Since getting a dog in March, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect 3-person backpacking tent to fit two tall humans, our gear, and a 60-lb canine. I jumped at the opportunity to test a tent in the Big Agnes roster. I tested the Manzanares HV SL3 mtnGLO on two backpacking trips ranging from 10,000 to over 12,000 feet of elevation and the Manzanares proved to be a great combination of durability and livability. Here’s how it fared after being put to the test in the Colorado backcountry.
Manzanares HV SL3 mtnGLO Specs
- Trail Weight: 4lb 7oz
- Packed Weight: 5lb
- Packed Size: 6” x 21”
- Floor Area: 41 sq feet
- Head Height: 43”
- Number of Doors: 2
- Number of Vestibules: 2
- Uses: Camping/ Backpacking
Setting up the Tent
I think one of my favorite things about this tent is the color-coded setup system. I forgot the directions and figured it would take me a little longer to figure out, but with the color-coordinating aluminum poles and snaps, setup was a breeze. I think the one downfall of the setup for this tent is the stakes. Buying stronger stakes is a quick fix, but I was a bit disappointed that the out-of-the-box stakes weren’t sturdier. Again, small and easily fixed complaint.
Inside the Manzanares
The Manzanares is really spacious for a backpacking tent. It fit two tall humans, one dog, and a lot of gear with room to spare. I like having extra room in the event of heavy rain so I can have more room between the tent walls and me in case water comes in. The tent’s steep walls provide added stability during high winds, and plenty of headroom. The ample mesh pockets throughout the tent are great for storing anything from your headlamp and phone to snacks and maps.
Outside the Tent
Two doors and double vestibules make this tent a great option when you’re not into climbing over your friend or partner in the middle of the night to pee or sharing a vestibule to store gear. The convenient guy lines on the corners of the tent make for added stability in high winds. The extra mesh for ventilation on the tent kept it from catching as much condensation as others in its class. One small downfall is that the zippers stick, which can make for frustration getting in and out of the tent.
Still, we slept at over 12,000 feet, with minimal wind and mild alpine temperatures in the low 40s/high 30 and the tent kept us warm and cozy all through the night. The dog even put herself to bed in there!
Pros
- Lots of floor and head space
- Lightweight
- Color-coded poles make for easy setup
- Love the bright green color
- The built-in mtnGLO light is perfect when you don’t feel like hanging your headlamp
- Sturdy material
Cons
- Packs down larger than other options
- Weak stakes
- Zippers stick
- The vestibule flaps don’t roll up as much as other tents in its field
Overall
I enjoyed the roominess and construction Manzanares and loved the mtnGLO technology. Overall, the Manzanares is a solid option for shorter overnight trips, especially for two adults and one or two dogs that want a comfortable option for a backpacking tent. Check it out at Big Agnes here: Manzanares HV SL3 mtnGLO or it can be purchased online here.
