If you want a tent that will hold up in storms, is more versatile or is just comfortable to hang out in, regardless of the length of the trip, we'd strongly recommend considering a different model. It is an incredible tent, brilliantly designed to thrive in gnarly conditions, and this new model fixes all of the problems with the old models, and generates some new ones. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges ; If BD did that then it would cost more. Therefore, it is essential to figure out your needs and what types of trips you plan to use your tent for. $439.95. Check out the details on the new tent below. The Black Diamond Firstlight can be purchased from the official Black Diamond website for $369.95. Designed for minimal weight, maximum airflow, and easy set-up, the Black Diamond FirstLight 3P is the perfect tent for minimalist adventures and alpine missions. The other "inside job" is to lock each arcing pole into place with four small Velcro tabs. While it may have a few drawbacks regarding livability and performance in wetter storms, for long approaches or carry-over style climbs, the weight and the packed volume of the Firstlight is tough to beat. $369.95. BD describes the fabric as �water resistant� which is an overstatement. Its materials, durability and design features aside, this tent is staggeringly light and small, and therefore ideal for climbing in the alpine (or any application where weight is regrettable). For anything else it's terrible. It can handle moderate wind okay but isn't nearly as strong as most of the models in this review. How can we improve GearLab? Weighing 3 lbs 1.3 oz (after seam sealing), it has a wind-resistant wedge shape that sheds snow well and packs up small. Second, the fabric might be enough water repellent for rain without wind, but when the rain is blow is against the tent walls, water penetrates quite substantially. Shuksan's Price Glacier, which requires carrying all your gear up and over the mountain and down the other side. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 1 Person Tent is a very interesting product. The Firstlight has a guy point at each corner. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Crazy lightweight, most packable in our review, fits anywhere two people could lay down, features bug netting, Not waterproof, not as strong as many other options we tested, small interior living space. It's one of the absolute lightest models and compresses down to the smallest size of any 4-season tent we tested. These strips are located at various points in the tent and help keep them in place. $399.95. Like the Firstlight, the OneShot is a freestanding, single-wall shelter made from Epic fabric. This tent has been redesigned since our test period. The Firstlight is one of Black Diamond's two-man "Superlight" tents. The Firstlight is the same size as the I-tent (27.3 square feet). We soaked up more than a cup of water in a single night. I have heard the Epic fabric has gone through a few updates in the past years. $159.95 . Here Dan Whitmore appreciates the small footprint of the Firstlight, waking up with nearly 2,000 feet of air below after a stormy night on a very small bivy ledge. Having grown up in the Northeast, a non-seam-sealed tent was two things: laughable and annoying to seam seal. The Bottom Line: Black Diamond FirstLight 2p Tent. The ends of the wires are cushioned by little plastic caps, but the wire poked through one of those and wore a hole in the fabric sleeve and now sticks out. Black Diamond HiLight Tent Overview. In an alpine environment, this tent rarely has the problem of finding a site (or ledge) big enough to set the tent upon. Here's what to do. For milder weather conditions, the fabric is more breathable than others. While this tent isn't as versatile as others, it's very good at what it does. "Really. If you're after low weight and minimum bulk, rather than extreme toughness, this is the tent for you. Built from the award-winning platform of the FirstLight 2P, the FirstLight 3P adds more width and headroom for an added climbing partner or a little more wiggle room for two-person trips. Black Diamond's solo Oneshot is an intriguing addition to the company's ultralight tent lineup. $49.95 . If it's windy and you don't use them, the tent will be significantly weakened. $799.95. I gave the tent a half star because it is really lightweight and easy to set up. Its small footprint can be pitched almost anywhere that two people can lay down. The Black Diamond "Firstlight-2P-4Season tent w/ vestibule affords the minimalist hiker/camper the best of both worlds.Weighting in at 5lb.5oz. If you're on a long expedition with loads of gear that must be stashed inside, I'd opt for a larger tent; however, I can attest that a nice pile of tricams makes an extraordinary pillow. Despite the significant humidity encountered during that trip to Utah, I never woke up to condensation build-up, nor have I since. Firstlight 2P Tent. This is an excellent shelter for most short fairweather trips. The Firstlight fails miserably at this job. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. It's great for alpine climbing, multi-day ski touring, or any trip where packed size … The Firstlight is okay when used in shorter thunderstorms or light rainstorms, but in heavy rain, wet snow, or extended rainstorms, the fabric will become thoroughly saturated, and you'll get some (or a fair amount of) dripping on the inside, no matter how well you seam sealed it. Carefully unfold the shock-corded poles and make sure all joints are fully engaged. But if it can�t keep you dry, what�s the point? The Black Diamond FirstLight Tent (updated for 2019) is a two-person, freestanding, single-wall tent for winter backpacking, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering. The Black Diamond Firstlight 2 Person Tent is a minimalist 4-season tent for up to 2 adventurers. And durable it is not. One thing is for sure; it is NOT for everyone. Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy, Single-Pole Design with NanoShield Fabric. While it doesn't do everything incredibly well, it's a fantastic option for trips where the weather is likely to be good, and weight and packed size are your top priorities. $399.95. It is however an excellent one man tent for it’s intended purpose, albeit, a … This is the Firstlight's domain. Black Diamond Firstlight 3 Person Tent Brand: Black Diamond. $219.95. Going light, Black Diamond decided to use one zipper each for the mesh and nylon doors. The most notable potential drawback is the tent's size. Help. New User? A compact three-person, four-season tent built for weight-conscious climbers, the Black Diamond FirstLight is based on the I-Tent’s expedition-specific design with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and increase headroom. This tent is probably the lightest double-walled single person tent on the market, weighs only 1 pound and 6 ounces (yes, that’s with the rain fly). We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. FAST 'N FREE. Cons: Short in length; does not come seam sealed; ventilation design could be better. Its small profile works great for small chopped out ledges, and it packs down small enough and is light enough to be taken in your alpine climbing pack. Insert a pole through the door and slide the end into the corner (snap) at the opposite end of the tent … Black Diamond Ahwahnee Footprint. If you’re considering the Black Diamond Hilight 2, you’re probably also looking at the Black Diamond Firstlight 2 tent as well. Is this true? The Black Diamond Firstlight is a fantastic bivy tent for particular applications and conditions where its low weight and exceptional packed size become the most critical aspects. You can seal the seams yourself (as shown here), which helps a little, but not much. When it came out, it was game-changing. As it's so small, this is certainly not our first pick for spending lots of time inside. This tent is best for trips where weight and compressed volume are paramount, and it's unlikely to rain. Have used this tent many nights for ice climbing/alpine climbing trips. Although Black Diamond offers online instructions on how to seam seal the tent, I opted to avoid the tedious weight-adding process. Find A Local Dealer. I’ve been using one since 2008 and reviewed the latest update (see BD Firstlight 2 Review) in 2019. GearLab is reader-supported. Here, we're testing on the East Ridge of Eldorado, North Cascades, WA. A smaller-than-average 27-square-foot floor cuts weight, but the steep walls and 42-inch peak height make the cramped quarters passable (it fits two standard-size sleeping pads), even for our 6’3” tester and his 5’11” son. 1 color available. Price: $399.95 & FREE Returns Return this item for free. Got feedback? We were able to use it as a source of getting drinking water actually, as is was literally dripping down on the inside. In some cases, it's even half the size of other single wall tents! The ventilation mechanism is not sufficient in this case. Weighing 3 lbs 1.3 oz (after seam sealing), it has a wind-resistant wedge shape that sheds snow well and packs up small. Here, though, we compare it with the slightly bigger Eldorado, which at 30.8 square feet is 5" longer and 3" wider. Once I deciphered that the poles went inside the tent, it went up like a breeze. Black Diamond