Black Diamond Mega Light

[AZGUY]

Four person shelter wih 81 Sq. Ft of usable space that weighs 2lbs 13 OZ for $270. It packs up to be 5X10 inches and looks like it has received good reviews from everything I have read. Is there any reason this wouldn't be a solid shelter for 3 season use and high winds? I seem to be encountering high winds no matter where I go these days. It would be the first floor-less shelter I've ever owned and would primarily be using it for a September CO elk hunt and AZ mule deer hunt in the lower regions.

 

[Loudscoutii]

It is a great shelter. I have used mine for about five years with no issues in any and all weather you can imagine. It withstood measured 50mph gusts for almost two days straight. I have used it in the snow with no issues. I pulled off the extended guy outs as it was way too drafty in windy conditions. It is much tighter to the ground now.

 

[DaveC]

Its a good tent which at full retail gets outclassed pretty easily by other options.

BD doesn't put enough curve in the vertical seams, and as a result it flaps a lot in the wind. Comparable shelters from Seek Outside and MLD are rock steady in comparable conditions.

BD really needs some mid-panel tieouts, which would help with the wind and especially snow loading.

The BD pole is solid, but heavy. It's almost too long to work with a tight to the ground pitch.

The stakes which come with the Megalight are junk.

I'd think pretty seriously about spending more money and getting a lot more for it.

 

[wilbur007]

I've had one for four years as well - they used to be the cheapest option for a mid here in Canada. I can't imagine actually using it as a four person shelter. It's great for two adults and gear - especially if you run a wood stove in it. I sewed in tie outs half way up the panels and that made a huge difference with wind. I would also recommend cutting off the extra long guyouts and hugging it closer to the ground. Packed size is decent - about the size of a pineapple. I switched to the Megalight from a smaller (and heavier) two person tent. At the time it was a revelation to me that I could have such a spacious shelter for such little weight. I really enjoy using a floorless shelter when hunting, or for most hiking now. If you can find a used one, or a better than retail price, I'd recommend it. That being said, there are lighter shelters and there are certainly other companies who can make a shelter that doesn't flap in the wind quite so much.

 

[chindits]

I believe Dave C has recently done some tent testing on BPL. I wouldn't dismiss his mids experience.