How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Salt Creek SL2 Tent
$349.95
Members get an est. $34.99 in rewards
CheckIng all of the boxes of a fully featured backpacking tent—including 3 doors—the Big Agnes Salt Creek SL2 tent easily make a good home base at car camping spots with panoramic views and then some.
- 2 dual-zipper side doors and 2 vestibules with stormflaps on their zippers, plus 1 head-entry door
- Head-entry door features an awning-style entrance that transforms into the campsite's best stargazing vantage point
- Quick Stash door keepers on tent body door make stowing unzipped doors quick and easy
- Front-entry drop-down door with awning-style vestibule offers extra venting on hot summer nights, an additional escape route or extra storage space for pets and gear
- 4-way DAC hub creates vertical walls for increased living space
- 2 interior mesh pockets; media pockets enable clean earbud-cord routing from phones or other devices; 3-D bin pocket utilizes dead space above feet for ample storage space
- Multiple interior loops let you attach gear lofts (fits Square, Triangle, Trapezoid gear lofts) accessories and mtnGLO® Tent & Camp lights (lofts and accessories not included)
- Fly vent increases airflow and reduces condensation; Low Vent feature on vestibule doors increases airflow while still providing coverage; polyester mesh ceiling
- Ready to pitch with precut guylines and tensioners attached to fly
- Reflective guylines and webbing on tent corners are easy to see and set up in the dark
- Includes 8 lightweight aluminum hook stakes and 2 awning guylines
- To extend the life of your tent floor we recommend using a Big Agnes footprint (not included)
Imported.
View all Big Agnes Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 3 lbs. 11 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 2 lbs. 15 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 4 lbs. 1 oz. |
| Packed Size | 6.5 x 20.5 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 86 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 28 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 10 + 10 square feet |
| Peak Height | 44 inches |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Pole Material | DAC Pressfit pole system |
| Pole Diameter | 8.7 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Polyester |
| Floor Fabric | Ripstop polyester |
| Rainfly Fabric | Ripstop polyester |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
First impressions: pretty posh digs for the trail
James P4 years ago
This tent replaced a 2013 REI Half Dome which always served me well but I got really fixated on having an awning after a trip with a particularly heavy rain that forced everyone in the group to retreat to their own shelters. Vestibules on the average backpacking dome are great for providing keeping gear dry but don't offer coverage for humans. If I'd had this tent during that trip, there would at least have been enough dry/ covered space for the three of us to eat dinner together.
Having been hooked by what is, arguably, a gimmick I was pleasantly surprised by how well thought-out the features of this tent are. Moreover, it's comparitvely light for all those features. The polyester tent body and rainfly mean less sagging in wet weather (compared to nylon). The "low vent" capability on the vestibule doors is great for when the rain doesn't break the humidity but the awning and third door mean you've got even more ventilation when you want/ need it. The 3D bin does great job maximizing otherwise dead space without the need for an aftermarket gear loft. The tent walls actually slant out toward the top so you effectively have more headroom when you're sitting up. And, gimmick or not, the awning really does give you a car camping feel in the backcountry.
Minus 1 star for a couple of nit-picky things
- Size: dimensions are as advertised and it's plenty for one person, but would be _very_ snug for two. I also wouldn't mind if the floor was rectangular instead of tapered.
- Poles: the four-way hub is great for setup and stability but folds up a little awkwardly, meaning it's a little tricky to get back in the sack.
Neither of the above are deal-breakers, they just mean I can't give this tent a perfect score. Even so, I am really looking forward to more nights on the trail.
James P
America's High Five: Michigan
36 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Loved it but it leaked, TWICE!
Jerry2 years ago
Saved up for this tent for months, was super stoked to try it out. This tent seemed perfect for me and it was, until it rained. The tent leaked in a light rainstorm. I pinpointed the leak to the seams attaching loops on the underside of the fly. Exchanged the tent for a brand new one, it leaked in the exact same spot in light rain. This tent has great space, weight is good for the size, good quality. maybe i just had bad luck but this tent was not meant to be for me.