gave the Firstlight tent some new materials. Even after sixty hours of precipitation, not a single drop penetrated the fabric—including the floor (a ground cloth is unnecessary, but available for $34.95). No ultralight tent, especially one this light, is that durable. I also am disappointed in durability and construction. The Black Diamond Firstlight is a compact two-person, four-season tent built for weight-conscious climbers, the Black Diamond Firstlight is based on the I-Tent’s expedition-specific design with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and increase headroom. When staked out, however, the hatches are battened, and even very strong winds are of little concern. Its poles are held in place by Velcro tabs and by reinforced corners containing a metal grommet for the pole. I recommend this tent highly for any normal-sized, weight-saving alpinist. I might even get passed the wet pole thing, however, if the walls didn�t get soaked, but they do. I own a BD Firstlight since almost three years and have used it on a number of occasions. Other than the fact you have to spend a few hours seam sealing it is a great tent. The Black Diamond Firstlight is based on the I-Tent’s expedition-specific design with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and increase headroom. The perfect application for the Firstlight -- a multi-day ski tour in AK. Black Diamond Distance Tent: 2-Person 3-Season + Z-Poles. Guess it's a weight-saving technique.". And did we get wet! Also, the wires that arc over the vents are so malleable that they get bent into undesirable shapes when stuffing the tent, and it's frustrating trying to get them straight again to serve their purpose. Adventurers who viewed this also viewed (198) NEMO Dagger 2 Tent $429.95 (1) MSR Access 1 Tent $499.95 (103) REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent $349.00 (30) NEMO Hornet Elite 2 Tent $499.95. However, it's a reliable option for fast and light trips where weight and packed size matter the most. You can also leave the door partially or fully open. Without guylines, this model weighs a mere two pounds 13 ounces — or three pounds five ounces with everything you need to make it functional (guylines, pole bag, etc.). It does not. a piece,do-able!Because of the material that this particular tent is made of,it is advisable that you completely seam seal the entire interior prior to any outing.All-in-all this is Although I'm generally pleased with the air circulation, two design elements could improve. The Firstlight is seen here in its element, camped in Washington's North Cascades. Black Diamond FirstLight 2P Ground Cloth. It is really the only tent I'm willing to carry. Its 2 pounds, 11 ounces is lighter than many bivies, and even sans compression sack, it packs down—aluminum poles (DAC Featherlite, whatever those are) and all—to a size comparable to a single piece of outerwear. Maybe a two tiny man tent, but definitely not a comfortable two man tent. Black Diamond Firstlight 2P Tent is no longer available. The height, however, even for taller folk, is spacious, ideal. It keeps you out of the wind and sun and still works great in a light rain or snow storm. We don't recommend them for anything but alpine climbing, multi-day ski touring, or any other trip where the user is willing to sacrifice comfort for weight savings and maximum packability. A compact two-person, four-season tent built for weight-conscious climbers, the Black Diamond Firstlight is based on the I-Tent's expedition-specific design with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and increase headroom. Black Diamond Firstlight 2 Comparison. Wintry bonuses: the tent is equally easy to set up from the inside, and I found the design so basic and brilliant that wearing gloves did not impede the process (except for fastening the interior Velcro tabs). I first set up the tent in the dark, no acquaintance with its design. Black Diamond's Nano fabric is a breathable water-RESISTANT fabric, i.e., winter use is where this puppy really shines. $49.95 . The sleek aluminum stakes pound easily, stay in the ground and are easy to pull or pry out. Press enter for more information. Really keeps the condensation from freezing inside. Even after painstakingly sealing the seams, big droplets from on the poles and drip on your face. Despite some new competition in the market, the Firstlight is one of the best bivy tents out there. It works great in desert environments and high humid environments because of the fabric. The tent can transform from "packaged" to "prepared" in under two minutes. The ultra-lightweight, single-wall shelter is marketed as a four-season favorite, but I feared