I just returned from the Easter Sierras. Great light weight backpacking tent for petite people. 'm small at 5'1" it was fine in length and very light weight for a backpacking trip. The wind blew the tent so I secured it to nearby trees on both sides but it was still too cold at 45 degrees temperature with 12 mph wind gusts over night so we cancelled our second night. I took extra cord for extra guy lines. When it rained the tent was dry inside but if you touched the ceiling it would start to leak. I only used a light weight poncho for the ground cloth and it was fine. I did have a mattress with R5 rating. Thanks for sharing.
Having just reviewed the Alpkit Soloist (totally different design) I was fascinated to see this. Love the idea of utilising the poles, and I do love a lot about this little tent. But your hesitation speaks volumes... nothing worse than damp feet concerns! Great little review - all the best 👍
Yep its gone back ! Keeping the Soloist tho, it's tiny compared to my usual 2 man space but should be warm this autumn and into winter. look forward to seeing how you get on with yours too. Atb A
Interesting to see this. My feeling, however, is that the only thing I require a tent to do is to keep me out of the weather and this tent is going to be a fail on that one point. You can buy a High Peak Minilite single skin tent, 1kg, which will also give you some problems if you rub up against the skin in wet weather, but at least you get a generous length and it will only cost you £35 - 40!
Good review. If you are looking for a sub 1kg treking pole tent you could do a lot worse than the Flames Creed/Lanshan 1 at well under £100 from Ali Express. Double skin, with a decent sized vestibule. I bought one recently and used it on the Tour du Mont Blanc. I wasn't expecting much and bought it mainly on the basis of it's weight but it really exceeded expectations. It was light, it kept my dry and had room for my gear. Speaking to one or two other people using the same tent on the TMB and they were equally pleased. At the price it is well worth a try.
Depends what you want it for. I really like mine for what I do with it (fast and light running traverses in the BC coast mountains with a max. 3.5kg pack weight and the need to accommodate two people). It rains a lot here, but I’ve not had any issues with water ingress. I’ve had some condensation, but that’s the price you pay for using a single walled shelter. It’s a flawed product for sure, I have to make a few compromises to get the best from it (for example putting my pack-liner garbage bag over the foot of my quilt to keep moisture from that low foot-end off) Light and fairly cheap though. Far more comfortable than a bivy, and lighter than the weight of the two bivvies and one tarp we used to carry.
I think you've hit on its sweet spot and that does make sense. Fast & light stuff , I just feel they can mod that foot height and it would be much better. I've ordered their new firstlight to try instead ! :-) ATB A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Yup, not sure they referred to actual human dimensions when they designed the distance :) Good luck with the firstlight. I'll look out for your review if you do one.
I would send it back Andy.I never get a jacket to stay in place through the night so inevitably get wet feet.also i like to take 3 season tents along on good weather winter overnighters and this looks way to fiddly to set up after a long day walking in freezing temps and your losing daylight.i would go for a six moons before this i think. Much simpler to put up and plenty of room by the looks of it.
Hi Andrew, My view is that it's a good 'fine weather' trail shelter, not for our climate though, return it I would. BD kit is good, but only for their designers means if you get my drift. Saying that, I've just 'gone American' and bought a Klymit Maxfield, full mesh inner, but comes across as a 4season outer (hopefully). I was in two minds about your Trolltind though.. then it sold. ATB Dave.
For that price around £180 I think I would send it back and look for more. I had a similar problem looking for tents under 1.2kg. I liked the low profile of the Catoma Raider which is around £200 on Amazon. There are reports that it is too short with an internal 203cm and low to the ground. Decided not to order it a look for more. It is also one of the reasons I won't use a bivvy as my lower legs get cold and the contact with the cover is no good, so I am looking for a bivvy tent and haven't found what I like yet. I like to overall idea and design though.
I'd keep it. Stich a piece of bungee cord and peg to previously reinforced f-sheet and attempt to minimize contact point yourself. This is its all about, I did it in mine.
