Sierra Designs High Side 1 Tent

2023-05-08T18:04:51

Very light and easy to set up.

LI F.

2022-12-16T19:00:00

What's awesome about this tent is the fact it's so small when packed - especially given the price. Unfortunately, I wasn't taken with anything else - the setup is less pleasant than that of my other tent, the roof is too low for me to sit inside (I'm 5'5) and there was a LOT of condensation...

Magda K.

Originally posted at

2022-10-20T20:00:00

The details of the design are exquisite. Overall a good tent. However I have 2 frustrations with the product. 1) If there is condensation or rain on the outside of the tent AND if you unzip the outside layer, the water starts dripping to the edge of your slipping bag. If you come out and in, your butt and back will be wet. Not great to go back to sleep. That problem should have been fixed so that the outer layer and the water does not drench your body. There could be many solutions; But this is not the place for product design. 2) I wish the height of the entrance was 24 to 30 cm higher.

henri b.

Originally posted at

2022-09-03T20:00:00

easy to set up; very light; a number of thoughtful design features

HENRY L.

Originally posted at

2022-08-26T20:00:00

I was impressed with the packed weight, but I was extremely impressed about how ready it was out of the bag. The horizontal storage sack is a solution that was a long time coming. Every essential guy point had a guy line attached and every guy line and stake point had a stake. And I?m glad, since a rainy night was quickly coming on Jenny Lake. The blowing rain never made a drop inside the tent. It had the right amount of cross winds to keep the air fresh. I?m 5?11 and I did not feel cramped laying down and re-packing my pack in the vestibule was easy. The entry side of the tent is more horizontal so rain never dropped into the tent. The only unfortunate part is that I won?t be able to take advantage of the larger vestibule option since my trekking poles are Z-folding. Bummer, because I could have used some time outside of the tent but sheltered. Overall, I?m really excited for the next trip.

Stephen S.

Originally posted at

2022-07-24T20:00:00

the footprint has the wrong placement of the red colored strap. I kept wondering if i had the footprint wrong sided, but no, the shiny side was face up. The other option is that that red tag on the high side 1 is in the wrong location. If i really have gotten things messed up, then I guess my comment is that it's not as intuitive a setup as the Meteor Lite 2 (awesome intuitive, the camper can be pissy and moody and the tent still goes up fine). I'm leaving today for a crosscountry overlanding-lite trip to the NPs, Death Valley tonight! with some ultra light stopovers in places like Isle Royale NP, so that's why I got this tent. I'm sorry this review can't be more helpful for potential shoppers, but they always send these reviews way before I've had the chance to really muck around in the tent.

Lauren T.

Originally posted at

2022-07-19T20:00:00

Excellent! Used tent for backpacking trip to Isle Royale and it was perfect. Easy to set up, lightweight and comfortable.

Amy A.

Originally posted at

2022-07-18T20:00:00

6 Days, 5 nights bikepacking GDMBR Steamboat Springs to Salida with rain and wind. I love the look, pack size, short poles, strength, and weight of the High Side 1 with foot print. The tent kept me dry in the blowing rain. I set it up one night on a deck putting some stakes in the decking gaps and tying off to rails and posts. I enjoyed the tent and will take it again. Large enough, but not much excess space for 6' and 190 lbs. Much better than a bivy. It was a challenge to stay dry from the inside condensation in the morning. The tent condensed on the inside each night after rain. I had sunny mornings so it was easy enough to dry it out. The fly does not have spacing with the tent on the head and foot ends. Next time I will devise a spacer to open up some space between the netting and the fly on each end. I think the vents are too small, but maybe just too much moisture. The height is short for me to sit up in and easy to rub your knees on the moist underside of the fly. The awning is a cool feature, but tends to drop straight down when it is unzipped. This makes it a challenge to get out without rubbing the wet underside of the awning. I was getting better at it by the fifth morning. The zippers unzip fine, but grab the fabric when zipping it up. The burrito bag is nice and easy to stuff it inside and cinch it smaller. The tent is nice, but not perfect, I wish it had two high sides and better ventilation. It was a great trip and the High Side held strong in the wind, kept the rain out, and packed up small below my handlebars.

Gary O.