how it would fare against the wintry precipitation and cold so common from October through April in the Rocky Mountain West. in the deep unforgiving forests of Farsta strand outside Stockholm, Sweden - in the dead of winter, I force myself out to test the Black diamond Firstlight. Eldorado Tent. At approximately 1 pound 6 ounces per person, the Black Diamond Firstlight may be the lightest freestanding two person tent on the market (it’s under 1 pound 3 ounces per person with Fibraplex carbon fiber poles). Fitzroy Tent. This bombproof dome gets five solid stars. Black Diamond It held up to constant 40mph winds and took 60mph wind gusts like a champ. If you also want to buy the vestibule, it will be an extra $149.95. I think it transforms the tent and adds a ton of space when two people are camping. It's far less expensive than many single-wall tents out there, and is a great value. It is about 1.5 pounds lighter than Sierra Design’s Lightning Tent. Small footprints aren't just important in the greater ranges. While the Black Diamond Firstlight isn't necessarily the best all-around four-season tent, it is an excellent option for certain trips where weight and compressed size are of the utmost importance. Having never owned a single-wall tent previously, my initial trepidations regarding the Firstlight's multi-season versatility were exacerbated when I reached the moraine in Upper Garnet Canyon below the Grand Teton. Finding a new route on the Grand Teton: the North Buttress Direct (5.10+ R), The Dynafit Yotei GTX Pant sets a new standard for getting around in the mountains, Speed, age barriers broken on Tetons' Grand Traverse, The Trango Agility 9.1mm Rope: Red Flags are a good thing, Metolius Ultralight Offset Master Cams: A good choice for desert aid climbing, Blue Ice Akila Ice Axe: An excellent hybrid multitasker, The Trango Vergo: Assisted braking made easier for belays, Edelrid Starling Protect Pro Dry 8.2mm Rope: Handles well, highly cut resistant. The downside: it isn't waterproof — in the rain, you are almost certain to get dripped on — and the walls will become thoroughly saturated, soaking anything that touches them. Buttress of Mt. For those who are familiar with the Black Diamond Firstlight tent, it is easy to think of the HiLight as the next and improved version of the Firstlight. The Firstlight is one of Black Diamond's two-man "Superlight" tents. The two tents are shown side by side below; the model we tested is shown first, and the updated Firstlight is shown second. However, people taller than six feet will have their heads and feet touch the ends of the tents. I was pleased with its versatility—it seemed the perfect tent for any summer conditions. It offered them more room than a bivy sack with very little additional weight. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Firstlight 3P Tent. Its materials, durability and design features aside, this tent is staggeringly light and small, and therefore ideal for climbing in the alpine (or any application where weight is regrettable). It does have bug netting, allowing you to ventilate when the bugs are horrible, which was a HUGE advantage for climbing in the lower-48 and Southern Canada. This 4 season tent pitches from the inside, with the ends of the poles inserted into reinforced corners, and Velcro strips that wrap around the poles along the walls. The Firstlight is only water-resistant, and the seams aren't taped. Tent allowed me to come home from my bachelor party. That was enough to spark conversation, and then it came out. Let us know! It will do okay in drier snow, and it will protect you from the wind, but if it's raining or the snow is wet for any length of time, it will drip on the inside. Ahwahnee Tent. Bivy tents are relatively cramped and uncomfortable. If so, this could be the reason the reviewer has no issue with the moisture. Best tent for mountaineering. This tent used to be considered micro, with only 27 square feet of interior floor space. If it isn't super windy out, we like to set it up while standing up - versus getting inside of the tent. 3.0 out of 5 stars 2 ratings. For durability, all seams are double sewn, and the stress points are reinforced. The mixed polyurethane and silicone coating keeps the fabric waterproof while maintaining a high tear strength. This tent is nothing more than a very small mosquito net or a very expensive backyard play tent. BLACK DIAMOND FIRSTLIGHT SET UP Spread your tent out and open the zippered door completely. We're linking to the new model now, but the review to follow is still our account of the previous version. This helps to keep moisture build-up down, but when it's raining outside the walls will become