The Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 is a very lightweight, compact backpacking tent (3 lbs. 6oz., 16 in long packed). It is a freestanding tent and does not require trees or other structure for pitching. In researching this purchase, I found that the tent received great reviews across the board, unlike many high-end backpacking tents that seemed to have a common flaw or two.

After having the chance to test the tent out, I am glad to say that I can offer a very positive review of my own. As noted, the light weight and small packed size of the tent allow very easy packing, whether in a backpack or car.

Setup

The Seedhouse SL2 could literally not be easier to set up. There is double Y shaped pole, that practically puts itself together. Laying the tent body flat, the pole hooks into 4 rivets at each corner, and then onto a number of plastic hooks up and down the tent’s exterior. The tent comes with a number of small, lightweight aluminum stakes that I didn’t even need a mallet to slap into the ground. Overall, setup took less than 5 minutes.

Interior space

As an ultralight 2 person tent, the Seedhouse SL2 has a somewhat limited interior, and may not be the best option for larger persons. However, I found the fit plenty roomy for my wife and I who are both average height/weight. It was definitely a comfortable fit for the two of us, but became decidedly cramped and uncomfortable when our dog decided to come in for a visit. The tent offers a small pocket over the door for storing items such as books, glasses, etc and we also had enough room to store shoes/pack/etc. at the foot.

Build/Exterior

One great aspect of the SL2 is that it is essentially a tub floor with a mesh body, providing plenty of ventilation and great views of the stars. For colder, or inclement weather the tent comes with a full rain fly that covers the entire tent, providing plenty of protection. Although, I have yet to face any harsh weather during this beautiful summer, I am confident that so long as the fly is staked out and taught it will fully protect from the elements.

Cons

The only real drawback of this tent that I’ve experienced thus far is the door is slightly difficult to use, particularly with the fly on, as there are two separate doors in which the zippers did not align. The door is also angled upward, which could allow rain to seep in, if opened during a storm. However, I’d prefer not to be heading outside in a storm anyway, so I’m not that concerned about this small flaw.

One final note—the SL2 is a backpacking tent and I would not recommend using it as an everyday camping tent. Designed to be as light as possible, the tent felt rather flimpsy and susceptible to quicker wear and tear. I would definitely worry about the all-mesh exterior, particularly with a dog that didn’t quite understand and thought he could walk right in and out. At over $300, the SL2 is decent investment that I plan to use strictly for what it was made for –backpacking and other ultralight applications. I will be using a cheaper, larger, more heavy-duty tent for car camping. I’d also recommend purchasing the footprint that retails around $50, to protect the tent floor from quick wear and tear.

Big Agnes is a local Colorado company, located in Steamboat Springs. They offer a limited lifetime guarantee of their products. The Seedhouse SL2 retails around $319, but be sure to shop for sales; I found it on sale at Backcountry.com for $225.

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Although, you can save some space and pounds with a bivy or tarp, neither one can offer the protection and comfort of a tent.  Certain climates/environments demand that protection.  Also, if you don’t like things crawling on you in your sleep and don’t like to be caught in a storm with nowhere to go, a tent is the only way to go. 

Finding the Right Balance

While weight is important function is more important; if a tent doesn’t do what it is supposed to you might as well pitch it into the river and save some real weight.  For my money, the most important aspect of any tent is its ability to hold up to the weather and keep me dry and comfortable.  After all, this is really why we pack a tent in the first place.  I’ve read a lot of reviews about ultra light tents that allow water to leak all over. What the hell good is that?  Great I’ve shaved 2 lbs. off of my overall weight but have spent the entire trip getting abused by the weather.  Oh, and I gained back those two pounds after the first storm when all of my gear became waterlogged.  Useless.

Another aspect of function is actually being able to fit into your tent and having the comfort level that you desire.  Personally, I find the only way to get a real feel for tent fit is to actually pitch it and give it a try.  Square footage and measurements can be difficult to properly visualize and, although reviews are helpful, everyone varies as far as their own size and comfort level.  You’d be well advised to figure out who you’re going to be backpacking with and find a tent with enough space.  Ultralight tents save pounds by limiting materials (space), so if you’re going on a weeklong trek with your college rugby buddy you might want to consider a 3 man tent, or separate tents (on the other hand if you’re looking to seal the deal with that cutie from class a tight fit might just help you out). 

