User Review: Big Agnes Parkview 3

Big Agnes Parkview 3
Above: The current Parkview 3, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 13, 2006 by Lee Paine

Rating:
Design: three-season freestanding dome with roomy vestibule
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: very easy even in high winds
Weight: Just under 8 pounds with everything
Price Paid: $260

I've been backpacking and leading trips along the Appalachians for almost 40 years and used a wide variety of shelters and so far the Parkview 3 has been an outstanding tent. It has met my needs perfectly for 3-season use and I could even see taking it for mild 4-season trips. I have not tried it in the snow yet.
I've been stuck more times than I care in a small tent in bad weather so I like a roomy tent.

I'm also a hiker that likes the journey rather than the amount of miles I can crank out in one day so I don't mind a little extra weight for a more comfortable tent.
Its first night the Parkview 3 stood up to a hail storm with only a small leak from a velcro strap for one of the poles. After some seam seal it has been dry in heavy rain, fog, and high winds. Condensation control has also been great.

The only problem I've had is when strong winds changed direction and hit the tent broadside. The fly then touched the screen wall and allowed a small amount of condensation to drip inside the tent. Please note this was during an extremely wet, windy, and cold evening.
I also love the extra pole that opens up the vestibule for gear storage, my dogs, or even cooking during bad weather. I've used other tents, most recently the Sierra Designs Comet, that also had a vestibule but that I would not have cooked under because the vestibule was so close and low to the ground and the tent door.

On a 3-day trip last weekend with my 9-year old son and his friend, the Parkview 3 proved its worth again on a classic hypothermia day. It was cold, wet, and windy, but the boys were dry and happy inside the tent.

The tent is well constructed but the only thing I'm not happy about is the tent's stuff sack. No big deal but the sack is rather flimsy.

Bottm line...this seems to be a perfect tent for my style of backpacking and is the best compromise of size-weight-sturdiness that I have seen. I look forward to using it for many years to come.