Black Diamond HiLight 2 person tent

Black Diamond HiLight 2 person tent

Good Morning,

The first two tents in this series are for rugged weather hiking/camping, etc. Whereas, not all of you will have need of double walled construction, but you want something that is water proof right out of the box. With that spiel, I introduce you to the Black Diamond HiLight 2 Person Tent.

 I like this tent, for it's roominess. The two and a half (yes, 2 1/2, I'll explain later) pole design allows for the steep sides and high ceiling.This tent is made and sold, as a two person tent, and it truly is big enough for two people and their gear.  But....if I'm hiking by myself (which is frequent) this tent allows for roomy comfort inside a dry interior. THAT alone, a dry interior, makes all the difference at the end of the long wet day, knowing that your tent is going to keep you warm and dry overnight. Besides, it weighs in at 3 lbs, so it  is comfortable in my pack. It's steep side design, sheds water like a ducks back. 

The canopy  is made with highly water resistant NanoShield fabric. This breathable fabric is proprietary to super light tents such as this. Now, before going further, this tent offers an optional vestibule...buy it, and you will be glad you did, as it allows you the extra room to cook in a semi-covered environment, without having to move all of your gear about. The door and the rear of the tent have mesh enclosures for ventilation.

Now, for the explanation of the 2 1/2 pole design. If you are not familiar with tent's, this can appear confusing. I mean really? What would you use "half of a pole for?" Simple. if you look at the tent, you can see the simple two pole criss cross design for support. The "half pole" is simply inserted into the grommets sewn into the top of the tent and the "half pole" supports the weight for the other two, allowing for a drip free entryway. Simple design.

Next up, a series on Mountain Hardwear tents. I hope you have found the information helpful and as always? Hike safe and I'll see you on the trail-- Campingman

Black Diamond Squall, 3 person tent

Good Morning,

Black Diamond Squall 3 person tent

 

In keeping with the harsh weather tent concept, I want to expand slightly on the Black Diamond design series, and talk today about the Black Diamond Squall, 3 person tent. You will note, it's design is similar to that of the "Stormtrack Tent, which is another reason I like this tent. Again, with the double walled construction that I have become so fond of, the adjustable front and rear roof vents, to maximize airflow. You will find, with this design, the Black Diamond Stormtracker/Squall series tents can stand up to prolonged mountain weather. Whatever nature can throw at you, this tent can take it.  

 

If you've ever hiked, camped or hunted in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, or Oregon, you know the weather can get downright gnarly in a heartbeat. Sometimes, even before you get to your predesignated camping spot. If that turns out to be the case, this series tents, can take that kind of punishment. The "Squall 3 person tent, has the same taped 2500 mm polyester fly as well as the 5000 mm nylon floor as the Stormtrack.  Again, I suggest using the "Tube Tent" as a ground cover. The interior space is broader, and with the same vestibules front and rear, there is plenty of storage space.

 

The setup is simple and easy, utilizing Black Diamond's "50/50 sleeve and clip fast hub setup process" you heard me mention that phrase in the "Stormtracker tent" post... Well, I'm going to go into that just a bit, so that it makes sense. What that is, is, the utilization of 'sleeves' for the poles supporting the front of the tent and 'clips' to support the rear of the tent. These clips attach to the poles in the rear, allowing setup to be accomplished easily by one person. The hubs, are the ingenious design of inserting the poles into the tent ground stake extensions.

 

Next up, a lighter weight model Black Diamond tent for rainy weather, the Black Diamond HiLight 2 person tent. Hike safe and I'll see you on the trail-- Campingman

 

 

PS- Here's a quick tip: When attaching the exterior cover for your tent, spread the gray mesh section over the front door and life will be wonderful.

Black Diamond Stormtrack 2 person tent

Harsh Weather Tents

Good Morning,

Having just returned from my latest foray into the wilderness on a short hunting trip, and I would like to take some time and share a bit on tents. I know I've previously spoken on tents for one or two people as well as family tents. Mostly just good all around general tents, for general use. What about a tent for the snow? Fall hunting season generally happens when the first snows begin to fall, so today, I am going to start a series on tents that are more for the winter. Having just returned from a trip, I am able to share some of my experiences. Now, keep in mind, that ANY tent can be used in pretty much any weather if: Properly water proofed, supported well, (in case of snows) and insulated. My point here, is why go to all of that bother if you can have a tent for the season you are hiking/camping/hunting in?

In the next several days, I will cover a few tents from Black Diamond, Mountain Hardwear and maybe even a Kelty tent or two. You can see, that I pretty much stick with these manufacturers, as over the years, I have had great luck with all three so I pass along my experiences. That being said, I am going to start off with the Black Diamond brand of tents.

Black Diamond Stormtrack 2 person tent

I like this model, for several reason's. First, it won the Backpacker Magazine's Torture Test.  To start with, it is a four season, free standing, double walled tent. Black Diamond refers to this particular tent as their "Base Camp" shelter. They are not kidding. The reason? It's double walled design. This in itself, helps to not only insulate, but withstand the toughest weather. You can set the tent up, almost anywhere and find yourself protected from the elements. If you need to hunker down, in really bad weather, and you can't get to a more sheltered area? No problem, this is the tent. 

If you just want out of the snow, the rain, or just plain cold weather, this Black Diamond Stormtrack tent fits that need. 

With adjustable front and rear top vents, there is plenty of airflow. The double wall design features 3 poles  for speedy setup and stability in high winds. It's noted by Black Diamond, as "50/50 sleeve/clip fast pitch hub set up." The double end doors allow easy entry, plenty of gear storage (the vestibules are plenty roomy for storage) and cooking space. How much space you ask...it's nearly 7 1/2 feet long (this is sleeping space only, the vestibules add more length, you can use for storage). This tent's sleeping area is just over 5 feet wide. The door fly is taped, 2500 mm polyester and the floor itself is 5000 mm nylon. With that in mind, remember the "Tube Tent/ground cover" I spoke of in an earlier blog? Well, here is a time to use it. Spread it on the ground under you tent before setup, for just that teensy bit additional insulation form the cold. You won't be sorry you did.

My next post will be on the Black Diamond line, once again The "Squall" 3 person tent.. Stay safe and I'll see you on the trail-- Campingan