Warmlite Adventure Blog

You want your overnight camping gear to keep you warm but not add weight to the pack, and Stephenson’s Warmlite sleeping bags, tents and other gear use “exotic aerospace-derived materials” to achieve the perfect blend of comfort and efficiency.

I have owned a 3R for more than 20 years and finally replaced it with a 2R. Both tents have the side windows and use them often in the summer. I used the 3R for more climbing and backpacking trips then I can recall and never had a problem with it.

Guilty as charged. The Stephenson tents are such niche products that I sometimes overlook them. Not that being a niche product is a bad thing! Not at all! And the WarmLite is a tent that's well worth considering.

"Before the Ultralight Revolution there was Jack Stephenson"

The Stephenson's Warmlite 2R is a strong, spacious, and exceptionally light non-freestanding tunnel tent that is still made in the USA in Gilford, NH. The tent uses high quality materials (though very thin diameter poles) and provides lots of space for a mere 3 lb. 4 oz. The 2R can handle fierce winds as long as its pitched solidly.

Stephenson's Warmlite Triple bag is a top notch camping and backpacking sleep “system.” While an old design, it is still unique in the market, has a wonderfully comfortable mattress, and covers an extremely wide temperature range due to the dual tops design, for a price that is very attractive if you consider the alternatives...

There are pieces of gear that I buy without too much thought and consideration, and then there are pieces that I research for years (literally) before getting a hold of one.

The 3R is tough as well. I’ve yet to use a ground cloth, even on the car camping trip, and the most recent service trip required camping in a meadow filled with rocks, briars, and nettles. Stephenson’s silnylon came through without even a scratch.