User Review: Sierra Designs Stretch Dome Expedition

Reviewed June 27, 2003 by Brian Huber

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: 4-season freestanding dome
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: EEEASY
Weight: 8.5
Price Paid: $125

As a Boy Scout leader, I have observed many tents in action and seen the abuse they can receive. I have worked with many Eureka and similar tents. Many leaders I have made trips with had their own tents and I observed their tents before purchasing my own.

My first tent for backpacking use was a Eureka dome styled after the NF VE25. Never again! One night I set up the tent during a rain storm. Overnight the temp dropped to 20 degrees. Thought I'd never remove the poles that were frozen in the sleeves!

Sold that tent and moved to a SD Stretch Dome in '90 after doing a lot of research. Lucked out at a local store that was closing out old models, they sold it to me for $125!

My model has/had the dinky vestibule and only one door. After using it for a while, in '92 I took the tent to Newman Adlers in the Cleveland area. I told the tent repair guy that I wanted a 2nd door, a better vestibule and a vent in the top of the tent (guess they now call those tents convertibles). They fixed me up just great for ~$75, just like I wanted.

Since then, I've been delighted with the tent. Later, I was able to purchase an Expedition Fly that turned my old Stretch Dome into another new tent.

We have been in rains and winds with this tent that have flattened entire campgrounds and we were barely aware of the storms. One time we were at a campground and a monster storm came up. We slept easily through the night, but were aware of the storm. The next morning we got out of our tent to see most of the campground vacated, but the flattened tents were left behind. What a sight, like a bomb had gone off! We were astounded that so many tents had virtually destructed and the SD was unscathed.

The clips are great and setup is easy even at night. I'm certain we can get the tent up in less than 5 minutes in total darkness.

This tent has been used for ~13 years. Finally getting leaks in the floor that I recoated this winter. As a precaution I also resealed the fly and seams. Zippers have been no problem. We ALWAYS stake out the tent after experiencing that big storm, never a problem to take that extra step.

I'd buy another in a heartbeat if it was ever necessary.

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