Black Diamond Vista 3-Person 3-Season Tent

Black Diamond Vista 3-Person 3-Season Tent Review



Well, the Black Diamond Vista tent is all it's cracked up to be for my family. For nearly 15 years I've used a North Face Firefly, which was fantastic for me and my wife. For 3 or more, it was simply too small. It also lacked headroom, which made it slightly uncomfortable for long nights stuck inside when it was raining.

Enter the Vista: More tent than we'll ever need, but I appreciate the spacious interior, and so does my wife. We have one son, and the three of us have room enough to play games. If a little stork brings us another baby, we'll have the extra room for 4!

Set up is a breeze after just one practice run. Color coded corners make attaching the sturdy fly very simple. Without the fly, the tent is perfect for warmer summer evenings. A good breeze, and good visibility make sleeping in this tent very comfortable and romantic.

With they fly, the elements are kept at bay. We haven't had the chance to test it in a deluge, but from what I've seen so far, I'm not too worried. Condensation on the inside was non-existent. The fly is also made so that the top of the zipper can be left open to help air out the tent, even in incliment weather. Great design.

The matching Vist footprint is a perfect fit, and should be considered mandatory to protect your investment. It's also extremely small when packed.

The one complaint would be the stuff sack, which could be better built. Black Diamond is quick to make things right, but the stuff sack strings and where they're sewn in gave out prematurely. I'd recommend an after-market stuff sack if you hike great distances and will be putting in and taking out the tent a lot. I found that the Sea to Summit Orange Ultra Sil XXL Stuff Sack is a perfect replacement, and better built. A stuff sack was not worth dropping the rating to 4 stars simply because everything else about the tent is excellent.

The tent is light, and easy to carry by myself on rigorous hikes. But, I don't mind carrying a 50 to 60 pound pack. I don't notice the difference between this and my ultra-light firefly on the trail.

The tent poles are well-made, and the 'spider' assembly seems to be a great design so far.

Highly recommended for those wanting a spacious 3 man tent. The only other competition would be the Losi 3P. I got the Vista at good price, and couldn't pass it up. Check out reviews on the Losi 3P and Vista before committing. Either way you go, I think you'll be getting a tent to last a lifetime.

Bugs were not a problem, but you need to air it out before taking it in the field.


Black Diamond Vista 3-Person 3-Season Tent Feature



Black Diamond Vista 3-Person 3-Season Tent Overview


The Black Diamond Vista 3-Person 3-Season Tent keeps you and you two partners comfortable and protected in camp and adds only 5lb 15oz to your group gear. This double-wall tent pitches quickly thanks to pole clips. A mesh top provides ventilation while keeping out the bugs, and the SilNylon fly stops the rain. In addition to the Vista Tent's 50.7sq feet of internal space, it also has two large vestibules for gear storage and double doors for easy entrance.

Product Features
  • Material: [Body] Nylon and mesh; [fly] SilNylon
  • Freestanding: Yes
  • Poles: 3
  • Pole Material: Aluminum
  • Doors: 2
  • Clip/Sleeve: Clip
  • Floor Space: 96 x 86 x 46in (244 x 218 x 117cm), 50.7sq ft (4.7sq m)
  • Interior Height: 46in (117cm)
  • Vestibule Space: 9sq ft (.8sq m) each
  • Seam Sealed: No
  • Bathtub Floor: No
  • Ventilation: Mesh top
  • Packed Size: 19 x 8in (48 x 20cm)
  • Weight: 5lb 15oz (2693g)
  • Recommended Use: Backpacking, camping
  • Warranty: 1 Year
  • Country of Origin: China

Black Diamond Vista 3-Person 3-Season Tent Specifications



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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 26, 2010 13:55:03