Does anybody have experience using the Big Agnes String Ridge in Winter on and during snow showers/storms at elevations sub 10K?

I swapped my Hilleberg Akto a few years ago for a MLD Duomid with bivvy for snow camping. This year I plan 4 or 5 trips to the Sierra Nevada and it looks like we will get a lot more snow. The Akto cannot support much snow on top, I do not think I can afford a Hilleberg domed or tunnel tent. Looking at the Big Agnes, it looks like a good compromise: about 5 lbs, double walled, under $500. Some reviews on other sites have disagreed about how well it handles condensation.

Edited by btolley on 01/02/2011 11:56:00 MST.

Yes I have a lot of experience with it.

I like it a lot and it will work well for you in the Sierra Nevada.

I reviewed it after my first winter here:

http://tinyurl.com/yfzvj77

Thanks Ray,
I read your excellent and thorough review.

I have a couple of questions. 1) Did you end up finding the condensation issue tolerable? You ask for better ventilation in the conclusion of your review. 2) How do you think the tent would hold up with a static load, say 18 to 24 inches of wet snow falling during the night. 3) I see that you cooked in the vestibule. Did you find that it was roomy enough for cooking for one to two people?
thx
Bruce

Edited by btolley on 01/03/2011 11:49:34 MST.

Thank you Bruce,

While it does get occasional condensation that is to be expected in winter no matter what tent you have. I still think if they added a patch of mesh at the top of the tent it would help it, especially after using the Hubba Hubba HP last winter that does have one. A lot of times many outside factors go into how much condensation you will see inside. I liked it enough to keep it as my go-to winter tent in CA, getting rid of my MSR Dragontail and SD Hercules v.2.

I think it will do fine with heavy snow as it really has a sharp ridge line so snow is going to slide off. Plus trust me, you will wake often and a quick bang on the center pole will clear most of the snow that does cling.

I only cook inside the vestibule when forced to do so by snow or rain. You will notice that I dig the vestibule down too which helps a lot to keep from toasting the fly. If it is not dumping on me I cook and make water in a “snow kitchen” that I dig at every winter camp site.

Good luck on your trips and be safe. I am in MN this winter but talk to Dave a few times a week. He says they have gotten amazing amounts of snow in the Sierra so far.

Why not just use the duomid you already have?