Great review video. I've had this tent for about 3 years now. Like it alot. Seam sealing is a chore for such a pricey tent. But i love the light weight of it, and the large opening door was a major plus. overall i like it. Considering trying a hammock setup next.
The perfect tent doesnt exist. But this tent ticks most of my boxes. I think the design is absolutely fantastic and I have been using this tent type for 15 years now. Before I bought my HiLight I had the Bibler Awahnee2.. on which the BD tents are beased on. Such a shame they didnˋt stick with the Todd tex name on the membrane (todd bibler) 😄 never seam sealed any of them, never had any problems. I use it for kayaking, hiking, mountaineering, ski touring and.. just camping! I like. The weight The design/layout (its free standing) Good ventilation Big opening The size is fine for me and my climbing buddy (im 6,2feet) fortunately he is a little turd. We have water resistant backpacks that we leave outside (hyperlite mtn gear) - gives you more space inside I cook inside the tent with my msr hanging system In stormy weather you can just climb inside and put up the poles from there.. or you can stand up and put the poles in, and just move the tent around as you wish I dont carry tent pegs, its not necessary. You can use it for shade in the valley or dig it in in a snowstorm. This is the most versatile tent for me. I am buying the 2019 model as well just in case something happens to my old trusty highlite Happy trails
I have the very similar older Lighthouse. The main differences are that the ridgeline is in the middle and there's a separate full mesh door. For me it's a spacious tent, although that may be because I'm typically in an ultralight tent. The one thing I don't like is that the Black Diamond vestibule is expensive. Have you found an alternative? Sometimes I use a poncho tarp as an awning, but that's not as good in a storm as a real vestibule.
I have this tent and never got the vestibule but now find out the new vestibule is not compatible. Did you use the vestibule when it was raining? Do you think you need it for summer camping if you might encounter heavy rains.
Looking into taking this tent on the AT in 2018/2019 - it's definitely light enough, It's big enough for me, but I'm worried about how it would hold up during a heavy overnight downpour. Love the set up speed, but it does look a bit flimsy. It's also hard to tell the difference (apart from shape) between the HiLight and the Firstlight.
Thanks for the review Devon. I remember when I first looked at this tent being quite interested. Unfortunately, it's way too short for my six Tunis. My $125 eureka spitfire has far more usable room for a guy like me.
Mr Tmax yeah that’s why I made sure to explain that BD designed it more as an expedition style tent for a roomy bivouac. But it’s great for us short guys!
Great review video. I've had this tent for about 3 years now. Like it alot. Seam sealing is a chore for such a pricey tent. But i love the light weight of it, and the large opening door was a major plus. overall i like it. Considering trying a hammock setup next.
The perfect tent doesnt exist. But this tent ticks most of my boxes.
I think the design is absolutely fantastic and I have been using this tent type for 15 years now. Before I bought my HiLight I had the Bibler Awahnee2.. on which the BD tents are beased on.
Such a shame they didnˋt stick with the Todd tex name on the membrane (todd bibler) 😄
never seam sealed any of them, never had any problems.
I use it for kayaking, hiking, mountaineering, ski touring and.. just camping!
I like.
The weight
The design/layout (its free standing)
Good ventilation
Big opening
The size is fine for me and my climbing buddy (im 6,2feet) fortunately he is a little turd.
We have water resistant backpacks that we leave outside (hyperlite mtn gear) - gives you more space inside
I cook inside the tent with my msr hanging system
In stormy weather you can just climb inside and put up the poles from there..
or you can stand up and put the poles in, and just move the tent around as you wish
I dont carry tent pegs, its not necessary.
You can use it for shade in the valley or dig it in in a snowstorm.
This is the most versatile tent for me. I am buying the 2019 model as well just in case something happens to my old trusty highlite
Happy trails
thanks, you answered the questions I had.. I will look at something else now.
Lol, still watching but I was rolling at the "depending on the convenience store I walk out of." 😂😂
Tim Watson ha ha ha, stupid dad jokes, but glad you caught on to that. Ha ha
Yeah that was funny and so true!
I have the very similar older Lighthouse. The main differences are that the ridgeline is in the middle and there's a separate full mesh door. For me it's a spacious tent, although that may be because I'm typically in an ultralight tent.
The one thing I don't like is that the Black Diamond vestibule is expensive. Have you found an alternative? Sometimes I use a poncho tarp as an awning, but that's not as good in a storm as a real vestibule.
I have this tent and never got the vestibule but now find out the new vestibule is not compatible. Did you use the vestibule when it was raining? Do you think you need it for summer camping if you might encounter heavy rains.
Looking into taking this tent on the AT in 2018/2019 - it's definitely light enough, It's big enough for me, but I'm worried about how it would hold up during a heavy overnight downpour. Love the set up speed, but it does look a bit flimsy. It's also hard to tell the difference (apart from shape) between the HiLight and the Firstlight.
xspireddreams I would advise against using this on the AT. You will have consistent issues with condensation build up in such a humid environment.
Thanks for the review Devon. I remember when I first looked at this tent being quite interested. Unfortunately, it's way too short for my six Tunis. My $125 eureka spitfire has far more usable room for a guy like me.
*Devin. Sorry, darn phone
I do really like that big ass door.
Mr Tmax yeah that’s why I made sure to explain that BD designed it more as an expedition style tent for a roomy bivouac. But it’s great for us short guys!
Backcountry Exposure sometimes my height is annoying! Ha ha
You and spigyver would fit perfectly together in that tent LOL
Curious about your opinion on the new blue version.
Great review thank you
how does it do in the rain?
Did you seam seal both the inside and outside seams? Or just the outside?
I don´t recognize the problems you had with the condensation. Just open the door/window.. and you have full ventilation.
Yea but then you freeze your nuts off of it’s cold outside! 🤪
I have the firstlight : it’s the same. So good tent, just too little..
Last time I sat crosslegged was at school.
Well that rules me out... 5’9”... 😉
This tent screams high alpine mountaineering in low temperatures, snow storm, summit assault. Not camping.
Sweat box.