Big Agnes Emerald Mountain SL 3 - Three Person Tent

After seeing the 2 person version win "Gear of the Year" at outside magazine I decided to hunt for the 3 person version knowing full well that when tents are involved comfort always requires that space for the extra person (who isn't with you). That said I found an online retailer that specializes in tents called FVI Tent Supply. It wast tough to find info on them but I can vouch for their authenticity having used them. They include shipping in their pricing. Especially look at their clearance items. This is a $400 tent which I got on clearance from them at $256 (again tax and shipping included).

The tent itself is just quality, it's super light and is easy to put up. You can even pitch it without any stakes (on a tent platform). I had never seen that before and was very impressed. The storage vestibules on either side are fantastic in wet weather and means you keep all the interior space strictly for necessary items.

We're only human and as such things that serve us well have a tendency to grow on us. Recently I was caught in a rainstorm in cold weather and my most powerful recollection of the event is this tent. It went up in under 2 minutes, Kept the wind and rain off us all night then sent us on our way the next morning in fine form. I'm delighted with this product.

5 out of 5 A True Champ

this tent is incredible. light weight for backpacking and goes up in a flash. the poles are all connected which makes set-up a breeze. plenty of room inside and lots of screen for ventilation. l also bought the vestibule which adds a porch!! l can't wait to use it outside now!!

Great ventilation... I was able to stay inside the tent with an open rainfly (shaded) at 90 degrees. That gossamer mesh tent body means no condensation to contend with, and great views on clear nights. I was also very impressed with the weight... light enough to tempt an ultralight backpacker. We stayed dry throughout a 9 hour downpour, too! The down side (and its a big one, in my opinion) is that the tent body itself is very delicate (natch, being all mesh). Staking the tent down with the edges taut resulted in "runs" in the mesh netting in various areas. I didn't really stretch the tent incredibly taut, just snug, but it resulted in several little 1/2" runs scattered throught the tent canopy and upper sides. Stake the tent loosely (or not at all) and stake the fly taught and you should be fine, I think. However, if you're camping in windy conditions this could be a problem.