I have been looking at this - intriguing with the cross bar and in theory easy pitch. But a no-go so far, expensive for a polyester tent, no vestibule, partly bad reviews concerning the length issue (and more). It rains in Norway so nope. If it had been 5-600 grams perhaps … The weight you are showing; that 900ish grams are way off anything BD claims ??!?? it should be 750 good to go? 30D polyester, I guess there is a connection with the limited adjustments cannot adjust for silpoly sagging; 20D should have been sufficient for walls/roof though. Any ideas on the fabric? Must be PU on the inside for taping, same on the outside? I have not figured out that one. Sorry, lots of questions here, looking forward to the field test. Thanks.
yes to be fair once your remove the inner bits and pieces it was about 750, The fabric is burly so don't think it will stretch , PU on inside as you say for taping. However no field test, i thought the lack of foot room was a deal breaker for me so have sent it back now ! Atb A
I think Black Diamond Universe is 50% the size of real world. I just ordered some gaitors from them, based on my UK shoe size and they are really small.
Haha! More tents eh? Pole linkage looks clever as well as very robust, I like that part. In the inclement Scottish unpredictability- fest that is our outdoor existence ? Not a chance Andrew. Driving rain, condensation, crap sizing? Back to Deutschland on the first ship I’d suggest.
You could use a big carrier bag over the toe section of the sleeping bag it can also double up as a dry bag in your pack just a thought me personally would sen back 10 cm to short but that's just me great review
You have tried it, it’s pitched in your back garden, why do you think purchasing it & having it delivered all the way from Germany to your home was just an option to buy?
Unfortunately nobody in the UK had one at a decent price and didn't think I wouldn't keep it, but BD haven't made this tent human size I'm afraid. And I'm only 5 foot 8 :-)
Wouldn't be my cup of tea Andrew but what do I know ,I'm thinking about ordering another lightwave tent their single wall sigma 15 I watched your review of it from a couple of years ago and was well impressed bit £££ though cheers atb
Return the tent, too many negatives on what I consider is fairly costly. I’ve only owned two single wall tents and condensation soaked me just about as much as a rain storm would! 4:04
What a shame because I kinda like the design and some of the features if only it were longer I think I would actually buy it as the price Is attractive and would make a nice summer tent for me at least. Definitley just try it out though as you never know it may just be okay.
Not sold really, no vestibule rain will come in when you open the door and no hood over the side vent not clever. Have to use the plastic pole things so good luck getting a replacement 3 years down the track when you lose it. Its also not really that light considering the 3f ul tent which has a vestibule ( ok a bit smaller) is about the same weight I have the lanshan 2 much better tent than this one ( ok heavier by 400gms) but when its pissing it down its much better i say return it!
I'm thinking send it back. having your feet touch the end will drive you nuts! I know it would drive me nuts and to have a jacket on your feet (I have tried that in the past) doesn't necessarily work esp if you a someone who rolls around at night a bit. thanks for sharing
They had enough time these tent makers to sort this problem of height and length I wouldn't keep it but if your going to put a bivvy bag on it at the bottom half
Hi Andrew. Just subbed and nice review of the tent. I'm afraid I would be sending it back though. If you know in the beginning that you will have to compensate for the short length and condensation who knows what other problems await. ATB, Tony
Black Diamond distance tent Esta tienda condensa agua en su interior aunque dejes todos sus huecos de ventilación abiertos. No sucede siempre, no sé si ocurre cuando bajan mucho las temperaturas y ha hecho calor durante el día (esto es una hipótesis). A mi me ha pasado como la mitad de las veces que la he usado (unas 3-4 veces este verano). No es una condensación de cuatro gotitas, se moja en su totalidad y caen hilillos de agua por todas las paredes. Moja todo y se nota la humedad incluso al respirar La he estrenado en travesía y conmigo había gente que estaba dentro de una quechua. En la Quechua estuvieron estupendamente y en la Black Diamond se condensó todo en el tiempo entre que la montamos, cenamos y nos metimos dentro. Fue super desagradable porque estábamos dos personas dentro y todo se nos mojaba (la cabeza, el saco, … todo lo que estaba en la tienda) La he utilizado más adelante y se volvió a repetir el tema. Lo comenté con la marca y sólo me dicen cosas como (monta en lugares donde haya árboles, estira bien la tienda, deja ventanas abiertas…). Lo que dice la marca lo hemos hecho siempre bien; excepto lo de acampar siempre debajo de árboles porque en travesía esto no siempre es posible Me parece un producto poco interesante porque te deja vendido en una travesía y la marca no se ha hecho responsable de nada ni ha mostrado el mínimo interés por conocer bien el tema y mejorar la calidad del producto. Para dos personas es super justa… Si tienes que meter mochila y botas ya ni te digo. Dos chicas de 1,60 ya estábamos justas El peso y montaje de la tienda son super prácticos pero la verdad es que si su habitabilidad te deja vendido en la montaña, es un peligro… Sobre todo si la usas en invierno porque es más complicado secar todo y seguir camino. Ah… y el color es un cantazo en la montaña No la recomiendo en absoluto
Andrew, if I was spending £180, I would expect it to cover the basics...i.e. keep you and your kit dry. Why should you have to compromise by putting something waterproof over your legs, bag etc. I would return with constructive comments for the R&D team. It is quite light though!
