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With end to end useable space as well as front and back entrances, the Cloudburst 3 is a perfect minimalist tent for three or luxury for two. With the optional crossing pole and liner, this shelter is sturdy enough to take light snow loading and the interior fully separated from condensation. Best of all, both entrances can be fully opened to offer spectacular, panoramic views and excellent ventilation.

🇺🇲 This tent is sewn in Seattle, WA, using U.S. and imported materials.

Key Features:

  • 30D Nylon 66 100% silicone-coated fabrics and #5 zippers provide superior strength and durability.
  • Extremely easy and fast four stake fly-first pitching.
  • Optional third center pole for extra stability in wind or under snow load.
  • Fits users up to 6 ft 4 in / 1.93m. 
  • Single-walled with condensation-catching gutters, and optional condensation liner. 

 

  • The fly is made with 30D 100% silicone-coated ripstop nylon 6,6 (5000mm+) for exceptional strength and durability. 
  • The floor is made with 30D 100% silicone-coated ripstop nylon 6,6 (5000mm+) for enhanced durability, so that you do not need a groundsheet in most conditions.
  • Premium components: Tarptent carbon and DAC poles, DAC stakes, YKK #5 zippers, Tarptent UltraPE cording.
  • Easy and fast 4 stake fly first pitch.
  • Optional third center pole for extra stability in wind or under snow load.
  • Dual doors and vestibules.
  • Optional clip-in liner provides double-wall-like condensation separation.
  • Vestibules can completely roll back for views and ventilation.
  • Low fly edge blocks wind and rain splashes.
  • Integrated interior pockets and overhead clips. 
  • The interior is protected from overhead rain when the fly doors are open.
  • Seam sealing kit included at no extra cost.
General:
    • Sleeps: 3
    • Seasons: 4

Minimum Weight: 45.8 oz  / 1298 g (with carbon poles; no bags or stakes)

Typical Weight: 48.6 oz  / 1378 g (with carbon poles; all bags and stakes)

    • Cloudburst 3 body: 39.8 oz / 1128 g
    • Poles sets:
      • Carbon Fiber (7.8mm): Two Tarptent 7.8mm carbon fiber arch poles = 6 oz / 170 g (total)
      • Aluminum (9.3mm): Two DAC NFL 9.3 aluminum arch poles  = 11 oz / 312 g (total)
      • Aluminum (10.65mm): Two DAC PL 10.65 aluminum arch poles = 13.5  oz / 383 g (total)
    • Tent Bag: 0.9 oz / 26 g
    • Stake bag: 0.1 oz / 3 g
    • Stakes: Four 6.38-inch aluminum DAC J stakes: 0.45 oz / 13g (each) = 1.8 oz / 51 g (total)
    • Optional liner:  3.9 oz / 111 g
    • Optional third pole:
      • Carbon Fiber (7.8mm): Tarptent 7.8mm carbon fiber arch pole = 3.1 oz / 89 g
      • Aluminum (9.3mm): DAC NFL 9.3 aluminum arch pole = 5.5 oz / 156 g
      • Aluminum (10.65mm): DAC PL 10.65 aluminum arch pole = 6.75 oz / 191 g
Dimensions:
    • Interior Height: 40 in / 102 cm
    • Floor width: 62 in / 157 cm
    • Floor length: 84 in / 213 cm
    • Packed size: 17.25  in x 4.5 in / 44 cm x 11.5 cm (with carbon arch poles)
    • Packed size: 16.75  in x 4.75 in / 43 cm x 12 cm (with Syclone arch poles)
Materials/Components:
    • Fly Material: 30D double ripstop 100% silicone coated nylon 66 rated to over 5,000mm hydrostatic head, forest green
    • Floor Material: 30D double ripstop 100% silicone coated nylon 66 rated to over 5,000mm hydrostatic head, black
    • Mesh: 15D nylon no-see-um mesh 
    • Liner fabric: Breathable and windproof 10D ripstop nylon
    • Fly Zippers: YKK #5 Aquaguard waterproof, single pull
    • Guyline/Cording:  Tarptent UltraPE cording 
    • Arch Poles:
      • DAC NFL 9.3: 9.3mm diameter 7000 series aluminum alloy
      • DAC PL 10.65: 10.65mm diameter 7000 series aluminum alloy
      • Tarptent 7.8mm Carbon Fiber: 7.8mm diameter carbon fiber tubes with carbon fiber inserts

Does this tent require seam sealing?

Do I need trekking poles?

  • No, this tent does not require trekking poles.

Can this tent be freestanding?

  • No, this tent is a semi-freestanding tent.

Does this tent accommodate tall people?

  • There is plenty of length when lying down for people up to 6 ft 4 / 1.93m. Sit-up room is best for people up to 6 ft 2 in / 1.88 m, but many taller users still choose this tent.

Is this tent stuffable?

  • Yes, the pole set is easily packed separately, and the tent body is fully stuffable.

Are there additional tie out points for extra staking?

  • Yes, there are additional pullouts on the arch sleeves and perimeter hem.

What is the condensation liner?

  • The liner clips underneath the canopy panels, mimicking the extra layer of material you would have in a double-wall tent. It separates you from condensation that forms on the underside of the canopy and is recommended if you expect lots of condensation and/or just prefer to have an extra barrier.

Do I need a groundsheet?

  • Probably not. 30D sil-nylon is very durable compared to most ultralight floor materials, and in most conditions, a groundsheet is just additional weight. A groundsheet is recommended for use on highly abrasive and/or sharp ground, such as on sandstone or when pitching on sharp rocks/sticks. 

Which pole type should I choose?

