Black Diamond HiLight Tent: 2-Person 3-Season

   Retailer Reviews

Great 4-season tent

I've had this tent for about 4 months. I've taken it up Shasta twice this season and backpacking in Yosemite once. So far I have been pretty happy with it. It seems pretty bombproof, holds up to wind especially when it's guyed out(I've had it in 40-50mph), has a ton of space for a solo climber, and is light enough that I didn't mind carrying it as a solo shelter. It also packs down smaller than a football(excluding the poles).If you plan on using it for two definitely pick up the vestibule for some added space. I have taken it backpacking once this summer and found it was actually quite comfortable with myself and my son. We're both about 5'8, if you're taller than that I wouldn't recommend this tent, it will be a bit short for you.The only real complaints that I have are that with this style of tent (poles inside) pitching in a storm is a nightmare, especially when all you want to do is get out of the weather. I also have the vestibule and that too is a bit of a challenge since the clips are such a tight fit to the tent wall. I found that with a crosswind I got quite a bit of spindrift when the wind pressure loaded the windward side of the vestibule causing a small gap between the tent and vestibule under the awning. But once we rotated the door away from the wind it was a great cook spot for me and my climbing partner. I haven't spent a ton of time practicing setup but on each trip I've been refining the process and getting it up more smoothly.One thing I noticed is that this tent is marketed as a 3-season backpacking tent, my personal opinion......this tent really shines in winter in the alpine environment. It really performed well in the snow. I haven't really had it in any sustained rain except for about 4 hours last week but the nano coating really seems to make the water bead up and roll off. In fact the only place water appeared to accumulate (on the outside) was where I had seam sealer. There was quite a bit of condensation following the rain, but it was all on the tent while our bags stayed pretty dry. Time will tell how it holds up and performs in the long run, but for now it's my go to tent. Light enough for a solo shelter and bombproof.