For a long time I've relied on my North Face -25C winter snowboots for hiking purposes. They've worn in very nicely, and work very well with good hiking socks.
However, I find that they get quite hot in the summer, and on multi-day hikes can make my feet really soggy!
Hence I'm thinking of getting new, and proper hiking boots, here are the criteria:
1) multi-day (possibly multi-month) hiking
2) waterproof
3) reasonably lightweight (whatever that means )
4) strong and sturdy enough to last a few years
5) good grip on different types of surfaces
6) should be good for fording shallow rivers of about 1 ft depth (I mean the grip of the sole, not the waterproofing)
7) mild un-assisted and non-technical glacier traverse
Now onto the tent:
I have been eyeing the Black Diamond FirstLight for quite some time now. After living in a rather clumsy North Face Rock 22 for a good 2 years, I've realized that it's really not worth carrying it for wilderness backpacking.
I want to buy a good rainproof and superlight three-season tent for multi-day and possible multi-month hikes. After a lot of searching, I haven't come across anything other than the FirstLight. Please note that I hike alone or with just one more additional person, so lugging a huge tent is out of question.
Hiking boots are tough to recommend...I was a 'pro' on an design advisery panel for a major boot company for some time, and its so much on feel and foot that any that I recommend you may hate...
I wear llbean's Crestas now for everything that you state above...they even take strap on crampons well. But most of my friends have been very happy with Asolo, also for all the reasons you state above. They just don't fit my feet. But the consensus among them is the fugitive:
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=429
As for the tent, I'd look at some of EMS's new stuff as their price points are great, but if you don't like those, you will be very happy in a Black Diamond...no question...
I'm on my fourth or fifth pair of Vasque Clarions. They have a Goretex lining that has kept my feet very dry in rain and through shallow streams. They seem to last a couple of years at my rate of hiking. I've never had a failure of seams or leather though the soles seem to wear a little quickly. My feet are a little difficult to fit and they are very comfortable for me. I have to agree with Jim, as each brand seems to fit a little differently.
I have a Mountain Hardware single wall tent for backpacking. Very light and well built, but I get a lot of condensation. When I do it again, I'd get a tent with fly. You might check out their tents and see if there is something you might like. They make quality stuff and some are very lightweight. I've had a couple of North Face tents in the past and have liked them. Had one that was something like a Tadpole 23 that was pretty lightwieght and did well in moderate snow. Don't know if they still make it.
I am on my sixth pair of Asolo's, I have had very good luck with them. Great comfort right out of the box. The Fugitive will be my next pair. As far as tents, I would go with any North Face tent that meets your criteria. Ron
I'm using the tadpole 23 and has put up quite nicely with wind and rain (Yosemite and Patagonia) as well as with the heat of Death Valley (sans rain fly, of course). TNF still makes this tent and you can get it almos half price when ever REI has a sale.
Boots are a very personal issue as no two feet are the same, personally I like Salomons and right now I'm using a pair of Salomon Revo SCS. But that is because they really fit my feet and I can wear them for a hike straight out of the box.
I'm about to replace my Vasque Sundowners. I've had them about 8 years and wear them quite frequently. For example, last summer I hiked almost every weekend from June through August. The soles are still in reasonably good shape but the liners are starting to wear thin (there are holes in the gore text). The skywalk soles on these are ridiculously long wearing. They're a very hard rubber and suffer at times on the ice and wet rocks, but they're not terrible.
I have a few more places to check with before I make my final decision, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to replace the sundowners with... another pair of sundowners.
I tried some of the mixed fabric/leather upper boots from Vasque, La Sportiva, Asolo, but I just like the support of this lightweight full leather boot better.
As for tents, I've used North Face tents for many years. I have a Polaris and a Tadpole NHP 22. The Tadpole is still made today and the Polaris is made as the "Moraine" today. I've also used a VE-25 a fair number of times.
The tadpole is light, can sleep 2 people and is well ventilated. However it isn't very tall and I cannot sit up it in, so its not the best if you're going to be stuck with rain.
The Moraine/Polaris is a 2 person tent with 2 big vestibules. Its heavier, but by no means heavy. I choose this tent whenever I'm backpacking with my wife or camping from the car. I can sit up straight in the tent with room to spare. Its sturdy in the wind. Our Polaris model is actually 4 season variant of the tent. Shame its not made anymore cause its a great 4 season option.
I'll check out the boots for sure, the MEC here does have a few Asolos and Vasques.
As for the tent, the tadpole is just as heavy as my existing North Face Rock 22, but it is a three stick design, as opposed to the Rock 22 which is only a 2 stick. North Face lightweights aren't much lighter than what I have, and hence I was eyeing the Black Diamond.
Is there a lot of condensation beyond 2600m altitude? That's the max I've ever been to, and hence the question.
