Great video. Yes, having to do a bad review is not fun, but this is important to a person looking to buy gear. A truthful review, whether good or bad, has to be done to allow the consumer to make their decisions as to whether or not to purchase it. I prefer the honesty. Thanks again.
My experience with this tent is pretty positive. I use it for one to two night fastpacking trips in the BC Coast Mountains. It rains here. A lot. Once I thought of it as a large two-person bivy and not as a camping tent I started to get the best put of it. I use a poncho-tarp instead of a jacket. That keeps my pack dry and I can tie it over the door and pegs to make a vestibule. The door on any tent will admit water when wet. We open the door outwards, rolling it to minimize zipper contact with dirt. Positioning the top vent into the prevailing wind helps a lot with condensation and to date the wind has not driven rain in via the top vent. Any single walled tent will gather condensation so we also wipe it with a small travel towel. It’s not comfortable, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. It does allow me to keep my pack weight to under 4kgs including food and water Again, treat it as a large bivy for fast and light missions and not as a “camping tent”. We don’t hang around in this thing drinking coffee and playing cards. Beats the hell out of the bivies I used to carry too.
Exactly. Treat the tent as it was created to be: a fastpacking mountain bivvy. In the mountains you won't have so much problem with bugs and condensation due to wind etc. It really is just meant to be a fancy bivvy. And for that purpose I think it's amazing. Not to mention it can be pitched so quickly in bad weather
Exactly. The guy who did the vid simply doesn’t know how to use the damn thing. Single wall non-breathable shelters collect condensation. Duh. And if you’re too damn much of a Google expert to align the vent system with the major axis of air flow, that’s on you, not on black diamond. All in all, I think the little guy who did this vid should just stay home.
I have the same tent and I don’t have this issues, this tent isn’t very well vented but if you place this correct you won’t suffer as much, I did the wonderland trail in late September and only 3 days out of 7 I had condensation, this is a super light tent that allows the poles to be used is a shelter not a RV also I have a north face assault 2 and I have issues as well, if they make this tent longer add a vestibule and more zippers then the weight will go up, personally I’m very please with this tent “for me” the issues highlighted are manageable, I have used this tent at high camp while climbing Mt baker in WA with some wind and no issues but I’m fully aware that this isn’t a tent for a storm in the Sierra Nevada or the PNW, I wish there was a tent that will have everything I need and weight only 2lbs unfortunately there isn’t, my suggestion to people is to try it them self’s and make a decision base on your experience the review is very helpful but making strong suggestions not to buy it just because it didn’t for for him isn’t as helpful
I own Sierra Designs High Route tent and Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent. Both of them fail badly in terms of protection against the wind. In fact, when considering the weight, one should also take into account the extra weight of the better quilt or sleeping bag or bivy in order to compensate for the poor wind protection of those tents. I am considering to buy BD Distance tent because of the wind protection which seems to be way better. Btw, double wall tents have the same amount of condensation. You just don’t touch it thanks to the inner wall.
You are awesome. This is outstanding obs regarding the wind and protections in general decreasing with these one layer "tents." I've done a night in a friends bivy and it was ok-ish, but not a good camping solution. I have a sub 400g 50F liner/bag plus SOL bivy sack if needed, a sturdy 700g 4" pad and a msr 2 person that runs 3.5 lb but has a fly and plenty of interior room and is decent in wind (conserves more heat than 1 layer bivy tents, stops rain, has vents, does ok from 30F-75 ish if 70% humidity). I am going to stick with that instead of zpack or bivy that only saves a pound and adds poles and decreases protections and problems. Thanks!
Glad you didn't wait any longer for the initial review. I typically like Black Diamond tents but it seems this was pushed to the consumer a little quick.
you buy a singel wall tent and expect not to have condensation, and the part where u say it rained hard and the condensation hit u back, that happens to EVERY singel wall tent, I own 2 Zpack tents. Study before u make a purchase, singel wall tents comes at lower weight, but that also means you have drawbacks.
1lb 9oz says a lot. The door is a nonissue to me because I tap the door to get rain off. It is what it is. it is not a heavier double-wall tent. I view this as a light one-person tent with inside gear/pack storage.
Thanks for the "No Holds Barr" review. Definitely has areas for improvements. Looks like the tent would be great for dryer climates. But, ya' never know when that down pour will hit ya'. I do think it integrates well for a trail running/ day hiking system (Distance 15 pack and running poles). Throw in an ultralight sleeping bag plus pad, and I'll imagine myself skipping over those Mountain trails in a jiffy. Mahalo
Great review!! This video should save a lot of people some hard earned money! Hopefully Black Diamond will watch your review and make some changes! Those are significant design flaws! Thanks so much for sharing!
