User Review: Sierra Designs Polaris

Reviewed August 19, 1996 by kcornett@...

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: 4 Season Tunnel-Dome (taller in front)
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Set-up is easy with four poles (Easton 0.340) and clips
Weight: 7 lbs, 2 oz
Price Paid: $335

This is a moderately large two man tent (39.0 sq ft of floor space). Two people plus some gear fit inside nicely. Could work for three in a pinch. Clips make set-up easy, although the poles are a little long and can be clumsy for one person.

Tent has a large zip-out panel in the roof (covering no-see-um mesh) and storm flaps for the front door and rear window. The door is large and side-hung, which is a nice feature (keeps you from stepping on the door every time you leave the tent).

Tent is tall enough in front for me to stand on my knees, and you can sit up everywhere inside except the very back. Fly attaches to the ends of the poles as well as to the tent and goes all the way to the ground. Front of fly forms fair sized vestibule (10 sq ft) that can easily hold two large packs plus muddy boots, or one large pack and a golden retriever. Tent is free-standing, but you have to stake the fly to get the vestibule. Stake straps are large enough to use a ski to stake it down in the snow.

I bought this tent because it was the most versatile model I saw anywhere. I plan to use it primarily forbackpacking, but also for winter camping, car camping, etc. In good weather, you only need to use three of the poles. This tent is very solid and well worth the money. Only knock so far is that the seams weren't factory taped (no big deal).

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