My house is nearly at 2600m. I'm usually camping closer to 3500m altitude.
I don't think altitude matters nearly as much as weather patterns. Here 2000m (7000ft) is the altitude at my home. Average summer night temps are 40-50F and daytime highs are in the 70-100F range. There isn't much risk of condensation in the summer, but there would be in the spring and fall. Think about whether or not you've seen dew in the morning. If there is dew on the tent, then most certainly your breath with cause condensation on the tent walls.
At 11,000 feet on the other hand, we can have frost on any night, year round. At 14,000 feet, it will almost certainly freeze every night all summer. If there is frost, then the probability for condensation on the tent walls is high.
The other component is wind. Wind is where a 3 (or 5 or 8) pole tent will be superior to a 2 pole tent as the structure will generally be more stable.
My dad is also an active backpacker at 60. He uses a Bibler tent similar to the Black Diamond FirstLight you're asking about. Bibler tents are now Black Diamond. As far as I know, he likes it. He keeps using it in the summer anyways. I just prefer a double wall configuration with more ventilation control.
Nothing made as much of a positive difference for me as going the ultralight route (it's ironic, though, that once I finally got my pack weight down, I'm adding a bunch of heavy camera equipment).
I've heard lots of good things about Bean's Cresta's. I prefer trail runners to boots. There's some controversy about this, but for me, I can move much more comfortably over more miles with trail runners than I ever could in boots. I even use trail runners in the winter (for day trips), with crampons or snow shoes.
If you're going to use trail runners, you need to drop your pack weight too. the easiest way to do that is to use lightweight gear.
Pack - Granite Gear Vapor Trail (around 2lbs)
Shelter - Tarptent (as suggested above)(also around 2lbs) I'm a tarp guy - they're better ventilated than any tent, much lighter, much roomier, and can be almost as storm proof. the Black Diamond model is a good, fairly light tent.
Sleeping bag - Western Mountaineering - many models, but something down to 40 degrees or so in down should be between a pound & 1.5 lbs, or down to around 20 degrees for around 2lbs.
You're basic kit is now around 6-7lbs, and wearing trail runners is SOOOOOO much more comfortable than boots. I can move further, faster, and have enough energy to do other things besides crash land at the camp site.
I've always been interested in the firstlight. Very nice design similar to the earlier Bibler I-tents. The two things that always concerned me were the lack of vestibule (although you can purchase that extra, but why have to) and the fabric - I remember when the idea of using EPIC for a tent came out it was almost laughable - I believe in the beginning BD had to place a disclaimer with the product after a few reviews of the product came out. That being said the firstlight has evidently held its own.
Like a few of the others I like tarps...but, I wouldn't rely on tarps as a 4-season shelter. Currently I use a Hilleberg akto tent and couldn't be happier - its light and may be a single pole design, but mine has been through high winds, snow, and rain and I have to say in my experience it is a bombproof tent. I have also removed the inner tent and used it as a 2 person shelter.
If you are really willing to shell out $$$ and wishing for the lightest shelter that is renowned for their durability, check out the Stephenson Warmlite Tents. I've heard a lot of reviews, and NEVER heard one thing bad about them (again though, no vestibule).
Posted by Kent Staubus on June 17, 2008 at 2:00 AM
My favorite summer boots are Browning Kangaroo ultra lights. They are made from kangaroo hide and very tough. The leather is very thin and supple, which is what I like best about them. They are very light & comfortable, almost like tennis shoes, and are GoreTex. Downside is they are designed for fall hunting in muddy fields and the tread is very shallow so it doesn't collect mud. They would not be my first choice for glaciers. They do work well with snowshoes though.
Posted by Jim Sabiston on June 18, 2008 at 10:28 AM
FWIW, I have been testing outdoor gear for quite a few years as a hobby. I'm a Test Moderator at backpackgeartest.org (BGT) - on leave of absence as of two weeks ago to focus on my photography business. I'm also a beta tester for Black Diamond Equipment. I do a LOT of backpacking, mountaineering and ski-backpacking in all seasons and conditions. I recently returned from a week long fully self-supported backpack through the Grand Canyon.
I tested several of the BD Superlight tents and my reports (and others) can be found on the BGT web site. I strongly suggest you read these for real world testing and information.
Now that the preliminaries are covered: I strongly recommend the BD Superlight tents. I was so impressed that I went out and bought others in the line. I currently own the Lightsaber bivy, the OneShot (which I tested and, unfortunately, fell victim last April to a bad windstorm in the Grand Canyon - my fault, not the tents), the Lighthouse (I also tested this model) and the Skylight. My suggestion is that you consider either the Highlite or Lighthouse models over the Firstlight. All are good choices, but the Highlite and the Lighthouse have the benefits of much better ventilation do to the very large door openings and more room. All three have vestibule options if you want that. I have the vestibule for the Lighthouse and love it for longer trips. The Firstlight is the better choice in extreme (high winds) weather if you anticipate much of that. They are all very light, very breatheable (virtually zero condensation!) and pack very small as well.
