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Black Diamond Hilight Tent

Black Diamond HiLight Tent Review – Bad Option for Tall Guys

Posted on October 8, 2017January 30, 2020 by Brandon

Last modified on January 30th, 2020

What is the Black Diamond HiLight Tent?

Is it going to ensure a safe and secure shelter while you’re out in the wilderness?

While all manufacturers claim their tents are really that good, only a portion of them are going to perform exactly as advertised.

Keep reading my Black Diamond HiLight Tent review as I debunk all the online reviews to discover the real truth.

I will show you what you’re getting yourself into if you decide to get this tent for yourself.

Not For Tall People!
  • Functionality
  • Waterproof
  • Strength
  • Value
4.4

Summary:

This tent is lightweight, sturdy, and highly weatherproof.

It is actually single skin so no rain fly is needed and exactly why there is no vestibule. The vestibule is optional however, if you do really want one.

The biggest downside is that anyone over 6 foot will struggle to stay comfortable. It’s just not lengthy enough. If that will be a major issue, try out this alternative instead.

Otherwise this is a great tent and performs as advertised.

BLACK DIAMOND Hilight Tent

 Pros  Cons
  • It’s sturdy in high winds and very waterproof in the rain
  • Can be pitched in the snow and has no problems combating it
  • Extremely lightweight for a 4-person tent
  • Minimal gear required, as it only uses 4 stakes and 3 poles
  • It’s much warmer inside than other 4-season tents
  • Set up requires some practice before mastering. The poles are on the inside of the tent, so if they pop out of the socket they can possibly pierce the wall or floor
  • Anyone 6 foot or over won’t fit inside comfortably
  • The small awning doesn’t provide enough overhang for the door, meaning the door HAS to be closed in light rain
  • No vestibule included

price-button

Specs


Sleeping Capacity 1-2
Floor Size 6 ft 7 in x 4 ft 3 in
Interior Peak Height 3 ft 3 in
Packed Weight 3 lb 2 oz
Pack Size 6 x 9 in
Vestibules (Optional) 1
Doors 1
Storage Pockets 4

Description


This tent has a size rating for 1-2 people. It is a lounge for one person but cozy and snug for two people, so it works good for a couple.

It consists of one door and an optional vestibule for gear storage.

The poles have been specifically designed to create steep walls and a high ceiling, which provides awesome water run-off

One entire wall is no-see-um mesh fabric – which ensures you receive adequate ventilation and a clear view of the outside world as you relax inside your tent.

The other wall has a window and increases ventilation even further, as it creates a cross-breeze air flow.

BLACK DIAMOND Hilight Tent

The material is highly water-resistant and very breathable thanks to the NanoShield fabric.

And according to the manufacturers – this is the “highest water column rating of any breathable, single-layer fabric”.

Features


Excellent Ventilation – One entire wall has mesh fabric while the other has a window. The amount of ventilation is more than enough to combat condensation

Mesh Pockets – Keep all your valuables safe and secure, and off the floor with the two interior mesh pockets

Two-And-A-Half-Pole Design – Provides TWICE the strength and an awning over each side of the tent (ensures rain drips onto the ground and not on the fabric)

Single-Skin Fabric – The NanoShield single-wall fabric simply means there is no rain fly needed while keeping the total weight down

Vestibule (Optional) – The vestibule storage area is sold separately, and really only needed if you’re sharing the tent with somebody else

Anything Interesting that I found?


Single-skin tents aren’t as popular as they use to be, so it’s always interesting to find newer tents with this feature.

However, when it’s properly waterproofed you do not need to worry about it leaking anyway.

The optional vestibule is intriguing too. I’ve never seen this in all my years of reviewing tents!

Any red flags?


After reading the many online reviews, I’ve found that the design isn’t the greatest.

Pitching is somewhat awkward. The poles are on the inside – creating a difficult setup for newbie tent pitchers.

However, after some practice this can be done in 3 minutes.

Some people are also claiming that it’s not a true mountaineering tent, but still performs awesomely in most winter conditions (snow, heavy rain, heavy wind).

The other red flag is about the condensation – where it’s recommended to keep the window open during the night so it gets good ventilation.

However, this is only minor in my eyes.

Where to get it from


The Black Diamond HiLight Tent is available from Amazon.

I chose Amazon as my recommendation simply because they are the most popular online store.

The bonuses they offer have contributed to their success over the years by a LOT (in my honest opinion).

You can receive a full refund for your purchase within the first 30 days, for whatever reason that may be, plus free shipping and fast deliveries!

Get yours from Amazon.com

Do I recommend it?


A lot of buyers are nitpicking at all the little flaws, and it’s ruining the overall reputation of this tent.

And I don’t think it deserves all this hate considering the high number of pros I found.

It isn’t perfect – no product ever is.

Of course it might be difficult to pitch in windy conditions, but tents usually are, so why give this one 3 stars just because of that?

It has its flaws, which I’ve already mentioned in the “cons” section.

But in all honesty, the pros HEAVILY outweigh these negative claims.

So yes, I highly recommend the Black Diamond HiLight Tent!

Similar tents


A good alternative is the Eureka Assault Outfitter 4. It is a little heavier, but if you’re over 6 foot you will fit inside this tent easily and comfortably. This is a TRUE mountaineering tent!

You can’t go wrong pitching the Black Diamond Mega Light Tent. It has one pole only and can literally be pitched in 60 seconds. It is also a 4-season tent and doesn’t let you down in snow or rain and wind.

Final thoughts on the Black Diamond HiLight Tent?


It is extremely lightweight for a 4-season tent and keeps you safe from the elements every time you need it to.

What more could you ask for?

People bought it expecting too much, and only got let down when they found it wasn’t easy to set up and was too small for people over 6 foot.

Having no vestibule isn’t a biggie, nor is having a small overhang for the door.

The cons can be a problem only if you make it. If you’re over 6 foot, go with the Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 Tent instead.

Otherwise, the Black Diamond HiLight Tent will serve you well and I have no doubts you’ll enjoy your stay in the great outdoors with it!

Go to Amazon.com for cost and availability

Share your thoughts about this tent in the comment section below!

Not For Tall People!
  • Functionality
  • Waterproof
  • Strength
  • Value
4.4

Summary:

This tent is lightweight, sturdy, and highly weatherproof.

It is actually single skin so no rain fly is needed and exactly why there is no vestibule. The vestibule is optional however, if you do really want one.

The biggest downside is that anyone over 6 foot will struggle to stay comfortable. It’s just not lengthy enough. If that will be a major issue, try out this alternative instead.

Otherwise this is a great tent and performs as advertised.

2 thoughts on “Black Diamond HiLight Tent Review – Bad Option for Tall Guys”

  1. Dave Thomas says:
    October 8, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    HI Brandon,
    Hope you’re well. I’m going camping next month with my daughter and she wants a pink tent. Can you believe it? Do you know which brand sells pink or even just a good red tent for a big man and a little girl. Thanks Brandon any help would be great.

    Reply
    1. Brandon says:
      November 5, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      I haven’t come across many pink tents lately, sorry.

      However, there have been some decent red tents I’ve reviewed just recently. The Marmot Limelight 2P is guaranteed to keep you both safe and dry.

      Good luck 😀

      Reply

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