First impression: Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 tent (1.2kg)

[matthias]

A few days ago I received a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 and I was just asked in another topic here to provide some photos and impressions.

I was looking for a lightweight 1-person tent (comfortable lightweight, not hardcore lightweight aka tarp tent etc). Previously I owned a Vango Helium 100, which was nice at 1kg, but I wanted a little more comfort. I wanted a tent where I can sit inside and have all my stuff around me, not that coffin-like experience that many superlight tents and shelters provide.

I looked at the usual suspects such as MSR Hubba and others, but either they were too expensive, too heavy or I didn't like the form factor. At some point I found Big Agnes, and I decided between the Fly Creek UL1 and Seedhouse SL1. I chose the Seedhouse because it's not much heavier, a tiny bit bigger and $50 cheaper. And it has a more neutral colour.

Earlier this week I received it from Backcountry and so far I only did a quick test pitch in my apartment, so all I can give is first impressions and look at the manufacturing quality. I'm going to take it on an extended trip to Cradle and Walls in a couple of weeks, afterwards I might update this post.

The good

• Feels like above-average manufacturing quality compared to my previous tents (Salewa and Vango).
• Lightweight. Kitchen scale says 1240g without, and 1370g with the optional footprint.
• Free standing (though you'll have more room when pegged out)
• The first time you'll probably do it wrong, but the second time pitching the tent should only take a few moments.
• For one person it's quite roomy, you can easily store all your gear inside. In emergency situations you may even accomodate another person.
• When pegged out, the vestibule feels big for a 1-person tent. It's not huge, but you could probably cook something if you're careful. Big enough for shoes and backpack.
• Rain cover can quickly be attached to either body or footprint using clips (see photo), no need for pegs.
• Pegs are lightweight and long, I probably won't replace them with better ones.
• Colour blends into the environment, for those of us who don't like tents with bright colours.
• Price: with shipping from the US it is currently around AU$300 (footprint +$50)

The bad

• Setting up the footprint together with the rain cover first, and then adding the inner tent afterwards, is rather complicated with this model (just in case you ever need to pitch the tent during rain this would be useful). Unfortunately the ridge of the tent body uses sleeves and not clips, so you need to thread the rear pole through the sleeves _before_ inserting the pole into the grommet. The front section of the tent uses clips, I don't know why they didn't use that on the ridge as well. Then it would have been perfect.
• Footprint is about $50 extra

The packed size on the last photo feels a bit large, but it's not a compression bag, and it includes the footprint. By squeezing it you can flatten it to about 8cm height.

There are more photos here:
http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail ... edhouseSL1
http://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-se ... n-3-season

Verdict so far: in the category 'comfortable 1-person lightweight tent that doesn't cost a fortune' this is probably one of the best options at the moment. Looking forward to trying it outside.

Footprint

Footprint and inner tent with poles. Notice how you could get more space at the rear end by using pegs.

With rain cover

Clip system to attach raincover to either footprint (top) or inner tent (middle).

Packed size, including footprint. Not compressed.

[flatfoot]

Wow! Thanks for the detailed review! It looks like a nice tent. The entry looks like you need to be less of a contortionist than for the vango.

What is the length of the poles when they are collapsed and bundled?

It's a pity they used loops rather than clips for the ridge of the tent body. It would probably be easy to add clips yourself. A quick google revealed the following http://www.questoutfitters.com/plastic.htm. See "tent clips" listed at the bottom. The diagrams aren't very clear so it is difficult to determine whether the clips shown are suitable. Does anyone know sources for clips/hooks that are more suitable or better quality?

Look forward to more info on the tent once you have had the chance to try it on a trip.

[Franco]

When pegged out, the vestibule feels big for a 1-person tent. It's not huge, but you could probably cook something if you're careful. Big enough for shoes and backpack.
I would strongly suggest pretending to cook (that is setting everything up without lighting the flame) under that vestibule at home before you attempt doing it in the bush.
Rain cover can quickly be attached to either body or footprint using clips (see photo), no need for pegs.
Yes you can attach it like that so that id does not fly away, but to have it set up correctly so that the fly does not look as it does in your shot you need all 11 pegs. 13 are suggested for bad weather.


Franco
hope that this is seen as info but if anyone find it objectionable I will deleted.

[matthias]

hope that this is seen as info but if anyone find it objectionable I will deleted.

No objections here. I wouldn't cook in the vestibule myself, but only because my stove is very basic. Open flames in vestibules are never great.

I agree the clips aren't there to replace the pegs, what I meant was that we all have set up tents in windy conditions, so we know what a pain it is. When you can quickly attach the rain cover to the rest of the tent so it doesn't fly away it's then easier to set the pegs.

What is the length of the poles when they are collapsed and bundled?

40cm approx.

[matthias]

Just a follow-up to my initial preview. I now had the chance to use the tent on an 8 day trip from Lake St Clair to Pine Valley, through the Never Never, and out through Walls of Jerusalem via Lake Ball and Dixon's Kingdom. I have had a lot of different conditions, rain, storm, cold nights and warm nights, and after all I'm still really happy with the Seedhouse. I didn't notice any real issues.

As Franco pointed out you need many pegs to set it up well, so that it looks good and there is some distance between the inner tent and the rain cover. But you will never need more than the 10 that are included. I usually used all 10, just because I had the time. You could get away with only using 6, or even none at all if it doesn't matter that the rain cover touches the inner tent. As a freestanding tent you simply use the clips to attach the rain cover.

What I liked

• Feels like a durable, quality tent. Doesn't feel cheap.
• Can be set up or packed away in 2 minutes
• Never had condensation issues except for one night where it rained and I had stored wet gear inside the tent
• The reflective guy lines are really handy at night
• Despite the inner tent having a lot if mesh, I never felt any wind or excessive temperature from outside coming through
• Easily stores all equipment inside the tent. You can see on the picture there's a fair bit of space next to the mattress.
• High enough so I can sit inside, but my head is touching the top (I'm 1.80m)

In the end I think for a 1.2kg tent around $300 it's a great choice.

Seedhouse at Dixon's Kingdom