Sierra Designs

High Route 3000 1

£280 1010g

pitches with trekking poles, very roomy, makes a good tarp, light

minimal porches Flysheet: 20D nylon ripstop silicone/PU, 3000mm HH Inner: 20D nylon ripstop silicone/15D nylon mesh Groundsheet: 30D nylon ripstop, 3000mm hydrostatic head Poles: n/a, 2 trekking poles needed Pegs: 9 x 15cm Y Porches: x2, 28cm deep Inner dimensions: 259x107cm, 114cm high in centre sierradesigns.com

The High Route 3000 1 is the European version of a tent launched in the USA a few years ago: the High Route 1. One difference is in the hydrostatic head of the flysheet and groundsheet, up from 1200mm to 3000mm, which should mean better durability and waterproofness, especially with the groundsheet. Also, the original version is blue and white, the 3000 1 a much duller green. The size and design of both versions are identical. The fabric changes add 130 grams to the weight, well worth it I think for the tougher groundsheet.

The High Route is designed to be used as a tarp or tent. It pitches with trekking poles. A little practice is required, but once you get the hang of it it’s easy. The inner is mostly mesh with solid panels at each end. It clips onto the outer.

An asymmetric shape means there’s a long offset ridge, which gives good headroom over a bigger area than with a standard ridge. The side walls are vertical too, which also gives more space than in tents with sloping walls.

The inner is very spacious, the longest of all the tents tested and with the best headroom. Used as a tarp without the inner, the space is vast and could sleep two. But the two porches are both small. One is for storage, with just short zips for access on inner and outer. The other has a full-length two-way zip with a ventilation hood over the top. Your pack can be stored standing up against a pole. There’s no porch space for cooking, but the main door can be pegged out with a guyline as an awning to provide a sheltered cooking area as well as good ventilation. This works well and I’ve not had rain coming in. I’d rather have a bigger closed porch though.

Wind resistance is decent, but the large panels can flap in the wind. I love it as a tarp, using the inner just in midge season.