User Review: Sierra Designs Reverse Combi

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

Reviewed March 30, 2006 by Max

Rating:
Design: three-season
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Fast and very easy
Weight: 5 lbs
Price Paid: $428 CAD

I wanted a two-person, two door, two pole, two vestibule tent -- this seemed like the one because it is light, compact, and very quick set up. I've used this for kayaking and hiking trips. Great in dry weather -- we made an awning by staking the fly out with hiking poles, which allowed for air flow while preventing dew on everything.

My biggest complaint is the vestibule... the fly is flat over the door making the vestibules very cramped and awkward to get in and out of. When it rains, the fly tends to lay right on the doors -- hard to get in and out without getting rain in tent. I like the window but could use a vent in the fly for air circulation. I like the round door and being able to stash it out of the way is a good idea, but why only on one side of the door?

Some features seem like gimmicks. For example the coffee sling -- useless for cups with handles... a bit dangerous as we found out spilling tea everywhere. The portable attic has unnecessary dangly pockets but otherwise was great for drying clothes. I realize, too late, that I prefer the North Face Road Runner, but didn't get it because I like clips instead of sleeves. Oh well.