Sierra · Camping Tents & Tarps
Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 2 Tent
Skip or contact Sierra for water-repellent coating details; waterproof tents typically use PFAS-based treatments.
This 2-person backpacking tent has nylon/polyester ripstop with waterproof coating. Sierra doesn't disclose whether the water-repellent coating treatment contains PFAS, which are standard in outdoor gear.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon/polyester ripstop with unspecified water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 2 Tent is made of, ingredients and materials
The Meteor Lite 2 uses nylon and polyester ripstop fabrics with an unspecified water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the outer shell. Ripstop construction is standard for tent durability and tear resistance. The critical unknown is the water-repellent coating treatment chemistry, most tent waterproofing historically relied on PFAS-based formulations (particularly C8 perfluorocarbons), though some manufacturers have shifted to formulations with lower PFAS concern. Without Sierra's disclosure, you cannot determine exposure risk from the fabric itself during normal use.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
water-repellent coating degradation and leachables
Unspecified water-repellent coating coatings can break down with UV exposure, washing, and age. If the coating contains PFAS (highly likely but unconfirmed), degradation may release residues into soil or water during storage or use. Coatings with lower PFAS concern can still release other synthetic polymers as dust or particulates.
Nylon and polyester microfiber shedding
Ripstop nylon degrades and sheds microscopic fibers, especially under wind abrasion and flexing. While not a chemical hazard per se, inhalation or ingestion of synthetic microfibers during long camping trips in enclosed spaces is an emerging concern. Shedding increases with age and wear.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coatings and glues
New tents often release odors from water-repellent coating coatings, seam sealants, and fabric treatments. The Meteor Lite 2 has not been tested for specific VOC emissions. Airing the tent outdoors for several days before first use can reduce initial off-gassing, though the full chemical profile remains unknown.
What’s reassuring
Seam sealant toxicity and durability
No specific information is publicly available on Sierra's seam sealant chemistry for this model. Standard polyurethane-based sealants are common in the industry and generally stable when dry, but formulations vary. Request details if concerned.
Flame retardants
Nylon ripstop tents are not required to meet flame retardant standards, and no evidence suggests the Meteor Lite 2 uses such treatments. However, Sierra has not explicitly ruled this out. Tents in some markets may be treated with flame retardants; clarify if this is a concern.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Sierra Designs has not made public commitments regarding PFAS-based waterproofing or transparency around their coating chemistry. The brand does not advertise PFAS-free certifications (such as Bluesign or similar textile standards) for this model. This silence is noteworthy because leading outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face now disclose or commit to eliminating PFAS in waterproof gear. Contacting Sierra directly is the only way to determine whether this tent uses legacy PFAS treatments or newer alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Most two-person backpacking tents at this weight and price point use similar nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating coatings, making the Meteor Lite 2 typical rather than distinctive. Some competitors (REI Co-op, Black Diamond) now offer tents with PFAS-free water repellency or explicit Bluesign certifications. The Meteor Lite 2 offers no such assurance, placing it in the middle of the market on chemical transparency. If PFAS exposure is a concern, requesting water-repellent coating details before purchase is essential.
If you buy it
Store the tent dry and well-ventilated; off-gassing of coating chemicals during initial use or heat exposure is minimal with nylon but possible if the water-repellent coating contains volatile components. Do not heat-treat or wash the tent with harsh detergents, as these can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially mobilize coating residues. Inspect for wear (pinholes, seam degradation) annually; when the waterproofing fails, replacement presents lower risk than re-coating at home. Before purchase, email Sierra to request the exact water-repellent coating formulation and whether it contains PFAS; if they decline to answer, that itself signals a lack of commitment to transparency.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Sierra has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More camping tents & tarps grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.