User Review: Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2
Above: The current Seedhouse SL2, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed December 23, 2007 by Clay Hartley

Rating:
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Very easy for one person
Weight: under 4 lbs
Price Paid: $315 including BA footprint

First off let me tell you I definitely recommend this tent. I've only had the tent a week, so I will update accordingly if my experiences change, but after one 3-day camping venture, it tested out nicely.

I'm a pretty big guy at 6'5" and close to 320-lbs, an old Georgia Tech FB lineman, so I did a lot of research to find accommodable gear.

While this tent was designed for 2, I used it by myself, and was very comfortable, would have been a tight squeeze for 2 but definitely possible. I was able to lay out my Therm-a-rest Prolite-4 Large sleeping pad easily, and kept my pack inside as well with plenty of space. Also room to sit up inside to review maps, change clothes and adjust items in my pack.

The first night we set up camp at Osceola National Forrest, there was a major storm coming in so I staked it off well. Might I add these are the nicest stakes I have ever used, very sturdy, and easy to install in solid ground with no major force. Super light as well.

As far as the set-up goes, this was a breeze. I never even looked for directions (I did a trial set-up in my living room the night it arrived). I purchased the footprint in hopes of protecting the floor better due to my size. I set it up easily under 10 minutes myself taking my time.

The storm had very strong gusts and hard rain for 8-10 hours straight. Not a drop got inside! Actually I did zip the vestibule door to the top instead of the bottom at first and realized I didn't zip it completely, so one or two drops got through but I adjusted right away, and was good to go.

The vestibule had a decent amount of room. I could have left my pack and shoes under easily. Just make sure when you come out after rain, to open the door to where the rain runs off outward instead inside on you and your stuff. Also if still raining and you have to get out, don't open the fly door all the way so it doesn't get inside the tent.

The bottom tub style design, held up nicely, as no water penetrated. I had no moisture build up. It also reached into the 40's, but with the low-profile fly design it blocked most of the cold wind.

The pocket features inside are useful. I put a forehead light in the pocket above the tent door, and it was perfect as it gave plenty of light throughout to do whatever needed. The bottom side pockets were ideal for my watch, so that i could hear the alarm.

I conclude with the fact that this tent lived up to all the reviews and I am very impressed "so far"... Best tent I've ever owned!

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