A good camping retailer should allow you to test the tent in the store so that you can size it up properly.  If your local retailer doesn’t have what you’re looking for or you prefer to shop online, be sure to use an online vendor with a liberal return policy, this way you can try the tent out and return it if it doesn’t fit your needs.  REI, LL Bean and Backcountry.com are a few retailers with excellent return policies. 

Obviously weight is your bottom line here, it is ultra light after all.  Size is also important, as you want to minimize the size and weight of your backpack itself—smaller tent, smaller backpack.    Pay close attention to the packed weight and size, as this indicates what you’ll actually be carrying on your back.  If you’re travelling solo, you can find 1 man tents for under 3lbs. Two man tents will be slightly heavier, but you can generally find a good selection of tents coming in around the 31/2-4 lbs. range.  Size varies greatly depending upon tent, but I’d recommend looking to keep it under 20” in length and as short as possible (a foot or foot and a half would be ideal).  Be sure to measure against the backpack you’re thinking about using to see how it will fit/how much room you’ll have for the rest of your gear.      

Smaller Considerations

Although function and weight are the most important factors in choosing an ultra light tent there are a couple of other things that might be important to you.  Ease of set up—could mean the difference from getting a tent pitched just as the first drops of rain hit your dome and getting drenched while cursing every individual piece of your tent.  Seam sealing –this is a pet peeve for me; if I’m paying hundreds of dollars for a tent I expect it to be ready to hit the trail out of the box, especially when it comes to something as important as sealed seams.  I don’t want to have to rely on my own unproven sealing skills to make sure that water isn’t seeping in.  Seems like common sense, but apparently not—some expensive, top end tents are not factory sealed.  If you don’t mind sealing, no big deal, but if you’ve never done it and don’t especially want to learn—put your money into a factory sealed tent.  Ventilation—many an ultra light tent seals up like a vacuum, providing little fresh air or ventilation.  If you want to breathe the mountain air or check out the stars overhead choose a tent with some mesh. 

The struggle between weight and function is one that rages on.  The key for the first time ultra lighter is finding a tent that holds up to the conditions that he ventures into and is light and compact enough for his hiking needs.  Spend some time reading our reviews to see what tent might best meet your individual needs.    

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Trip Planning Maps, Permits, and the Little Details.
Planning a trip to your local park can be as easy as following a road map and picking up a map at the park office. In the backcountry, a good map is essential, and sometimes multiple maps are needed.

The maps that you will need are dependant on the type of trip you are taking. For example, there are backcountry regions of several national parks where trails are well marked and well traveled. The parks publish maps and trail descriptions online that are sufficient for short weekend trips during peak season. However, the same trail may not be easily navigated in the winter. USGS topographic maps show the lay of the land and water locations. They’re sold at outfitter shops and also online (http://topomaps.usgs.gov/).

Popular backcountry trips, like Appalachian Trail hikes, often have guidebooks that describe each leg of a trail in detail and have specialized maps. Check your local bookstore or search online for a good guide. Also, search the Internet, because many people post descriptions of their trips, which can help you decide if a trip is for you, and can guide you while on the trail.

When camping in a state park, the first step is to register at the park office, and in the backcountry, there is a similar protocol. National parks require hikers to purchase inexpensive backcountry permits. Some wilderness areas, such as the Adirondack Park Wilderness, have additional registries located at certain trailheads. It’s important to register properly before beginning a backcountry trip so that you can be found in an emergency.

State parks list rules on park pamphlets and on signs. While “leave no trace” is always rule number one for the backcountry, there can be other regulations for a specific area. These rules can usually be found online, and might include mandatory use of bear canisters, or may ban pets on the trail.

Safety It’s in your hands
You can count on the state park ranger to be prepared for emergencies and to keep campers safe, but backcountry rangers may have hundreds of miles to cover. You need to be prepared for any crisis. Consider getting advanced first aid training in a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course before heading out into the woods.

