Sierra Designs Orion CD

Review Date
January 26, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: TWiggins(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Central California

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Herb Baurers

Summary:
First of all, don't confuse this with the new Orion AST (a good tent). This model (the CD) was discontinued. If you read the reviews you will see the reason why. Sierra Designs uses only best materials, but this model had a design flaw. If you use this tent in the rain YOU WILL GET WET. I was backpaced in 14 miles on a offtrail 8 day pack trip, and almost had it spoiled due to rain. Sealing the seams will help but will not eliminate the water leakage. In dry weather the tent was quite satisfactory, but if you like to go to remote lonely spots far away from your car or other people you might get in trouble. You have been warned. Read my comments on customer service.

Customer Service:
The best. After I got back from my packtrip (still wet) I called SD and they sent out the new redesigned Orion AST along with some free seam sealer. Great tent, Great people. They use nothing by the best materials.

Review Date
May 22, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Paratrooper(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Willard, Mo

Price Paid:  $230.00 at campmor

Summary:
I've had this tent for a couple of years now. At first I thought I would love it but I've decided otherwise. Over-all it's an okay tent but I could find better for a lot less money. I've had some trouble with condensation even with venting the fly and guying it out. The factory sent a tube of sealant with the tent. THROW IT AWAY AND USE SOMETHING ELSE!!! It is always sticking to itself and the fly leaks no matter what I do. It also does not hold it's shape well because the poles seem to always turn inward. The clips that link the poles are too much trouble!!

Customer Service:
I have given up on this tent and should have my new Walrus Velo-dome tomorrow and can't wait to review it!! I've heard good things about their tents and hope it lives up to the hype.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 28, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Rick August(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Phoenix, Az

Price Paid:  $289.00 at REI

Summary:
I had the Orion 3 and used it during a rainy night. The weather proofing of the design is flawed. The fly doesn't properly cover the corners of the tent, so leakage can occur if the seams are not perfectly sealed. Also, there is a strap on both sides of the fly right above the window. The water wicked through the strap which would be hard to stop without cutting off the strap and sealing the area. I loved the inner tent. It was roomy and a tight design but the fly is flawed. I returned my tent to REI without a problem and ordered a tent from another manufacturer that doesn't have this rainfly coverage problem. It's too bad since I really liked the design of the inner tent but I will be very reluctant to buy another tent from them. It might be OK with good seam sealing and some modifications, but they should do a better job on the design. I checked many of the professional reviews about this product before I bought it and I was a little surprised that they didn't mention this problem.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
My first backpacking tent.

Review Date
April 11, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Doug Traub(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from SLC, UT, USA

Price Paid:  $225.00 at REI

Summary:
I Bought this tent about three years ago and overall it has been great. the only problem I've had was probably my fault in that I didn't use the seam sealer when I first purchased the tent and after the first year the fly began to leak badly. But since sealing the seams and treating the fly with a waterproofer it has been great. It may be a little small for some but it's weight and packed size are hard to beat. I would definitely recommend this tent to anyone who plans on using it for backpacking.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 9, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Bryan(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Denver

Price Paid:  $239.00 at REI

Summary:
I've had this tent for almost three years now and the only problem I have had was a little condensation. This was my fault because I didn't guy out the fly. When I have guyed our the fly I have had no problems. For the weight and price I think it is an excellent choice. For my 5'8" frame it has plenty of room for two, and had withstood strong winds, rain, and even a little hail.

I think this is a great three-season tent that has taken me from the plains to 12,000 ft. I never have to worry about performance or leakage. It is great.

Similar Products Used:
None