I just returned from the Easter Sierras. Great light weight backpacking tent for petite people. 'm small at 5'1" it was fine in length and very light weight for a backpacking trip. The wind blew the tent so I secured it to nearby trees on both sides but it was still too cold at 45 degrees temperature with 12 mph wind gusts over night so we cancelled our second night. I took extra cord for extra guy lines. When it rained the tent was dry inside but if you touched the ceiling it would start to leak. I only used a light weight poncho for the ground cloth and it was fine. I did have a mattress with R5 rating. Thanks for sharing.
Having just reviewed the Alpkit Soloist (totally different design) I was fascinated to see this. Love the idea of utilising the poles, and I do love a lot about this little tent. But your hesitation speaks volumes... nothing worse than damp feet concerns! Great little review - all the best 👍
Yep its gone back ! Keeping the Soloist tho, it's tiny compared to my usual 2 man space but should be warm this autumn and into winter. look forward to seeing how you get on with yours too. Atb A
'I think the fact that you're considering sending it back means you should, better to be safe than sorry. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching, yes it's been returned and looking at alternatives , ATB A
I sold off my 1P 3F tent for the exact reason that I had to cover my quilt with my jacket. It's absolutely a dealbreaker in a single-skin tent for me.
Thanks for the feedback, yes it's sitting on the floor at moment waiting to be returned ( unless I have change of heart ) ! ATB A
Interesting to see this. My feeling, however, is that the only thing I require a tent to do is to keep me out of the weather and this tent is going to be a fail on that one point. You can buy a High Peak Minilite single skin tent, 1kg, which will also give you some problems if you rub up against the skin in wet weather, but at least you get a generous length and it will only cost you £35 - 40!
Good review. If you are looking for a sub 1kg treking pole tent you could do a lot worse than the Flames Creed/Lanshan 1 at well under £100 from Ali Express. Double skin, with a decent sized vestibule. I bought one recently and used it on the Tour du Mont Blanc. I wasn't expecting much and bought it mainly on the basis of it's weight but it really exceeded expectations. It was light, it kept my dry and had room for my gear. Speaking to one or two other people using the same tent on the TMB and they were equally pleased. At the price it is well worth a try.
Yes I may try one, I had the SMD lunar solo so paying less for a 2 skin copy seems a no brainer. Hope you loved the TMB, fantastic circuit. ATB A
Depends what you want it for. I really like mine for what I do with it (fast and light running traverses in the BC coast mountains with a max. 3.5kg pack weight and the need to accommodate two people). It rains a lot here, but I’ve not had any issues with water ingress. I’ve had some condensation, but that’s the price you pay for using a single walled shelter. It’s a flawed product for sure, I have to make a few compromises to get the best from it (for example putting my pack-liner garbage bag over the foot of my quilt to keep moisture from that low foot-end off) Light and fairly cheap though. Far more comfortable than a bivy, and lighter than the weight of the two bivvies and one tarp we used to carry.
I think you've hit on its sweet spot and that does make sense. Fast & light stuff , I just feel they can mod that foot height and it would be much better. I've ordered their new firstlight to try instead ! :-) ATB A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Yup, not sure they referred to actual human dimensions when they designed the distance :) Good luck with the firstlight. I'll look out for your review if you do one.
Such a good looking tent
I would send it back Andy.I never get a jacket to stay in place through the night so inevitably get wet feet.also i like to take 3 season tents along on good weather winter overnighters and this looks way to fiddly to set up after a long day walking in freezing temps and your losing daylight.i would go for a six moons before this i think. Much simpler to put up and plenty of room by the looks of it.
Hi Andrew,
My view is that it's a good 'fine weather' trail shelter, not for our climate though, return it I would. BD kit is good, but only for their designers means if you get my drift.
Saying that, I've just 'gone American' and bought a Klymit Maxfield, full mesh inner, but comes across as a 4season outer (hopefully).
I was in two minds about your Trolltind though.. then it sold.
ATB Dave.
Hi David, yep Its just been packaged and gone back, worth a look but shame it wasnt designed to fit the average human !
