Sierra Designs Sirius 3 Tent

admin November 13, 2007


Sierra Designs Sirius 3 Tent

Product Description

Price: $168.95
Buy Now
While Sierra Designs classified their three-person, Sirius 3 as a three-season tent, the dual doors and big mesh walls make it easier to cool and vent than other alpine three-season climbing tents. This is a roomy design that’s ideal for camping, backpacking and climbing in moderate weather conditions, even if the wind kicks up. The Sirius 3 features Sierra Designs’ Quick Pitch Swivel Hub, a small metal swivel up top that locks the tent poles in place, adding as much as 60% more structural support than conventional crossover tent pole configurations. The Swivel Hub also simplifies pitching, so you’re less likely to have your poles crossed (in a bad way)–especially if you’re setting up camp in the dark. It features a two-door architecture inspired by CAD design that offers excellent cross ventilation. Your group can also sort hiking boots and climbing gear in the separated vestibules. Roomy gear pockets along the inside of the 31-square-foot interior space make it easier to sort out field guides, GPS components and other important stuff. One thing to keep in mind is that the Sirius series does feature an optional footprint (sold separately) for floor protection, but it cannot be pitched in a fly-only, fastpacking configuration. Considering that the packed weight is less than five pounds, many minimalist trios won’t care at all.

Product Reviews

  • Good Tent - I took the tent out for a few days and it meet all my expectations and more. The best part of the tent was the “air vents”. They allowed the wind to move through the tent to stop the build up of air. I did camp when it was dry out so I will have to see how it works with rain….but I have no fear as the vents are protected well. Not too big when packed but in all a nice sized tent to packed ratio.
  • Third season - We are starting our third season with the Sirius 3. It has plenty of for two adults and a dog or two. We have spent about 30 nights out and have had no problems. Yes Vesibules are a little small. But for two people there is plenty of extra room inside. Great tent great price.
  • Great Tent - The best tent on the market at this price range. Withstood 30-40 mph gusts without any vibrations and increadibly warm considering all the mesh lining. I would totally recommend this tent for any level backpacker. Plenty of room for 2 a bit tight for 3 though but for the wieght this tent is awesome. Vestibules are tiny but plenty of room inside. I see rain being a small factor due to the rainfly geometry but not considerable since one can simply draw the vestibule down.
  • a very light and affordable tent which still has space for three - This tent is easy to set up and the light weight makes it a great choice for backpacking. It porvides adequate ventilation though we haven’t tested it in a very hot weather. It may feel a little cramped for three large adults.
  • Fine for desert - We spent six nights in early September in Southern Utah’s Escalante region and the tent performed great. There are two convenient doors (no crawling over each other to get out; easy to load and unload packs at the same time)and the zippers work even when camping room doesn’t allow a perfect pitch. This light (especially when load is divided among two) inexpensive tent was perfect for four 50 degree nights and two humid drizzles. It stayed airy and dry and was easy to set up normally in 20 mph winds and in the dark. Both of us are 6′3″ and touch both ends when stretched out but the room allowed ALL our gear to sleep with us and left room for cards. Boots stayed under the small fly. Important for our trip…there are two sands in S. Utah soft and hard. We had the wrong size footprint (too small) and have some abrasion (pinholes) from the hard sand. The soft sand however did not blow inside despite the venting. Great to see the stars and surroundings when the fly is off. All in all intelligent tent for two big guys.
  • Tent footprints are great - There is not much to say about the performance of a tent footprint but since you asked . . . This footprint is great: it is the same size as the tent and protects the tent floor from abrasion. Getting a tent footprint is a great call because down the road after years of use you’ll be glad to need only a new footprint rather than a whole new tent.
  • After 3 months of use we are very happy with our purchase - So far we have used this tent on a good 7 or 8 trips. From below freezing weather at Yosemite (Toulomne Meadows) last weekend to over 100 degree weather at the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and everything in between. This tent is very easy to set up comfortable for my family (it’s just three of us) and so far we have not experienced any condensation. we’ve only had rain once and we were bone-dry inside. My only two issues are: 1.the zippers tend to catch the fabric a little too often though you can minimize thie with experience and 2. it doesn’t fit inside my backpack (with all the other gear) so I have to carry it attached to the outside of my internal-frame Osprey backpack. Again not a big deal. I strongly recommend getting the footprint. Given that we were considering a $400 tent we are more than happy with the Sirius 3.
  • Great price on good tent - I can’t say great tent yet as I wont have the opportunity to try it in the sierra’s until June. But the buying experience at Altrec was great. I had initial doubts because in the past I have purchased my outdoor stuff elsewhere but the price and availability made me try Altrec. I got the tent within 4 days which is sooner than I thought via regular shipping. I put the tent up in the living room and it looked ready to go. The tent is advertised as a three man tent by Sierra Designs but I got it to function as a comfortable two man tent. I am 6′1 and my son is 6′0 we fit just fine with enough length and width to sleep comfortably. Three adults or even two adults and a kid would be a stretch. The design of the tent was solid as you’d expect with Sierra Designs. Pitching the tent was simple and having done it once I should be able put this freestanding tent up myself within 3-4 minutes. I really like Sierra Designs models. We had a SD Comet which we purchased 14 years ago which has functioned without a hitch. I just wanted something lighter now as the years have caught up with me. The Sirius 3 should fit the bill nicely at under 5 pounds.
  • best tent ever - It’s super light easy to set up and breathes well. I’ve used mine about two dozen times in climates ranging from the rainy NW fall to the hot SW summer. When it’s colder I simply don’t stake out the rainfly. Sure that means a little bit more condensation but the tent stays *warm*! In hot arid areas I leave the rainfly off completely and wake up to the warm sun on my face. It has problems in windy and rainy conditions; even if I set the tent up against the wind if it changes directions the rain might come through the rainfly. And yes the zippers snag. However for the price weight and roomieness you can’t beat this tent!
  • Great gear - I read a review on Backpacker mag. and got it on the website after sevral nights out of camping there is nothing else to say apart that it is a great tent and we fit in quite nicely I am 6′6″ and fell at ease inside I can move around since the headroom is well proportioned for my size the weight make it easy to carry as

    Sierra Designs Sirius 3 Tent
    Price: $168.95
    Buy Now

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    One Response to “Sierra Designs Sirius 3 Tent”

    1. Backpacking & Hiking Tent Reviews on March 21st, 2008 9:50 am

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