Black Diamond Firstlight / Highlight

I'm looking for a super light 4 season tent. It looks like the firstlight and hightlight fit the bill. Anyone have any experience with these in tough conditions.

I have the MH trango II, but I'm really tired of lugging that thing up the mountains.

Neither of those are a four season tent. They are water resistant and designed for use in snow or arid conditions. While my Firstlight does a dang good job for what it is I'd be wet if I spent too long in the pouring rain.

Here is a good four season:

mountainproject.com/v/black…

If you're going for light, then the firstlight is tough to beat. I've been using it for years and have been satisfied. If I were buying a tent right now I'd take a look at the new MHW firstlight style tent.

The North Face now offer's an I-style single wall tent intended for 4 season and wet weather use:

thenorthface.com/catalog/sc…

Jeremy Bauman wrote:If you're going for light, then the firstlight is tough to beat. I've been using it for years and have been satisfied. If I were buying a tent right now I'd take a look at the new MHW firstlight style tent.

Current version of the First Light has a packed weight of 3lbs 5oz without the optional vestibule. Trail weight of the Assault II without the removable vestibule is 3lbs, 10oz. Yes, a bit more weight but you gain far more storm protection and it has taped seams. If I'm not mistaken, the current Nano fabric still require's McNetts Silnet sealer on the seams of the canopy as did the original model made with Epic fabric. Once done that will add to the weight.

I believe that the new firstlight is made with Nano Shield with is quite a bit more protective than the old Epic fabric. I once contacted BD about Nano Shield and they said that the fabric is "highly water resistant to the point where [it is] considered water-proof in
Europe."

Im happy with the protection of the original and I'm sure I'd be even happier with the new one (though the new one is a couple oz heaver).

Jeremy

While the I-tent may be a bit heavier...

I think it will/would hold up to much more abuse than the
"light weight" units.

One thing to note is that the Toddtex fabric is probably much better (IMO) than others. (for single wall tents)
Look at random reviews of the fabric online.
People seem to really stand by this.

c