can be rolled up and secured with hook & loops to keep them out of the way.
Yes , I recommend this product
1 - 10 of 26 Reviews