  • Our carbon fiber poles are exceptionally light but are the most flexible of our pole options due to their smaller diameter. They are great for moderate conditions where weight is a priority over wind performance. Due to their brittleness, carbon fiber poles have lower durability than aluminum. 
  • DAC 9.3 NFL poles are heavier but also much stiffer and a bit stronger than our carbon fiber poles due to their larger diameter. We recommend DAC 9.3 poles for most users as they are a good balance of weight, stiffness, and durability. Aluminum poles have much better durability than carbon fiber poles due to their bend-before-break characteristic. 
  • DAC 10.65 PL poles are the heaviest, but also the stiffest and strongest poles we offer. They are recommended for users who expect extreme wind or snow loading.

How do I avoid condensation?

  • ALL tents suffer from condensation in the right/wrong conditions but there are steps you can take to limit it. Try to avoid camping overnight in cool, damp environments such as river valleys, meadows, marshes and next to water. If possible, choose an elevated campsite with a bit of a breeze and preferably under a tree canopy.  Please refer to the Choosing a Better Campsite video to better understand how to avoid condensation.

The Cloudburst was launched in 2003

2026-08 (August 2026)

  • Bigger above door vents with tie-out loop
  • Dual pull zippers
  • Toggle connections with cording in place of buckles and straps
  • ‘3D’ style pole tip pockets for easier use with 10.65mm poles
  • Minor construction updates

….

The list of past updates is still in progress.

7 reviews for Cloudburst 3

  1. John Sholl –

    Thanks for spending phone time and getting our cloudburst 3 with extra pole and footprint to us super fast! Two Days of very foul weather put it to the test with cool temps and wind driven rains to drizzle at St. Regis Pond in the remote wilderness of the Adirondacks. No complaints- tent is as advertised and more- A pleasure to wait out the rain and stiff winds in the cloudburst 3- could not be happier

  2. Annette –

    I purchased the cloudburst 3 in 2015 and I couldn’t be happier with it to this day. I have used it hiking throughout Australia, in the snowy mountains, through many counties in Africa. I’ve slept in it with three adults quite comfortably, and more recently have slept in it with my husband and my baby. There’s plenty of space for all of our stuff, and yet it’s so light. It is so easy to set up and pack down.

    I would recommend a third pole for windy conditions, and I use the guy lines to keep the structure taught. I haven’t got the liner but plan to buy one to help with condensation, but otherwise I honestly cannot fault this tent. It has paid for itself many times over, thank you!

  3. Ken –

    Took the Cloudburst 3 to the ANWR / Brooks Range of Alaska for 15 days of backpacking. Wind, rain, snow – no problems whatsoever with this tent. The snow was 8 inches one night but fortunately was not windy at the time. We really like this tent. I think people get too obsessed with free-standing tents. We’ve used tunnel tents for 20 years on trails and glaciers. No issues in pitching or using them. What I like:
    – Goes up fast. With 2 people, 3 minutes and its up
    – The inside does not get wet when pitching / taking down in the rain
    – You can pitch one vestibule pointed to the wind and enter/exit from the other. Try that with and Anjan!
    – Dead-simple components. No Jakes Feet, plastic thingies, complex poles. I would hate to field-repair some of these modern light tents.
    – Heavy fabric for a lightweight tent
    – Spacious. Fits 3 people and maps for a map-party.
    Dislikes: Nothing so far.
    I do recommend the third pole. The extra “structure” is nice, plus it means you basically have an entire extra pole in case you have a pole issue in a remote area.

  4. Bryan (verified owner) –

    I love this tent! I use it everywhere. And yes I take it on my thru hikes! People would see me with this big spacious tent and laugh.. and yet at the end of each day I would have this roomy, comfy tent that takes less than 5 minutes to put up to crawl into. and honestly I never cared about the minimal extra weight. I love being able to store all my gear inside, and be comfortable on trail. Moreover I love the shape and high ceiling and I always use the 3rd pole in the middle and this bad boy can stand up to crazy wind! I love this tent and would recommend it to anyone!

  5. Jake –

    The Cloudburst3 has been my go to tent for 3+ season use with 2/3 people for some years. After having tried many different shelters it’s hard to beat the space, weight and convenience of the cloudburst. The third pole and condensation liner come in handy in more inclement weather but it doesn’t replace my Hilleberg Nammatj3 in winter when it’s bitter cold and stormy. Spindrift will work it’s way in due to the mesh along the bottom and ends but it can be snugged up to the ground very well against most weather.

    The vestibules on both sides are spacious for gear and make ingress and egress convenient when you have company. Being able to roll the vestibules completely out of the way for views and ventilation is a great feature. Pole tensioners and guy lines are well thought out and simple to adjust. The fabric and construction are quite robust and with proper pitching and campsite choice can definitely take some wind and weather. Not sure what else to say. I would not hesitate to buy this tent again, it’s been perfect!

    -jake

  6. Clayton Whitney (verified owner) –

    Cloudburst 3 is a great, lightweight tent that can easily fit my son, myself and all our gear. I could see 2 adults and a kid or dog, no problem. Has held up to pretty strong winds, I bought the optional 3rd cross pole. Worth the money!

  7. Jeremy (verified owner) –

    This is a great tent! With great customer service! Can’t beat the size to weight

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Cloudburst 3

$399.00

  • *Pole Type

    Reset options
    Optional Extras
    Third Pole
    Liner
    Seam-Sealing Service
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Your order includes:

  • Cloudburst 3 tent body
  • Your choice of arch pole type
  • Four 6.38-inch / 16.2 cm aluminum DAC J stakes
  • Stake Bag
  • Tent bag
  • Emergency pole splint
  • Seam sealing kit

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