SlingFin CrossBow 2 StormPak

The StormPak is the bare bones configuration of the CrossBow 2 series tent that minimizes weight, yet still has the strength to stand up to virtually any weather! This single-wall mesh free setup is waterproof, comfortable for two people and ALL OF THEIR GEAR, and is suitable for any kind of three-season use.

Although SlingFin may be a relatively new name to the tent world, the crew on board has more collective experience than most well established companies. It is clear that they have paid very close attention to the needs of users who camp in adverse conditions. This being said, this tent could be overkill for many hikers out there.  

Specs:

• MSRP $395
• Capacity: 2 Person
• Number of Doors: 0
• Number of Vestibules: 2
• Interior Area: 32 sq ft
• Vestibule Area: 11sq ft (X2)
• Interior Height: 41.5” at center
• Fabric- 20D Nylon Ripstop PU Coated Floor
•             15D Canopy Fabric
•             15D Nylon Ripstop Silicone PU Coated Fly
• Poles- 2x DAC NSL 9mm (Main Poles)
•            1x DAC NSL 9.6mm (Bow Pole)
• Min. Trail Weight: 3lbs 5oz (Without Footprint)

Setup

This shelter takes a good bit of time to learn for proper setup. After a couple of uses, the StormPak became intuitive to set up. 

After staking the four corners of the shelter, the two main tent poles slide through the WebTruss and are inserted into grommets, much like most tents. 

The bathtub bottom has a velcro closure that wraps around each tent pole.

The rainfly can then be installed, which was shown to be problematic when breaking camp in the pouring rain (see R/S review). Removing the tent poles from the gusset can be troublesome, especially when every moment counts during a rainstorm.

The top bow pole is optional, if the user chooses to attach trekking poles as the secondary support system (weight savings= 3.7oz).

Top bow pole can be removed to save 3.7 oz by using trekking poles.

Velcro attachment for trekking pole setup (Note: tent shown is R/S model)

The guylines are all included with clam cleats, which have become a standard in the industry over the last several years.

Clam cleat for adjusting guylines

Rainfly installation is easy, with special reflective tabs that indicate the correct opening in respect to the doorway to the tent.  

Stability

All configurations of the SlingFin CrossBow 2 have shown to be among the most stable tents I have ever used. The strongest winds encountered during testing were only in the 30+ mph range, and this tent did not budge. This tent will easily handle far higher winds!

Weather Resistance

The StormPak performed extremely well in one downpour during testing. The rainfly keeps the entire tent inner dry, as well as the two GIANT vestibules. The bathtub bottom of this shelter successfully prevented any splash back. 

Ventilation

This configuration of the CrossBow 2 is incredible. In pleasant weather with both vestibules open, the breeze is not stifled a bit. One night of testing with on-and-off rain on a hot summer night showed minimal condensation under the rainfly.

Condensation on a still, humid night

I can’t be certain what the temperature or dew point was that night, but this setup performed well considering the 80°+ degree night. 

StormPak shown with the mesh drop-in accessory

Room & Storage

The useable space for the size and weight of this shelter is truly great. Most of my testing was either solo or with my pup, and this tent is palatial! Even with two larger people in this tent, the vestibules will hold packs, boots, trekking poles, water bottles and more!

Packability

For the size of this shelter, packability is a plus. The 15D and 20D material really does an admirable job packing down.

Ease Of Use

Once the system is understood, the CrossBow 2 is relatively easy to use. The WebTruss can easily become tangled and twisted when stored, but is not too much of a hassle to correct. The adjustable guylines allow the rainfly to appropriately adjust when the tent is set up on non-level ground. 

Features

There are several features that set this shelter apart from most others. All guylines and sleeve openings have awesome reflective strips, making this tent quick to spot, even from 50+ yards!

Otto photo-bomb

Velcro closures wrap around the tent poles at the top of the bathtub bottoms, preventing any kind of slippage. Cam adjustments allow the flysheet to be easily adjusted, ensuring a happy and dry camper! 

The inner of the flysheet has additional toggles and o-rings so it can be directly attached to the tent poles rather than the tent inner, which greatly increases tent strength.

Fly and WebTruss offset; toggle and o-ring system secures rainfly directly to tent poles

Construction & Durability

SlingFin did not cut any corners when it comes to quality of craftsmanship they are putting into the hands of their customers.  Every stitch, feature, and clip is top of the range construction. Titanium Dioxide coated fabric prolongs the lifespan of any material that is exposed to UV rays.

Eco-friendly DAC tent pegs & tent poles are used. I have not noted any wear and tear during the course of testing; only one torn tent peg webbing loop needed replacement.

Conditions

This shelter configuration has been tested on approximately four overnight trips on the Appalachian Trail between August and October, 2016.

Many thanks to the people out at SlingFin for the opportunity to test this product for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps!