Gear Review
Black Diamond Firstlight Tent: 2-Person 4-Season
Not designed for rainy weather, folks...
By chris.buon683272
Ranked #857 - 3-Season Tents
August 28, 2010
I just feel like a clarification is needed here: the BD "_____light" tents are NOT NOT NOT designed for extended periods of rain or, really, any rain at all. They are superlight, supercramped bivy tents for high altitude alpine climbs where the only precip you'll get is snow, usually quite dry snow.
BD clearly states that the EPIC fabric is water resistant, not water proof. Don't be pissed at BD because you got all excited to go "ultralight", found a 3 pound tent, and then got wet because you didn't do your homework. These tents work perfectly for the narrow usage range for which they were designed; all the big boys and girls use them on their horror show climbs in the great ranges around the world. But none of them would take these tents backpacking with even the slightest chance of rain.
Read the fine print folks, lest you broadcast your foolishness across the web...
View Details: Black Diamond Firstlight Tent: 2-Person 4-Season
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [canopy] NanoShield (silicone-treated polyester); [window] mesh; [floor] polyester, PU coating (2000mm)
- Freestanding:
- yes
- Doors:
- 1
- Number of Vestibules:
- (optional vestibule sold separately)
- Poles:
- 2
- Pole Material:
- DAC Featherlite
- Pole Attachment:
- internal
- Floor Space:
- 27.3 sq ft
- Floor Dimensions:
- 28 x 82 in
- Interior Height:
- 42 in
- Vestibule Space:
- (sold separately) 9 sq ft
- Packed Size:
- 6 x 9 in
- Ventilation:
- mesh window
- Fast-pitch Option:
- no
- Trail Weight:
- 2 lb 13 oz
- Recommended Use:
- climbing, lightweight backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 1 year
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: December 17, 2010 By: mtnbob
This tent is not made with "Epic material" it uses "Nanoshield" which is more waterproof. Btw I never had problems with Epic on my Skylight tent. It was not bad at all in the rain.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I agree! But Ihave a way older one which is a bibler which is way waterproof and has very good ventalation. If you want a waterproof tent buy a bibler tent!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I completely agree. I've used another make of the same brand of tent made of the same fabric (Epic) for over two years - in an area where rain and relatively high humidity are a frequent occurrence. I've learned to accept the condensation issue - having only once encountered this on a level any more than merely annoying - but I wouldn't trade my tent for anything. These tents are well made and the weight is a major asset. As with anything, there are tradeoffs. If you need perfection at this price-point and weight, good luck.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes