Not a Bibler!

By robhart Ranked #200 - 3-Season Tents December 3, 2008

It looks like a Bibler I-Tent but weighs half as much, has fewer stake out points, has a more delicate feel, is half as expensive, and is probably just as good for most outings. Don't get me wrong, it is probably the perfect backpacking tent for the four season gram-aholic trekker, but if you're looking for a burly he-man alpine/expedition tent - this isn't it! The Bibler I-Tent will withstand three feet of snow a night and the equivalent gale-force wind of a C-130 at take-off, but this little waif of silky fabric is just that - a silky waif. After a few nights in a windy canyon near the Escalante River, the tiny Velcro patches that hold the poles inside the tent had eroded away at the gossamer fabric, rendering it into mere mosquito netting in two places. BD, however, quickly replaced the tent for me. The second model had slightly rounded corners on the Velcro. But it is again wearing away at the fabric. I wonder if the guys at BD have looked inside the Bibler to see that they do not use Velcro, but little twisty-tie sort of things instead. Don't they work at the same place now? Am I the only one that camps in the wind? Other than that, the tent is awesome, absolutely watertight floor (I have watched small streams flow under my tent without a drop of water inside), and it packs so small that you could almost stuff it in your pocket - almost. I take it out all the time. My only regret is the lack of an attached vestibule - I would rather sleep with my girlfriend than all of my climbing gear.

View Details: Black Diamond Firstlight Tent 2-Person 3-Season

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No