First Look

The Statosphere is the smallest tent I have ever used, I say tent as it’s more than just a bivvi bag.

I’m sure you have either slept in or seen a bivvi bag, however if not, a bivvi bag is a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag. Very simple with nothing to go wrong other than deterioration of the fabric. That said my ex army bag has many flaws in its design.

So what’s wrong with my army bag, well where do I start, I could start with the fact it’s only open at the end, it’s heavy, it’s a nightmare to get in and out of, or if it’s raining your face either gets wet or you have to pull it over your head.

This is where the Snugpak Stratosphere comes into its own. It has some really good features, not without limitation but it’s such an improvement on your standard bivi bag. You have to keep in mind that this is not a two or three man tent, where you’ve got space to sit up and get dressed, however this is not what the Stratosphere is about.

So let’s take a look at the features, getting in and out is taken care of with a 3/4 side zip which starts at one side of the “hooped area” and runs down the right hand side. The zip itself is double sided and because it’s non locking you can just rip it open, handy if you need to get out in a hurry.

In addition to the main entrance zip, which like I said starts at the right side of the hoop, it also has a second main zip which starts on the left and can either close up the front, or be opened exposing the midge net whilst the first zip closes the bag. A third zip is then used to either open or close off the net.

Having a zip on a waterproof bag may not come across as being all that waterproof, however it has generous sized storm flap which is held down with a number of Velcro tabs.

The material is a polyurethane coated waterproof ripstop nylon with a hydrostatic head of 5000mm, the ground sheet again a polyurethane coated nylon, but this one has a hydrostatic head of 8000mm which is formed into a bathtub shape to help keep you dry from below.

It comes with a set of 7 aluminium pegs, these are three point star shapes and not only hold the ground well, due to the design they will resist bending under normal use. There is a small hole at the top of the peg which could have a small bit of cord to help pulling them back out.

The pegs locate in webbing straps, two at the base, four around the hooped top end and the last one is used to hold out the rear rain guard, this one also has a elastic to help take the strain out of the fabric.

The rain flap does have some tabs so it can be rolled out of the way should the weather be favourable to you.

Using

Once you’ve read the instructions you shouldn’t have any issues getting this set up in a minute or so. Just insert the two colour coded poles, peg it out and you’re done.

As it’s a bag to go outside your sleeping bag it’s fairly simple, we’ll sort of. You do need to ensure it’s set up correctly as if the material isn’t taught it can pool water, I can’t say that will cause dampness, however if it did I would say that condensation would form at a rather unhappy rate.

Well you won’t be swinging any cats around in here, to be honest you will struggle to get a cat in there with you, but remember this is not what the Stratosphere is about, this is a small one person bivvi tent, it takes a sleep mat and bag and as long as you’re not too tall, your boots as well.

If like me you like to have somewhere to put your glasses or phone when in bed, the Stratosphere has a rather handy zipped mesh pouch above your head.

I’m 5’11” and I fit in perfectly with room to spare, the inside length is 220cm from end to end not all of which is usable space due to the flat shaped toe end, but still plenty of room to stretch out. I’m also able to sleep on my side as with the hooded head end, you get a little more room.

The Stratosphere also lightweight coming in at a little over 1kg including the poles and pegs. It packs down into is slightly oversized stuff sack which is 31x14cm so as for fitting in a side pouch of a pack or bike pannier it’s an easy fit. I didn’t roll it up, like all my tents I just stuff them back in the bags to reduce constraint creasing in the same place, the Stratosphere bag has reduction straps which help to take up the extra material effectively.

What does Snugpak say

The Snugpak® Stratosphere is an easily pitched, classic bivvi shelter with a self-supporting canopy around the head and shoulders, which allows increased breathability and movement while giving protection from the elements. The entry features a No-See-Um Mesh Mosquito Net, which can be rolled away when not in use, and a 3/4 length side zip for easy access. There is also a mesh covered vent behind the head area for improved air circulation.

It is a lightweight, single skin design which is waterproof, breathable and will protect you from the elements. It is made out of an impressive 5000mm hydrostatic head (HH) waterproof PU coated flysheet, with taped seams, aluminium poles and an 8000mm (HH) waterproof PU coated bathtub style groundsheet. When packed into its compression sack (including tent stakes) it only weighs 1.1kg/2.2lbs. The Stratosphere is ideal to use when lightweight and small pack size are essential.

Specification

  • Pack Weight: 1.13kg / 2.49lbs
  • Trail Weight: 940g / 2.07lbs (Fly, Poles)
  • Packsize: 31cm x 14cm / 12″ X 6″ 
  • Zip: 3/4 length side zip 
  • Origin: Imported

Highlights

  • Waterproof Taped Seams
  • Doors: Single-point side entry
  • Vents: 1 mesh vent
  • Supplied with 7 Lightweight Alloy Y-Stakes, with one spare (6 + 1 spare stakes)
  • Flame retardant
  • Supplied with a Compression Storage Bag

Fabrics

  • Outer Fabric: 50D 290T 100% nylon ripstop with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coating
  • Roll Away Mosquito Net: 50D polyester No-See-Um-Mesh in the front of the hood
  • No-See-Um Netting: 1600 holes per square inch
  • Groundsheet: 210T 100% nylon with (8000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coating, bathtub style
  • 8.5mm Aluminium Poles with screw lock tip, 100% aluminium

Cost

Cost is a funny thing, it all depends on what you want to pay for, do you want a piece of kit which is lightweight, hard wearing, well designed in the UK and with a pedigree of military clothing and equipment, then cost doesn’t really come into it.

You can get one direct from Snugpak with an RRP of £178, however if you shop around you may save a few pounds.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Packable
  • Easy entry
  • Excellent design

Cons

  • Would benefit from strings on the pegs
  • Foot end could be a few inches wider.

Final Thoughts

I think the main question here is “is it worth it”, well that depends on what you want from it, as a small tent, I would have to say that this may not fit the bill however if you want a micro sleep system which weighs next to nothing and packs down very small, then the Stratosphere is just what you’re looking for.

I really like the small details Snugpak have squeezed into this tinny tent, be it the lightweight pegs, or the mesh pouch or just the fact you can easily get in and out. All these design features demonstrate that they have thought of everything you need from this unit and put them in.

Please check out the Snugpak website for more info and how where to purchase.

https://www.snugpak.com/stratosphere-3286