Originally posted at

2022-06-12T20:00:00

I use the High Side 1 for bike touring / bike packing and loved it on my first trip. The tent is light and very easy to setup. I forgot to purchase the footprint which I made one DIY. I was rained on two nights and stayed dry. Good ventilation and no condensation issues.

John T.

Originally posted at

2021-11-17T19:00:00

The coolest thing about this tent is the pack size. One of the smallest you can find because of the short pole segments. I think this is for the guy who wants an inexpensive option and prioritizes packability over headroom because there's not a ton of headroom but that's to be expected. My suggestion for Sierra Designs is to make a super ultralight version similar to the Big Agnes Platinum tents. They just use a thinner nylon to achieve more weight savings. If they made this exact same tent with the same fabrics as the Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum (I like that color too), I would buy that in a second. Unfortunately, Sierra Designs hasn't done anything like that with their tents yet. Just do it guys! Make super ultralight versions. I'd be sold. For what you're paying for though, it's a great tent.

Sam S.

Originally posted at

2021-10-09T20:00:00

Fabulous! Cozy even in the wind and rain.

Stephanie

Originally posted at

2021-10-09T20:00:00

Fabulous! Cozy even in the wind and rain.

Stephanie I.

Originally posted at

2021-09-27T20:00:00

I?m very happy with my purchase, but when I put the rain fly on I would wake up to the whole inside of the fly having condensation on it. Not sure how to prevent that but oh well. Other than that, awesome tent!

Jordan S.

Originally posted at

2021-09-22T20:00:00

It?s perfect for a shelter I have no doubt it would keep me dry and the stakes and guy lines are a bonus. Great little tent and way better then a bivy sac.

Sean M.

Originally posted at

2021-09-16T20:00:00

I?ve used the high side several times in the high Rockies of Colorado here in September. Super small, simple tent. Concerns about the non-free standing, 13 tent stakes set up are a non factor. Tent is super simple to set up, as intuitive and easy as a free standing tent. Use stakes, or your surroundings to get it taut. The mesh will sag some if its not. You can?t sit all the way up inside the tent. The vestibule area and pulling that back expands then tent but, it?s still tight for changing clothes or living in. But for me, it?s a nice fit for sleeping. Everything in place and where you need it in reach, plenty of room with the vestibule for pack, boots, camp stove set up and whatever else. Pack as away super easy, packs away super small for the shelter it provides (as much space as my hammock and rainfly shelter set up). The sleeping bag packed larger than the tent. I?ve enjoyed the tent for the several nights I?ve used it fast packing in ideal Colorado summer/fall. The next test will be some wetter trips, and some bike trips.

Christopher B.

Originally posted at

2021-09-05T20:00:00

This thing is awesome! Well made and perfect for me :) Took it with me to do an overnighter BikePacking trip, to ?warm up? for the Great Divide, which we start next week (which I will be bringing this bivy-tent hybrid on). The pack size is perfect for BikePacking!

Amanda S.

Originally posted at

2021-08-15T20:00:00

I've spent some serious time in a bivy while bikepacking and am widly satisfied with how compact, lightweight, and spacious this design is. It's a gamechanger to have so much breathing & moving room within the tent especially for something that packs down to the same size as the ol bivy. Recommend for all bikepackers.

Peter G.

Originally posted at

2020-09-20T20:00:00

I am 5’5” and this was a perfect compromise between a tent and bivy sack style for me. It rained one entire night and this was perfect. Everything inside stayed dry. And with the vestibule awning erected with a trekking pole, I was able to sit up in the high side and stay cozy cooking under the vestibule and eating with my legs in my sleeping bag. I was sitting off my sleeping pad, with the tent door rolled up and away, and my head kinda out of the tent. If I were any taller, I thought I might not be as comfy. I could fit all of my gear in the tent, then in the still misting morning, there was enough space for me to pack it all up - including deflating and rolling my sleeping pad. It is very easy to assemble. For its size, weight, and quality - I’m super satisfied.

Erin S.

Originally posted at

2020-09-03T20:00:00

Have only spent one night in the tent so far. I love how packable and lightweight it is. The setup is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Seems like an excessive amount of guy lines that I probably won't use much, but its a very solid tent that seems like it could withstand some high winds if you're camping in an alpine environment.

Tyler K.

