Lightning XT 2

 

Product Description

At 3 lbs 15 oz, the Lightning XT 2 is a nice, lightweight 2 person tent. I had found this tent online for a really nice price after selling off my Mountain Hardwear tent through Craigslist. I could not find any reviews on the 2-person version, but the 4-person version has received numerous awards and praises. I decided to take a chance with this tent, based on the reviews, along with the fact that Sierra Designs is a well respected company in the outdoor community.

Removing the tent from the box for the 1st time, I realized right off the bat the build quality was nice. Seams were taped nicely, full mesh upper with a bathtub floor. The dual vestbule is a nice option as well which allows for a 2nd person to take a midnight bathroom break without waking the other roommate. The poles are DAC Featherlite NSL, 8.5mm aluminum which should be strong enough for any sort of weather you may encounter (so long as you are guyed out appropriately). This pole takes a little getting used to as it is essentially three poles permanently connected. Setting up the first time revealed a little confusion of how the poles need orientated, but is not overly difficult for persons with common sense.



The only downside I really see is the tent being a shade on the short side. At 83" long, it pushes the envelope for my 6'1" frame. Since most sleeping bags are made to accomodate 5'10" for a regular, a guy my size is usually forced to buy a long sleeping bag which can house someone up to 6'6". That puts my overall length at 78". Luckily, I usually am rolling solo in this tent, so I can sleep diagnally to alleviate any moisture wicking from the tent walls to my bag. If I don't do this, either my feet, or my head will touch ever so slightly. Not a huge con... just an annoyance.

Overall, this is a nice tent. If you are over 6 ft, take a look at the SD Clip Flashlight. It's 6" longer than this tent and has a ton of reviews on the internet.

Specs below:

Trail Weight 3 lbs 15 oz
Fastpack Weight n/a
Packed Weight 4 lbs 7 oz
Packed Size 19" x 6"
Number of Doors 2
Interior Area 30 sq ft.
Vestibule Area 14.5 + 6.5 sq ft.
Peak Height 41"
Floor Material 70D Nylon, 3000mm
Body Material 20D Nylon
Fly Material 40D HT Nylon, 1500mm
Number of Poles 2 Hubbed
Poles DAC Featherlite NSL, 8.5mm

Features

Features:
• Ball Cap Connector™ with SQ Ring™
• SuperSeal Floor™
• Swivel H™ Hub
• Dual Vestibule
• Under 4 lbs
• Tunnel Dome

Images