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old VS new BD hilight/firstlight

Original Post
Parker Kempf · · Bellingham, WA · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 210

Specifically, do any of you have experience with the packability difference between the nanoshield and the new poly fabric? I get that the new versions are stronger/more storm resistant, but i'm trying to visualize the packed size difference.

thanks

Pavel K · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 211

When did they release a new model? All i can find online is the nanoshield version? I am in the market for a replacement...

Parker Kempf · · Bellingham, WA · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 210

2019 they released the new fabrics https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/hilight-2p-tent-BD8101624029ALL1.html

they still have the specs for the 2018 and earlier models on their website though.

Emailed BD and got a response saying that they pack down about the same.

Pavel K · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 211

I see. It seems that hilight is the new fabric and firstlight is still the 'old' nanoshield?
I am only considering the firstlight, I need the front door, not side door. 

Pavel K · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 211

I was curious so asked BD - their response:
The Hilight and Firstlight are not made of the same fabric.
The Hilight is made of 30D poly and has a different DWR treatment that coats each fiber and creates better water resistance, but is a thinner material.
The Firstlight is a 70D poly that is coated in our NanoShield water resistant material, so the fabric is slightly thicker and a little less water resistant.

Hilight comes 100% sealed, so no seam sealing is necessary. You do still have to manually seal the seams of the Firstlight.

Nick Baker · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 91

Has anyone used one of the new hilights enough to comment on how well it actually does in the rain.... Considering one... but really would like reasonable waterproofness for mountain summer rainstorms if they happen...

Kevin Mcbride · · Canmore AB · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 505
Nick Baker wrote: Has anyone used one of the new hilights enough to comment on how well it actually does in the rain.... Considering one... but really would like reasonable waterproofness for mountain summer rainstorms if they happen...

Ive had excellent luck with mine keeping rain out, sat out 24 hours of rain and nothing leaked, condensation was tricky to manage though. A lot of people bitch and whine that the firstlight/assault 2/latok/any single wall tent arent waterproof but its almost always condensation because single walls arent all that breathable.

Nick Baker · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 91

Kevin that is kind of what draws me to the hilight, as it seems like it has better ventilation than some of the others. Thanks for the reply!

jdejace · · New England · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 5
Pavel K wrote: The Hilight is made of 30D poly and has a different DWR treatment that coats each fiber and creates better water resistance, but is a thinner material.

Sounds like the Epic fabric that used to be popular. 

https://nextec.com/technology/
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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