Black Diamond Mega Light Tent Review

[empeg9000]

I rencently purchase the <a href="http://www.bdel.com/gear/mega_light.php">Black Diamond Mega Light</a> from <a href="http://www.rei.com/">REI</a>. I chose to purchase from REI because I was unsure if I would like the tent and REI let's you return things no questions asked. I wanted the Mega Light which is a pyramid style tent because of it's light weight, and low packing volume. I figured it would be easy to pack on my BMW.

I asked around and some people had good things to say about them, most of the people that panned the pyramid style tents had never actually used one.

The floor does not come with it and it is optional. The floor is billed as being completely waterproof.

The tent as packaged. Weight without poles in 1 lb 14 oz. Weight with carbon fiber pole is 2 lbs 9 3/4 oz.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126075837024235458"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyN60I2K78I/AAAAAAAADPM/QPTR2yQYF2w/s400/DSC_2178.JPG" /></a>

This picture puts in perspective how small it really is.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126075845614170066"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyN60o2K79I/AAAAAAAADPQ/yHgqnq8KCTY/s400/DSC_2180.JPG" /></a>

The optional floor next to the tent. The floor weighs 1 lb and 13 oz as packed. Total weight is 3 lbs 6 3/4 oz. Pretty light!!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126075781189660594"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyN6w42K77I/AAAAAAAADPU/rdjHQsqxQCg/s400/DSC_2181.JPG" /></a>

I actually managed to pack both the tent and the floor into the floor stuff sack so it's extremely compact. I set it up in my yard for the first time and this is not on level ground.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126468177991758258"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyTfpY2K8bI/AAAAAAAADPY/HbHcnXugUZc/s400/DSC_2203.JPG" /></a>

Here is an inside view.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126468190876660162"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyTfqI2K8cI/AAAAAAAADPg/QkocbJFQFgY/s400/DSC_2204.JPG" /></a>

As you can see there is a small gap around the bottom of the tent even when it's pitched to the ground if the floor is not tied to the tent.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126468203761562066"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyTfq42K8dI/AAAAAAAADPo/aq-KcDwkdoc/s400/DSC_2205.JPG" /></a>


The tent is not seam sealed from the factory which is kind of lame considering how much this thing costs. Black Diamond recommends using <a href="http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/silnet_silicone_seam_sealer.html">SilNet</a> and it takes two tubes. I read an article on <a href="http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/index.html">BackPackingLight</a> about how it can be thinned 1-1 with mineral spirits to make it go farther and has the added benefit of it flowing better. Well I used this method and it worked great. You could really see the sealer seeping into the threads and seams.

Well this past weekend I took it out for it's <a href="http://empeg9000.blogspot.com/2007/11/frost-on-pumpkin-rally.html">maiden voyage when I went camping</a>.

Here is the tent set up in the wild.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/FrostOnThePumpkinRally20071102/photo?authkey=Zkpp_lhc5Rg#5129105872027055058"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/stephen.pivonka/Ry4-nY2K89I/AAAAAAAADVQ/hARPoJxMCVs/s400/DSC_2281.JPG" /></a>

Here is the inside with my Big Agnes bag thrown inside.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/FrostOnThePumpkinRally20071102/photo?authkey=Zkpp_lhc5Rg#5129105884911956962"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/stephen.pivonka/Ry4-oI2K8-I/AAAAAAAADVc/uLQMuL-X9Vc/s400/DSC_2282.JPG" /></a>

After a weekend of using it in mixed conditions that ranged from the 50's and calm to the 20's and windy/cold the tent has some pluses and some minuses.
I like that you can walk right in. It's super small packed. Thanks to the small pack size, I fit all my camping gear in the top case on my RT. It's fairly easy to set up. There is some adjusting of the stakes here and there once you put the center pole up. I did end up fiddling around quite a bit repeatedly trying to get the tent more taunt. It was pretty stable though. Bugs were not a problem but it was cold so I guess they were dead. I suppose they might be in the summer. It was huge inside with plenty of room for me and my gear, and then some. This tent could easily sleep three. Of course it just led to me not being as careful with putting things away and stuff so I still hogged tons of room. I had it staked right to the ground so obviously I lost about 10 inches of head room. If you wanted to sleep two people on the same side, say with your spouse next to you, one person would be right up against the wall and would be chilly in a scenario like this weekend because the walls are sloped. The floor ties to the sides of the tent about 8 inches up maybe in 8 different places and the floor is bath tub style. It is for sure 100% waterproof. However it was windy at night so the side would get blown and the wind would come in between the gaps of where the tent was tied. If it had been raining I probably would have gotten a little wet with the way the wind was blowing.

