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Sierra Designs Asp 3

rated 3.0 of 5 stars

The Asp 3 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best three-season tents for 2024.

photo: Sierra Designs Asp 3 three-season tent

The tent fly taping came unglued while I had it stored in my equip. locker—dry and no warmer then 95 deg.f. The company wouldn't honor their warranty, saying that if they attempt to repair the taping it would burn the seams. I'm paraphrasing what I was told.

My wife and I used the tent a total of six nights on different occasions. We never had it in inclement weather so we can't judge it's ability to keep the interior dry.

I thought it was a very comfortable set up, but since I can't get the fly repaired through the Sierra company, I'll have to attempt to repair it myself.

Pros

  • Comfortable setup

Cons

  • No company warranty, at least for my tent. Oh well.
  • Seam tape deteriorates before it should. They need to use a different type of tape or seam sealer.

The tent was easy to set up and strike and was comfortable. We didn't have a chance to test it in foul weather so I can't judge its ability to keep the interior dry.

Background

Used the tent approx. six times then stored it in my equip. locker at approx. 95 deg.f. When I went to use the tent a few years later I saw that the seam glue was peeling.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: I don't recall.

Just brought it home, set it up, and it's awesome. Easy set up, especially since you can set up the rainfly and poles separately and then put the tent up later. So for rainy times, you don't have to worry about getting water in your tent at all. Vestibules are amazing. Seems extremely weatherproof in all types of weather, not really worried at all about that factor. Weight is awesome for a 3-person tent.

Sleeping space is definitely adequate for 3 people, kind of cozy but very comfortable. Three peoples' gear will easily fit in the front vestibule. The only negative comment is that I haven't found a way to tie back the front mess door. There's no clips or loops to tie it off. However not a big deal whatsoever because you can actually unzip the door entirely and detach it from the tent or just fold it up and over the top of the tent. Front vestibule door is removable as well I believe.

Overall...top notch tent, can't really ask for anything more as far as construction, materials, design for 3 people and vestibule area at a light weight. Oh also the tent feels very bright and airy, from the colors used in the fabrics and not claustrophobic at all. Won't go wrong with this purchase.

Design: three-season freestanding dome
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: Easy, especially in the rain
Price Paid: $230

This is a pretty poorly designed tent. The two poles designed to prop up the rain fly ends up creating flat spots at both ends which collects rain, creating condensation that drips through. I had to prop up both ends with trekking poles to prevent this problem.

The flaps covering the zippers on the flies also do not do a good job of keeping rain off the zipper. I had to seam seal all of the zipper sides and they still leak if the wind is in the right direction. It leaks around the ties designed to pin back the rain fly. I had to seam seal around these sections twice and one of them still leaks. This tent also collects A LOT of condensation.

On the plus side it is roomy and has a lot of vestibule space. Overall though, pretty disappointed with this effort from a normally reputable company.

Design: three-season freestanding dome
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: easy
Weight: 6 pounds 4 ounces (fully packed)
Price Paid: $250

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Price Historic Range: $184.50-$379.00
Reviewers Paid: $230.00-$250.00

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