
For your reference, this page contains historical product information.
In order to save weight and preserve breathability, this tent is not treated with a fire retardant. Black Diamond, therefore, encourages the use of basic safety precautions and common sense when using any tent, treated or not.
Imported.
Item 748586
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Specification | Description |
| Season | 3-season |
| Design type | Freestanding tent |
| Sleeping capacity | 2 |
| Average minimum weight | 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Average packaged weight | 3 lbs. 2 oz. |
| Average weight - metric | 1.42 kilograms |
| Floor dimensions | 82 x 50 inches |
| Floor dimensions - metric | 208 x 127 centimeters |
| Floor area | 27 square feet |
| Vestibule area | Optional accessory |
| Peak height | 40 inches |
| Peak height - metric | 102 centimeters |
| Doors | 1 |
| Canopy fabric | Impregnated polyester |
| Floor fabric | Silicone-coated nylon ripstop |
| Number of poles | 2.5 |
| Pole material | DAC Featherlite aluminum |
| Pole diameter | 9 millimeters |
| Packed size | 6 x 9 inches |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 17 customers
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
I have used this tent for the past two years during my bicycle touring which includes twelve different States. It is lightweight, sturdy and packs easily into my front right pannier. This tent has kept me dry during some of the worse weather during my bicycle touring from Alaska to Big Bend, Texas. I find it easy to set up even after a long day of riding (90 miles or so). If you are looking for a sturdy dependable tent to keep the weather elements out and you comfortable in, I highly recommend this tent.
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
I bought this to cut weight from my backpacking gear. For weight, it's great. I use a space blanket or Tyvek ground cloth to save additional weight (and money). The setup gets easier after you've done it a few times, but compared to my REI Half Dome 2 and other super-easy setups, it's definitely frustrating at first. This tent was rained on twice this summer and I had no problems with leaks. I did have some problems with condensation on a rainy night (with 2 people) and on a frosty night (just me). Generally, though, I keep the windows vented and there's no problem. I slept me (5'6") and my partner (6'2") comfortably, but I would agree that you have to be friends with your tentmate. Alone, it's great because I could fit my pack inside no problem. I wish there were a mesh shelf at the apex; I've resorted to hanging things like my headlamp and bandanna by sticking them between the poles and tent.
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
Yes, it has a longer learning curve to learn, but learn one, use forever! I already had experience with the Bibler I-tent and a BD First Light on Mt Rainier so I was familiar with the setup. The Hilight has a nicer door than the Firstlight and is just lighter, at the expense of some cubic floor size and a bit costlier. No wonder it has resemblance to some Bibler tents, BD owns Bibler. I would definitely use this tent in most shoulder season backpacking and most conditions of mountaineering out west.
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
Yes, it's maybe a little hard to set up, but after only three times i can now set it up as fast as my friends can set up their tent AND rainfly. It's also a LOT easier to set up if you stake down the corners first. But the reality is, this tent weighs less than 3lbs for a two-person tent!!!! (personally, i use it as a palatial one-person because it's lighter than most solo tents. You can get two in but you better like that person pretty well).
It would be great if Black Diamond would start seam-sealing their tents, and yes that is a huge pain, but this tent is only as heavy as a nalgene of water, about the same size too not including the poles.
If you want a well-built, super lightweight tent, this is the one.
Jp
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
This great tent kept me dry for 6 months while I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2008. Once I sealed the seams at home, and got used to the easy (but different) setup, I could set up in a few minutes and be cooking dinner. A few times it was pouring rain when I was setting up, and it was nice to lay it out, climb inside with the poles, and set it up from the INSIDE! I had minimal condensation issues- I just left a window or two slightly open and that reduced any issue. I stayed high and dry while others were wet and whining! Worth the price for me!
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
The broken record of "its too hard to set up" in the first 14 reviews sent me to youtube and I saw a guy set one up. Didn't look so hard. I did it the 1st time in 2 minutes.
I used it on a ridge traverse in Zion Utah 1000+ feet off the deck on a 5.5 foot wide pirch the Wind picked up and she stood still. I love the views the huge open door provides.
The amount of static inside wouldn't be an issue, but the sand stuck to the walls like a magnet. Small price to pay for a 2.5 pound cabin.
The bivi sac still goes with me on big walls, but it weighs more than the tent.
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
It is lightweight and not bad to set up once you know how. It seriously needs a rain cover. Don't like having to apply seam sealant myself.
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
I also have the Bibler Ahwahnee, which this tent is modelled on. Both of them are spacious. I particularly like the design with the high sidewalls and headroom. Honestly though, they design is irritating to set up, after 3 weeks in the Sierras I was still a bit bugged by it, especially if there was a strong wind. Condensation was not a problem.
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
After using the tent a few times I'm extremely happy with it. My initial concerns about set-up and seam sealing are minor now that I've been able to enjoy the tent. I'm 6'6" tall and must say It is slightly cramped, but not a problem for just me inside. I was hit by rain, hail and snow on my first trip out and it performed beautifully. The vestibule is awesome. I could keep my stuff dry AND outside the tent. Great tent!!
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Comments about Black Diamond HiLight 2 Tent:
I read the reviews and I had some concerns about the set up; esp considering the cost of this tent. Setup is perhaps 5% harder than an exterior pole structure. I spent 5 nights in the mountains. Two nights had heavy rain and very strong winds on top on the bald. No leakage. no condensation any night. Expensive but worth it. very light weight with plenty of head room. This is a one person tent - or two children.
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