The Sierra Designs Lightning 2 FL is an update to one of my favorite tents, the Lightning 2 UL. Lighter and more storage space is the main attraction, but what else has changed with the 2015 update and is it worth an upgrade or first time buy? 
What’s changed?
Aside from the weight difference and the larger vestibules, the tent is mainly the same. A few other notable differences include the ability to completely zip up the front door, whereas the original left a small gap at the top, and a slightly breezier rear of the tent, allowing for more air flow. 
About the tent
The Lightning ditches standard door/vestibule entrances, and replaces that with a front facing vertical door, with “gear closets” on the sides of the tent, accessible from the inside or out. The door is double layered, with an outer mesh, and an inner waterproof layer with a zipper allowing the lowering of the waterproof barrier for more ventilation or viewing of the outside. An above awning keeps out the rain and sun. 
The tent pitches with a combined tent body and rain fly, which are permanently fixed together. The framing is a single long pole, with an arch on each end. There are two small aluminum stays, one in the awning to give support, and one on the ceiling of the tent to widen the interior. DAC NSL poles, DAC J-stakes, and 15D nylon floor with a 20D polyester ripstop body finish the build. The tent weighs in at 3 lbs 4 oz (packed) and retails for $369.95. 
What I liked
Moving gear storage to the sides of the tent is a hugely understated feature of this tent. It gets all of your gear out of the way of entering and exiting, while also allowing quick access from the inside or outside of the tent. No more climbing over packs, or getting gear wet while opening the tent doors. The improved gear closets provide huge amounts of storage, and never once have I ever even had to stack gear up to make it all fit inside. I could sprawl out my equipment instead of piling it up in a heap. The internal zippers allow for quick access to anything you need. 
The above, combined with the vertical front door and vestibule provides the most convenient entry and exit of any tent on the market that I’ve tested. The awning furthermore provides an opportunity to unzip the protective layer of the door, exposing the breezy mesh for viewing during the rain, or increased ventilation. This is lovely while being trapped inside during a storm, as it eliminates that feeling of claustrophobia while pairing that age-old past time of watching the rain. I’ve never had rain get inside while leaving the waterproof door open, except perhaps in sideways blaring rain. 
Stability is impressive. Perched atop a completely exposed 6000 foot peak, the harsh winds of the East Coast rain season couldn’t budge it. 4 guy out lines connect to the four corners, while the simple one piece body/rain fly connect to the pole and provide a surprisingly robust frame. Rocking winds left the tent undisturbed, with minimal movement, and one of the quietest sleeps I’ve ever had in a tent. No flapping, moaning, or buffeting here thanks to the taut pitch and sturdy build. It’s a light sleepers dream. 
Ventilation is great, with ample opportunity for air flow through the large vent at the foot, wide open vestibules on the sides, and the gaping mesh screen door on the front. A breeze can flow through the tent nearly unobstructed in positioned correctly, or blocked by turning the tent sideways and sealing up the front door. This can either minimize condensation, or maximize protection from the wind. Livability is nice, with plenty of room inside for two users to sit up (closely) without rubbing the head of the tent. Food space is adequate, and elbow room is plentiful enough to avoid each other, most of the time. 
Durability is great, with a tough floor that doesn’t require a footprint or careful tent selection, a rigid pole system, and a highly resistant tent fly. It’s a tent that can be trusted, and relied on. Pack weight and size is especially impressive, barely tipping the scales and taking up minimal pack space. Pitching the tent is as easy as possible. Lay down the tent, apply the poles and stakes and you’re done. No tent body and separate body to deal with. 
