Stephenson s Warmlite 2R

Review Date
July 5, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Big Steve(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $500.00 at direct

Summary:
I have been a satisfied 3R user for 7 years, and my GF just ordered a 2R for my birthday! I have used my 3R roughly 200 nights, mostly off trail in alpine and subalpine terrain, and numerous night on snow. WARNING -- all Stephenson tents are "thinking persons' tents." Once erected properly, then are bomber, but they require some technique to erect to avoid damage. Re condensation, one can expect condensation on the single wall ends, which I sponge off periodically. Condensation on the middle (double wall section) can be somewhat avoided by unzipping the side windows (I highly recommend the side window and large door options). I did not order the internal wind stablizers, and I engineered and sewed in my own design, which works great. The 3R is very warm for winter camping due to the coated double wall design and use of aluminized fabric on the inner wall. Stephenson Warmlite tents are far away the lightest and roomiest 4-season tents available, BUT they will not work for the non-mechanically minded. Also end vent systems can invite spindrift snow in very cold, dry and windy conditions -- I abate the problem by jamming my backpack up against the vent. Also, the 3/8" middle pole for the 3R is a nice option (to lessen the buffeting affect in high cross winds).

Customer Service:
okay for me, although I've heard complaints

Similar Products Used:
Stephenson Warmlite 3R; Black Diamond MegaLight

Review Date
January 16, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Ed(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $500.00 at mail order

Summary:
I bought my first 2R in 1972, and still use it, though the fabric is worn and I've had to do some repair work on it. The 2R is easy to set up, if you pay attention to setting the poles all the way through. It has provided safe refuge through some nasty winds, including a 1976 winter storm on Mt. Whitney which pulled down 2 other tents. My 2R was knocked down around 1978 on Mt. Shasta in 100 mph winds, after I did a poor job pitching it (sideways to the wind), but a much-touted mountaineering tent also met the same fate, and our party made a hasty retreat. I bought my second 2R, with the silicone fabric in 1996. It is great, though the front door can't be left open with netting like the older models, making it prone to overheat. I will contact Bill S. to see if they'll install side windows if I mail it back to them. Stephenson's Warmlite are the 2 best tents I've ever bought. This tent is especially good for ultralight backpackers, mountaineers and snow campers who want a secure tent. But, it is a "technician's" tent, meaning you have to use some extra care with it, due to the ultralight fabric and poles.

Customer Service:
When my poles were broken on Mt. Shasta, I called Jack, who advised that his tent was engineered for 94 mph. He replaced my pole sections and gave me ripstop tape for the fabric which the broken pole ends piked through. The tent was then nearly good as new.

Similar Products Used:
North Face tadpole (a good, lightweight 3 season tent with great ventilation).

Review Date
February 9, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Rene Braun(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $470.00 at Stephensons

Summary:
I bought this tent sometimes around 1992 after long research. Actually I bought the Preying Mantis first and after getting caught in rainstorm and spending 20 minutes setting up the tent I decided that I wanted something better. Ease of setup was the first thing that sold me on the 2 series. The second thing was the weight. Under 3lbs!!! The third selling point was the drop front (I don't believe this option is offered anymore) - with the drop front you can just open up the entire front of the tent. I did not order the side windows but that will be my next option when I order the 3series this year.

Now after 10+ years of use I can say that this tent is absolutely amazing. It is easy to setup, easy to carry, warm on cold nights and roomy for 3 people (even though it is a 2 person tent).

After 5 years of use I got paranoid and ordered another can of sealant and sealed the tent again. I actually preffer to seal my tent because this way I can be absolutely sure that it is done RIGHT and with care. If do a bad job then the only person I can blame is me.

I will be ordering a 3 series this year. I have two kids with whom we used the 2rd but the kids are getting too big for this tent. I'll be ordering 3 series with side windows and let the kids use the 2RD.

Last fall I snapped my large pole. I was setting up in the middle of the night and thought I had the poles totally together. One of the poles was in only partially and the bending motion put too much stress on it. I will be ordering a replacement pole with my order or 3R tent.

Customer Service:
The people at the Customer Service are partially like the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. I actually get a chuckle from speaking to them but they are to the point and don't waste any time. I like it that way. There is no waffling between issues during the conversation. You are told what the rules are - make your choice.

Similar Products Used:
Eureka Dome tent - too heavy
Praying Mantis - too complicated

Review Date
September 26, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve_P(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from knoxville, TN

Price Paid:  $570.00 at Stephensons

Summary:
Ok, I have now tested the durability of this tent, so I will comment on that. This should be considered a supplement to my below review.

We camped at about 12,000 ft in CO, weather was rainy at first, then later turned *very* windy. Winds were definately over 50 mph, probably 60+ mph max gusts and hitting the side of the tent, not good. The winds lasted all night, it was not a 15 minute thing. Unfortunately, we were not camped in a good spot, very open, but had no options. So, on the strongest gusts, the center portion of the tent would literally almost totally flatten on us and then instantly spring back up. I figured that most likely there would be major damage, but the next morning, and on closer inspection later, there was none.

I was very surprised because I was sceptical of the claims made on their website of this tent and bought it for weight savings, but it is much stronger than it looks.

Review Date
August 12, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve_P(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from knoxville, TN

Price Paid:  $570.00 at Stephensons

Summary:
Well, like the two reviewers say below, this tent is *super* easy to set up. If you cannot handle setting this tent up, you really should stay home because it doesn't get any easier.

I have not really tested the durability of this tent, but it is definately rock solid stable in 30mph winds.

I have the 2RLDS- two person, large door, side vents. This is the one you want for one or two people. I cannot imagine not having the side vents.

As far as venting and condensation: yes it is a single wall tent. You *will* have condensation on the inside when the conditions are right and you have the side vents mostly closed. So what? Get a pack towel and wipe it off in the morning. If there is a small wind, about 10mph, and you set it up with the head into the wind, the venting system works as advertised and you will not have any condensation under almost all circumstances. In calm weather you will have condensation under many conditions. If it is not that cold, just open the side vents about 12" and stake the covers over rocks so they are parallel to the ground and no problems with condensation at all.

Seam sealing this tent is a PITA. I probably spent half a day on it. But, it is done and it is not something that takes a rocket scientist to do.

I probably over sealed my tent- used the entire tube of silicone- sealed most seams twice. Even with this, 3 mtn hdw Y pegs, 4 TI pegs, a 1-2 mil plastic ground sheet, the tent and the sack all weigh about 3 lb 14? oz. I can't remember, maybe it was 3lb 12oz. The tent and sack weigh about 3 lb 5.5 ox, about 2.5 oz heavier than they advertise;I attribute this to my oversealing.

So, if you can afford it, buy this tent. If you cannot, save up!

I literally lost 5 lbs in pack weight by replacing my Marmot Swallow tent with this one. I will not go back to a heavy tent.

Because of the price, I can only give it a 4 on value. Considering it is made in the US, I have no problem paying the extra $.

Customer Service:
NA, but they were very helpful on the phone when purchasing and willing to answer all questions

Similar Products Used:
Marmot Swallow, Marmot Nutshell