Sierra Designs

In 1965 a couple of mountain heads sought to enhance the wilderness experience by building high quality and simple equipment. George Marks and Bob Swanson started with a tent, then a mountaineering parka and a sleeping bag. Just a handful of products and these guys were ready to roll. Ready to create a product line that would do what they set out to do, enhance our wilderness experience. Fortunately for us, they followed through and called themselves Sierra Designs.

For the last 40 years, Sierra Designs has done just that. Through innovative design, they use of top materials and an eye on the simplistic, they have manufactured a running list of classics that satisfied your parents’ generation and each one since. Today’s Sierra Designs is ultra–light, logical and disciplined. No wasted weight, wasted materials or superfluous junk. See for yourself – the products below are just a taste of the smart Sierra Designs product line.

The Sierra Designs’ Lightening Tent is the manifestation of their original vision. Concise design, durable materials and a quick set–up made this an instant classic in 2004. Backpacker Magazine immediate supplied the nod with the Editor’s Choice Award. This puppy will be a round for a while, its just that good. The 3 season, 2 person Lightening falls into the “ Ultralight ” category at a scant 3 pounds and 15 ounces. A quick review of the particulars; 31 square feet, on the inside, 40 inches in height with a 9 square foot vestibule. A waterproof rip–stop nylon envelopes the DAC Featherlight poles. The floor is 70D Taffeta Nylon (i.e. waterproof and durable) and the walls are full of light–weight ventilating mesh.

The ASP 3 takes the materials and simple, smart design of the Lightening and adds capacity, another door, another vestibule(!!) and a couple of pounds. It is a 3 person, 3 season ultra–light tent with a quick set–up architecture made from incredibly durable and sturdy materials. And it hits the scales at a svelte 5 lbs, 15 ounces.

Sierra Designs’ Down Booties are the most popular footwear you’ve never heard of, or perhaps you have. Regardless, these booties are the quintessence of winter warmth and comfort. Made for men, for women and children alike, keep your piggies warm and dry in layers of down goodness. The sole is a heavy–duty non–slip nylon – so they can be used around the house, chopping wood or around the camp–site. These are perfect for backpacking, winter camping or gift giving. In fact, last year we sold out of these quickly, so if you like what you see, get it done today, they will sell out soon!

At Altrec, we love Sierra Design. For what they have been over the years and for what they are doing right now, we think you will be similarly impressed. We carry the top– shelf of their equipment and clothing. Remember, your Sierra Designs purchase at Altrec.com is guaranteed for life. For orders over $ 45, we ship for free and we are always happy to price–match if you find anything cheaper elsewhere.