Wilderness areas are, well, wild, and they have a range of animal life. While most animals avoid humans, it’s important to know what potential problems might be, so that you can plan appropriately.

Additionally, always stay on the trail. Walking off trail damages delicate wild vegetation, and leaving the trail increases your chance of getting lost.

Food, Water, and More
The state park is a great place to camp with an ice-filled cooler, but in the backcountry, things are more difficult. A water filter and purification tablets need to be carried into the backcountry. Always pump water from the clearest source possible to avoid clogging the filter. Purification tablets are needed just in case the filter breaks. It is also important to carry enough water to make it to the next spring or stream.

Since you will be carrying your garbage for the entire trip, minimize food packaging whenever possible. While most cooking is done on a camp stove, some areas allow fire building. Keep fires small, and only collect downed wood that can be broken by hand. Use established fire rings, if available.

The showers and toilets of the state campground may seem like pure luxury after weeks in the backcountry. Pack-in-pack-out applies to all things, including toilet paper and other hygiene items. Delicate alpine regions require packing out human waste. Instructions for making your own “poop tube” can be found on the internet, or you can purchase a commercial product for this purpose, like the Phillips Environmental Products Waste Bag Kit, which turns waste into an odorless gel.

Have fun, and remember: proper preparation can make your first backcountry trip a great adventure, leaps and bounds above your favorite state park camping trip.

By Ian Larsen: To reprint or redistribute this article you must get written permission from by emailing gear @ cascadegear.com - Copyright 2008 - CascadeGear.com

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Continental Divide Trail: 3,100 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Divide_Trail
CDT Alliance

Appalachian Trail: 2,000 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_trail
Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association

Pacific Crest Trail: 2,600 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Crest_Trail
Pacific Crest Trail Association

Buckeye Trail: 1,450 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckeye_Trail
Buckeye Trail Association

Great Western Trail: 4,445 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Western_Trail
Great Western Trail

American Discovery Trail: 6,800 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Discovery_Trail
American Discovery Trail Society

Pacific Northwest Trail: 1,200 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest_Trail
Pacific Northwest Trail Association

Florida Trail: 1,400 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Trail
Florida Trail Association

North Country National Scenic Trail: 4,600 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Country_Trail
North Country Trail Association

Ice Age Trail: 1,200 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Age_Trail
Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation

East Coast Greenway: 3,000 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Greenway
East Coast Greenway Alliance

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He is hiking with under 7 lbs (Tapon: CDT Gear List), not including water and food weight. His pack is a Gossamer Gear G5 (7.9 oz), inside gear ranges from GoLite clothing, Mountain Laurel Design Tarps, and some other creative gear solutions.

He is the author of:

Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America

References:
Check out his Podcast on BackpackingLight.com
http://www.francistapon.com/

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Minneapolis’ has 675 members (18 of which participated in the last hike).

Seattle has over 1000 in their hiking group.

Go to Meetup.com and search for your local group. It’s free and fun to meet new people.

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Here are some ideas on how to get your feet happy…

1) Hike Barefoot for a few miles on the weekend. This is a great way to really put some stress on your toes, a short distance during the weekend or evening will go a long way to training. A bit awkward in some parts of the world I know. Try this product out. Vibram: FiveFingers Classic. These are just enough protection for rocks and such and will can really ease the pain of breaking in your feet.

2. When on training hikes, ALWAYS wear your sock/shoe combination that you would on the PCT. When trained in your exact gear your feet will begin to find the sweet spot and your comfort level will go way up.

3. Short trail runs. Awesome way to get the blood in your feet pumping and help them tighten up.

4. Heavy weighted day hikes. Strengthens your back, legs, upper body and definetly trains your feet for abuse.

5. Back to back training days. Up to about a month before you are leaving, start taking back to back hikes of 15-20 miles, with your pack weight. This is probably the most important means of training your feet (and your body) for the hike ahead.

6. Signup for the FixingYourFeet newsletter! This site is filled with quality articles, tips and products on preventing and taking care of your feet and blisters.

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