Gear Review: Cinder Cone 4-Person Pyramid Tent By SlingFin

The SlingFin Cinder Cone 4P Pyramid Tent is built to handle serious weather while offering ample space for group camping or ultralight basecamp setups. Tested in high winds and snow, this shelter excels in wind resistance and modular versatility, making it a top choice for mountain adventurers.

Gear Review: Cinder Cone 4-Person Pyramid Tent By SlingFin
The pyramid shape cuts wind and sheds snow, making the Cinder Cone ideal for four-season or alpine camping.

The SlingFin Cinder Cone 4P Pyramid Tent is built for mountain expeditions, group camping trips, and serious weather. With a roomy four-person capacity and modular setup options, it’s a versatile shelter for those who need reliable wind protection and spacious sleeping quarters. This review takes a closer look at how the Cinder Cone 4-Person performed during field testing in variable weather and how it stacks up against other pyramid-style shelters.

 SlingFin Cinder Cone pyramid tent fully pitched in golden evening light on a hillside campsite.
Golden hour light glows on the SlingFin Cinder Cone tent! Roomy, stable, and ready for backcountry adventure.

Standout Features:

  • Modular Setup Options: The Cinder Cone 4P can be set up as a double-wall tent with the mesh body or stripped down to the pyramid fly for a more minimalist, ultralight setup.
  • Exceptional Wind Resistance: The pyramid structure and tensioned guylines kept the tent stable in wind gusts up to 40 mph during our testing.
  • Ample Headroom and Interior Space: With a 4-person capacity, there’s plenty of room for campers, gear, and even a small table for basecamp setups.
  • Durable Construction: SlingFin uses top-tier materials, reinforced stitching, and a bombproof center pole to ensure the Cinder Cone 4P can withstand extended use in harsh conditions.
  • Multi-Season Versatility: The mesh body option is ideal for warm-weather trips, while the full fabric setup can handle snow and cold.
 Detailed close-up of SlingFin tent's interior seam, stitching, and tie-out for demonstrating construction quality.
Plenty of guylines and reinforced anchor points give the Cinder Cone excellent tension and storm resistance. It's an extremely capable tent, perfect for harsh conditions and big adventures.

Quick Rundown of the Cinder Cone 4P Pyramid Tent By SlingFin

  • Capacity: 4 people
  • Minimum Trail Weight: 3 lb 12 oz (fly only)
  • Full Mesh Insert Weight: 2 lb 2 oz
  • Max Weight (with fly + mesh body): 5 lb 14 oz
  • Floor Dimensions (hexagon): Long diagonals = 106” / Short diagonals = 90”
  • Interior Area: 64 sq ft
  • Peak Height: 64”
  • Packed Size: 12” x 6”
  • Materials: 20D Nylon Ripstop fly with silicone/PU coating, DAC pole compatible, 15D mesh inner

My Experience with the Cinder Cone 4-Person Pyramid Tent

I tested the SlingFin Cinder Cone 4P during a multi-day trip through the San Juans, setting it up in high winds, rocky ground, and hail. The tent’s pyramid structure excelled in wind resistance, with its single center pole and guylines holding firm against gusts that would have collapsed lesser shelters.

Inside, there is enough headroom for me to stand up straight at 5'6", and the 4-person capacity made it comfortable for two people plus all our gear. This tent provides excellent ventilation during warmer nights, but the full fabric setup keep drafts to a minimum when temps dropped. While the Cinder Cone 4P isn’t the lightest shelter, it is quite lightweight and packs down super small.

 Close-up of SlingFin Cinder Cone zipper system and logo patch showing high-quality materials and construction.
A bottom buckle, reinforced stitching, and durable fabrics; SlingFin’s attention to detail shines through, and we would expect nothing less.

This is a pretty massive tent when it comes to ground space, which isn't a huge deal for many adventures. But I will caution that finding the space to pitch the Cinder Cone in a dense forest, in a cactus-filled desert or wherever else space may be limited is complicated. And this tent might not be the best choice for those adventures. For those, I would recommend the Portal 3 by SlingFin.


Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
Bombproof wind resistanceHeavier than some ultralight options
Spacious 4-person capacityRequires trekking poles or center pole for setup
Versatile modular designNot freestanding
Excellent ventilationSetup can be complex for new users
Durable constructionPricey compared to some competitors
 Close-up of hand holding internal guyline loop inside the SlingFin Cinder Cone tent showing setup detail.
One of many smart touches: an ultralight zipper, complete with a zipper pull long enough to use while wearing mittens or big gloves.

The SlingFin Cinder Cone 4P Pyramid Tent is a beast of a shelter, built for high-altitude basecamps, packraft trips, and unpredictable weather. It may not be the lightest option, but it is indeed very light. The wind resistance, modular design, and ample interior space make it a standout choice for those who need serious weather protection without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re setting up a basecamp for a mountaineering mission or just need a roomy, durable tent for a multi-day trek, the Cinder Cone 4P delivers on both stability and versatility. It’s not the easiest setup for beginners, but once dialed in, it’s a fortress against the elements.


My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.