Sierra Designs
Meteor 3000 2P £250
Based on the brand’s Meteor Lite backpacking tent, the Meteor 3000 has been tweaked for wetter and wilder weather, with only a slight increase in weight. It tips the scales at just over 2kg, but it boasts upgraded waterproofing, with fabrics rated to 3000mm Hydrostatic Head, plus increased fly coverage.
The polyester flysheet is now a muted dark green, far better suited to stealthy wild camps. The inner tent features more fabric and less mesh too, making it feel less draughty and chilly. You get two entrances with roomy porches, decent internal dimensions – particularly in terms of overall width – and generous headroom. This is down to pre-bent poles that create a near-vertical front wall at the head end of the tent. An extra ridge pole also results in steeper sidewalls, which makes the inner doors easier to use. In terms of setup, it’s quick to pitch but does need to be erected inner-first.
We loved the ‘burrito’-style storage bag, which makes packing up easy. The Meteor 3000 also has a ‘stargazer’ fly that can be rolled back halfway
– a bit of a gimmick maybe, but one worth trying next time you’re out on a clear night.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY Although there’s plenty of room at the head end, the ceiling drops sharply at the feet. The inner-pitch first design isn’t ideal for setting up in the rain, and flysheet doors tend to snag on the storm flaps.
■ INTERNAL DIMENSIONS (LxW) 213x129cm
■ PEAK HEIGHT 104cm
■ PACKED SIZE 45.7x16.5cm
■ TRAIL WEIGHT 2.08kg
■ DOORS 2
■ PORCHES 2
■ STYLE Freestanding
■ MATERIALS DAC Pressfit aluminium alloy poles, 68D polyester fly (3000mm HH), 68D 190T polyester groundsheet (3000m HH), 70:30 15Dnylon/ ‘NoSeeUm’ 15D mesh inner
Verdict
Balancing performance, weight, internal space and price – a solid all-rounder.