Boots are a highly personal matter do to fitment and comfort issues. My personal preference is for Asolo products, which I have used exclusively for years for all my heavy duty applications. I occasionally use trail runners (The North Face) or Bite sandals when packing light, but my main workhorses ar ethe Asolos. I've been using m yAsolo 95X's for about four years now and have never had a blister in miles and mile of hiking/climbing.
Hey, that's great to hear that you do reviews for BDel, Jim! How would you rate the Superlight tents for 2-people for a 4-5 month expedition, reaching altitudes of 5000m+, in monsoon rains?
Posted by Jim Sabiston on June 25, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Ashutosh,
I would definitely consider them. BD takes a conservative approach on their claims of the waterproofness of the Epic fabric, but I've had them out in some very heavy, extended downpours with only minor water penetration - which I note in my reports. For two people I would recommend the Lighthouse with the vestibule at a minimum. You will appreciate the extra space! The altitude is not so much an issue as the weather conditions at that altitude. I damaged the OneShot in a bad wind storm (60-70+ mph gusts) because I underestimated the wind low down in Clear Creek Canyon and the tent pulled out my stakes! If the conditions are extreme, I might suggest a proper (heavier) mountaineering tent - BGT has test reports on othe rmodels that you may want to read and consider. Bear in mind that the Epic fabric is very good, but any light fabric will show the wear and tear before a heavier duty fabric will.
Discussion
15 repliesHowever, I find that they get quite hot in the summer, and on multi-day hikes can make my feet really soggy!
Hence I'm thinking of getting new, and proper hiking boots, here are the criteria:
1) multi-day (possibly multi-month) hiking
2) waterproof
3) reasonably lightweight (whatever that means
4) strong and sturdy enough to last a few years
5) good grip on different types of surfaces
6) should be good for fording shallow rivers of about 1 ft depth (I mean the grip of the sole, not the waterproofing)
7) mild un-assisted and non-technical glacier traverse
Now onto the tent:
I have been eyeing the Black Diamond FirstLight for quite some time now. After living in a rather clumsy North Face Rock 22 for a good 2 years, I've realized that it's really not worth carrying it for wilderness backpacking.
I want to buy a good rainproof and superlight three-season tent for multi-day and possible multi-month hikes. After a lot of searching, I haven't come across anything other than the FirstLight. Please note that I hike alone or with just one more additional person, so lugging a huge tent is out of question.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
I wear llbean's Crestas now for everything that you state above...they even take strap on crampons well. But most of my friends have been very happy with Asolo, also for all the reasons you state above. They just don't fit my feet. But the consensus among them is the fugitive:
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=429
As for the tent, I'd look at some of EMS's new stuff as their price points are great, but if you don't like those, you will be very happy in a Black Diamond...no question...
Good luck!
Good luck!
I have a Mountain Hardware single wall tent for backpacking. Very light and well built, but I get a lot of condensation. When I do it again, I'd get a tent with fly. You might check out their tents and see if there is something you might like. They make quality stuff and some are very lightweight. I've had a couple of North Face tents in the past and have liked them. Had one that was something like a Tadpole 23 that was pretty lightwieght and did well in moderate snow. Don't know if they still make it.
Boots are a very personal issue as no two feet are the same, personally I like Salomons and right now I'm using a pair of Salomon Revo SCS. But that is because they really fit my feet and I can wear them for a hike straight out of the box.
I have a few more places to check with before I make my final decision, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to replace the sundowners with... another pair of sundowners.
I tried some of the mixed fabric/leather upper boots from Vasque, La Sportiva, Asolo, but I just like the support of this lightweight full leather boot better.
As for tents, I've used North Face tents for many years. I have a Polaris and a Tadpole NHP 22. The Tadpole is still made today and the Polaris is made as the "Moraine" today. I've also used a VE-25 a fair number of times.
The tadpole is light, can sleep 2 people and is well ventilated. However it isn't very tall and I cannot sit up it in, so its not the best if you're going to be stuck with rain.
The Moraine/Polaris is a 2 person tent with 2 big vestibules. Its heavier, but by no means heavy. I choose this tent whenever I'm backpacking with my wife or camping from the car. I can sit up straight in the tent with room to spare. Its sturdy in the wind. Our Polaris model is actually 4 season variant of the tent. Shame its not made anymore cause its a great 4 season option.
As for the tent, the tadpole is just as heavy as my existing North Face Rock 22, but it is a three stick design, as opposed to the Rock 22 which is only a 2 stick. North Face lightweights aren't much lighter than what I have, and hence I was eyeing the Black Diamond.
Is there a lot of condensation beyond 2600m altitude? That's the max I've ever been to, and hence the question.
