Firstlight Tent - 2

Comments about Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2:

High Sierra or any backpacking--best at high altitude. Set up in a fierce October gale on the SE ridge of Mt. Rose on the snow from the inside in less than 5 minutes. It blew hard all night, the tent flexed, but a few rocks and I were stable all night. This is the best tent I have owned over 40 years of serious backpacking.

Comments about Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2:

I purchased this tent the first year it was available and although I own several others, it is the one I go to most often. I have used it in howling winds in the Channel Islands, in hordes of mosquitos and rain in the Sierras, and in rain and wind in the Brooks Range. Condensation can be a problem if completely battened down, but leave the top of the outer door and the back window open under their "brows" and it stays bone dry, assuming you've done a good job sealing the seams. The advantages under windy conditions cannot be understated: During my recent Brooks Range trip everyone else commented that the cold winds snuck under rainflys and through mesh canopies to chill them in their sleep, while I had no such problems. On Santa Rosa Island a friend's ultralight tent filled with blown sand and dust; mine stayed relatively clean. I am very satisfied. Note, however, that I use it strictly as a one-person shelter; it would be a bit small for two.

Comments about Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2:

Tent weathered the worst you're likely to see in the Sierra backpack season, 3-6 hours of rain (sometimes heavy) and hail every day but one for 4 days, above 11,000 ft. Always tolerably dry, and quite dry when we had time to guy it out properly. BD should seal the seams, though--way more efficient, probably more effective and well worth the small price increase that might be needed.

Comments about Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2:

This tent worked perfectly for me. By myself, I was O.K. With two people, it would have been tight unless you slept head-to-foot. No room for gear unless you get the vestibule. Lots of condensation. I was in Yellowstone, and the poles froze to the fabric, even with the window open and the door cracked. Otherwise, it was super light and extremely easy to set up. Take time to seal the seams right on the inside and outside. No water will get through it. Stake it down securely, and it will withstand constant 20-30 mph winds (happened to me in the Black Hills). It's thin, but it offers more protection than you think. It doesn't keep the cold out to any extent, but it does shed snow, and it is watertight. Be sure to get the footprint.

Comments about Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2:

In cool to cold, low humidity climate, this tent is outstanding. In more humid conditions, I think the ventilation is marginal (but still decent). I would have put a small top vent on the tent to aid this. When using solo, ventilation is not a problem in most conditions excluding humid summer, which i don't backpack too much in anyway.

I use it as my primary 1-man tent. I do a loop in the Presi's that a friend of mine comes up to meet me usually on the 3rd/4th night. Tight, but not unreasonable with two. No room for gear however for 2 in the tent. (That's why God invented extra large trash bags to put your packs in).

This tent is light and for those of us who like full coverage, a great alternative to tarps.

Comments about Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2:

Used the Firstlight on Rae Lake Loop, Five Lakes loops, and Mt. Shasta. Loved it. The tent performed well under wet wheather(provided that you seal the seams very well) and strong wind. Set up can be a little tricky at the beginning, but will get easier once you are used to it. I could set it up in 4 minutes. Only complain is the square footage of the floor, it feels a bit tight for 2 men. Although it is a 3 season tent, I used it on Mt shasta and it held up fine under 50mph wind. Ventilation is excellent, min condensation. I highly recommand.