OffroadAdmin
Bottom Line
The SlingFin CrossBow 2 is a super versatile four-season tent that performs well across most of our testing categories, including comfort, durability, and weather resistance. It’s roomy enough for two adults to sleep comfortably, and it has handy features like dual vestibules, plenty of pockets, and adjustable ventilation for different conditions. The unique WebTruss design makes it solid in heavy snow and strong winds, so you can count on it in tough weather.
At just over 5 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight and packs down smaller than many three-season tents. You can also tweak the setup to save weight or add extra strength, making it a solid choice for year-round adventures. Although the setup requires more effort than some simpler tents, the versatility and weatherproofing make it worth it. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing tent, this one’s hard to beat. For more options, check out our guide to the best four-season tents.
How We Tested
We tested the SlingFin CrossBow 2 over two months of early winter conditions, putting it through snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and gusty winds reaching up to 40 mph. While we’d have preferred testing it during epic 24-inch powder days (and skiing through them), the tent faced light snowstorms, biting cold, and relentless high winds. Though not exactly our dream conditions, they still provided valuable insights into its performance in tough winter scenarios.
Quick Specs
Slingfin CrossBow 2
Best Overall 4-Season Tent
CleverHiker Rating:
4.9
Price:
$720
Weight:
5 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH):
92 x 50 x 41.5
Square Footage:
4.8sf
Pros
- Excellent value
- Spacious
- Small packet size
- Light & packable enough to be used all year
- Easy to set up
- Good ventilation
- 2 doors/vestibules
Cons
- We prefer guylines over loops for staking 4-season tents
comfort
We often find that tent capacity ratings can be exaggerated, but the Crossbow really delivers on space. There’s plenty of room for two adults to sleep and sit comfortably, and there are pockets galore to reduce gear clutter on the tent floor.
The Crossbow is designed with multiple ways to tailor the amount of airflow to your present conditions. The head wall has one large vent with three options: the fully closed nylon layer, the mesh venting layer for use in buggy conditions, or fully open for free airflow. The nylon on the doors also zips away to reveal mesh windows on each side, and you can prop open the top of the flysheet with Velcroed struts to cut down on condensation at night.
Many 4-season tents are designed with a single front entry door or a front and back door, with the back door and vestibule being much smaller than the front. But the Crossbow has two large side doors with two large vestibules much like a typical 3-season backpacking tent. This makes it much easier for two people to use the space and store their gear comfortably.
Weight & Packed Size
At just over 5 lbs., the weight of the Crossbow is well below average compared to other 4-season tents. And considering that the Crossbow holds up better to wind and snow loading than some heavier tents like the Mountain Hardwear Outpost 2, we’d say the weight is exceptionally low. On top of that, you can leave behind the WebTruss, fly struts, Outrigger system, extra stakes, and extra tensioners to save about 14 oz. This is great for when keeping weight low is a bigger priority than the need for maximum weather protection.
The Crossbow is one of the most packable tents on our Best 4-season Tents list, beaten out only by the HMG Ultamid 2 tarp (which ends up being bulkier if you get the full insert to make it a complete tent). With a packed size of 14 x 6 in., the Crossbow even takes up less backpack space than many of our favorite 3-season backpacking tents.
Weather Resistance
This tent stands out as a four-season tent built to handle harsh weather with impressive reliability. Its innovative WebTruss design delivers exceptional structural stability, allowing the tent to withstand winds up to 70 mph when properly secured. The fly, constructed from 20D nylon ripstop fabric with a 1500mm waterproof rating, effectively shields occupants from heavy rain, while the 20D nylon ripstop PE floor with an 1800mm rating prevents ground moisture from seeping in.
The tent’s breathable yet durable body blocks wind, spindrift, and sand, making it suitable for various environments, including high-altitude and desert conditions. For added resilience in heavy snow, SlingFin’s OutRigger attachment lets users reinforce the structure with trekking poles.
