Sierra Designs Convert 2 Tent, 4-Season

2023-03-07T19:00:00

I purchased this as a fallback for my SD SuperFlash -- purchased in the early 1990's (maybe 91-92). I had some water incursion, and recoated it with urethane -- still a little water - used Gear Aid Solar Wash and that seemed to hold... It's hard for me to give up an anchor piece of gear - but knowing I have it's descendent waiting in the wings....I'm looking forward to many more nights with SD gear keeping me safe and warm.

Chris H.

Originally posted at

2023-02-20T19:00:00

I have had other 4-season/light tents to compare with including REI Arete 2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition, as well as Black Diamond Megalite shelter. I like the overall design of the Convert 2, as it seems sturdier than the other options in this weight range, as well as the option to remove the vestibule to lighten the load further for solo trips. It does need a lot of stakes to secure it, but that should add to the wind/snowload stability further. Things which I feel could be improved: -The version which I received was different in setup than what even the 'updated instruction sheet' said. The connector for the cross pole was metal rather than plastic (a positive), and the midline 'spine' pole now has to go beneath the cross-poles, rather than above them. This may be why it was sold on deep discount, rather than having to unpack all of these tents and put in yet another updated instruction sheet. -The door is connected at the bottom, and when open falls onto the mud, snow, etc. This also prevents you from quickly zipping it up to keep out the mosquitos while leaving your feet out the bottom of the door to get off your shoes. Having it attached at the exiter's left side (D-shaped door) with 2 zippers would work better. -It was awkward to exit out the vestibule door, which is fairly low and the zipper pull far from the tent door. This caused me to rub my head/back against the condensation or frost on the vestibule roof each time I entered/exited the tent, or have to crawl on my belly in the mud. -I am concerned about the amount of fly overhang over the rear window (with non-waterproof zipper). Horizontally blowing rain could get in there. I'd like the overhang to be a little longer. I have yet to test it in high wind, but it seems like a very good compromise between weight and strength for all but high-altitude mountaineering, ski touring, and all-season backpacking. I found the color easy to spot from afar, a necessary feature in a winter or mountaineering tent, and also would be more cheerful to be in during prolonged storms, rather than a dark, dim, color. Even when not on sale, the price seems reasonable for the features.

David F.

Originally posted at

2023-01-18T19:00:00

It's a great tent. Haven't really tested it out in windy conditions but it's been fine. I still like my assailant 1 tho-best tent I have ever owned.

Aidan G.

Originally posted at

2022-09-03T20:00:00

I have only erected the tent in my living room, but head to Iceland for 30 days of backpacking and car camping across that open, windy, cold land. I have high expectations for what will be our home. What impresses me most is how incredibly large the tent feels inside in comparison to the total mass of the package. It's 2x the weight of my 3 season 2 person tent, but 3x the volume and far, far more durable. I'll return with the results of our field test soon!

Kai S.

Originally posted at

2022-08-24T20:00:00

I have pitched this 40 times and counting and every single time I say you are the best tent ever! I have ridden out horrendous thunderstorms in it. How about those times where it?s drizzle for days? Yes, that vestibule rocks! I?ve woke up to it laden in snow. The winds right off Lake Superior haven?t budged it. Shortly after buying a few years ago, the poles were bent during a significant storm. Long story short, a new set of poles was immediately mailed to me. Stunning customer service! Bravo, Sierra Designs!

Lyn N.

Originally posted at

2022-05-07T20:00:00

I love how warm and sound this tent is. I have had if for a year now, and camped throw some very terrible weather. Such as light hail storms (in the open), Wyoming (it is very windy up there), etc... I highly recommend this tent. I don't car for the burrito bag and the fact that you have to roll the tent up. I am traditionally a person who stuffs there tent in the sack, the burrito bag for me was really annoying and time consuming to put away. Other than that I would give it a 5 star rating.

Tanner R.

Originally posted at

2020-11-17T19:00:00

I love the tent and I’m glad I bought it but it’s one weakness like another reviewer noted is in a steady rain parts of the fly tries to touch the tent. It did not leak but the fabric was getting wet.