I have this tent, your review is fair. Another thing worth noting is that I need to bring a plastic bag to hold my boots in case it rains when I enter the tent. In the northern Rockie Mountains, it can rain at any time up in the high alpine.
I wish I watched this video before purchasing this tent. I've used it a few nights so far. I awoke to being "rained on" despite it not raining outside. There was a moderate wind outside and it was knocking the insane amount of condensation off of the inside wall above my face. And I am 6 ft 185 lbs. Mt feet were smashed up against the roof of the footbox. I got this tent on a crazy sale so I'm not that mad, but I would definitely pick another tent.
interesting , honest review ! Too bad about that tent . I have always liked Black Diamond gear . I see some comments about the Luxe , I have been considering one for a while now ...but all the reviews on condensation have held me back .......I always considered condensation to be part of the gig ....but i have read some real bad reviews .... I'll have to go check out some of your videos on them .
It's Good in the Woods for a single wall tent, and any tent really, condensation is something that comes with it. Double wall tents provide an automatic barrier, but single wall tents require increase airflow to reduce the amount of condensation. The Luxe tipis are single wall and do collect condensation. But at least you’ve got the option to raise the height of the tipi to allow increased airflow and still have proper protection from weather. I’d for sure recommend a Luxe tipi!
@@BackcountryExposure Thank you very much for responding ! Yeah man I've spent many a winter night in a tent ! Winter is my favorite adventure season ! But I have never had a hot tent .....well , I made one out of a tarp last year ....LOL .... Now I have a titanium folding woodstove and I have been looking at a Luxe since there was snow on the ground this spring ! Now , I understand air flow and all that ...my question to you is .....does this make the snow skirt a hinderance ? If raising the tent is part of the solution , are the snow skirts counterproductive ?
Thanks for saving me 250.00 Dollars. I like the idea behind the tent but if I want that much condensation I'll take my bivy. I thought this new tent would make me rethink my crudy bivy . But nope. Thanks for the up front honest review. It's great seeing someone giving an honest opinion.
Hi, Just to let you know I've just reviewed this tent too and added a link to your video at the end, hope you don't mind ! ? Keep up the great work, Andrew
Only used a single wall tent on one bike tour. Will not do it again. Will not mention brand, but it looks pretty similar to this one but in green. Avoid. Get something along the lines of a Big Agnes Copperspur or MSR Hubba. Not much heavier. Way better. And it will not rain straight onto your sleeping bag when you open the fly, like it will on this one.
Great video. I have been looking at a lighter weight tent for some time but I cant justify the cost. I bought a Siera design Clip Flashlight back in 1988 and I am still using it today. Two years ago I resealed the entire tent with some homemade sealant. I have had no issues and my tent comes in at 2.9 lbs with poles and steaks. I have looked at other two man tents and the weigh more and take up alot more space. I had only sealed the seams twice by 2017 and it had oly leaked once. Thats why I sealed the fly and the non mesh part of the tent. I was looking for a free standing tent for two people but the weight jumps up and they dont pack as tight. I use mine for kayak camping, bicycle touring and backpacking. I never seperate my poles from the tent. I role my poles along with the stakes and cordage inside the tent . Then put it all in the bag it came with. It takes up very little room and fits in very tight spaces. I have made my changes to my sleeping system instead. Bags and air pads have come along way and stuff way smaller than the old school bags. Thanks again for the review. BTW one man tents are out for me I move around in my sleep way to much. I also like keeping some of my gear in my tent with me.
I think you missed the point completely with this shelter. It's not a tent; it's a large bivvy. Bivvys don't have awnings/porches. They have some ventilation holes if you're lucky and that's about it. Use in the mountains at elevation and you'll be mostly ok. Pitch it along a trail or on the forest and you'll likely have a bad time.
Awesome info as always Devin. Here is a tip if you want it. I have a similar tent I use some times and I found I get better air flow when I stick the foot box in the direction of the wind.
Aaargh! One month too late... I sold my Nemo Hornet 2p to switch for this BD. I wish I’d waited for more reviews before purchasing. What sold me on this tent was the weight difference and the quickness of setting up. I’ve used it twice and did have a bit of condensation but it wasn’t worse than the Nemo. I liked it so far and after I’ve heard you tell your ordeal with bad weather I’m just not sure i want to keep it...
Yvan Verenka I’m just one person of a total sample. However, written reviews are sharing similar findings in the field. Give it some more time and see how it goes.
Good review! The highlight probably works better with condensation due to having a breathable tent fabric Seems The Distance doesnt. But its cheaper than highlight. You get what you pay for still seems to Hold true!
