User Review: Sierra Designs Omega

Sierra Designs Omega
Above: The current Omega, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 29, 2006 by seahiker

Rating:
Design: 3-4 Season convertible 3-pole dome
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Moderate
Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz with guys and stakes
Price Paid: $199

Very strong tent, and actually roomy enough for two people. Tall people will appreciate the length. Weathered a cold October rainstorm in Texas nicely. I used it as a solo car camp tent; if used for backpacking be sure two people split the weight. Unsuitable as solo backpack tent.

This design has a bathtub floor that the manufacturer recommends seam sealing at the wall joint. I disregarded this advice before using, and pitched the tent in a sloping meadow. That night it rained. In the morning I found I'd pitched it right over one of the rivulets that drain the meadow. Water flowed under the tent all night, and much to my surprise come morning there was no leak and I was dry. Still, I then went home and used the Seam Grip. I also recommend using Seam Grip on both sides of the fly where the velcro loops are sewn on for binding the fly to the poles for wind strength; these sorts of violations of rainfly integrity often leak despite taping.

The zip-in panels that make it a four-season convertible make ceiling ventilation modifications very easy. One should have no issues with condensation or stale air in this tent. The vestibule is large enough to stow packs, but the door cants too far to make it a practical awning for cooking, and there can be some drips falling into the tent during wet entry.

The tent is swoopy and stylish, my son said it looked like a race car. If you go for the style sort of thing, this one looks good. The color scheme makes for cheerful interior lighting.

If you intend to use in harsh wind (e.g. mountains) be sure to get the internal guy kit sold for the Alpha/Omega series. It makes up for the lack of a fourth pole in the event the wind hits hard at the rear of the tent.