wet regardless. It performs best in dry conditions or when it is well below freezing (if it's precipitating), as the drier snow won't saturate the fabric as quickly. Great tent. Weather resistance is the biggest trade-off. I have been using the Firstlight and sibling Hilight for about 5 years in varying instances. It now features their proprietary NanoShield single wall fabric, and the floor is comprised of 70D polyester. Hilight 3P Tent. I have used this tent to bivy and basecamp in. Did we mention how small this tent packs up? Ok, the black diamond is not the worst tent available, it's bad but not the worst. Along with the Black Diamond HiLight, it's also the only tent we tested that's not wholly waterproof. Compare Black Diamond FIRSTLIGHT 3 PEOPLE TENT among other tents from other brands. Four or five hours in a hard rain and the epic fabric starts dripping, seamsealed or not. Two man tent: I will say this now, while the Black diamond hilight is marketed as a two man tent, it is not a two man tent. That worried me. Some are stronger, some lighter, some more adaptable. We kept a pack towel in the tent to dry the walls and our gear. The Firstlight has a relatively fragile sil-nylon floor that doesn't hold up to rocks or sharp pine cones well; take care when pitching it in particularly rocky places. However, frozen condensation is an issue. The water pours down the poles and pools in little puddles in the corners (which ironically are waterproof). In an extended light rain or even a short downpour, the fabric wets out and wicks moisture inside. When three consecutive days of rain and snow arrived in Utah's high country in October, I discovered that I needed not seam seal the watertight cocoon unless I moved back east. It's great for alpine climbing, multi-day ski touring, or any trip where packed size and minimal weight far supersede comfort and livability. The Black Diamond FirstLight Tent uses High Tenacity 30D poly fabric that keeps the tent strong while eliminating fabric sag and stretch in wet conditions. Still, I replaced it with the same thing. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands ... Black Diamond Firstlight 3 Person Tent. However, it performs well in desert climates because its relatively cool and can provide a nice place to hang out while being protected from the sun. A compact two-person, four-season tent built for weight-conscious climbers, the Black Diamond FirstLight is based on the I-Tent’s expedition-specific design with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and increase headroom. Though a different shape, their floor area is about the same, yet the HiLight comes in slightly lighter. The Firstlight is one of the least expensive products in our review. Now it's small, but not tiny. The fabric is not waterproof, but it does keep the water resistance over a decent amount of time, provided that care is taken to dry it out and keep it clean. Goode, North Cascades, WA. First, when temperatures drop below freezing, the condensation seems to freeze inside and block evaporation to the outside, making it even more humid inside. But I also expected the tent to protect us from rain. Pros: Ultralight; packs small; strong; more waterproof and warmer than expected; easy and fast to set up (can be done from inside); stands up well to wind; top-notch materials and craftsmanship; color and opacity result in a warm glow on the inside. Let us help. I find the "cozy level" perfect, but I'm 5'9". It performs best in dry or below freezing conditions, where all precipitation is frozen. 4 4 out of 5 stars from 1 reviews 5 1. Other than that, it's a great tent and the only real lightweight option out there. Because it�s a small tent, your sleeping bag, cloths and lots of other things you care about will be in contact with the wet tent walls and soon your entire kit is soaked. Shop 1, 2, 3, and 4-person Black Diamond tents here. The Firstlight sets up from the inside. The minimalist brows of the door and rear vent are supported by flexible wire. For the weight-conscious climber, the alpine Black Diamond Firstlight 3P tent features NanoShield fabric and a space-efficient design with enough room for … It is a great fair weather bivy tent for shorter trips, but it isn't as versatile as many other contenders in our review, which all offer unique advantages. Instead, the poles are supported by the walls of the tent and held in place by Velcro loops like the one pictured here. $729.99. It does offer a small vent on the back and a little awning on the front to help with ventilation. This video is a rundown of… This contender uses fabric that is highly water resistant, though not waterproof. Black Diamond FirstLight Tent Vestibule: 3-Person. This tent uses yes, lightweight, but very fragile material. While seam sealing the tent flipped in a gust of wind (my bad) and was, I hate to say it torn in multiple places, especially the corners where the poles created tension. $399.95. For durability, all seams are … Most of those were dry, but on a recent trip in the Bob Marshal, we got rain every evening. I had expected a little condensation from a single wall tent and we certainly got that, too. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, A fantastic bivy tent for alpine climbing or multi-day ski touring, as long as the weather is decent. Get the best deals on Black Diamond Camping Tents when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. It is hard not to recommend the FirstLight. Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. The tent popped into place with one step: fitting each of the two poles, crossed, into opposite corners. Distance Tent With Z-poles. Anyone 6' or taller will have a difficult time... fitting... in this tent, unless they: 1) are alone and can sleep diagonally; or 2) purchase the optional vestibule ($129) and stick their legs out the open door. All materials and craftsmanship on the Firstlight have impressed me, and I expect this tent to survive for the better part of a decade, if not longer. The end of each pole sat in a button-like circle of metal surrounded by a pocket of burly fabric. Like Armin, I have had the Firstlight for 3 years or more. We researched... We tested both single and double-walled tents... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Bomber, great durability, compact footprint, lighter than average weight, fantastic balance of strength, weight, and livability, ample guy points, Versatile, lightweight, double wall design works far better in rain than single wall models, handles condensation well, big vestibules, easy to pitch, Inclued hooped vestibule, lightweight, excellent ventilation, good headroom, compressible, robust, Lots of headroom, long internal length, lightweight, versatile, easy to pitch, handles condensation well, water resistant, Poor ventilation, slightly tricky setup, insufficient guy lines included, Isn't as strong as other 4-season models, offers a good but not excellent packed size, Exterior fabric isn't as breathable as other models and absorbed moisture, guylines are light duty, Not strong enough for expedition use in the greater ranges, A lightweight master, this model is built for minimalism, An excellent all-around option, it strikes a great balance of weight, strength, packed size, and stormworthiness, Offers a tremendous amount of versatility and the ability to keep its inhabitants dry, A versatile bivy style tent that is packed full of features, Strikes an excellent balance of weight, strength, and livability, 40D ripstop nylon, 3000 mm PU coating, silicone water-resistant finish. $899.95. 1-800-953-5499 US and Canada 541-485-4007 International; Live Help Chat with an Outdoor Expert; Order status ... Black Diamond FirstLight 3P Ground Cloth. Granted I might be a bit hard on my tents but after three years I had several small rips in the fabric and blew out both zippers. While 27 square feet isn't big, you can still fit two regular-sized pads side-by-side with no problem. While this tent doesn't have a lot of extra features, it prioritizes low weight and minimum bulk. The Black Diamond Firstlight is dang sweet for what it's designed for — fast and light trips where weight and packed size matter more than anything. Here at Black Diamond it's all about climbing and skiing. 1. This tent isn't super adaptable or versatile, mainly because it's not waterproof or super strong, and is tiny. The fabric allowed me to jam the poles in haphazardly—a great asset, considering my impatience—and then slot them into the buttons once I was inside. Blue skies and tight camping spots? Unlike the bare-bones Firstlight, however, the OneShot is a refined tent with a host of clever features. For durability, all seams are double sewn and the stress points are reinforced. The interior pitch does take a little longer to become accustomed to and become efficient at pitching. Black Diamond FirstLight Tent Vestibule: 3-Person. It does okay in moderate wind, as it has a basic design and minimal guy points. Yet now, in the middle of November, having weathered significant snowstorms and cold rainstorms in the Firstlight, I'm eager to sack up in this dome no matter the forecast. Login with your username and password below. However, for shorter, fair-weather trips with a good outlook, this model disappears in your pack like no other and is considered a game-changer for its weight.