It leaks at the top vent in sideways or pouring rain.. Other than that its not a bad shelter..you can get them for 200$ now. Ive owned it since it released. Great in the desert when temps drop at night
Ohhhh no, I was hoping this wasn’t so and it would have gotten a better review, so many features that lead to this tents demise to the point that they need to go back to the drawing board on this one. Great review and I’ll stick to the Lanshan for now. Single wall Lanshans coming in the next month btw.
I too find it hard to do negative reviews, but we carry tents for when we need to stay dry in situations exactly like you encountered. If those situations didn't arise, we wouldn't carry one. And if it didn't do its job very well (to keep you dry), that's reason enough to question its utility.
I haven't had a tent that got me wet in YEARS. Not since I was a kid and I'm 40. I've had several tents since then and minor condensation aside, have been dry. Big fail. And Sierra designs makes some good tents they are pretty underrated in my opinion.
Have you found a true single wall tent that’s well ventilated? Condensation is always a problem, ventilation is always a problem I have a BD firstlight which is similar to highlight and I find it pretty stuffy although I use it in Alpine/snow and not really in rain.
Sounds like a double-wall tent with vestibule (heavy!) would suit you better. The "big" problems you point out are ubiquitous to any lightweight single wall tent, which isn't the point of buying this type of tent. The issue with getting water into the tent when opening the door is applicable to all tents. And what's the problem with putting your gear next to you?
I'm surprised you talked a lot about condensation here and not with the luxe tents. I have major problems with my hexpeak even on a dry night with the door open. I always thought it was more of a consequence of the breathability of the material but it sounds like you've tried other brands/designs that worked out fine. What can I do to cut down on it? Great video and thanks for the review.
Gone Far Afield raising the height of your hexpeak using a rock or stick under your trekking pole tip will increase airflow and help with the issue of condensation. I have dealt with condensation in my hexpeak many times, as well as other tents like the BD hilight. However the issue here is the Distance doesn’t allow for increased airflow when it’s most needed. I can raise the height of my hexpeak even in rain and still have the protection needed for myself and my gear. Rain with this tent requires the best airflow available to be cut off.
Gone Far Afield I tend to raise the height of my Hexpeak more often than not. Another benefit is it also increases the sleeping space by a couple inches which just makes it that more roomy. I have my review of the Hexpeak coming to the channel soon. Let me know how it works out for you.
@BackcountryExposure - how confident are you the misting was coming from condensation and not the rain permeating through the fabric of the tent itself? I had this issue with a North Face tent once (it was returned for warranty).
Single walled tents are notorious for bad ventilation and moisture collection. My Eureka Spitfire (double walled) is almost all mesh, and the rainfly is the only rain protection it has, and can be attached but completely off the side of the tent when it's dry. The weight savings may not be worth it, and at that point a bivy shelter may be more desirable. My Tarptent Squall behaves much like your tent.
Good review. Wider bottom with no where for rain water to go other than in your open door. No good. They Could have just added a vestibule but sounds like it wouldn’t have helped
Looks to me like Black Diamond designed a tent so that they could specifically post a certain weight number they could boast about. They designed serious flaws into this tent and willingly overlooked them just so they could brag about how light the tent is. Looks good on paper but in the field is a different story.
This tent definitely needs more airflow, possibly another door, lol. Definitely not good in the rain...everything inside will be wet from condensation. My first night experience with it was the worst. I blame my husband lol, he said he watched the review, but purchased anyway smh.
1 layer like zpack don't give adequate wind, rain or cold protection, they are drafty, leaky holes with no vent up top for heat to escape.. strong pass. Save bivy "tent"S for the dry desert or for 20 mile day type thru hikes (but in that case, just take a SOL with bug net over the end , and roll with that for $30, you want lighter and faster, right?..).
Nice review. Looks like they totally missed the mark on this one. I don’t see why someone would purchase it when there’s so many great options that don’t have these problems.
I’ll stick to my $29 one person Coleman. Yet to fail me and it’s 2LB. If that tent was light and came with a rain fly / small vestibule it would be better
Not a fan of single wall tents. Every one I’ve had or been in have always had condensation issues. I’d rather carry a few more ounces for peace of mind and a good nights sleep
John K I haven’t yet. I live just a few miles from their head quarters here in SLC and have a few friends who work for them that I’ve shared this with and hope to hear back from them.
Seems like it was designed by someone who has never camped in their life. How can they make so many fundamental errors in a single shelter? I design my own, and even as an amateur I wouldn't make these mistakes. A horror story - what were they thinking?
