Black Diamond Firstlight

Average Rating:
Reviewed by 12 Trailspace users

View Description
Read Reviews
Write a Review
Compare Prices
View Similar Products
Save & Share

Description

The Firstlight is a four-season tent made by Black Diamond. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 12 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Backcountry.com:
"At a ridiculously low 2lb 11oz weight, the single-wall Black Diamond Firstlight Tent has become an incredibly popular choice for a wide variety of weight-conscious mountain travelers. Black Diamond designed this tent with ultralight, breathable EPIC fabric for weight-conscious backpackers. But dedicated alpine climbers have pushed it into use on the world's highest, hardest mountains. The single-wall free standing design allows the Firstlight Tent to be pitched very quickly, and a small 82 x 48-inch floor lets you pitch it in a tiny clearing or small ledge."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"A compact two-person, four-season tent built for weight-conscious climbers, the Black Diamond Firstlight is based on the I-Tent’s expedition-specific design with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and increase headroom. For durability, all seams are double sewn and the stress points are reinforced. With two equal length DAC Featherlite poles that fit inside the tent with hook-and-loop wraps, it’s easy to set up—even from inside. For cross ventilation, both the small rear window and the door are covered with no-see-um mesh. The canopy is contructed with water resistant, breathable Epic fabric. For interior organization, the Firstlight has two interior net pockets.Black Diamond Firstlight Specs: Capacity (persons): 2 Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz. Dimensions: 82" x 48" x 42" Floor Area: 27.3 sq. ft. Optional Vestibule Area: 9 sq. ft. Freestanding? Yes Poles: 2 Doors: 1"

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. Black Diamond Firstlight Tent (Fall 2009) The Firstlight Tent by Black Diamond is a BD Superlight tent basedupon the I-Tent's expedition-specific design and footprint. Built for weight-conscious climbers. EPIC by Nextec canopy and 30d Sil Nylon floor.Features: tent and poles: 1.22 kg (2 lb 11 oz) packaged: 1.50 kg (3 lb 5 oz) vestibule: 610 g (1 lb 6 oz) ground cloth: 275 g (9.7 oz) Dimensions: 208 cm x 123 cm x 107 cm (82" x 48" x 42") Packed size: 15 cm x 23 cm (6" x 9") Area: 2.5 m2 (27.3 sq ft)Because of fire retardancy laws we cannot ship this tent to Canada or to the following States: California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota or New York"

From CampSaver.com:
"FREE! Firstlight Ground Cloth With the purchase of Black Diamond Firstlight Tent - 2 Person, 4 Season.Free shipping!"

User Reviews

Firstlight
Reviewed by Gregory Stvens, Oct 15, 2008

"I have owned the Black Diamond First Light for three years. I first used it for a 13 day backpacking trip in the New Mexico mountains at a Boy Scout camp called Philmont.

It rained every night, very very hard rain.
The tent is water proof. During the hardest rain I felt a slight misting inside, but no collection of water whatsoever."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Leo Tasker, Feb 05, 2008

"First off, let me say what others have said - this tent is NOT waterproof. It's not meant to be. I think this tent is best described as a softshell tent - meaning it should be used in conditions that are going to be mainly dry, be it hot or cold.

It works perfectly as alpine climbing tent, when sub-freezing temperatures mean that any moisture will fall as snow, not rain or sleet."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by OldHiker, Nov 30, 2007

"This tent has the distinction of being the first and only piece of backpacking gear I have ever returned for a refund.

I am amazed by other reviews that describe this tent as being waterproof. I spent a week in the New Mexico mountains in this tent with a group of Boy Scouts."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Owen, Nov 27, 2007

"This is by far the best tent I have ever owned. I use it generally for 3-season hiking (2-10 day trips) as well as occasionally for winter hiking.

Other posters' comments about the waterproofing of the eVent material seem way off the mark to me."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Terry Woodburn, Nov 26, 2007

"Love the light weight, the ease of set-up and the general toughness. However, this tent finally met its match in the Yukon this summer. I had rather painstakingly done my waterproofing job on it, but a blustery 24 hour Yukon rainstorm had me completely soaked inside this tent, which was rather unpleasant."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Bill Morris, Jul 28, 2007

"While some may consider the Firstlight a desirable tent for summer alpine nights, having almost 31 years under my belt guiding in the Rocky Mountains, I have been many times in downpours while camped waiting for breaks in weather to start climbing. I have to say this tent is not desirable for anyone carrying a tent because a tent should GUARANTEE that I am safe from the elements whether it's a light summer rain or a gully washer, both of which are possible in the Rockies any time in the summer."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by aardvark, Mar 24, 2006

"This tent is weightless, packs small, and sets up instantly (my wife timed me at 87 seconds the first time I set it up in the field). While the footprint is small, I really appreciate the headroom.

The tent, however, has some major compromises."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Peter Gosling, Mar 19, 2006

"Just returned from a trip to Mount Aspiring New Zealand March 06. On one particular night, the wind picked up a fair bit. The tent was held down by rocks attached to the guidelines. I had to tie internal guidlines to the poles to keep the tent upright."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Wayne, Dec 08, 2005

"I took it to Tasmania on a five-day walking trail. The tent performed beautifully on first two nights under perfect conditions. When the temperature drops below 3 deg Cel (with no rain), the entire inner EPIC layer of the tent somehow got damp, and water seems to permeate through."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by Tom, Sep 15, 2005

"A little gem: best 2-person, 3-season tent I've owned in 35 years of backpacking. Single-walled (no fly) but for me it weathered a howling rainstorm in the Rockies, completely dry. Water puddled under the floor but would not seep through; no need for a footprint."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Apr 28, 2004

"Best tent I have ever used. I have only had condensation in it once and I used it extensively on the Appalachian Trail. Only one flaw to the tent: it is not seam sealed."

Read the complete review »

Firstlight
Reviewed by No, Apr 22, 2004

"I love this tent, it has kept me dry throughout rainstorms and it fits eaisly inside of my pack. It is simple to set up and I never had condensation in it. It is the best tent i have ever used. It is great for only one person."

Read the complete review »

Have you owned or used a Black Diamond Firstlight? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.