Lightweight, plenty of space: That's what the Sarvis VST 2 tent from Big Agnes offers
5/10/2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Siri Schubert
Lightweight or comfortable? That is the eternal question when it comes to outdoor gear. With the Sarvis tent, the manufacturer Big Agnes manages to achieve both.
My first impression: Extremely light for a 2-person tent. The Sarvis VST 2 from Big Agnes weighs only 1.06 kilograms. How does the tent perform in practice? I'm curious.
Pack size and setup
The tent, including poles and stakes, fits easily into the side pocket of my backpack. That's a big plus right there.
Setting it up is much easier than expected: Spread the tent out on the ground, align the two entrances (yes, it has two), and assemble the three poles. Instead of laboriously threading them through fabric sleeves, as is common with other tents, you just have to push them through the ventilation square on the tent roof. And then secure them with the loops on the tent floor. Next, you can simply clip the poles into the hooks and the tent is ready.
To secure it to the ground, you use the stakes, which are both light and robust. I like the bright orange color, as it makes them harder to lose. Ten stakes are included in the delivery. However, you need twelve to secure the tent at all guy points. Since it is almost windless during my test, the ten are enough for the tent to stand securely. Whether the missing stakes are an oversight or the manufacturer is saving money in this exact spot is a mystery to me.
The tent is up within a few minutes. Without instructions, failed attempts, or anything else. What thrills me: the inner tent and outer tent are set up in one go.
I am used to other tents where the inner tent is set up first and the outer tent is then tensioned. In practice, this means: if it rains, the tent gets damp during setup. With the outer tent, you then trap the moisture inside. That can't happen with this tent.
Airy and light with plenty of space
The tent has a very special floor plan. The interior, with a width of 132 centimeters, offers enough space for two sleeping mats side by side. The length of 225 centimeters is also more than sufficient for most people.
And when it comes to height, I really start raving. I have often slept in tunnel tents or under tarps tensioned with trekking poles. Each time, crawling in and out required circus-like agility. And changing clothes in the tent? Forget it! It's different with the Sarvis VST 2: With a height of one meter, I can sit comfortably, change clothes, and otherwise have a feeling of airy spaciousness.
Speaking of airy: the ventilation is sensational. The tent roof consists of a large mesh window. The two sides are also made of mesh and simultaneously act as mosquito protection.
The two entrances are exciting. I was traveling alone, but if you are traveling with a partner, both can enter and leave the tent independently of each other. That is enormously practical, especially when nature calls at night.
And the two entrances have another advantage: everyone has their own mini-vestibule. This way, you can store your backpack, your shoes, and everything else you need within reach.
Three nights in the tent
I was provided with the tent by the manufacturer for testing and am treating myself to the luxury of sleeping alone in a two-person tent. Because since the tent hardly adds any weight, I am happy to take the more comfortable version with extra space.
The Sarvis VST 2 is not the lightest in the VST series from Big Agnes. At only 720 grams, the Big Agnes Pitchpine VST 1.5 is even lighter. However, I was particularly curious about the combination of comfort and lightness that the more spacious Sarvis offers.
During the three days, the weather is pleasantly warm during the day at 22 to 25 degrees. In the clear, windless nights at around 1000 m above sea level, it cools down to eight to ten degrees. The result: heavy dew formation. The tent is not spared from this either. In the morning, the tarp is covered with tiny water droplets. Inside, however, I remain dry. This is partly due to the good ventilation and partly to the clever tent construction. Thanks to the mesh side walls, I do not come into contact with the wet outer wall. That is an advantage, because touching the outer tent breaks the surface tension and moisture can penetrate. Fortunately, that is not the case here.
Since I can open the tent on both sides, it is quickly ventilated in the morning. Thanks to the generous mesh panel on the tent roof, the interior does not get stuffy during the day when temperatures rise.
The outer tent is made of polyester fabric instead of the usual nylon. This is intended to make it more dimensionally stable and less prone to deformation due to temperature differences. My test confirms this: once set up, the tent stands securely. Re-tensioning is not necessary.
The tent is designed for three seasons. It is not made for icy winters. But from spring to autumn, it offers sufficient protection with good ventilation. At first glance, the tent floor made of 15D nylon ripstop seems a bit thin to me because I can see the grass through it. But during the three days, it stays tight.
Since it gets dark early in the evening, I crawl into the tent around eight o'clock to read a few pages, listen to an audiobook, write in my diary, and let the day fade away. And I feel really comfortable in my temporary home.
Useful details
Although the tent hardly weighs anything, it has some really clever features that go beyond the necessary. For example, the extra clip to attach the tent door to the pole. Or the mesh pockets in the corners for a headlamp, pocket knife, and the like. Or the loops to hang up interior lighting.
These details show me that the tent was developed by people who spend a lot of time outdoors themselves. Because everything is well thought out and manages the balancing act between low weight and comfort. By the way, the tent is also available in a three-person version.
In a nutshell
A lightweight, comfortable tent for trekking and bike tours
The Big Agnes Sarvis VST 2 won me over. It is very lightweight yet offers a whole range of amenities, from good ventilation and easy setup to its two entrances. If I had a longer hiking or biking trip planned, I would buy it immediately. However, for only occasional use, it is a bit expensive.
Pro
- low weight
- simple, simultaneous setup of inner and outer tent
- Room layout with plenty of space
- two entrances with mini awning
- good ventilation
- well-thought-out details
Contra
- too few herrings
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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