Snugpak | Ionosphere | Shelter | 1 Person | 5000mm 100% Waterproof Outer

I've had the opportunity to setup both Snugpak bivvie tents: The Ionosphere and the Stratosphere.The advantages of the stratosphere are that it is lighter, ultra quick to setup, nearly free standing,has a lower profile, less water gets in during setup and it is warmer in the winter.As far the Ionosphere, it is more roomy, breathes far better, has a back poll to keep the tent further above your legs,better defined doorway and the top can be removed or peeled back when the weather allows.I've seen posts on the internet asking if the extra weight of the Ionosphere is worth it for backpacking. The answer is YES. I've never considered myself to be a claustrophobic person, but the Stratosphere felt like a coffin. I was uncomfortable to the point that I didn't want to zip it up. It is almost like a larger second sleeping bag. But the worst part is not the room, but breathing. I found it difficult to get comfortable enough to sleep. It was simply too enclosed and too hot.By comparison, the Ionosphere is more like a real tent. I'm 6-3 and wide boned, but the length is enough for me and I can partially sit up to change. This tent doesn't feel at all claustrophobic, apart from being roomier the two Layer construction allows you to partially see around the perimeter which further alleviates any couped up feeling and allows the air to cycle. As far as warmth, I won't comment since I'm the last person to feel cold. The two layer construction can allow some drafts in, but I consider this to be a positive since a small space needs to ventilated.In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend the stratosphere except for special use cases. On the surface it might seem like it has a lot of advantages, but they are mostly disadvantages when it comes to comfort and the overall feel of the space. For a fairly marginal weight increase, you can get a far more comfortable tent in the Ionosphere with a minimal increase in price.UPDATE: I just came back from a 3 week backpacking and cycling tour of the Shetlands. Observations:This tent is structurally strong. I was camped out when the full force of the remnants of hurricane Gonzalo hit with gusts of 60 to 70 mph. The tent took the full force of the wind [Back facing into the wind] with no problems at all. I didn't get wet at all and the drafts were not bad since the back of the tent contains the best wind protection.A few nights later I was camped out when a similar gale hit but the tent got caught side-on with only a thigh high burm for protection. It pushed the tent nearly flat on top of me, but nothing broke or tore. The pegs all remained firmly staked due to the suspension system that is used. However it was quite breezy even though I did have some side protection from the burm.I was happy, even grateful for the performance on this tent under extreme wind and rain conditions. But based on my experience, I'm now thinking that the Stratosphere may be a better option for extreme weather especially freezing cold gale force winds. However, I stand by the assertion that the Ionosphere is far more comfortable. I'd definitely take it to the Shetlands in November again.PROBLEM: I'm a bit disappointed in the inner mesh. It has a lot of 'runs' near the opening where I've been getting in and out and changing. They look like runs in a lady's stocking. At least one looks like it will probably turn into a hole. It hadn't dawned on me that he mesh would be so delicate. I wish they had put a warning label there because by the time I had noticed the issue there were at least half a dozen runs...ADVICE: Avoid rubbing your head on the inner mesh while getting in and out and changingIt is definitely worthy of a deduction on material grounds though I think the 'runs' can avoided if the user is aware of the issue and takes due care. But I'm ever so grateful for the performance of this tent in extreme wind and rain conditions so I'll stick with the 5 star review.

Light to carry, well made and strong. Not being able to sit up in it is a disadvantage but plenty of room in the bottom for your kit and held up well to winds and heavy rain in the Brecons. Very easy to erect with no issues. If you want small and light then you can't go wrong with this tent.

This isn't my first bivvy tent, but it's certainly the best one I've owned so far. I spent some hours erecting the bivvy and taking it down again to familiarise myself with it, and getting to a reasonable time to erect and take down the bivvy, all during a time when the wind was blowing quite hard. The rain started about 5 mins after I had put the tent up for the fourth time while I was having a coffee, and I though I may as well get into the tent and wear out the rain storm. I found that the bivvy was perfectly protecting me from the rain IF the rain came straight down. However, the high winds from time to time did blow the rain at an angle, and this is when I found that the rain found it's way between the outer rain sheet and the inner sleeping wall, as there is a small space between the rain sheet and the ground. However, the lip on the inner sleeping compartment kept it dry, and I was happy about that. All of the materials were excellent quality. The only problem I encountered was actually getting into the bivvy. I'm 6 feet 2 inches tall and had to enter feet first, shuffling into the tent on my butt. This took a few practice attempts to get to a reasonable degree of proficiency. With the wind blowing, and the rain coming down, it wasn't a particularly pleasing learning curve. Another thing that I found was that, in my haste to get into the bivvy, coupled with the awkwardness of my first few attempts, I almost tore the mesh on the inside a couple of times. It seems to be a strong enough nylon mesh, but if you are getting into the bivvy in the manner I described, and have to do so quickly to get out of bad weather, be aware of any objects on you that are relatively sharp or can catch the netting as you enter, for instance a key chain attached to a belt, or your belt buckle amongst other things. All in all, during my practice with the bivvy, it's an exceedingly good, lightweight and practical shelter system. I'm doing the Two Moors Way hiking train in April when this Snugpak Ionosphere will be given it's baptism of fire on wild camping nights.

Really compact light weight tent when packed away. Only used on a one nighter but seems good quality and solidly built. Rained all night with thunder and lightning but not a drop in the tent. It is small, and getting dressed in it is a pain. As someone else mentioned, getting in and out really requires some form of sheet on the ground outside it. I got over this, and the lack of vestibule (for cooking and storing gear under) by using a light weight tarp just outside/over the entrance. Pitched inbetween two trees, with the entrance under the ridge line, worked a treat.Inside theres plenty of room for one guy, i slept on my side with one arm stretched forward and had no issues. Also had my medium size dog with me (which was a pain because of the fireworks) but still had room for my clothes and some gear. Boots and bag were left under the tarp outside but could well have fitted in.My only real complaint are the pegs. Its a small issue which others might not mind; they arent very hand friendly at all. Pretty sharp on the hook/barb bit pulling them out. Would hate to stand on one without shoes as theyd do real damage. That said, they are light and seem sturdy enough. Just mind your fingers pulling them out!Time will tell how it holds up, but so far so good.

Very easy and quick to set up. I would say you could easily use this as a 2 man emergency tent. I managed to sleep in it for a number of nights comfortably with my kit inside with me the whole time.It also withstood some extremely harsh weather in the Scottish highlands in winter.