Originally posted at

2020-08-23T20:00:00

Great tent! I'm not an ultralight hiker, but I'm close. I've had many tent styles over the years and this one gets me up and over the mountains with minimal weight. Holds up great in rain and hail! Great price for how happy I am.

Heidi S.

Originally posted at

2020-08-20T20:00:00

KILLER! My first ever bikepacking experience went off without a hitch thanks to this tent. So tiny! So light! And it fit between my drop bars. 117 miles on the last day and if anything was slowing me down, it wasn't the tent.

Andrew G.

Originally posted at

2020-08-16T20:00:00

I was attracted to this tent since I needed something small and packable to do a bikepacking trip across the length of Wales. The Highside 1 was simply perfect. I was able to get all of my sleeping gear, tent poles included, into my 12L saddle bag on the bike. Setting up the tent was super easy and intuitive, if you have some tent setup experience. Set up the footprint, put the tent on top, stake it down, snap in the two tent poles, put the rain fly on and stake it down. I used 13 of the provided tent stakes and that worked great for my setup in the heavy winds and rain of Wales. When it wasn't windy I think 8 stakes could do the job. Sleeping inside worked great. I am 6ft” tall and my feet couldn't touch the bottom of the tent. I enjoyed using my wide pad, the tent has 26” of space at the bottom, so it was extra comfortable sleeping. The gear pocket held my phone, charger, wallet and headlamp. And there was enough room at the top end of the tent for my helmet, jacket and cycling shoes, Although I kept those on the sides to make sure I had enough length for sleeping. And the awning area covered my shoes and gave me a perfect amount of space for my bikepacking bags off my bike. If what you are looking for is small, light and more than a bivy with great design features then this is definitely the right choice.

Isaac K.

Originally posted at

2020-08-13T20:00:00

Took this tent backpacking last weekend and am super pleased. It packs down incredibly small, is very intuitive to set up, seems well constructed, and feels very roomy with the awning set up. I'm 5'8" and can just barely sit up at the high side, although my head does brush the mesh. Being able to sit up makes it easier to change clothes and get in and out of the tent, so that's awesome. I used it in dry summer high sierra weather, so I can't attest to how it does in rain and wind, but I didn't notice any condensation issues. I'm doing a lot more solo and socially distanced backpacking during the pandemic, so I thought it was time to get a 1-person tent. So far, I'm really happy with this one!

Laura M.

Originally posted at

2020-08-04T20:00:00

Pretty good tent. Does tent things and packs up small which is great. Gave it a 4 cuz not having it be a self supporting frame is an annoyance. Also the rain fly, getting that fickle thing just right so it doesn’t flap in the wind makes me want to lower the score even more. But that’s just focusing on the negative. Overall, good tent, light, compact, fits average size people (I’m 5’10”) but seriously...the rain fly is a headache

Craigg B.

Originally posted at

2020-07-22T20:00:00

I love the size it packs down into. The easy setup is a huge plus! I am 5'4" and am able to comfortably fit my sleeping pad/bag into the tent with all my gear. If you are someone that likes to stretch and be able to stand up in the tent, then this one isn't for you. But if you are like me and just want a high quality backpacking tent that packs down into the size of a burrito that meets all your sleeping needs, then this is the one for you. Tested it on a 5 day trip in the porcupine mountains and it was perfect. I loved all the mesh on nights that had no chance of rain, it's the closest thing to cowboy camping you can do. I love this tent. Bravo Sierra Designs!

Lauren K.

Originally posted at

2020-06-29T20:00:00

I have not camped in it yet , but I did practice setting it up and it will be awesome for my bike tour !

andrew b.

