Review on 🏕️ Snugpak Stratosphere Shelter - 5000mm Waterproof Outer, Ideal for Solo Use by Brian Rivenbark

I bought this item because I wanted an ultra light sleep system that would protect me from the rain and harsh Florida conditions. At first I thought about buying a bivvy case like the one being sold in Ft. benning But when I saw the Stratosphere's design, I realized what I was missing. I decided to try the Snugpak Stratosphere because of the great reviews, the light weight and the use of poles that allow more room (and breathing room) than GORETEX tent bags. Think of this shelter as a tent/tent hybrid. While the army-issued tents are great, there's nothing you can do in them other than sleep and maybe write a letter or a report or two. This shelter rewards very little work and effort (putting two poles in place) by giving you much more breathing room, temperature circulation, the ability to carry a small backpack or change of clothes, shoes (preferably in a plastic bag, to... to avoid leaving footprints) to stow away in the dirt). or water) and a rifle or weapon of equal or smaller size. Even an abandoned tent can get too hot in the summer, unless you like getting out of breath and bathing in a sweat. If you are not used to sleeping in a tent and are buying a tent for the first time, understand that you will feel the wind and/or rain with every fabric that hits your body. I've had a few buddies who had to get used to sleeping in the field and felt like it was going to rain on them (although they didn't get wet), but that's not always a problem for newcomers to camping. I'm very impressed with the Stratosphere and think this system is probably the best warm weather shelter since it has two screens that allow air to circulate and cool the device. One umbrella remains open but is covered by a waterproof canopy (for rain), which can be rolled up if desired (in clear weather) to improve airflow. However, to perform any of these actions, the passenger must exit the shelter to roll up or expand the bar and fasten it to the floor. In addition to the fixed screen, there is another one facing the base of the device. This screen works by opening the cover itself and using an alternate zip (which has a rain cover) alongside the main zip. This umbrella has no ledge and will need to be covered in bad weather to keep water out of the shelter, but this can be done from the inside. The material is very durable and light. If the shelter gets wet, it can be hung up and dried in minutes. The nylon loops that hold the sticks will take a little longer to dry, but that's to be expected since they're made of thick nylon. The zippers are good, but you have to be careful not to snag on the material (like with any fabric upholstery). The cover also includes an additional waterproof fabric that covers the zipper twice. I tested the device with a hose and sprayed it directly on the zipper area. If you don't dive into the puddle like an idiot, the water won't get into the dugout. The shelter uses (obviously) two posts that support the top of the shelter (the area around your head and chest) by about 2 feet. I'm about 5ft 9 inches tall and have a rise that goes roughly from my head to the top of my waist (rise varies depending on a person's height and weight). The posts are anodized and bent for easy re-insertion. Also included are the aluminum posts that attach the canopy to the ground (2 at the base, 2 for the first post, 2 for the second post and 1 for the rear facing waterproof privacy bar). The entire shelter (including pegs and poles) fits into one small bag (the poles and pegs are in their own separate pockets inside) allowing you to have the entire unit in one small compression bag (there should be a picture showing the size ). whole hut). in the bag). If you explore this hideout you will find photos of it with a single nylon stake loop on its foot. This isn't the model you should (thankfully) get. Instead, the included model has two nylon loops in the legs to distribute material and secure it to the ground. The color you see in some photos can be a bit misleading, but the color in this photo is correct: the device is a very dark olive grey/brown. When I placed my order and saw different pictures elsewhere I became concerned and contacted Snugpak as I wanted to make sure I got the updated model. To my surprise, the President of Snugpak USA immediately contacted me and informed me that I would receive an updated model. Excellent, impeccable and fast customer service and communication. If you live in a region that is typically very warm I would suggest using a snugpak with a poncho liner (aka "wubi") as the sleeping bag may be too warm but the poncho liner will Can be wrapped under and over you as needed on the temperature, along with a tarp placed over the shelter to cover your extra gear and facilitate access to the stratosphere during a storm. If you live in a colder region, a flared sleeping bag paired with an insulating layer would be great. I hope this review is helpful to anyone considering purchasing this fantastic bivvy system. It's small, durable, light and versatile. If you're planning to work in a hot/cold region and are looking for an ultra-light sleep system, look no further.