Rating of the Sierra Designs Lightning tent was determined by analyzing consumer reviews at various online retailers. This Gear Rater listing should not be considered a recommendation by Hiker’s Corner, but as a guide to help you make informed decisions.
Gear Rater - Sierra Designs Lightning Tent 2-Person 3-Season
 Sierra Designs Lightning Tent 2-Person 3-Season. |
Sierra Designs touts the Lightning Tent as the lightest freestanding, two-person, three-season tent with a full coverage fly on the market. This high-performance shelter utilizes exclusive design features to keep it light and strong. Easton Graftlight Carbon poles are 20% lighter than standard aluminum. Special pre-bent pole sections add livable space without adding weight. Also includes the Super Seal floor and patented Stash Door, which tucks neatly away into an internal mesh pocket. A vestibule provides an extra 10 sq ft of space to stash your gear. |
Overall Rating 
The Word
This is a fairly new tent in the Sierra Designs line up, so consumer reviews are not very plentiful at this time. However, we did analyze the reviews at Backcountry.com to acquire the following information.
The consumers that provided reviews of this item all fully enjoyed using the tent. Pros included the weight, size, and its seam sealing. The Lightning was used in rainy stormy weather by more than one person, and everyone was pleased with its ability to endure poor conditions.
The primary con noted, was that the tent doesn’t vent well with the fly on and closed, yet it received an overall combined rating of 5 stars.
Hiker’s Corner Input
The lack of ventilation while using the rain fly will lead to condensation build up under certain conditions. Surely the moisture is easier to live with than the pouring rain. The tent itelf is mostly mesh, so on warm dry nights the fly can be left open.
Tech Specs:
- Material: 40D 1.4oz. Ripstop Nylon (Canopy), 70D 2.6oz. Polyurethane Coated Nylon Taffeta (Floor, Fly), 20D 1.6 oz. Woven Nylon (Mesh)
- Freestanding: Yes
- Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz
- Poles: 2
- Pole Material: Easton FX Carbon
- Doors: 1 stash door
- Clip/Sleeve: Clip
- Floor Space: 30 sq ft
- Interior Height: 40"
- Vestibule: Yes - 10 sq ft.
- Seam Sealed: yes
- Bathtub Floor: yes
- Ventilation: 20D No-See-Um mesh (Door, Side and Back Vents)
- Packed Size: 6" x 24"
- Use: Backpacking
- Warranty: Lifetime