What I didn’t like
The lower end of the tent is a single wall, which cuts weight and reduced pack size. The downside to this is condensation will build up (as with any tent) and needs to be managed internally with a pack towel. I’ve never had it rain inside the tent from falling droplets of moisture as with other tents I’ve tested, but the foot of the tent does leave an exposed single wall where users tend to slide against the wall, right at the foot of the sleeping bag (below image). This can cause the sleeping bag to draw in some of this moisture. At it’s worst, it’s only been an inconvenience, but it is notable. I would like to see this issue eliminated in future designs. I’m being harsher here than on the last years model, as it’s still an issue that hasn’t been corrected. I’ve had no issues when using the tent solo, as you’re not cramped for space at the foot. I’ve never had any issues around the head of the tent either. 
Organization is limited, with two small pockets situated near the head that basically lay your equipment on the floor of the tent. Linear accessory attachment points inside can make for tricky hanging of damp socks, camp towels, and camp accessories. It’s a single linear trail of connection points. It works, but it’s not ideal. I would like to see the protective wall on the front door unzip just a little bit further down, allowing viewing of the outside while laying down if desired. 
Overall
Sierra Designs has made a great tent even better with the new FL update. Lighter, more storage space, and more packable, all without sacrificing any stability, livability or durability. Generous storage, with a well thought out living space and an awning for viewing during nasty weather makes for a tent that’s a pleasure to be inside of, instead of feeling like a punishment. Aside from a minor issue with condensation at the foot, I cannot see any reason to not recommend this tent to anyone. Still a favorite.
Highly Recommended 
TreeLineBackpacker 
Hi, I’m in need of a tent for this summer, as I will be working in the backcountry of Southern Colorado for 3 months. I’ve narrowed my choices down to the Kelty TN2 and the Sierra Designs Lightning FL 2. Whichever tent I choose will need to deal well with the heavy storms that pop up every afternoon (with minimal condensation and leakage), as well as the possibility of hail, snow, and icing. Also, the tent will used at a base camp as well as for backpacking trips. I’d really appreciate any insight you can offer for this decision or any suggestions you have. I’ve really enjoyed your reviews and thanks in advance!
Hi, and thanks for reading!
That’s a tough decision, but I would say it comes down to where you’ll use it the most. If it’s mostly for base camp, the Kelty will be more comfortable, roomier, and will provide more flexibility (top on, off, rolled back). If you’ll spend most of the time with the tent on your back, I’d go with the Lightning FL2. It’s much lighter, pitches faster, and pitches dry while still providing plenty of room, but it will have some mild condensation issues. Both tents will hold up great to anything except a large snow dump, so durability shouldn’t be a concern, but I would give the nod to the TN2 for toughness.
If I can be of further use, do let me know!
Hello, Would you recommend this tent for a 9,500 camp zones that are exposed? I’m planning a trip next week to the Grand Tetons and are planning to stay above tree line for 4 Nights/5 Days. Most camp sites will be at 9,000+, so the possibilities of strong winds/storms are very possible. Do you feel this tent will hold up to this climate? Temps at night are closer to 30F, so I was also wondering if you thought this tent has to much mesh for this type of trip?
Appreciate your comments!
Thanks
SD is building some of the toughest tents in their weight class right now. I would certainly trust it. I’ve used it down to about 20 degrees and I was happy, but that will come down to your sleep system. It’s my favorite tent right now.
Great review! Looks like we both enjoy our tents! I recently wrote a review if you want to check it out.
http://www.bylandco.com/bylandgearreviews/sierra-designs-lightning-2-fl-review
Solid review! It seems we had pretty similar experiences. Mine definitely wets out my sleeping bag, as I’m on the East Coast. I still keep dragging mine out though.
I think it’s just going to come with the territory of being that single wall at the foot of the tent. It’s not a huge deal for me being in the PNW, but I do notice more condensation when it’s cooler out and my body heat gets going. I do my best to keep the front door unzipped as far a possible but I’m not sure it’s enough air flow. I thought about checking out the Flash since it has two doors, however it weighs more and I’m not sure it’s worth it.
I’m a huge fan of this whole tent and fly combo thing going on. I really don’t like putting a rain fly on!
