Big Sky Revolution 1P tent

I ordered this tent just as Big Sky was having production problems with their off-shore manufacturer, and had to wait a year for them to [start their own] production. It was worth the wait. Just completed a 9-day backpack trip in the CA Sierras, and the tent is just great. It sets up quickly (about half the time of my hiking partner's previous generation of the Evolution 1P), is plenty roomy inside, where you can actually sit up without being hunched over. I made a custom ground cloth which extends out into the vestibule areas on both sides, which is great for keeping items like boots, etc. under the rain fly, but off the ground. The very large doors make it very easy to get in and out of the tent without being a contortionist, and the two doors provide good flexibility when selecting a tent site. You can use either door as the "main" entrance if you have an obstacle (tree or boulder) on one side of the tent. Worth the small extra weight. Had great weather on our trip, so have not had the opportunity to do a rain test, but decided to buy this based on my hiking partner's experience with his Evolution 1P (he stayed dry; I did not!) The [Fibraplex] poles are a bit fragile, and can snap in a strong wind. The aluminum poles are a little bit heavier, but much more durable. My hiking partner has [Fiberplex] poles, and one snapped in a strong wind gust on our trip. My aluminum poles did just fine.

I have been a dedicated tarp user for years but really get tired of the splash in rain storms, cramped quarters and cold. Up until now the weight of a 2 wall tent kept me scrunched under my poncho/tarp combination. With the introduction of the Revolution, for just another pound on my back, I can stay warm and dry without fail. I have not had it out in snow yet but heavy rain and cold temperatures are no problem. This tent is also one of the easiest and quickest I have ever had to put up. The feature that allows you to leave the fly and the inner tent attached to one another have me in out of the weather way ahead of my hiking mates. No reservations about this 5 star rating.