While we didn’t get the chance to test the CrossBow 2 in 70 mph winds, we did put it through its paces during several Colorado snowstorms with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Throughout our testing, the tent proved to be rock-solid and practically windproof, handling the harsh conditions with ease.
Ease of Setup
The Crossbow’s pole structure is easy to set up and it can be tensioned from inside the tent if winds start to pick up. The unique WebTruss system lets you fully assemble the bones of the tent without having to fight the wind to get your poles through pole sleeves.
The WebTruss attaches to the tent body with buckles that we found easier to operate than the rigid clips on many other 4-season tents we’ve used. For mild weather trips, you can swap the WebTruss out with the included pole clips to make setting up as quick and easy as any standard 3-season backpacking tent.
Durability
The Crossbow uses one of the most unique pole structures we’ve ever seen. The WebTruss design improves upon traditional pole sleeves and further reduces flex in your poles – thereby reducing the chances of a pole snapping in high wind. Slingfin’s Outrigger system is also included. It allows you to attach your trekking poles to the tent cross pole to add even more strength for snow loads and high wind. This design has a much better strength-to-weight than many other 4-season tents.
Versatility
The price of the Crossbow is average on our Best 4-season Tents list, but it’s far more versatile than many others. If you only plan to own a single tent that can handle pretty much any conditions throughout the year, this is your tent. The Crossbow design allows you to easily tailor the strength of the structure to the conditions you’re in. Attach your trekking poles to the crossbar to withstand heavier snow and wind, or leave their special tent pole and trekking pole attachments behind and use the included clips to save 6.2 oz. on trips with mild conditions. If it gets hot out, open the large vent at the head and zip the nylon on the doors away for a good cross-breeze.
Should You Buy the SlingFin CrossBow 2?
The SlingFin CrossBow 2 is an excellent choice for adventurers wanting a reliable, four-season tent that can handle challenging conditions while remaining lightweight and versatile. Its impressive weather resistance, spacious interior, and adaptable ventilation are ideal for those tackling high-altitude, winter, or year-round adventures where durability and performance are critical.
The CrossBow 2 stands out for its innovative design, offering more strength and versatility than many heavier four-season tents, making it a great option for backpackers who prioritize packability without compromising on protection.
While the setup can feel slightly more involved, especially for new users, the tent’s stability and comfort make the extra effort worthwhile. If you’re a casual camper sticking to mild, fair-weather trips, this level of performance may be overkill. However, the CrossBow 2 is a high-value, rugged, adaptable, and lightweight shelter for those who regularly venture into harsh conditions.
What Other Four-Season Tents Should You Consider?
If you’re eyeing the SlingFin CrossBow 2, here are a few other outstanding four-season tents that might suit your needs. For more great recommendations, check out our guide to the best four-season tents.
MSR Access 2 Review: Perfect for shoulder-season and light winter adventures, the Access 2 is lighter than the CrossBow at 4 lbs. 1 oz. While it’s not as rugged in extreme conditions, it’s an excellent choice for backcountry skiers and backpackers seeking a balance of weight and protection. The Access offers good ventilation and an intuitive setup, making it versatile for colder but less severe weather.
Samaya 2.0 Review: For ultralight enthusiasts focused on fast-and-light alpine missions, the Samaya 2.0 has exceptional waterproofing and weight savings. While it doesn’t quite match the CrossBow’s durability, its compact size and lack of vestibules make it best suited for solo adventurers.
REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 Review: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Arete ASL 2 is a solid four-season option. It’s heavier and less versatile than the CrossBow, but it is an excellent pick for a dependable winter tent for below-treeline adventures.
More Photos
The tent inner attaches to the WebTruss system with these plastic clips. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
The option to attach a trekking pole to the web truss system adds even more stability when the weather turn bad. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
The CrossBow 2 pitches tight even without being fully guyed out. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
Relaxing in the SlingFin CrossBow 2—proof that even in snowy conditions, this tent provides a cozy retreat. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
The kickstand vent helps prop the door open helping with ventilation. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
The CrossBow 2’s inner body stays tight maximizing internal space. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
