Gear

I always use guylines on each end of the Golite SL1, my main summer trekking tent, which greatly enhances stability.

However, since my earlier very positive comments above, I've noted that the hydrostatic head is compromised by very heavy rain, and a fine spray can come through the fabric.  It's not clear how much of this comes just through the seams.  The more recent tents in the SL range have, I think, seam sealant in addition to the thread that is supposed to expand when wet.

A much more significant concern, though, is the failure of the groundsheet.  This has begun to let damp through under pressure, eg simply by kneeling on it.  In wet conditions the water has poured through, and I've been isolated on a sleeping mat 'island'.  I wrote to Golite about this last year, but never received a response.  Issues about the permability of the groundsheet on the SL4 also arose during a recent wet weekend in Snowdonia.

I still like the SL set-up, and have recently bought a replacement groundsheet for the SL1.  I note that the groundsheet has a lifetime guarantee.

Anyone else had problems with the groundsheets in particular? 

Chris Townsend used a SL1 for the Pacific Norrthwest Trail. Reviewing the equiipment used, in January's TGO, he writes, "Overall the SL1 combination performed well and I grew to like it very much. . . It's a great shelter for long solo walks."

The nest seems quite heavy. You could probably get a lighter inner custom made by bearpawwd.com.