Black Diamond Eldorado

Summary

Great tent in a small package.

The Eldorado, formerly made by Todd Bibler, is a great 4-season tent. Very lightweight, compact, but perhaps just a little too small. I have only used it in the fall and winter, and frankly that is what I bought it for.

Set up was very easy right from the start. I had no problems with placing the poles inside the tent and into the designated corners. I set it up a few times in the house, it is free standing, before taking it out on an overnight ski trip. I picked the perfect day too because the wind was blowing steady at 80 kph. I could barely ski, but the Eldorado went up fast and solid. No flapping in the wind. I did have a bit of trouble with the twist-tie-like pole clips, but then I was inside the tent by this time and out of the wind.

I have several tents, and the Eldorado easily sets up the fastest. It takes down even faster, and in spite of what others have said on this sight, it packs down very small with the help of a compression bag.

I should say, too, that I live in the Arctic and have pitched it on the sea ice using tubular ice screws. The effect was a storm proof shelter that gave all the protection I needed. Ventilation was average, as I have not found a tent yet that can breathe in the winter, this goes for double wall varieties too. The poles iced up a bit and were difficult to take apart, but again so did the poles on all my other tents. I also noticed that the Eldorado retained less heat than a double walled tent, but this was minor as I always carry adequate sleeping gear.

Overall, the Eldorado is a great little tent; lightweight, easy to pitch, and storm proof. Well worth the money.