User Review: Black Diamond Megamid

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

Reviewed November 12, 1998 by Greywolf

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: Pyramid Tarp w/ a pole and stakes
Sleeps: 9'x9',you decide
Ease of Setup: Can take a while to layout, anchor the stakes and raise the tent with the pole. Terrain is important due to staking requirements. Can use rope to suspend center from a tree and cut down to four stakes, but takes longer to set up and find right site.
Weight: 3lbs +, or less if you cut some tent parts out. See"ease of set up".
Price Paid: around $200

If you use the poles and the stakes, it can take a while to layout, anchor the stakes and then get in and raise the tent with the pole-then go around and adjust everything. Surrounding terrain is important due to staking requirements--9 stakes. On the other hand you can leave the pole at home, use a piece of rope to suspend the center from a tree or other and cut down to four stakes. Of course this takes even longer to set up and a while to find the right site. The weight reduction is worth it for me.

I discussed the set up which is an important aspect, especially after a long day of hiking, or if you need to be picky about the site you choose (Those self supporting tents really shine then, IF you want to carry their weight all day). The Mega Mid is roomy. No floor. Water can be a problem, ie. site selection is important, sleep on your non absorbent pad, or carry a tarp to sleep on if you go with the inflatables. It is so big that it is tempting to cook, be prepared for the condensation though. If you don't cook, it will still condensate. If you can tolerate this, you can shake it gently off the inside of the tent and hope that it rolls down the sides before it drops. Depending on how high you raise the pole, which elevates the sides off the ground, you can adjust the ventilation by allowing a breeze at the ground level. Therefore, if it is blowing hard, you may get cold or wet depending on the type of weather.

I believe in constructive criticism. It makes us more aware of our surroundings and the adaptive use of our gear.

So, this is not a negative review, just a look at the versatility of this tent. In my opinion, you have to learn to use this tent. I met a winter outdoorsman at the base of Virgina on my thru hike of the AT and he educated me on the use of this tent. I carried an Arch Rival Walrus and then a Marmot Bivy (thanks sis for sending me my bivy) all the way from Maine and was looking for something to protect me in the winter weather that I was dealing with day to day. Going from a cozy tent that pops up and totally protects, to a tarp with no floor takes some convincing. In the winter the weight reduction paid off. Once you learn to use the Mega Mid you will either decide it is too much to deal with, or that it is truly a lightweight luxury.

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