Jerry
KY
16 people found this review helpful
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Jesse
Charlotte, NC
Full of features and thoughtful design.
4 years ago
Love this tent so far! It was easy to set up as normal, the awning took a few tries to set up with my trekking poles but was easy once I figured it out. Very spacious inside, especially using it solo. I love the pockets and shelf which came in handy drying/airing out clothes. Full of features and thoughtful design. Made it through a heavy/long rain storm and had no leaks. It is in the heavier side but for all the features I don’t mind the extra weight!
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
James P
America's High Five: Michigan
First impressions: pretty posh digs for the trail
4 years ago
This tent replaced a 2013 REI Half Dome which always served me well but I got really fixated on having an awning after a trip with a particularly heavy rain that forced everyone in the group to retreat to their own shelters. Vestibules on the average backpacking dome are great for providing keeping gear dry but don't offer coverage for humans. If I'd had this tent during that trip, there would at least have been enough dry/ covered space for the three of us to eat dinner together. Having been hooked by what is, arguably, a gimmick I was pleasantly surprised by how well thought-out the features of this tent are. Moreover, it's comparitvely light for all those features. The polyester tent body and rainfly mean less sagging in wet weather (compared to nylon). The "low vent" capability on the vestibule doors is great for when the rain doesn't break the humidity but the awning and third door mean you've got even more ventilation when you want/ need it. The 3D bin does great job maximizing otherwise dead space without the need for an aftermarket gear loft. The tent walls actually slant out toward the top so you effectively have more headroom when you're sitting up. And, gimmick or not, the awning really does give you a car camping feel in the backcountry. Minus 1 star for a couple of nit-picky things - Size: dimensions are as advertised and it's plenty for one person, but would be _very_ snug for two. I also wouldn't mind if the floor was rectangular instead of tapered. - Poles: the four-way hub is great for setup and stability but folds up a little awkwardly, meaning it's a little tricky to get back in the sack. Neither of the above are deal-breakers, they just mean I can't give this tent a perfect score. Even so, I am really looking forward to more nights on the trail.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Abu Dabi
Buffalo, NY
Dubbed the "Abu Dabi Hilton"
3 years ago
Having just left the Appalachian Trail, I can say with 100% confidence this tent ruled the AT. The group in my section (225 miles from Delaware Water Gap to Great Barrington) nicknamed my tent the "Abu Dabi Hilton" because of how big and glamorous it is. The third door/front porch really blew them away when I set it off my trekking poles. Even the snobby hammockers were in awe of it! Given the size and luxury of this tent, the weight is nothing. The setup was easy, and it even manages to fit on the tent platforms on the Northern AT. It's obviously not the best stealther, but you don't stealth in this tent; you flaunt it.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
AZhkr
PNW
great in high wind
3 years ago
I took it out to Death Valley with 40+ mph wind. It handled it like a champ. On a still cold night, there was no condensation. Plenty of head room to sit up. It packs slender for those who like to pack their tent on the side (up and down) in the backpack. My gripe are the flaps for the zippers on the vestibules. They get snagged in the zipper unless you use two hands. Also the side zippers of the tent body need to be used with two hands, there is a point where the tub meets the mesh where it gets stuck. These are minor gripes for a spacious, seemingly tough, lightweight, two person backpacking tent.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
ebro
Ripped on third use
10 months ago
I loved this tent, it's spacious, well designed, and light. But, after only 3 months on the third trip I took it on the bottom of the tent ripped in multiple places during setup on a windy day (despite that I had put out the tent footprint prior). I thought repairs would be covered by warranty but apparently this is "weather" related which is uncovered and could be considered normal wear and tear despite the fact that it's only it's third use. I'm really disappointed in the quality of the tent. Even with the lightweight material I expected a more durable tent for this price. Ended up patching myself, but I had an REI brand tent before this that was a bit heavier but lasted me years without this type of damage. Super disappointed in the big Agnes quality, would not recommend purchasing especially with the price.
