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Velocity (V) = Distance (S) / Time (T). VST tents are designed to help you reach your maximum velocity on the trail.
The Sarvis Creek Wilderness lies on the eastern edge of Stagecoach Reservoir. Beginning deep in the backcountry near Gore Mountain, this refuge is a hotbed of fly fishing activity and a popular hiking area.
Big Agnes says:
Set your FKT with VST. Our VST tents are inspired by you, combining innovative materials with user-first design to create the ideal ultralight shelter. Engineered to provide maximum usable space for you and your gear, these tents are ultralight, durable, and reliable. Hyperbead™ fabric with Hybrid Single/Double Wall construction and an integrated ventilation system promotes airflow while reducing condensation. Cut weight - without cutting corners - with the VST series.
Featuring freestanding DAC Featherlite pole architecture, the Sarvis VST is a fresh take on tried and true design principles. With two doors, generously sized vestibules, and integrated pole-supported vents, this sturdy ultralight shelter offers plenty of space for wide sleeping pads, without taking up extra space in your pack.
Our Verdict
The Sarvis VST 3 is a clear shift in direction for Big Agnes. The all-in-one pitch is a real strength, particularly in unpredictable UK weather. Inner and fly go up together, so there is no exposed inner getting wet during setup. The freestanding pole structure is straightforward, with wide sleeves and clips that make pitching and packing away feel intuitive.
Inside, the 4.1 m² floor area provides genuine living space for three people. Three wide pads fit without excessive overlap, and the 107 cm head height allows everyone to sit up comfortably. The near-vertical walls help maximise usable volume, and the two large vestibules give practical storage for packs and wet footwear.
Ventilation is one of its strongest features. The hybrid construction works well, and the integrated vents are thoughtfully placed. Airflow across the top of the tent is constant, and additional mesh around the lower interior further maximises airflow and helps minimise condensation.
At 1412g, excluding pegs and bags, the weight remains competitive for a freestanding three-person shelter with two doors and generous porch space. The HyperBead fabric holds its shape well once pitched, maintaining good tension across the fly, and the DAC Featherlite poles provide a stable structure for three-season use.
I would prefer a couple more pegs to secure every guy point in exposed conditions. Aside from that, the Sarvis VST 3 delivers strong ventilation, practical space for three, and a reliable pitch in a well-considered lightweight design.
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- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Featuring proprietary HyperBead™ fabric technology: The ideal balance of strength, durability, and weight. Optimized for those who don’t want to compromise on protection and weight.
- Hybrid Single/Double Wall design with integrated ventilation design drastically reduces condensation without requiring additonal setup
- Recycled, solution-dyed polyester fabric provides increased dimenstional stability compared to a traditional nylon tent fabric, making it especially ideal for semi-freestanding tents
- Freestanding architecture is easy to setup and provides ample interior space, with extra storage in each vestibule
- Spacious design with two doors and vestibules for additional gear and footwear storage
- YKK DynaPel™ fly zippers slide more easily and are more durable than traditional water-repellant zippers, keeping you dry using sustainable materials and no intentionally added PFAS
- Aluminum Tiplok buckles assist with easy setup
- DAC Featherlite poles provide incredible strength in all conditions
- To extend the life of your tent floor we recommend using a Big Agnes footprint - sold separately
Specifications
Our Specs -
- Flysheet & Inner weighs: 928g
- Poles weigh: 484g
- Total weight: 1412g (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs x 10 weigh: 91g
Big Agnes Specs -
- Trail Weight: 1380g / 3lb
- Total Weight: 1530g / 3lb 6oz
- Packed Size: 48 x 11cm / 19" x 4.5"
- Floor Area: 4.1m² / 44ft²
- Vestibule Area: 0.8m² + 0.8m² / 9ft² + 9ft²
- Head Height: 107 cm / 42"
- Footprint Weight: 144.6g / 5.1oz
Material & Construction
- Rainfly: Proprietary HyperBead™ fabric; 20D recycled solution-dyed polyester with 20D high tenacity ripstop fabric, 4000mm waterproof rating without intentionally added PFAS
- Floor: Proprietary HyperBead™ fabric technology; recycled 15D nylon ripstop with 1500mm waterproof rating without intentionally added PFAS
- Body Mesh: Polyester mesh
- Poles: DAC Featherlite NFL poleset
- 6” Dirt Dagger™ UL Stakes included: 10
