lee e. from United States, TX Public Profile

Excellent quality, very light weight, true to temp rating, love the versatility

Much better, in important ways, than any other BIVY- Light weight- under 2 LBS. (but not the lightest compared to the bare bones BIVIES which have a LOT LESS interior head/breathing room, less roll around room, not to mention less comfort, breath ability and functionality). Compared to the current lightest 1 man tents, the 3 Wire is not much lighter but is BIVY-LIKE (while comparatively cramped you can pitch it anywhere you can lay down, even a mud puddle, and stay in a dry, bombproof, protective cocoon that, for a BIVY, does not feel claustrophobic beacause of the tent-like Beak). The 37.5™ technology top fabric is beautiful and amazingly waterproof AND breathable especially matched with the generous "Beak" which keeps everything- Bivy fabric, rain and wind off your head and shoulders. You can easily read a book while the storm beats on the outside. One caveat is like any BIVY, without a little tarp (extra weight!) getting in and out is an opportunity for wet weather to get in.

If you lean toward BIVIES-- light weight, storm proof sleeping bag shelters, this is the Rolls Royce. And it is almost too pretty to put in a mud puddle-- the fabric appearance and workmanship are awesome.

This 3rd generation 3Wire is difficult to find so don't wait too long.

I have the 10L and it is very good size for one or two campers to do their laundry and dishes -- to stay sanitary, the Basin can be turned inside out to have one side for dishes and the other for dirty clothes rinse out, just decide and then pay attention to the handles which are sewn slightly offset to easily tell whether you are filling up your dish or your laundry side. The neck is smaller diameter than the base so the basin is fairly stable and non-spilling without having to tend it while you work on getting your stuff clean. So nice to be able to clean up your stuff at camp-- the handles allow you to carry it fairly full with one hand like a bulging suitcase! The pictures are accurate of what it looks like full and how small it is packed. Another great deal at Campsaver!!

Hard to find, built with superior materials and workmanship but snug for even one person and gear. Very storm proof with closed ends and low to ground side staking. Side tiedowns are not adjustable without adding on some additional guy lines. If you like the style (light, floorless tarptent with closed beaks/vestibules on both ends), consider the Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT -- also top quality materials and very light but much, much roomier and a little taller and much more adjustable. But the Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT only has one big door and the Element 2 has doors on both ends and can add a floor and bug screen with the optional Rab Element 2 Bug Tent insert. Even so the Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT is much easier to get in and out of with noticeably more interior room-- both tarptents use hiking sticks for interior tent poles which complicate space usage a little. Campers much over 6 ft. might find the poles infringe on their bag layout. I have both tents and really like them both. Much, much better than a flat tarp but the floorless design is an acquired taste. Needs a footprint or Tyvek sheet to make it a "home".

There are lighter (and much more expensive) 35 liter super light packs, but really not much lighter, and they couldn't be more comfortable and wearable than this one, even when Maxxed out with everything you can stuff in it. Airbeam frame is a great, practical, super comfortable component. Very comfortable straps especially for how minimalist they are. Excellent light and sturdy material and high quality construction. Sparse but adequate, well designed compartments. And Campsaver is a great place to get one.