Sierra Designs Baku 1

I bought this tent to replace my overused Integral Designs South Col Bivy Sack (Which is an Excellent product). I wanted a bit more room. The Baku seemed like the obvious choice (price/weight a plus). I've had it only a couple of months and used it backpacking on three trips now. It sets up easily and is very light.

But the CONDENSATION inside the tent is so bad that you get wet from INSIDE the tent. ALL three times I've woke up in the morning and late night with water dripping on my face. The water runs down the ceiling wall to the "VENT" and from there starts dripping on your face. Any movement inside the tent causes a stream of water to flow. I had to use my bandana to sop up the puddles forming in the corners of the tent and wipe down the walls. It took several ringings of the bandana to get up most of the water.

I guess I should give this tent a "USELESS" rating seeing as "SIERRA DESIGNS" refuses to take any responsibility for their faulty product. They said there IS a condensation issue and they are aware BUT it's not a WARRANTY issue and they don't feel they have to do anything about it. They have discontinued the tent and replaced it with a new model with MORE ventilation but refuse to take back the BAKU or even offer a discount on the new tent.

I bought this tent because I liked the design of a single wall and vestibule and the lightness of a single person tent. I took it on a test run in the Pine Valley Wilderness in Southwestern Utah. Elevation was approx. 9500 feet. Breezy and between the upper 40's at night to upper 60's day.

I have to tell you this is the worst tent I have ever owned. The condensation was amazing. It looked like it rained inside the tent! My down bag and everything in the tent was soaking wet by morning. It was properly vented - both end vents open and the side window. The vestibule was closed with my pack inside - which also got wet. I spent the whole night sleepless. Every time I turned I'd hit the side of the tent and it literally rained on me.

I absolutely would not recommend this tent to anyone. Set up was ok but with one fly you can't pull the vestibule too tight or the tent leans over - even staked in all 4 corners. I did not guy it out as it wasn't necessary. Sorry, this is the worst performing tent I have ever tried.

Unlike the other reviewers I have not experienced the condensation problem with this tent. I have used this tent on the "Lost Coast Trail" in California and other weekend trips in New Mexico. I have used it in temperatures from 75 deg to 35 deg. in sunny, rainy and very windy (50mph gusts) weather.

The vestibule is large enough to hold my pack and boots out of the weather and since it has two doors, I use the non vestibule side as the primary entry/exit. This little guy has performed admirably so far. This is my primary backpacking tent and I also own the Baku 3 person tent that I use for base/car camping.