User Review: Black Diamond Firstlight

Black Diamond Firstlight
Above: The current Firstlight, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed July 28, 2007 by Bill Morris

Rating:
Design: good shape, structure, quality workmanship
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: very good
Weight: excellent
Price Paid: $289

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. I'd rather have a few more ounces in my tent's weight and be assured that it's waterproof when I need it than a wet bag, wet gear, and wet clothes.

This tent has also been tested my a good friend of mine who used it in New Zealand and he expressed concern to me that after prolonged rain, the places where the bag touched the tent wall fabric began to leak. Now I ask you, if this is the case, what is the rational in making a bivy sack out of it too? Seems pretty silly to me, but what do I know? I have only been in the guiding field for over thirty years, and guided extensively in the Rocky Mtns bedsides 11 over countries around the globe.

Save & Share