Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 3 Tent
Retail price: $425
Specs per manufacturer: The Skyledge 3 is a very roomy, freestanding, three season tent designed for the serious backcountry user. A mesh and ripstop canopy provides both weather protection and privacy in a lightweight package. Two side doors with large vestibules provide ample gear storage. Atlas UL poles reinforced by our Evolution Tension Arches provide outstanding strength in stormy conditions. Superlight details like molded grommet tabs, fly hook attachments and 1/4″ webbing further reduce weight. Guaranteed watertight construction. Superlight option: pitch with fly and durable Spun-bonded Olefin Pitch Light™ footprint to shave ounces. Spun-bonded Olefin footprint sold separately.
Findings: I absolutely love this tent! The packed weight is just 5 lbs 9 oz. The footprint is slightly smaller than the Drifter, but fits 3 all the same. There isn’t a lot of room to spare, but for the weight, I don’t miss the extra space. This tent is tight and has ample guy lines to stake out in any weather. Like most lightweight tents, it has a lot of mesh. This means it isn’t super warm. I’ve used it on below freezing nights and have been fine, but if you sleep cold, take this into consideration. As for rain protection, the Skyledge does an awesome job. I’ve used it in wind, rain and more rain and even some snow and have been totally dry every night. The set up is simple even in foul weather. Two vestibules give plenty of room for storage. The Drifter is a similar design, but the Skyledge is definitely worth the extra money for the performance you will get out of it. I’m 30+ nights in this tent so far and I don’t have any complaints. A hardy two thumbs up!