I can thing of at least 3 different things I could change to make it better.
One thing I could do with my tent is sew a piece of Velcro around the perimeter of the tent and then one around the floor. That would pretty much seal it. Then you could also make a piece of no-see-um netting say about 10 inches high with Velcro top and bottom. Then you could have this between floor and tent for those hot summer night. Another would be to install adjustable stake points instead of the fixed ones. Finally a way to tension the sides better perhaps by adding more stake points. All these things would not always be needed. If the weather was nice, the way it is would be perfectly fine.

So, the thing I need to decide is, do I go ahead and modify the tent to my liking, or return it and keep looking for something similar that is light weight but offers better protection? I shouldn't say weight, it's more about volume for me? I got the <a href="http://www.hilleberg.com/Home.htm">Hilleberg</a> catalog , over the weekend in the mail. I forgot I ordered that before I made my decision on a tent. I will have to think about it. Overall I like the tent I guess but I am not 100% sure.

 

[wuli959]

So, the thing I need to decide is, do I go ahead and modify the tent to my liking, or return it and keep looking for something similar that is light weight but offers better protection? I shouldn't say weight, it's more about volume for me? I got the <a href="http://www.hilleberg.com/Home.htm">Hilleberg</a> catalog , over the weekend in the mail. I forgot I ordered that before I made my decision on a tent. I will have to think about it. Overall I like the tent I guess but I am not 100% sure.

If you're serious about wanting to seal the floor and top with velcro for normal use, I'd just return it. Without the ventilation you'll drown in condensation since the tent wall and floor are not breathable. You might be better served with a single wall tent to mazimize the weight/size equation.

Whatever tent you decide on . . . just take the rated capacity and divide by two for the realistic living space for motorcycle camping.

minutia::

When I set up the megamid, I tension the four corners first with the shelter zipped up. then raise the pole inside. stake out the mid points, then adjust the tent pole up so it's fully tensioned when zipped up. Then attach the tub floor to the sides if you're going to use one..

If you set the tent so it is up off the ground bathtup floor will come up around the inside of the tent edges to provide additional protection from blow-in. Black Diamond also makes a netting/bathtup floor inner tent that fits inside the megalite for bug protection.

 

[empeg9000]

If you're serious about wanting to seal the floor and top with velcro for normal use, I'd just return it. Without the ventilation you'll drown in condensation since the tent wall and floor are not breathable.
Sounds like you'd be better served with a single wall tent to mazimize the weight/size equation.
Whatever tent you decide on . . . just take the rated capacity and divide by two for the realistic living space for motorcycle camping.

I wouldn't want to use that every single time I used it. I guess just when the weather is bad. Either that or I need to learn how to tie the floor better. I know you have the MegaMid. What are your thoughts on it in the rain?

 

[wuli959]

I wouldn't want to use that every single time I used it. I guess just when the weather is bad. Either that or I need to learn how to tie the floor better. I know you have the MegaMid. What are your thoughts on it in the rain?

I added a few notes to my previous msg but the Megamid has worked well for me in the rain or snow. In the end, it's a tarp. A versatle tarp, but a tarp without a vestibule.

The addition of the motocabana tarp make certainly helps and adds lots of living area in the rain.

 

[cardno7]

Have been camping 35 years and camping on a motorcycle for 25 years and if it were me I would make a new start with another tent. Several will work but I am partial to Eureka Tents; large variety; good value. My reasoning is this;

1. Waterproof-storm shield; especially the bathtub floor design

2. Guarantied- never had issue with returns partially can depend on supplier; I use CabalasÔÇÖ or Campmor; others are probably fine just inquire about returns; my only returns were to change preference of tent and a 15 year old zipper from LandÔÇÖs End

3. Should not have to modify a tent; there are occasions where set up space is less than desirable and water can flow towards a tent wall; even excellent tents can have small issues in these situations; to this day I still carry cheap poly tarp cut to tent size for a floor saver with the edges turned down so that most water will run under the tarp; also protect floor from sharp objects

4. Size, variety and quality all figure in; may be overkill but I have two different family size tents and three smaller one and two man tents

5. No-see-um mesh for bug control; in my part of the country (KY) and when traveling to Colorado, Idaho ect it is mandatory; also allows you to open the windows and doors for ventilation in summer

There will always be preferences and you may have to give up the head room but this is just my experience and preference. While you may have good reason for the pyramid (assume itÔÇÖs head room and pack size), other than rain or sleeping, I am not in the tent, thus time is limited in there. Not sure I would like the center pole (interior space restriction). No doubt pyramids I have seen are easier to enter and exit, but I personally would never recommend a tent without a floor.

