Sierra Lightning HT 3 Tent
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THE SELL: Roomy three-person backpacking tent. THE TEST: To make the most of the Lightning HT’s 40 square feet of floor space, Sierra Designs ditched the traditional X design for two parallel ridgepoles connected by a crossing brow pole. Then they shaved ounces by paring the pole clips to a minimum and using lightweight but sturdy plastic Jake’s Foot corner anchors (see right). The clever vestibule design sheltered the tent body even with the door open, making cooking in bad weather a pleasure. THE VERDICT: It initially seemed a bit wobbly, but once topped by the snug fly, it stood up to steady 20 mph winds on an Oregon coast surfing trip. 5.5 lbs.
Livability: 4.5
Sturdiness: 4