Clear straight forward review sir the colour alone is enough to put me off no good for stealth thanks for posting
Thanks Brendan ! A
For that price around £180 I think I would send it back and look for more. I had a similar problem looking for tents under 1.2kg. I liked the low profile of the Catoma Raider which is around £200 on Amazon. There are reports that it is too short with an internal 203cm and low to the ground. Decided not to order it a look for more. It is also one of the reasons I won't use a bivvy as my lower legs get cold and the contact with the cover is no good, so I am looking for a bivvy tent and haven't found what I like yet. I like to overall idea and design though.
Yep I agree Alan, nice in principal but the sizing is plain wrong.
I'd keep it. Stich a piece of bungee cord and peg to previously reinforced f-sheet and attempt to minimize contact point yourself.
This is its all about, I did it in mine.
Good idea but it's gone back anyway ! Maybe a version 2 will appear. Thanks for watching A
Really interesting design of tent. Like the head room. How does it stand up in the wind. I have seen you have tested in the field?
It's actually very strong though quite noisy when the winds really start blasting. A
I have been looking at this - intriguing with the cross bar and in theory easy pitch. But a no-go so far, expensive for a polyester tent, no vestibule, partly bad reviews concerning the length issue (and more). It rains in Norway so nope. If it had been 5-600 grams perhaps …
The weight you are showing; that 900ish grams are way off anything BD claims ??!?? it should be 750 good to go?
30D polyester, I guess there is a connection with the limited adjustments cannot adjust for silpoly sagging; 20D should have been sufficient for walls/roof though.
Any ideas on the fabric? Must be PU on the inside for taping, same on the outside? I have not figured out that one.
Sorry, lots of questions here, looking forward to the field test. Thanks.
yes to be fair once your remove the inner bits and pieces it was about 750, The fabric is burly so don't think it will stretch , PU on inside as you say for taping. However no field test, i thought the lack of foot room was a deal breaker for me so have sent it back now ! Atb A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Wow, thanks. Then I will certainly stay away.
Check out the lanshan 1
I think Black Diamond Universe is 50% the size of real world. I just ordered some gaitors from them, based on my UK shoe size and they are really small.
Haha! More tents eh? Pole linkage looks clever as well as very robust, I like that part. In the inclement Scottish unpredictability- fest that is our outdoor existence ? Not a chance Andrew. Driving rain, condensation, crap sizing? Back to Deutschland on the first ship I’d suggest.
haha, yep I agree !
You could use a big carrier bag over the toe section of the sleeping bag it can also double up as a dry bag in your pack just a thought me personally would sen back 10 cm to short but that's just me great review
Hi Roy, yes guess you could but it's still doesnt get round a design flaw so going back me thinks !
@@AndrewParkOutdoors yes that's what I would also do, you would always be worried about it when you use the tent
You have tried it, it’s pitched in your back garden, why do you think purchasing it & having it delivered all the way from Germany to your home was just an option to buy?
Unfortunately nobody in the UK had one at a decent price and didn't think I wouldn't keep it, but BD haven't made this tent human size I'm afraid. And I'm only 5 foot 8 :-)
Nice quick look. Seems we are on the same page about the designs .
Thanks, be good to see a follow up video on yours soon, your review was bang on. Atb A
Wouldn't be my cup of tea Andrew but what do I know ,I'm thinking about ordering another lightwave tent their single wall sigma 15 I watched your review of it from a couple of years ago and was well impressed bit £££ though cheers atb
Yep the Sigma is up there as one of my favourites , you wont go far wrong with it. A
possible to have the detailed weight of the tent: sardine, pole, canvas, hook for sticks? Please
Hi Antoine, I recall its about 750 grams.
Return the tent, too many negatives on what I consider is fairly costly. I’ve only owned two single wall tents and condensation soaked me just about as much as a rain storm would! 4:04
What a shame because I kinda like the design and some of the features if only it were longer I think I would actually buy it as the price Is attractive and would make a nice summer tent for me at least. Definitley just try it out though as you never know it may just be okay.
I think they'll resize a mark 2 Lewis, watch this space !
@@AndrewParkOutdoors hope they do 👍all the best. Look forward to the next video
Excellent review, hopefully BD will watch n learn!!
Great video.Enjoyed it very much !!!
I like it. Nice summer tent. But.. blue?
yes it's not the warmest feeling colour inside or stealth from the outside !
You saved me some cash (6'3")
Not sure about that tent mate. But good on you for giving it a try :)
Gone back to Germany Ray !