Fritz

Originally posted at

2020-11-04T19:00:00

I purchased this tent to use in the mountains of Colorado during the fall. I have used it each weekend for the past 6 weeks in snow and 15 degree weather. It is very sturdy and warm. I only had an issue with condensation 1 time when there were 2 of us in the tent, but I opened the vents a little more the next night and didn’t have the issue again. The vestibule is a good size to store packs and gear. I used this tent for backcountry hunting and it worked well.  

Jeremy P.

Originally posted at

2020-09-13T20:00:00

Purchased the convert 2 for a recent backpacking trip in maroon bells colorado and glad i did. It was packed down very tight, the travel bag had a strap system similar to a stuff sack and kept things tight. It snowed several inches on us the first night with temps getting into the teens but I stayed fairly warm inside the tent. The vestibule feature kept my pack and gear nice and dry and doubled as a Cookspot out of the elements for jet boil. Fairly easy assembly with instructions in the bag. Nice light weight stakes and poles. 10/10 would recommend

Trystan J.

Originally posted at

2020-08-30T20:00:00

I have the previous version of the Convert 2 and this new one appears to offer substantial improvements over the old one. I've used it in a variety of conditions in the Rockies and in the Coast Range of British Columbia (though never in full winter conditions) and it is warm, spacious for its weight and holds up well in windy conditions. As mentioned by other reviewers, pitching the thing is a bit of a pain - untangling the poles and getting them where they need to be is cumbersome. Getting the footprint in place is a real hassle. Setting it up when you are borderline hypothermic or in a high wind would be a nightmare. Once set up it works well, though it's not great in very wet conditions like we often have in coastal British Columbia. It seems to be impossible to pitch it so the fly doesn't touch the tent around the bottom and as a consequence it wants to leak where that happens. More than once I've longed for my old Sierra Designs tents - I've used and fully worn out a Clip Flashlight 2 and a Stretch Dome, and another whose name I can't recall is still in service - all them were solid performers; this one, a little less so. The current version of the Convert 2 might correct some of the problems I've identified and if I could trade mine in I would, but as it stands I'll probably look elsewhere when it comes time to get a new four seasons tent.

Brian

Originally posted at

2020-07-19T20:00:00

I like the convertible spaces for versatility.

Charles W.

Originally posted at

2020-07-13T20:00:00

The Convert 2 is the first 4-season tent I could ACTUALLY use in all 4-seasons rather than just late Fall, Winter, and early Spring. Its lightweight materials don't lend it so much to being an "expedition" level 4-season tent, but for anyone that is looking for a lightweight and versatile 4-season tent this is a must have. It excelled here in Colorado as a ski mountaineering tent with its massive vestibule as well as for summer alpine climbing where weight really counts. So far I haven't had any condensation problems in a variety of conditions, unlike what I have experienced in other 4-season tents. The Convert 2 has kept me warm, dry, and very comfortable throughout my trips. I highly recommend this tent as part of anyone quiver and makes for a great first 4-season tent!

Zach E.

Originally posted at

2020-06-26T20:00:00

Bought this in preparation for a spike camp for Elk hunting in November. Saw some previous reviews about difficult set up and was a little concerned but it really is pretty easy, if you do once before you actually use it. If you set it up for heavy weather you will have to think it out a bit with the stakes provided but not to difficult. Lots of room and good craftsmanship. No complaints thus far. Can’t Waite to get it up in the wilderness.

Robert B.

Originally posted at

2020-06-22T20:00:00

The Convert 2 excels as a light weight yet very livable alternative for ski mountaineers, ski tourers, mountaineers, and alpine climbers not doing expedition level mountaineering necessarily. In other words, the Convert 2 is basically perfection for people like myself ski touring, mountaineering, and ice climbing in winter and alpine rock climbing and backpacking in summer all on peaks below 15,000 ft. here in Colorado and the rest of the western US. The perfect balance of weight, packability, versatility, and durability has skyrocketed the Convert 2 to the forefront of my quiver of shelters. Sierra Designs has delivered a game changing tent for mountaineers and climbers like myself. I look forward to using the Convert 2 year round from now on no matter the adventure or weather forecast. This is the first 4-season tent that I have found that I could *ACTUALLY* use in all 4-seasons and not just the dead of winter and spring

Zeiten

Originally posted at

2020-05-17T20:00:00

Really love the tent. Full of clever design features. The only drawback for me is the color scheme. Granted it's not only Sierra Designs that are guilty of using garish colorways on outdoor gear but come on, why would anyone want a blue and yellow backpacking tent?!

