User Review: Sierra Designs Divine Lightning (1998)

Reviewed January 12, 2000 by Keith

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: 1 person single wall tent/bivy
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Moderate if you practice.
Weight: 2 lb. 2 oz.
Price Paid: $179 on sale

This tent is no longer available from Sierra Designs, but I'm adding this review since you can get old stock from Northern Mountain Supply on sale for $179, which is a bargain for this tent.

The prior reviews of this tent made much of the difficulty of setup. I would agree that it is difficult to set up out of the bag, but if you practice a couple of times, it's not too bad.

I would disagree with one aspect of complaints about setup. The problem is not with the long pole itself, but with the velcro loops on the inside of the tent. The velcro loops that secure the pole to the inside of the tent are small, double wrapping closures, that are stitched very close to the tent fabric. You must undo them with bare hands and it is kind of a hassle. There are 8 loops in total. The other design flaw with the velcro is the way the end threads through a small slit in the loop. If you have a little patience and practice, it a minor inconvenience.

This is how I pitch it. Insert the small rear pole. Pull the fabric over the pole while giving it a slight bend. The stake the front and back loosely. Unzip the door and screen and roll it out of your way. Assemble the long pole. There are two pole pockets on the inside floor at opposite sides of the tent. Make sure the snaps are closed. From "outside" the tent, insert the pole end through the last velcro loop and into the opposite pole pocket. You'll have to reach in and find the pocket. After insertion, keep pressure on the pole so it does not pop out of the pocket. Still outside the tent, put a fair bend in the pole, push it inside the door, and insert the end into the door-side pole pocket. Pull the tent fabric until the seam meets with the pole. Now, stick your head in the tent and start assembling the velcro tabs. You'll find that not all of the tabs need securing. Finally, tighten your pitch with the adjustable strap at the foot.

If you can get over the velcro loop problem, this is a fabulous tent! It weighs next to nothing, is more roomy than a bivy, and pitches no wider than my sofa. If you are no taller than 6'0", the tent provides enough space to sleep with small gear on your sides, and clothes under your head. Any gear other than clothes and small ditty bags must stay outside.

I tested the tent it Yosemite at dry temps of the upper 20's and had no condensation problems. I did have a little frost on the side of my bag, but nothing of concern. I would not use this tent in anything other than dry cold conditions.

For solo snowshoe trips I think it's WELL worth the $180 to give it a try.

Keith

kdun@gte.net

P.S. Sierra Designs is carrying on solo tent idea for 3-seasons with Light Year and Ultra Light Year due out in the Spring '00.

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