In addition, there are several areas where I have been unable to utilize staking out the tent and that is why I prefer the self supporting tents. There are many rocky areas here and tent stakes do not like weathered limestone; tree roots can also be major issue depending on where you are camping.

Here are links to the tents I currently use, although several were purchased elsewhere, these were easy to paste;

Mostly used for backpacking and motorcycle trips; light and small
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39282593&memberId=12500226

Short backpacking trips and one night truck camping; larger and heavier; 15 years old and just camped for 5 days in Arkansas with it on the bike
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=28265588&memberId=12500226

Family tent, for family of four, truck and boat camping, withstands heavy wind and rain, running on 18 years now; heavyweight
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=21420620&memberId=12500226

Newest addition; just purchased mid size and packs on the bike inside a cabellasÔÇÖ large roll up dry bag; may be closest to your overall size and offers more headroom than the fist two alternatives, but is larger pack size; trade off for comfort
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39191153&memberId=12500226

Kelty and Marmot also make great outdoor gear, just have been long time user of eureka and the price vs quality is really very reasonable.

If you rarely see rain and can mostly camp where you can stake out the sides (open fields..) you are probably OK; for versatility you should consider some of the reasoning above; not pushing certain brand, just personal experience.

Good luck and have fun; if you like camping and you like motorcycles, there is no better way to go than ÔÇ£motorcycle campingÔÇØ

 

[Visian]

Here is an inside view.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/BlackDiamondMegaLightTent/photo?authkey=yodFKT2_Ofw#5126468203761562066"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RyTfq42K8dI/AAAAAAAADPo/aq-KcDwkdoc/s400/DSC_2205.JPG" /></a>

As you can see there is a small gap around the bottom of the tent even when it's pitched to the ground if the floor is not tied to the tent.

this would be a deal killer for me. i like keeping snakes, scorpions, mice and other lovely critters *out* of my tent.

this is a great review, empeg.

thanks for posting.

ian

 

[empeg9000]

When I set up the megamid, I tension the four corners first with the shelter zipped up. then raise the pole inside. stake out the mid points, then adjust the tent pole up so it's fully tensioned when zipped up. Then attach the tub floor to the sides if you're going to use one..

If you set the tent so it is up off the ground bathtup floor will come up around the inside of the tent edges to provide additional protection from blow-in. Black Diamond also makes a netting/bathtup floor inner tent that fits inside the megalite for bug protection.

I did set up the tent in the manor you described except I pitched it at ground level because it was cold and windy. Part of the problem is that the floor sides flopped down easily. I tied it off as best I could. I really want to like this tent.

this would be a deal killer for me. i like keeping snakes, scorpions, mice and other lovely critters *out* of my tent.

this is a great review, empeg.
thanks for posting.
ian

Once I tied the floor there wasn't as much of a gap. In nice weather I don't even think it would be a problem.

Have been camping 35 years and camping on a motorcycle for 25 years and if it were me I would make a new start with another tent. Several will work but I am partial to Eureka Tents; large variety; good value. My reasoning is this;

I appreciate you points and I will take a look at those tents. At this point I am undecided. As I stated, I want a decent sized tent, that packs small. That is my most important feature next to size. I know light weight and volume usually go hand in hand. I am not opposed to paying some money for a nice tent.

I guess modifying the tent to the extent I am thinking about really is silly considering what I paid for it. I guess I need to decide if I can live with those faults or not.

 

[Stuff2c]

Man...can you say "VARMINTS" No way would I own a tent that wasn't all one piece.
That gives me the heebee geebees just thinking about it.

 

[FredRydr]

Man...can you say "VARMINTS" No way would I own a tent that wasn't all one piece. That gives me the heebee geebees just thinking about it.

Yeah. A bear could get it's snout through there, no problem.

Fred

 

[Stuff2c]

I meant a maswkeeto

 

[wuli959]

I did set up the tent in the manor you described except I pitched it at ground level because it was cold and windy. Part of the problem is that the floor sides flopped down easily. I tied it off as best I could. I really want to like this tent.
.