Not sold really, no vestibule rain will come in when you open the door and no hood over the side vent not clever. Have to use the plastic pole things so good luck getting a replacement 3 years down the track when you lose it. Its also not really that light considering the 3f ul tent which has a vestibule ( ok a bit smaller) is about the same weight
I have the lanshan 2 much better tent than this one ( ok heavier by 400gms) but when its pissing it down its much better i say return it!
Yes good point about losing the pole adaptors, that did occur to me, losing one or even forgetting one in your pack and your kinda stuffed ! A
Return
But
However do they not state the dimensions? In which case your error if to tall ?
They do but they don't tell how you low the foot area is, usual summary of head height, length and width. ATB A
I'm thinking send it back. having your feet touch the end will drive you nuts! I know it would drive me nuts and to have a jacket on your feet (I have tried that in the past) doesn't necessarily work esp if you a someone who rolls around at night a bit. thanks for sharing
Did you say " on the wee loop, if so thats cool
Send it back mate! Six moon design definitely better tents.
Good honest review good job cheers.
Return the tent as like you stated, the footbix is a deal breaker.
In the end I did , ordered a different BD model and will do a video on it soon, hopefully I'll like it ! Cheers A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors try the Tarptent LI series. The Aeon LI and Notch LI look very interesting although I will be ordering the notch LI.
@@0zthehikingsailor yes the Aeon Li looks nice and I was thinking about getting one. Atb A
They had enough time these tent makers to sort this problem of height and length I wouldn't keep it but if your going to put a bivvy bag on it at the bottom half
Hi Andrew. Just subbed and nice review of the tent. I'm afraid I would be sending it back though. If you know in the beginning that you will have to compensate for the short length and condensation who knows what other problems await. ATB, Tony
Thanks Tony, as I type it should be sitting back in Germany, sadly not for me in its current form ! A
Black Diamond distance tent
Esta tienda condensa agua en su interior aunque dejes todos sus huecos de ventilación abiertos. No sucede siempre, no sé si ocurre cuando bajan mucho las temperaturas y ha hecho calor durante el día (esto es una hipótesis). A mi me ha pasado como la mitad de las veces que la he usado (unas 3-4 veces este verano).
No es una condensación de cuatro gotitas, se moja en su totalidad y caen hilillos de agua por todas las paredes. Moja todo y se nota la humedad incluso al respirar
La he estrenado en travesía y conmigo había gente que estaba dentro de una quechua. En la Quechua estuvieron estupendamente y en la Black Diamond se condensó todo en el tiempo entre que la montamos, cenamos y nos metimos dentro. Fue super desagradable porque estábamos dos personas dentro y todo se nos mojaba (la cabeza, el saco, … todo lo que estaba en la tienda)
La he utilizado más adelante y se volvió a repetir el tema. Lo comenté con la marca y sólo me dicen cosas como (monta en lugares donde haya árboles, estira bien la tienda, deja ventanas abiertas…). Lo que dice la marca lo hemos hecho siempre bien; excepto lo de acampar siempre debajo de árboles porque en travesía esto no siempre es posible
Me parece un producto poco interesante porque te deja vendido en una travesía y la marca no se ha hecho responsable de nada ni ha mostrado el mínimo interés por conocer bien el tema y mejorar la calidad del producto.
Para dos personas es super justa… Si tienes que meter mochila y botas ya ni te digo. Dos chicas de 1,60 ya estábamos justas
El peso y montaje de la tienda son super prácticos pero la verdad es que si su habitabilidad te deja vendido en la montaña, es un peligro… Sobre todo si la usas en invierno porque es más complicado secar todo y seguir camino.
Ah… y el color es un cantazo en la montaña
No la recomiendo en absoluto
The designers just seem to have come up slightly short, which is a shame as some of the ideas appear good.
I think send it back.
I did James, maybe mark 2 will come out and I'll return to it in the spring. A
Andrew, if I was spending £180, I would expect it to cover the basics...i.e. keep you and your kit dry. Why should you have to compromise by putting something waterproof over your legs, bag etc. I would return with constructive comments for the R&D team. It is quite light though!
Yep I totally agree, I wonder if BD will bring out Mark 2 soon ?!
Looks smart, but its actually junk.
Return it!
Done!
What a shame, an oversight on behalf of black-diamond i'd say..............its a return from me Andrew sorry........Stu...😕
Agreed Stu !
No from me
Not a good design
Return it!