Sierra Designs ASP 3 Tent

Superb classic design
The Asp 3 marks the culmination of my sporadic search for the ideal two person 3 season tent. At 6.5 lbs it provides a luxury of well oriented space at an impressive ratio of over 11 sq ft per pound (including vestibule). This beats my Black Diamond Vista (which rates a respectable 10.4 sq ft per lb.) while adding some nice features to boot. I love the extra size and flexibility of the main vestibule which can fill with gear, meanwhile using the D type smaller door for quick in/out passage and shoe storage. The two way zipper at the main vestibule offers an awning feature (which I don't actually use) and when zipped down partway provides a nice picture window to catch breezes and frame the view. The engineering and overall quality is superb. As an architect I appreciate the pleasing symmetry and cheerful color of this tent - light and airy on the inside, reserved and attractive from without. The two ridge poles are somewhat novel in that they slide into outer sleeves on the fly. Thus bared, they simulate the fangs of a snake giving the asp its distinctive look and apt namesake.

Superb classic design
The Asp 3 marks the culmination of my sporadic search for the ideal two person 3 season tent. At 6.5 lbs it provides a luxury of well oriented space at an impressive ratio of over 11 sq ft per pound (including vestibule). This beats my Black Diamond Vista (which rates a respectable 10.4 sq ft per lb.) while adding some nice features to boot. I love the extra size and flexibility of the main vestibule which can fill with gear, meanwhile using the D type smaller door for quick in/out passage and shoe storage. The two way zipper at the main vestibule offers an awning feature (which I don't actually use) and when zipped down partway provides a nice picture window to catch breezes and frame the view. The engineering and overall quality is superb. As an architect I appreciate the pleasing symmetry and cheerful color of this tent - light and airy on the inside, reserved and attractive from without. The two ridge poles are somewhat novel in that they slide into outer sleeves on the fly. Thus bared, they simulate the fangs of a snake giving the asp its distinctive look and apt namesake.