Slingfin Hotbox 4 Season Tent

Slingfin Hotbox 4 season tent

When we asked guides what tent we should make next, the overwhelming consensus was, “Make a lightweight 2P alpine bivy tent that actually works.” So, we set off to make a tent with the following parameters: Lightweight, waterproof, handles condensation well, and fully freestanding with a small footprint so it can be wedged into rocky alpine bivy spots or dug into the side of snow fields. Finally, knowing that summit windows can take days to materialize, it had to be livable enough to spend more than a couple hours in without getting totally stir crazy. 

We went with a double wall design because even the most breathable single-wall tents can’t match the condensation management and versatility of a tried and true double-wall. We also added a WebTruss to boost the HotBox’s strength-to-weight ratio, a whole bunch of pockets, and some functional ventilation.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the HotBox is its novel gear storage system. The large drawstring vents on the sides of the tent body combined with the full-length snow flaps provide dry gear storage without obstructing the door or requiring any stake points. Toggle the point of the snow flap to the tent body, shove your pack out the vent, and you have a sheltered alcove for your gear that doesn’t get in the way of the door, increase the tent’s footprint, or require a stake.

Our integrated pitch design lets you connect the tent body to the flysheet via the WebTruss, allowing the tent to be pitched as a single unit, like a single-wall tent.

Add a through-vent, a mesh panel on the door, a rain gutter on the flysheet zipper, internal guylines, and our industry-leading build quality and fabrics, and you get a tent that’s suitable for the approach as well as the summit push. Its ventilation and double-wall design mean it’s even serviceable as a year-round backpacking tent.

Pick up a footprint to prolong the life of your HotBox’s floor or set up the tent without the body.

The Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is a high-end, four-season tent designed for extreme weather conditions. This tent is made with the latest materials and construction techniques to provide users with a comfortable and durable shelter that can handle harsh winter weather.

One of the standout features of the Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is its double-walled construction. The inner tent is made from a solid breathable material, while the outer tent is made from a durable, waterproof material. This double-walled design helps to keep you warm and dry, even in heavy snow or rain. The outer tent also features large vents to allow for proper ventilation and reduce condensation buildup.

Another key aspect of the Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is its easy-to-use design. The tent features a double-pole, freestanding design that makes it easy to set up and take down, even in adverse weather conditions. The tent is also designed with a roomy interior, with enough space for two people to sleep comfortably and store gear.

The Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is also designed to be extremely durable. The tent is made from high-quality materials, including a ripstop nylon outer tent, and is built to withstand harsh winter conditions. The tent is also designed to handle high wind and snow loads, making it a great choice for winter camping and mountaineering expeditions.

In our own test here in Northern Sweden the Slingfin has held up to everything the northern winter mountains can throw at it in spades. I was truly impressed by just how well-thought out the design of this tent is. 

One of the biggest advantages of the Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is its ability to keep you warm and dry in cold, harsh weather conditions. The double-walled construction and large vents help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the tent, while the waterproof materials help to keep you dry even in the worst weather. Additionally, the tent features a large vestibule that provides additional storage space and shelter from the elements.

In terms of downsides, one of the main limitations of the Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is its price. This is a high-end tent that is designed for extreme weather conditions, and as such, it comes with a high price tag. Additionally, The weight is a drawback for a summer UL tent. There are lighter solutions. 

Overall, the Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is an excellent choice for winter camping and mountaineering expeditions. The tent is designed to handle extreme weather conditions and is built with the latest materials and construction techniques to provide users with a comfortable and durable shelter. While the high price tag may be a drawback for some users, the tent’s performance and durability make it a great investment for those who are looking for a top-of-the-line winter tent.

• Warm and cozy: The Slingfin Hotbox Winter Tent is designed to keep you warm even in extreme cold weather conditions.
• Versatile: Suitable for camping, backpacking or even mountaineering. The Slingfin Hotbox is a great choice for any outdoor adventure.
• Strong and durable. The tent is made of high-quality materials ensuring that it will last you for many seasons to come.
• Easy to set up: The tent is designed to be quick and easy to set up.
• Great ventilation
• Spacious: With plenty of room for one or two people the Slingfin Hotbox is perfect for solo camping or for a cozy getaway with a friend
• Lightweight: Despite it’s sturdy construction, the Slingfin Hotbox is surprisingly lightweight for a freestanding 4-season tent. Making it easy to carry on even the longest of hikes.

Minus: 

• Heavy pricetag 
• Limited availability
• Heavy for summer UL hikes

Review by Kenneth Shaw 08 February 2023

FEATURES

• 2-person tent for minimalist alpine climbs and ski tours
• Large side vents for access to gear storage area along sides of tent
• Fully freestanding
• Breathable ripstop body blocks wind, spindrift, dust, and sand
• Through-vents on fly and tent body facilitate airflow
• Tent body through-vent has separate mesh and ripstop layers for buggy conditions
• 8 internal pockets for ample internal organization
• WebTruss adds strength and makes high-wind setup a breeze
• Rain gutter on fly zipper flap reduces drips during ingress and egress
• Internal guyline compatible (one set pre-installed)
• Mesh door vent for venting even when it’s buggy
• Toggles connect fly to poles at guy points for stability
• Integrated pitch design allows the fly and tent to be pitched simultaneously
• Internal ceiling o-rings for gear hanging
• Eight internal pockets for endless organizational potential
• WebTruss can be replaced with DAC twist clips (included) for additional weight savings
• 14 external guy points
• 4 perimeter pull-out loops
• 2 snow flaps with stake points
• No added FR chemicals
• Pre-installed spare zipper sliders prolong zipper lifespan
• Designed and tested with help fromBlackbird Mountain Guides

SPECS

 

MATERIALS

 

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

*not necessary for normal use of the tent