Sierra Designs Ultra Light Year

I don't believe there is such a thing as an Ultra Light Year tent. I have owned a Sierra Designs Light Year tent for years. It's my second favorite tent. But at 3 1/2 pounds, it hardly rates as ultra light. I checked the Sierra Designs website and found only the Light Year; no hint of an Ultra Light Year. I've searched the web and found lots of references to Ultra Light Year, but they always end up meaning the Light Year. If there really were an Ultra Light Year, and it was as good as the Light Year, but lighter — I'd buy it joyfully. My Light Year has never failed to keep me dry even in a full-fledged Pacific Storm. It's now my late Fall, early Spring tent. But in drier weather, I prefer the Eureka Spitfire (not the UL version) which has a side entrance, is somewhat lighter, and has more room inside.

Editor's Note: For a short time Sierra Designs did sell an "Ultra Light Year" tent. It had carbon fiber poles instead of the aluminum poles used in the standard Light Year. It also used lighter fabrics, some of which have since found their way into the Light Year.

This ultra light one-person tent is awesome! Its set-up is extremely simple and takes only minutes. I could go on forever about the durabilty of this product.

Example, on my most recent trip to the Sierras I camped with six friends who were wasted by the night's end and on the way back to their campsites four of them tripped over the the rain fly's guy lines and while my friends did face plants into the ground (one breaking his nose) the tent didn't flinch.

I cannot stand the condensation problem with bivy sacks and the excellent ventilation this tent provides solved it. I am about 5 ft 11 in tall and had just enough room to sit up and change clothes. The vestibule has enough room to keep my Gregory Acadia pack and boots dry on rainy nights. My hat's off to Sierra Designs for making such a superior product. If you are a solo backpacker/thru-hiker then this is the tent for you hands down!!!

I've had my Ultra Light Year CD 8 years now and it's a great little tent. I've been damp in it, but never real wet. It's been to the AT dozens of times, and to Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, twice.

It's easy to set up and ventilates well. It is small, which is why it's so light. I have to put my pack under my feet if I want it in the tent with me (I'm 6', 225 lbs.). I usually put my boots in the vestibule. If you don't set it up tight, the area in front of the small poles (above your shins) will puddle water. Then if you kick that, it'll drip some water. When it's not raining, I like to leave the rainfly flap open. Then I can see outside and it's not so closed in, and that completely eliminates condensation.

I love my tent!