Sierra Designs Flash 3 Review

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review

The last six (6) months I’ve been searching for a new tent and after loads of hours spent on market research I have decided to buy the Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent. I heard it said that Sierra Designs makes the best three-season tents on the market.  That’s been in the back of my mind as I’ve tested Sierra Designs’ most comfortable, innovative line of tents yet: the Flash series.

Boom 2016-06-30 at 11.12.12

Sierra Designs Flash 3 Features:

  • Freestanding design
  • Large double drop doors, wide enough for two people side-by-side
  • 15″ integrated awning pole
  • Hybrid double wall/single wall construction
  • Integrated fly for dry pitching, every time
  • Symmetrical dome design for lots of space all throughout the tent
  • Double awning for gear storage
  • Total weight: 2.5 kg
  • Fly Fabric: 75D Polyester Tafetta 190T, PU 1500 mm, WR, FR
  • Floor Fabric: 70D Nylon Tafetta 190T, NY T/F PU 3000 mm, FR
  • Body Fabric: 20D Nylon No-See-Um Mesh
  • Price: 395 Euro

The Flash is built on a knife-edge of comfort and lightweight construction.  Sierra Design’s ultralight version, the Flash 3 UL, tips the balances further towards less weight. The reason I purchased this tent was that I wanted a good 3 season tent that ventilates well, is lightweight to be carried on a backpack, that is comfortable enough for three (3) people plus gear and occasionally could serve me during winter time when the weather would not be that harsh.

The pole structure on the Flash is one of its most unique features – there is a disconcertingly long center pole with two DAC Swivel Hubs on either side which branch out to anchor down the four corners.  Sierra Designs attached the tent to the pole design with rather diminutive ultralight clips which are a marked departure from the DAC Twist Clip that the industry has been favoring.

This pole layout does one thing very well indeed: it makes the Flash as roomy and airy.  The pole design pulls the door walls nearly vertical and the other full-mesh sides do little to intrude on the interior of the tent.  The pole design also creates two neat little awnings on top of either door.

Te Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent has great ventilation. I have spent plenty of night under the rain and in a high-humidity environment and the internal part of the tent was humid-free. The Flash 3 just seems to breathe easily.  Its full-mesh body and tremendous doors facilitate ample airflow in all sorts of conditions. In addition, Sierra Designs used great materials and all seams have been taped at the factory.

Something else that I like a lot about the Flash 3 is the colour scheme . The Grey on the fly and the blue of the inner tent give a great feeling while you are within the tent. The Flash 3 does not have the usual vestibules but it has 2 areas where you can place your gear and have access within the tent.

To set up this tent you might need the assistance of a second person, but it is possible a single person can set it up as well.

I have tested this tent in various environments and conditions. In rain, sun, near the sea and on snow. Tent performed great in all conditions.

Boom 2016-06-30 at 11.12.56Boom 2016-06-30 at 11.13.11

Bellow a photo with the view from within the tent while the rain falls gently on the fly of the tent

Boom 2016-06-30 at 11.26.47

Bottom Line: I highly recommend the Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent. Is an excellent piece of gear that will make the overnight outdoor adventures fun. The only issue, is that in Europe is very difficult to find it. The only place that sells this tent is the Dutch Outdoor company Bever.