No, I do not recommend this product
Tricia L
Houston
I live it, but…
3 years ago
First off, I love this tent. I want to keep using this tent…I just need to exchange it because maybe I got a lemon. The night before my first trip using this tent back in April, the little plastic hook that holds the crossbar across the top of the tent, snapped. I used duct tape to secure it for my trip with the intention of exchanging it after my trip. Unfortunately, this guy is sold out everywhere and so I’m either stuck with it until it can come back in stock before the one year purchase anniversary, or I return it and hunt down something else. While using it, I fell in love with the space inside, the two vestibules, the ability to stand up to a really heavy overnight rainstorm, and the ease of setup…I just need to exchange it >.<
Height:5'8"
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product
Erin S
Kalamazoo, MI
Versatile Backpacking Tent
2 years ago
This is my first backpacking tent I have purchased and I am amazed by the features this tent provides. This tent is very spacious on the inside, if the ground is really wet I can fit myself, sleep system (NEMO Disco 15 and NEMO Switchback), and all of my gear inside the tent and still be comfortable. I greatly enjoy the high ceilings as I can use bungee cords to hang up wet clothes and not feel tight on space. The inside of the tent also has plenty of pockets EVERYWHERE! As well as many loops to connect or hook stuff too. The vestibules on this are massive as well, overall lots of covered space. The tent ventilates air pretty well, but because of that it can cool down really fast once the sun sets. I also enjoy the freestanding ability of this tent as I can pick the entire tent up and relocate it in seconds. And the weight of this tent is very convenient, even though it is considered on the "heavy" side of backpacking tents. I greatly enjoy the features this tent provides and the versatility it has to different terrain, this being due to its size and shape. This tent is also versatile for the weather, and can literally be anchored to the ground (must purchase additional stakes). For additional stakes I use the Big Agnes Groundhogs as they are lightweight, durable, and easy to find as they are bright red. I was slightly skeptical of this tent because of other reviews mentioning issues with the zippers, but I found that as long as you aren't forcefully using the zippers, there are no issues. And making sure the guy lines aren't too tight, which causes a lot of excess tension. My only downside that I experience with this tent is the awning can be a little tricky to set up. I made my own guy lines and bought additional stakes (Big Agnes GroundHog Stakes) to support the awning. I would highly recommend if using this tent to make sure you purchase a tent footprint! Which is something that everyone should do for any tent they purchase or use. And purchasing a different stuff sack to allow for easier stuffing into your pack or for easier storage of tent when not in use.
Age:18–24
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Hannah
WA
Surprisingly strong and wind-resistant
1 year ago
Took this snow camping twice (in the Olympics in April and the North Cascades in June). My first time using this tent, there was ~30-40 mph wind with lots of ~60-70 mph gusts. Out of the 7 tents in this camping area, 4 of the tents had poles snap (one of them being a 4-season tent), but this tent held up just fine with no issue. I did have to buy extra guy lines, though. The provided guy lines are a bit short.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Long Beach,California
I love this tent!
1 year ago
I've been looking for a backpacking tent to replace my 15yr old REI quarterdome UL tent. I am a 6'2" bigger gal that values space for all my gear while in the backcountry,which I do a lot,and this tent checks all tne boxes!! I looove it! I recently took it on a weeklong car camping trip near Yosemite and it rained on us pretty good one of the nights I was there, everything inside stayed completely dry and I love the amount of headroom this tent has,while its around the same size as my last tent the overhead of it makes it feel a ton more roomier inside! Not to mention having the "window" option with the pop-up awning to it is super cool,and a nice way to keep you from overheating inside it....I can't wait to take this one out on the trails,so far so good!!
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Jerry
Kentucky
Loved it but it leaked, TWICE!
2 years ago
Saved up for this tent for months, was super stoked to try it out. This tent seemed perfect for me and it was, until it rained. The tent leaked in a light rainstorm. I pinpointed the leak to the seams attaching loops on the underside of the fly. Exchanged the tent for a brand new one, it leaked in the exact same spot in light rain. This tent has great space, weight is good for the size, good quality. maybe i just had bad luck but this tent was not meant to be for me.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'9"
No, I do not recommend this product
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