Big Agnes  Sarvis VST 2 Tent

I shared the Sarvis VST 2 with my husband on a 6-day backpacking trip through the Japanese Alps. Each night we experienced either wind, rain, or both and the Sarvis VST performed great! In the wind, the additional guylines looped around the poles added extra support. We used 2 25" pads, and there was plenty of room at the foot and head of the tent for gear storage, in addition to the vestibule space. There was some condensation, as expected in single walled tents, but the extra venting helped a lot in the humid climate. The simple setup with the single wall design was especially appreciated after long, hard days of hiking.

I’ve been on lifelong search for the tent that solves all of my grievances with tents. It was seeming like more of an expensive obsession rather than a fruitful endeavor. Then I gave this one a whirl. I just spent a week on the AT with it and it exceeded my expectations. It’s so light, super roomy, doesn’t get condensation, pitches fast and paired with my BA MountainGlo lights, shines like a magical radioactive leprechaun in the dark. My only small critiques are; the color could be a tad less garish, the slippery floor is a bit annoying, and I would really love if the poles were a smidge lighter. Carbon fiber poles as an option would not only justify the high price, but send this tent to an 11 out of 10.

Love love love this tent. All in one pitch is super easy and convenient, I love that it uses separate poles instead of a hubbed pole system, makes it easier to setup and repair or replace, and packs down better. Very roomy. Ventilation is excellent. I’m no condensation expert but I camped next to a pond with no tree cover and woke up fogged in and the walls were completely dry. I think I would prefer some fabric on the mesh walls to make it a bit more versatile and I replaced the cord tensioners because the ones it came with seemed really fiddly. Please make a 1p version!

All the claimed features are accurate based on my four recent backpacking trips. For three decades I used the excellent Fly Creek 2 tent in all conditions. However, at 81 I needed a tent that was even easier to set up, and that could better accommodate my aging back and replaced hips - the Sarvis VST 2 serves me well. I believe that the 32 square feet would be well received by those who share a tent. I must comment that my use so far has been in mild weather; I have not experienced rain, snow, hail or heavy winds.