When the tent is raised up the floor connection points are elevated and make the sides of the bathtub floor raised and not as "floppy".

 

[cardno7]

Might check the Eureka home page as there are now a couple of 3 man tents with more space than the two man. The Zeus and Pinnacle Pass models now come in a three man version and I would probably have opted for that if available at the time that I purchased the two man.

Kelty has a four man model, the Kelty Teton 4; and Marmot has a tree man version of the Bise model, though being around Marmot tent users, the set up is much more difficult than should be for weekend or non mountaineering use but offers great protection in severe environment. Kelty and Marmot both produce quality camping gear.

Set up and take down of the Eureka and Kelty are user friendly.
The Zues is about the easiest tent I have ever set up because of the single wall design.

It should be noted that I have no association with any products mentioned in these posts, just real life experience.

 

[empeg9000]

Might check the Eureka home page as there are now a couple of 3 man tents with more space than the two man. The Zeus and Pinnacle Pass models now come in a three man version and I would probably have opted for that if available at the time that I purchased the two man.

Kelty has a four man model, the Kelty Teton 4; and Marmot has a tree man version of the Bise model, though being around Marmot tent users, the set up is much more difficult than should be for weekend or non mountaineering use but offers great protection in severe environment. Kelty and Marmot both produce quality camping gear.

Set up and take down of the Eureka and Kelty are user friendly.
The Zues is about the easiest tent I have ever set up because of the single wall design.

It should be noted that I have no association with any products mentioned in these posts, just real life experience.

I think I have decided to send the tent back. I like it and if I could afford to keep two tents I would but I prefer to buy one high end item and keep it a long time.
Kelty makes a good tent for sure. I've had a Kelty Vortex 2 for over 10 years and it's still going string. I will look at the Marmots. I am also going to look at the Mutha Hubba but I think the fly on that does not go right to the floor and plus its an all mess tent. So at rallies that means the fly has to be on if you want privacy. I am very intrigued by the Hillebrand tents but boy are they spendy.

 

[cruise_carter]

What can distrub you from a sound sleep is the critter with the built-in baby rattle curling up on your chest to get some heat, little cold blooded they are.....

don't make nice pets..


Dale (I like my tents with seams that are sealed)

 

[FatChance]

I wouldn't want to use a tent that relied on tent stakes. I'm often in places where they may not always be practical and putting a couple rocks in the corners is a good option (plus it really makes a tent "windproof"). The tents I use are a Eureka Zeus LE 3 from Campmor for when my wife is with me (fantastic tent for the money!) and a Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 2 when I am on my own.

Eureka Zeus LE 3:

Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 2:

 

[empeg9000]

I wouldn't want to use a tent that relied on tent stakes. I'm often in places where they may not always be practical and putting a couple rocks in the corners is a good option (plus it really makes a tent "windproof"). The tents I use are a Eureka Zeus LE 3 from Campmor for when my wife is with me (fantastic tent for the money!) and a Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 2 when I am on my own.

Eureka Zeus LE 3:

Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 2:

I've never had a problem here in the northeast with not being able to set out stakes. However in CO I can see how that would be a big problem.
That Eureka tent looks pretty good.

 

[wmubrown]

So, the thing I need to decide is, do I go ahead and modify the tent to my liking, or return it and keep looking for something similar that is light weight but offers better protection?

Ummmm... you applied after-market seam sealer (if I read this correctly) so isn't it considered 'modified' at this point?

 

[wmubrown]

this would be a deal killer for me. i like keeping snakes, scorpions, mice and other lovely critters *out* of my tent.

this is a great review, empeg.

thanks for posting.

ian

+1zillion on this! I want a sealed tent - keeps varmints, bugs, wind, weather OUT. It is a very good review... send it on to Vince or Mandy for the ON

 

[empeg9000]

Ummmm... you applied after-market seam sealer (if I read this correctly) so isn't it considered 'modified' at this point?

On the Mega Light you HAVE to apply seam sealer since the seams are NOT taped at the factory. Normally yes, but REI takes anything back, even when it's been used if you are not 100% satisfied. That's the main reason I bought it there.

 

[The_Veg]

While you're at REI, check out the Taj 3. I've had one for about four years and I really love it. I use it several times a year and it still looks new and had yet to show any damage anywhere. It has survived a few storms, several trips through the washing-machine,and being packed on the bike for all but one or two of it's uses. I never knew a tent could be this good.

Taj 3