Adam R.

Originally posted at

2020-04-25T20:00:00

So impressed with this tent. Class-leading utility-to-weight ratio. Would recommend to anyone looking for a light weight, fully capable 4-season tent with plenty of space for two.

William H.

Originally posted at

2020-01-26T19:00:00

This is a super nice tent it packs up very small set up in actual snow windy conditions on a mountain are tough but will get easier with use and practice. I would like to see them add some additional airflow to the sides of the tent maybe a popup vent on each side to help with condensation on cold nights. My only complaint is the vestibule material is super nice because it is light and very waterproof however i did tear a piece of the snow skirt when i was staking it out and i also have a small burn from an ember while cooking just outside the vestibule. Vestibules are great to cook in winter especially while snowing or windy however i think the material is so light and thin i am worried how long it will hold up with extended use. Overall this is an awesome tent the weight, size, pack ability, and weather resistance are awesome. Used at @ 12000+ ft , 0 - 25 degrees , 6 inches new snow fell overnight, 10 - 20 mph wind

Ryan W.

Originally posted at

2019-12-15T19:00:00

Great tent but come on guys give me different color choices! Tent color is just terrible! I would love a forest green or Army green even gray would do. Neon yellow and blue suck!

gene c.

Originally posted at

2019-08-29T20:00:00

This tent really does do a great job! It sets up quick and easy for a tent in this category. The weight is fantastic, and you can get that even lighter if you know you have a good weather window. The thing is spacious for 2 people, and you could get 3 people in a pinch. It’s maybe a small thing, but the bright colors an white inner wall make it quite pleasant to be in. I definitely recommend this tent!!

Jeremy L.

Originally posted at

2019-08-02T20:00:00

I found that the attachment system to attach the fly to the body of the tent was not well designed…. I would not like to have to pitch this tent in a storm, or at night. So, I have returned this tent to you. I have 3 other Sierra Design tents…. Jim

James A.

Originally posted at

2019-06-05T20:00:00

i’ve only set the tent up one time the day I got it, set up is fairly easy took a little bit but not complaining too much, I plan on taking this tent to Colorado this October because I drew an elk tag I’ll be up around 11,000 feet and I needed something that was a Four season ultra light weight and this was the best option looking at the specs . I do plan on splitting the weight of the stent with another hunter. Quality and construction seemed superb the poles were super nice tent also packs down really small which I liked. If you are considering buying a tent that will last lifetime this is probably the one from my experience with it .

dylan a.

Originally posted at

2019-01-30T19:00:00

I haven't had a chance to take this out on a winter trip yet but my initial impressions are that it is pretty much exactly what I was looking for in a 4 season tent. Set up is intuitive and reasonably quick. My initial practice pitch was on cold, very windy day and things went fine. It's pretty light weight for a double wall, 4 season tent. I like the removable vestibule for the weight savings when not needed. I imagine I'll use it without the vestibule much of the time. The interior space is good, there are plenty of loops for hanging gear and the long spine of the tent makes for a good clothesline option. The mesh pockets could be bigger and deeper. My only real worry about the tent is that I would have liked to have seen some sort of storm flap to protect the zippers when not using the vestibule. Though I guess you probably should have the vestibule on the tent if wind driven rain is anticipated. As usual, service and shipping were quick and easy.

chad s.