Thanks for your replies so far, keep 'em coming!
I use/recommend the Contrail model. Perfect tent for a photographer's backpack, I think.
I don't think altitude matters nearly as much as weather patterns. Here 2000m (7000ft) is the altitude at my home. Average summer night temps are 40-50F and daytime highs are in the 70-100F range. There isn't much risk of condensation in the summer, but there would be in the spring and fall. Think about whether or not you've seen dew in the morning. If there is dew on the tent, then most certainly your breath with cause condensation on the tent walls.
At 11,000 feet on the other hand, we can have frost on any night, year round. At 14,000 feet, it will almost certainly freeze every night all summer. If there is frost, then the probability for condensation on the tent walls is high.
The other component is wind. Wind is where a 3 (or 5 or 8) pole tent will be superior to a 2 pole tent as the structure will generally be more stable.
My dad is also an active backpacker at 60. He uses a Bibler tent similar to the Black Diamond FirstLight you're asking about. Bibler tents are now Black Diamond. As far as I know, he likes it. He keeps using it in the summer anyways. I just prefer a double wall configuration with more ventilation control.
I've heard lots of good things about Bean's Cresta's. I prefer trail runners to boots. There's some controversy about this, but for me, I can move much more comfortably over more miles with trail runners than I ever could in boots. I even use trail runners in the winter (for day trips), with crampons or snow shoes.
If you're going to use trail runners, you need to drop your pack weight too. the easiest way to do that is to use lightweight gear.
Pack - Granite Gear Vapor Trail (around 2lbs)
Shelter - Tarptent (as suggested above)(also around 2lbs) I'm a tarp guy - they're better ventilated than any tent, much lighter, much roomier, and can be almost as storm proof. the Black Diamond model is a good, fairly light tent.
Sleeping bag - Western Mountaineering - many models, but something down to 40 degrees or so in down should be between a pound & 1.5 lbs, or down to around 20 degrees for around 2lbs.
You're basic kit is now around 6-7lbs, and wearing trail runners is SOOOOOO much more comfortable than boots. I can move further, faster, and have enough energy to do other things besides crash land at the camp site.
Like a few of the others I like tarps...but, I wouldn't rely on tarps as a 4-season shelter. Currently I use a Hilleberg akto tent and couldn't be happier - its light and may be a single pole design, but mine has been through high winds, snow, and rain and I have to say in my experience it is a bombproof tent. I have also removed the inner tent and used it as a 2 person shelter.
If you are really willing to shell out $$$ and wishing for the lightest shelter that is renowned for their durability, check out the Stephenson Warmlite Tents. I've heard a lot of reviews, and NEVER heard one thing bad about them (again though, no vestibule).
http://preview.tinyurl.com/3qx2cy
Kent in SD
I tested several of the BD Superlight tents and my reports (and others) can be found on the BGT web site. I strongly suggest you read these for real world testing and information.
Now that the preliminaries are covered: I strongly recommend the BD Superlight tents. I was so impressed that I went out and bought others in the line. I currently own the Lightsaber bivy, the OneShot (which I tested and, unfortunately, fell victim last April to a bad windstorm in the Grand Canyon - my fault, not the tents), the Lighthouse (I also tested this model) and the Skylight. My suggestion is that you consider either the Highlite or Lighthouse models over the Firstlight. All are good choices, but the Highlite and the Lighthouse have the benefits of much better ventilation do to the very large door openings and more room. All three have vestibule options if you want that. I have the vestibule for the Lighthouse and love it for longer trips. The Firstlight is the better choice in extreme (high winds) weather if you anticipate much of that. They are all very light, very breatheable (virtually zero condensation!) and pack very small as well.
Boots are a highly personal matter do to fitment and comfort issues. My personal preference is for Asolo products, which I have used exclusively for years for all my heavy duty applications. I occasionally use trail runners (The North Face) or Bite sandals when packing light, but my main workhorses ar ethe Asolos. I've been using m yAsolo 95X's for about four years now and have never had a blister in miles and mile of hiking/climbing.
Good luck with your choices!
I would definitely consider them. BD takes a conservative approach on their claims of the waterproofness of the Epic fabric, but I've had them out in some very heavy, extended downpours with only minor water penetration - which I note in my reports. For two people I would recommend the Lighthouse with the vestibule at a minimum. You will appreciate the extra space! The altitude is not so much an issue as the weather conditions at that altitude. I damaged the OneShot in a bad wind storm (60-70+ mph gusts) because I underestimated the wind low down in Clear Creek Canyon and the tent pulled out my stakes! If the conditions are extreme, I might suggest a proper (heavier) mountaineering tent - BGT has test reports on othe rmodels that you may want to read and consider. Bear in mind that the Epic fabric is very good, but any light fabric will show the wear and tear before a heavier duty fabric will.