iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Camping Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Black Diamond Gear

Posted by virtu (My Page) on
Sat, Dec 23, 06 at 10:27

Just joined and wanted to get some input on black diamond gear if any of you have used it or researched it:

Packs:
Shadow and Speed, are these any "good" (i.e. durability and any other qualities you can think of) for just 2 to 3 day light backpacking?

Tents:
Lighthouse and Firstlight

Thanks
virtu


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Black Diamond Gear

hi virtu,
the only black diamond gear i have/used is an ice ax. but i did check out their web site to see the tents and backpacks you were asking about. where are you planning on going backpacking too? my concerns with the tents would be that they did not sound like they were for very wet weather. they look like they are one layer tents, and that is the only layer between you and the elements. also, i could not tell if the "optional" vestibule was something that they sold separately. personally, i prefer having a vestibule to store my pack to keep it safe and dry.

is there a retailer near you that sells their packs so you can try one on and check it out? if you can get it through rei, they have a great return policy if it does not work out (i returned a pair of hiking boots a year after wearing them and still got a full refund).

hopefully someone else will see your post and be able to offer some advice.


 o
RE: Black Diamond Gear

I have no experience with either of the packs, but both tents are exceptional. They are both single-wall tents, which means they are more prone to condensation than a double-wall tent, but they are also much lighter and make a great choice if you are planning on backpacking.


 o
RE: Black Diamond Gear

Black Diamond is almost never the best value. Take any item they make, and you can find a better performing item made by someone else for less money. Granite Gear Vapor Trail packs are my favorite for up to 5 days. MSR has some interesting ultralightweight tents. Sierre Designs is always a sure bet for tents.


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network