Originally posted at

2018-11-06T19:00:00

I have loved using this tent, it has been so versatile and has kept me warm and dry on multiple extended ski touring trips in the Australian Alps in 100km winds and -10 temps. It is fairly easy to setup once you get used to the unique design and I can do it by myself in pretty windy tough conditions without too much struggle. The internal room is amazing, its the most spacious and comfiest two person tent I've even had, fitting my self and my 6'5 boyfriend with all our winter gear comfortably. I love that the vestibule is removable cause it makes it that little bit lighter for solo trips and at under 2kg its amazingly light and compact. Fantastic design, love it!

Kirra

Originally posted at

2018-10-18T20:00:00

Easy (relatively speaking!) to set up, withstood below freezing temps and gusts of 25mph easily, could have accommodated 3 adults in a pinch and best of all I backpacked with it and it was one of my lighter items!!! The burrito bag is genius. It packed down so small I could hardly believe it. Great fantastic tent and purchase as are all of my Sierra Design purchases. Thank you!

sarah w.

Originally posted at

2018-01-08T19:00:00

I just got finished using this tent in Colorado and Wyoming winter for 7 nights. With the exception of one glaring issue, I really dig this tent. The set-up is reasonably easy, but there are a few gotchas that you have to remember or you'll get 75% of the way done and have to undo all the poles to get the cross-members UNDER the spine. This is clear in the written directions, but suffice to say it's not fool-proof, especially when it's cold, dark, windy, and you're tired. The directions say that the fly needs to be fastened to the tent poles with small patches of velcro to ensure "proper tension" of the fly. This is an unfortunate step for a 4-season tent, as it requires a delicate touch before the fly is completely secure--a tall order in sub-ideal conditions. I rarely accomplished this step in the cold, but the fly seemed to perform just fine (although I never experienced exceptional winds). My biggest complaint about this tent is that when the temperature dips below 0-10 deg F, the shock cord in the tent poles loses elasticity and becomes excessively long. You then have to take a gloveless hand to bare metal to delicately push the now useless string into the pole to get all the segments together. The shock cord is now working against you as it tries to push the pole segments apart while you attempt to affix the ends to the corners. If you set up the tent in warmer temperatures, it behaves normally. To say the least, it was frustrating and potentially dangerous to have to deal with this well below freezing. The tent stakes that come with this tent are superb for most conditions, and given the poor quality of most original stakes, I was pleasantly surprised. However, if you find yourself beating on them with your avy shovel to get them in frozen ground, expect them to bend as mine did. I appreciate the storage system of this tent. The burrito bag is awesome and allows you to compress the tent into a package 75% the size of tents smaller than this. I do wish the bag were just a little bigger, because getting everything into it takes a lot of coaxing (and sometime coercing). Eventually it all fits, though. The buckles on the compression straps can be frustrating with gloves and don't function at all if snow gets in them. Livability is fantastic. Being 76" myself, it is plenty long and has lots of room for my foot-shorter wife and our 60 lb dog. The vestibule is big enough for all our gear plus cooking space. There are only two pockets inside the tent, though, and they are relatively small. It would be nice to see more of them. The ventilation is great: you can open up the entire front door and half the rear of the tent to mesh fabric. The tent body fabric seems breathable enough that with the ventilation, this is truly a 4-season tent. I haven't noticed any signs of wear, and the tent floor is reinforced where it seems it ought to be. It's held up quite well so far and although I haven't had the opportunity to test it in wicked conditions, I am fully confident that it will stand to a load of snow and wind. Besides the issue with the shock cord, I'm very pleased with this tent. It has great marks in livability, size/weight, and as far as I can tell so far, durability.

TruckerJoe

Originally posted at

2017-10-25T20:00:00

The Convert 2 is a truly substantial, lightweight (only 5 lbs.!) 4-season tent. It sets up fairly quickly (around 10-15 minutes by myself) and comes down even faster. For being a "2-man tent" There is plenty of room for 2 and even a small pet. I slept in it solo and had ample room to move around. The temps I camped in were between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the temp inside the temp was never below 40 degrees that I measured. The vestibule serves as a great gear locker and being able to remove it and leave it behind to save some weight is a great little addition. I would highly recommend this tent. For the price, I would be hard fought to find a better tent.

Marc

Originally posted at