Originally posted at

2020-06-10T20:00:00

So let’s be honest here... this is sweet little thing is almost to small to be a tent, but it is more than a bivy. I was drawn to this tent since I needed something small and packable to do a bikepacking trip. The Highside did not disappoint. I was able to get all of my sleeping gear, tent poles included, into my 14L saddle bag on the bike. Setting up the tent was super easy and intuitive, if you have some tent setup experience. Set up the footprint, put the tent on top, stake it down, snap in the two tent poles, put the rain fly on and stake it down. I used 8 out of the 13 provided tent stakes and that worked great for my setup. You could use more stakes if it was windy but I think 8 stakes could do the job. Sleeping inside worked great. I am 6’2” tall and while my feet could touch the bottom of the tent but I am a side sleeper so that didn’t happen except for when getting into the tent. I like that I could still use my 25” wide pad, the tent has 26” of space at the bottom, so it was extra comfortable sleeping. The gear pocket was just enough to hold my phone, charger, wallet and headlamp. And there was enough room at the top end of the tent for my helmet, jacket and cycling shoes, Although I kept those on the sides to make sure I had enough length for sleeping. And the awning area covered my shoes and gave me a perfect amount of space to put them on in the middle of the night. If what you are looking for is small, light and more than a bivy with great design features then this is definitely the right choice.

Jared M.

Originally posted at

2020-04-19T20:00:00

Packs well on the adventure bike. Easy set-up and overall feeling is this tent will work for me. Its my first tent in 30 yrs - I usually been running with a Bivy. Looking forward to more room with the High Side 1.

jimmy t.

Originally posted at

2020-02-18T19:00:00

This tent is hands down the best in it's class. By "class", I mean semi-free standing, single person tents with short section poles. The primary competitor would be the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 bikepack. Compared to the Fly Creek, the High Side has a minimum weight of only 30g more and an identical packed weight. Beyond that, the High Side is much easier to get in and out of, has a bigger, better vestibule, vents better with the fly on, and best of all, it does this all while costing $80 less than the Fly Creek. In the real world, this thing packs incredibly small and can get lighter than is listed. For one, this tent comes with 13 decent quality alloy stakes. I replaced these with homemade CF stakes and reduced the number to 10. I also went through and removed unnecessary guy lines (there are a bunch on the fly that would only be needed in extreme weather situations. As for the other guy lines, I replaced them with with lighter gauge line. I replaced the stake/tent pole bag with a homemade DCF bag but kept the stock tent bag because it's super light and really well designed. Getting your back back in and compressing it is incredibly fast and easy and weight savings vs DCF would be less than 10g if that. My trail weight is now 922g Set up: This thing sets up SUPER easy. I timed myself the first day I got it, setting up without reading instructions. It took me 3 minutes. Everything is color coded, super simple. The minimum stakes you will need are 4. With this, it will stand fine but you won't have a vestibule and you may have some ventilation issues. In a strong wind, the fly would be flapping a lot. With another 4 stakes (8 total) you can guy out the fly sufficiently to get all the ventilation and weather security you will need short of extreme high alpine conditions. With 2 more (10 total), you can set up the vestibule which I really recommend. It's a happy little porch just for you and your gear! I really like the design of the vestibule. Great coverage, makes the tent feel much bigger than it is. Bikepacking: This is the main reason I got this tent. When bikepacking, volume is often a bigger consideration than weight. While I may have a total of 40L storage on my bikepack set up, unlike a backpack, it is spread out over 5 different smaller bags. This tent packs down crazy small and the pole sections are no more than 13" (33cm). Cinched down without the poles/stakes, the tent is easily under 4L volume. This is a big advantage over DCF tents/shelters which really don't take to stuffing well. They mostlyfare better and last much longer when folded. They are light, yes but I have had bad luck with them and bikes. For storage configurations, I can either store the stakes/poles separately from the tent or all together depending on which bag set up I'm using. Right now, I'm keeping them together where they fit, with a quilt in my Revelate Sweet roll (EVEN ON MY DROP BAR BIKE!!!). Finally, when using a flat bar/MTB, the handlebars function quite well as a support for the vestibule. Typically, I use the bars for the foot end support and find a stick for the head end. You could use bars for the head end but it would be a bit low. TL;DR Light, small pack size, relatively inexpensive, great functionality. 10/10 would buy again in a heartbeat. If I could change one thing; some sort of internal pocket would have been nice. there is a loop above your head but that's it.

Jesse

Originally posted at

2019-12-10T19:00:00

Just got and then I had to leave town. I will test it on the PNW with rain, wind and light snow. First impressions if the tent is weather proof it will be a good fit for me. It is a high class alternative to a bivy. I only sleep in my tents when I am in race mode. The High Side seemd tough. That is what I need. More to come. TK'sAdventures.

Tom K.

Originally posted at