L.L. Bean Light Stuff 3

rated 4.5 of 5 stars average rating
Reviewed by 2 Trailspace users

Similar to the old North Face Bullfrog and Tadpole,…

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: 3 season rectangular dome
Sleeps: 2-3
Ease of Setup: extremely easy
Weight: 7 lbs.
Price Paid: $179

Similar to the old North Face Bullfrog and Tadpole, this design improves on them in almost every way. Most important are the clips (like Sierra Designs, but color-coded) making setup a breeze. Headroom is better, and the front screen door stands straight, not angled, so you can leave the fly front zipper open in light rain, if you need ventilation.

This tent is almost perfect, except I would prefer rope instead of webbing on the rear and side fly tiedowns. Fits two full-length and one 3/4-length Thermarest, but the foot area isn't wide enough for three pads. The rear mesh window cannot be closed, but the screen door has a zip-up fabric closure, without which total weight would be well under 7 pounds. Comes with 4 guylines and 14 (!) stakes. Based on my experience with this tent, the Light Stuff 2 must also be a great tent, just a bit smaller and lighter.

Please sign in to comment

I picked this tent up cheap during a closeout on the…

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: 3 season backpacking
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: very easy
Weight: ~6.5?
Price Paid: $120 on sale

I picked this tent up cheap during a closeout on the color (purple/spruce, it doesn't look bad at all, I don't know why they discontinued it) and it has been absolutely fantastic. I would buy it again at full price without a second thought. It is remarkably easy to set up, sleeps two people comfortably (we even fit three in it once without too much hassle) plus the vestibule is very spacious and can store plenty of gear without problem. A very nice 3 season backpacking tent, it works well in cold weather given adequate tree cover (I wouldn't trust it under a heavy snow load). A very nice tent for the money.

Please sign in to comment
Do you know someone who might be interested in this?
Share a link to this page via email, Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.
If you've owned or used a L.L. Bean Light Stuff 3, please share your experience.

Where to Buy

Buy Online

The L.L. Bean Light Stuff 3 is not available from the stores we monitor.

You may be able to find it new or used at one of these sites:


Trailspace Classifieds

GearTrade

US | Canada | UK | Aus

Amazon

Or you may want to check for a dealer list or direct sales on the L.L. Bean website.

Retailers: Do you sell this product? List your site here.

Discontinued

The Light Stuff 3 has been discontinued.

reviewers paid:
$120.00 - $179.00

The L.L. Bean Light Stuff 3 is not available from the stores we monitor.

where to buy:

You may be able to find it new or used at one of these sites:

- Trailspace Classifieds

- GearTrade

- eBay

- Amazon

Or check directly with L.L. Bean.

Browse similar products »

Recently on Trailspace

Review: Osprey Talon 44

Relatively lightweight internal frame pack that is much heavier than other frameless ultralight options, but does not provide the stability/suspension of heavier… Read More »

Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Chiller Long Sleeve Shirt

The Chiller Long Sleeve shirt is designed to help you stay cool when it is hot out while providing SPF 40 protection from UV rays. At just 9 oz. /255 g. its special… Read More »

Review: The North Face Women's Cat's Meow

Best synthetic bag for the price. I got this bag for my first 'real' backpacking bag and used it over 1400 miles on the PCT (border to Sierra City). Overall I think… Read More »

Review: Black Diamond Speed 30

Great pack for everything from day hiking to alpine climbing. I've had this pack for 3 years. I have climbed multipitch in summer and winter, used it on scrambles… Read More »

Add your voice to the world's most comprehensive and useful collection of independent outdoor gear reviews. Review Your Gear