Sierra Designs Superflash 2 man 4 season tent

Posted on by Rob Drews

Good example of this somewhat iconic tent. Not free-standing but keeps itself up when staked at the corners. Very sturdy when rain fly is pulled over the top. Fly comes all the way to the ground. Guy lines provided added steadiness in any weather situation. Great shape. Allows two occupants to sit fully upright with plenty of room to spare over head. Tabs in the corners of the ceiling lead me to believe a gear hammock was available for inside. Not a ton of space for gear with tow occupants and only enough vestibule for the rain fly for boots, and other odds and ends not needed inside.

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Early-mid 70s Sierra Designs 60/40 Mountain Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews
Early-mid 1970s Sierra Designs 60/40 Mountain Parka

The original 60/40 mountain parka by Sierra Designs. Constructed of the fabric famed for its day as the superior protector against the elements. In a time before Gore-Tex and other such membrane backed fabrics, this blend of Nylon and Cotton loomed with a tight weave was the number one choice of outdoor enthusiast against rain, snow and wind. Prior to its introduction in 1968 most parkas of this style were made of a Polyester and Cotton blend which was much more permeable to the elements. This particular example is an earlier version evident by the sparse labeling and lack of embossed buttons.

The parka is constructed of a Navy Blue shell made entirely of the 60/40 material. The classic construction includes two hip pockets with side entry and Velcro closed top entry. Two bellowed chest pockets also with Velcro closure. A single zip closed back pocket which opens up to the entire upper half of the jacket body. Closure consists of a large gauge YKK zipper with extended pull for ease of use while wearing gloves. Also a snap close-storm flap. Features an integrated hood with offset seams to prevent pooling around the neck and shoulders. Inside the khaki liner is made from 60/40 up top and through out the sleeves and hood to further guard against the elements where it matters most. Then a lighter nylon lighter around the lower allowing the jacket to slide easily over the hips. Nylon cord cinch runs through the hood with leather lace locks. Also a Nylon draw cord at the waist which most likely also had the leather locks at some point, but are now missing.

 

Woolrich 60/40 Mountain Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Woolrich Mountain Parka 60/40

This Woolrich Parka features classic styling composed of materials and craftsman ship that was top of the line in its day. The shell is made of the famed blend 60/40 Cotton/Nylon material popularized by Sierra Designs in the early 70s. This material was most weather proof fabric of its time, before Gore-Tex. Linking is made of a poly cotton blend with Nylon sleeve liner. This ingenious design allows the wearer to slip the jacket on and off over wool shirts and the likes with no binding or bunching. One inside pocket and double breast and hip pockets. Elastic cuff closure, waist and hood draw cords with leather disc cord locks. Main closure comes via a heavy gauge YKK two-way zipper and logo embossed brass tone snaps. The 60/40 has a nice sheen and tends to make separate panels different shades of blue in different light. Not all 60/40 is created equal. Depending on the cotton and nylon fibers used the material can vary in thickness, stiffness and sheen. The Woolrich sheep logo of this time period was recently relaunched and dubbed the “White Collection”. The line is quite nice and does well to honor styles like these.

Sierra Designs for Nieman Marcus 60/40 Winter Mountain Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews

Unique co-branded Sierra Designs winter version of their world famous 60/40 mountain parka. Besides the iconic 60/40 label also have NM Supply Company (a Nieman Marcus Collection). Other than the branding this is a Sierra Designs Parka through and through.

60% cotton 40% nylon shell with a beautiful red/green/khaki 70% wool 30% nylon upper lining. Heavy gauge YKK 3/4 length zipper down the front with original long pull. Full length snap closed storm flap.  Two Velcro top close breast pockets, two hip warmer pockets also with Velcro top entry. Drawstring at the hood with leather cord locks. Waistline draw as well without cord lock. Zippered back pocket opens up to the entirety of the lined upper portion.

Measures:
22″ pit to pit
28.5″ base of hood to cuff
21.5″ pit to cuff
30″ top of zip to bottom hem

Sierra Designs Starflight Two-man Backpacking Tent – Berkeley California

Posted on by Rob Drews

Berkeley era Sierra designs two-man two or three season asymmetrical tepee style tent. Features a two pole construction. Poles fit into grommets at the base of the tent then connect at the top through and elastic cord with the use of a heavy plastic pin joint. Two cords at the corners of the foot end of the ten running through grommets anchor that end up and out. The body has a half-moon zip fly screen door and Velcro closing outer door. There is also a small screen window on the top of the tent body about 3/4 of the way up from the foot to the peak. Tent rain fly stakes around from the base resting on the peak of the poles the fly door is Velcro closed as well.

Tent and fly are numbered 051302 and 050601 respectively.

Measures:
53″ high at peak
97.5″ long
58″ wide
25″ long by 5.5″ wide when packed

Weighs approx: 5 lbs

Sierra Designs single Man Backpacking Tent – Oakland CA

Posted on by Rob Drews

Classic Oakland California era Sierra Designs single person backpacking tent.  This tent looks as if it borrows structural engineering from Spanish architect Félix Candela using arches to make a simple yet durable structure.

Includes all original pieces:
Tent
Rain Fly
Plastic composite and aluminum poles (8 pieces)
5 stakes
1 Sierra Designs Oakland CA tent bag
Small Sierra Designs Berkeley CA stuff sack (added bonus)

Condition wise this tent is in great shape for its age. No holes or rips in the tent body or fly, all seams are complete and the zippers work great. Some blue has transferred to the white of the tent top after being stored rolled up for years. Floor of the tent is remarkably clean, indicating the tent was used very little.  Has a little of that old nylon tent smell but has been airing out for the last two weeks and will continue to until point of sale.

Approximate Measurements:
Packed weight: 4.5 lbs
Packed size: 28″ x 6″ x 3.5

Set up:
44″ tall at front
15″ at feet
95″ head to toe
44″ across

Vintage Sierra Designs Terra III Geodesic Tent

Posted on by Rob Drews
Sierra Designs Terra III / Terra IV Tent

Vintage Sierra Designs Terra Tent. I am unsure if this tent is the Terra III or IV but I am going with III as it appears it would  sleep 3 more comfortably.  Here’s what Sierra Designs had to say about the then in a piece of promotional material for it:

“Sierra Designs Terra III and Terra IV geodesic domes. These tents incorporate strength, simplicity, and real value. Designed for comfortable, rugged three-and four-season use and built with Sierra Designs’ renowned attention to detail and high quality? Come on in and check ’em out for your self !” click here to view original postcard.

In pieces this assembling this tent looks a little bit daunting, but as noted in the instructions it is in fact quite simple to pitch and nearly impossible to mess up.

Measures approx:
84 inches across
80 inches deep
48 inches high
Weighs approx:  8 Lbs

Includes: directions, 1 extra pole, 3 extra rings/discs, 2 extra ferruls, 3 extra nylon cords, 5 stakes (1 missing). Small vintage Camp 7 stuff included as the parts bag.