Big Agnes Salt Creek SL 3 Tent

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If you’re camping somewhere beautiful and the weather is good you normally miss out once you go into the tent. The Salt Creek uses an innovative design to open it all up so you can enjoy the views. Three doors allow you to create a stunning panorama. 

Big Agnes says

Have your cake and eat it too with the Salt Creek SL series of tents. Featuring three doors(!) that offer double side doors with double vesitibule storage plus one head-entry door with an awning-style entrance, this tent can do it all and then some all the while hitting the mark for a full-featured backpacking tent. Steep walls create ample shoulder space while the 3D bin pocket uses up dead space above the feet to create generous storage inside the tent.

Our Verdict

Big Agnes’ Salt Creek SL 3 Tent could be a game changer for many campers who want to spend more time appreciating the views and enjoying the environment they are in. This tent comes with three doors, although the third is more like a side that you can open up fully. With all three doors opened up you can create a pretty sensational 180 degree vista to enjoy whilst still sheltering from the weather. Obviously, with the additional door access is improved, ventilation can easily be maximised and the sheltered space can be increased with the awning style wall.

This is still an impressively lightweight package, weighing in just under 2.2kg for a feature pack tent. There are all the usual, practical features you’d expect to find on a Big Agnes tent, a number of innovative storage pockets inside, gear loops for hanging kit, stash pockets for the doors, reflective details and great ventilation. Although there are lighter weight tents in the range the features in this tent make it a really good option and it is a joy to use, especially when wild camping up high where you can make the most of the views.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• A full-featured tent designed with three doors–two side doors with vestibules, and one head-entry door with awning–and over-vertical side walls for maximum head and shoulder room, make this one of our most diverse backpacking tents
• Front entry drop-down door with awning-style vestibule creates extra venting on hot summer nights, an additional escape route, or extra storage space for pets and gear
• Four-way DAC hub creates vertical walls for increased living space
• Two dual-zipper side doors and two vestibules with storm flaps on the vestibule zippers
• Dual-zipper door is smooth closing and allows for easy entry. Use only one zipper for quick reach-through access.
• Quick Stash door keeper on tent body door makes stowing unzipped door quick and easy
• Media pockets enable clean earbud-cord routing from phones or other devices
• 3-D bin pocket utilizes dead space above feet for ample storage space
• One fly vent for increased airflow and reduced condensation
• Low Vent feature on the vestibule doors for more air flow while still providing vestibule coverage
• Ready to pitch; with pre-cut guylines and tensioners attached to fly
• Reflective guylines and webbing on tent corners
• Multiple interior loops for attaching gear lofts, accessories and mtnGLO® Tent & Camp LightsTo extend the life of your tent floor we recommend using a Big Agnes footprint – sold separately

Specifications

Our Specs

• Inner tent weighs: 738g
• Flysheet weighs: 776g
• Poleset weighs: 676g
• Total weight for comparison: 2190g (excludes pegs and bags)
• 8 pegs supplied weigh: 112g
• Footprint sold separately

Big Agnes Specs

• Trail weight (excludes pegs): 4lb 11oz / 2.13kg
• Packed weight: 5lb 2oz / 2.32kg
• Fast fly weight: 3lb 11oz / 1.67kg
• Packed size: 21.5″ x 7″ / 55 x 18cm
• Floor area: 42ft² / 3.90m²
• Floor length: 86″ / 218cm
• Floor width: 70″ / 178cm
• Head height: 47″ / 119cm
• Vestibule area: 9ft² / 9ft² / 0.84m² / 0.84m²

Construction & Materials

• Fly and floor are  polyester rip-stop with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• Tent body is breathable polyester rip-stop and polyester mesh
• All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape (No PVC or VOC’s)
• DAC Pressfit pole system
• Ultralight plastic clips attach tent body to pole frame
• 2 interior mesh pockets, 1 mesh ceiling , 1 3-D bin pocket, 8 lightweight aluminum hook stakes & 2 awning guylines
• Gear loft loops included
• Fits Large Trapazoid, Trapezoid, Square and Triangle Gear Lofts – sold separately
• 4-way high-volume hub pole design

Help and advice:

• Big Agnes Tent Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?
• About Big Agnes