User Review: Stephenson's Warmlite Warmlite 2R

Reviewed October 31, 2000 by speacock

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: Semi cylindrical one entry, 4 season
Sleeps: 2+
Ease of Setup: Easy - (< 5 min) Some fooling with multisectional poles but that is minor.
Weight: Under 2.75lb (stakes+poles+bag+footprint)
Price Paid: $550+ (with options)

As of 11/2000 we have had ours 3+ years. Lightweight, robust tent even though it is made of quite fragile looking supports and fabric.

This is a specialized tent and not the kind you would let your kids use in the backyard with the neighbors kids sleeping over (at least not ours). It is a tent for someone who wants the lightest weight for two large people. I use it instead of a bivy -- luxury accomodations and lighter weight. There is room for two subzero bags and some gear.

First time setup is a bit of a problem so should be done in good weather in the daylight and backyard. After that it is simple and obvious to set up. Usually am the first set up in multi-tent camps. Only been beaten by popups.

The poles need some care as they don't withstand stomping upon. I put some silicone grease on the ends and that seems to have solved the problem of sticking sections. There are two shock corded, pre-formed, multisection poles that have to be assembled and then threaded through forward and rear tunnels. A single line pulls out from the rear for a stake and two pull out from the front. Thats it. The four ends of the poles provide strong tension to form the floor. In really nasty weather, you can nail those 4 ends down with more stakes.

Because of its size, I had early on worried about finding a spot big enough to put it up. Haven't had that problem in actual use, however.

Normal routine camping requires three stakes. We have at times replaced two of those with trek poles to reduce weight. Recommend you carry the seven required to bombproof the tent (one at each corner extra). Have set the tent up in driving rain and blowing snow in temps below zero on exposed ridge. No exceptional problems in any case. Did have to sit on tent while threading the poles during a 40+ mph wind. But after the rear stake was nailed into the snow the wind helped by erecting the rest of the tent. Only had to stick the two other stakes and climb in. Maybe 5 mins total?

Mine has the optional side windows (barn doors). Have used a few times but would pass on that option on next tent. Might be good if used as a fair weather tent a lot or if you expect to spend a bit of time in it and can extend the windows. My use has been usually in bad weather or because of bugs.

Can tighten or adjust tautness from inside tent -- which is nice on cold wet camps. A V24 next to us kept us awake all night in a strong high altitude blow. Ours was quiet with no flapping. Spills blowing snow and wind well.

Wish it had an awning or some cover over the door (can have it added by other than Stephensons) as entry and exit during a driving rain does let in some rain and spindrift. Entry can be standing upright and then crouching.

Also ask for as many ridge ties as they can put in as well as extra mesh pockets for small stuff.

It does not come with mosquitoe netting (the optional side windows do, however) over the doors. It has not been a problem with us so far.

Does not come with seams sealed. Requires part of an afternoon and a few of your favorite drinks in the backyard for that. Easy to do but messy and a bit time consuming. Good instructions for it. Also does not come with a footprint. Easily made from any number of materials. We made ours out of the lightest weight material available and replace when needed.

Does not come with stakes either. Your choice on those.

The material of the tent is so slick that nothing sticks to it, including you. So it is suggested that you put a little extra seam sealing (GE Silicone II mixed in odorless mineral spirits 50/50) on the floor so you don't slip and slide.

The tent is designed to spend time in your pack and not as a base camp. You are cautioned about UV eating up the fabric, but am guessing that I will be too old to worry about it when it does come apart. By that time I'll be ready for the 'better' tent.

Holds two plus easily. I would go for the 3-person tent if I were to do it again. A few extra dollars, a whole heck of a lot more room, two doors (nice when you have a full house) and only about 1 lb more.

I bought it because there is no tent with as much space for the weight on the market. I compared it against all the big names. It is just the lightest weight tent. I solo a lot and it fits inside my 5000ci pack with 5-8 days of food. It (tent,poles,stakes, footprint) is about the size of two wine bottles stacked on top of each other.

I'd suggest yellow as your primary color. Green is not that pretty.

Some condensation on the end pieces (beyond sleeping area) but not any more (or less) than any other single walled tent. Easily handled by either getting more ventilation or swiping with a towel. Worth the effort considering the pounds saved.

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