-Emory
I do like being out west where it’s so much drier! Things are simpler. Here, condensation happens with every tent, pretty much every night. Sometimes to the point that it rains inside the tent. It’s troublesome, but we work with it. I too love being able to pitch it in one go. Especially in the rain!
Thanks for the detailed review. I am considering buying this tent. However, I have one major concern. Since its fly and the tent body are integrated, if the fly is wet due to rain in the morning when you pack it , wouldn’t it make the whole tent went when you take it out in the evening at the next campsite? Do you have any experience with this scenario? Is there a way to pack it so that the went fly wont’ make the tent body wet? Thanks.
Hi!
That’s a great question. I’ve found that wiping down the inside of the tent with a camp towel goes a long way, and thankfully results in a dry interior after I’ve packed it up and repitched it. Otherwise, there isn’t much you can do other than letting it dry out. I’ve not found it to be much of an issue, but if you’re in a very humid area, it could cause some issues on a longer trip.
This is an excellent review. I was wondering with the tent and fly being integrated, is it an issue splitting up the weight on the trail? Do you happen to know what the weights would be split up between two people?
If you split it up, you’ll be a little off center with weight About 2lbs of it will be the tent body/fly, and the rest will be the poles and stakes. But, it’s still pretty light for whoever gets the light side.
Excellent. Thank you for replying. 2lbs is very manageable for myself. I’m currently in the REI Half Dome 2, at just over 5lbs total, so about 2.5lbs each.
I’m a little bit late to the party. I hiked for 3 months on the CDT this past summer with an MSR hubba nx. Unlike hiking out east on the Appalachian Trail there was no tree cover when setting up in the rain. Thus began my search for a more livable tent that could be set up in the rain. I was reading one of your reviews for another tent where in the comment section you mention this being your personal favorite 2 person tent, though not the best. I haven’t even looked at Sierra Designs since I owned a clip flashlight 15 years ago. Thanks mainly to your great review and a black Friday sale of 40% off I now anxiously await my new lightning. It will add more weight, but I gain a crazy roomy tent for one that can be set up in the rain. I did consider the Nightwatch FL2, but it was only 25% off. Anyway, your reviews are excellent with lots of pictures. Keep it up!
Hi Dave!
Thanks for reading. I’m glad you found the SD tent as they certainly deserve some attention. I’ve really been enjoying mine, and I’m still yet to having any issues with construction. They’re quite solid!
Great work snagging one with the discount too! That’s a steal.
Hey Dave,
I’m the commenter above. Mainly because of this review, I looked into the SD tents as well. I picked the larger Flash 2 FL, because I have my wife and two dogs on all of my trips. I love the tent. I love the quality, and the space. I set it up once in a light drizzle, and it worked great. The only caution that I read elsewhere, and tested a bit, is packing up the wet tent. Because the fly and tent are combined, you’re not able to separate the wet fly from the tent body when packed. A medium to large pack-towel helps with this issue. Other than that, I love my SD tent!
Thanks for the info Andy and treeline. I hiked with a guy this past summer with a MacPac tent from New Zealand that had the fly attached. He used a pack towel or sponge to mop up. It wasn’t a big deal to him. I am not expecting to run into much condensation as it will just be me in the tent. I stop to dry things out the moment I see the sun. Do you use a footprint (ground cloth)? I generally do if only to keep the tent cleaner. Looking forward to using the tent.
I actually don’t use a footprint. I have with cheaper tents — go figure! — but I just have careful camp selection. I think you will love your new SD tent. I put many hours of research into my tent selection, and I am thrilled with my choice.
I took your advice and that of Michael and just ordered the SD Flash 2. Looking forward to trying in 2 weeks on the Lake Superior Provincial Park Coastal Trail with wife and dog.
Hi!
I’m excited to hear about your new tent. To me, there really is nothing like a new shelter showing up in the mail (but I’m kind of obsessed with this stuff, so there’s that…)
Let me know how you like it! I’ve found them to be incredibly tough, and very livable. They breathe well too. Have fun out by the lake. it’s on my bucket list.