Shelter Review: Black Diamond Mesa Tent + Ground Cloth
Technical Specs:
From the Black Diamond Website said:
Tent: Black Diamond Mesa Tent
Series : Doublelight Series
Season : 3
Capacity : 2
Doors : 2
Average Packed Weight : 2.32 kg, 5 lb 2 oz
Minimum Weight : 2.08 kg, 4 lb 9 oz
Dimensions : 234 x 147 x 112 x 112 cm, 92 x 58 x 44 x 44 in
Area : 3.0 m², 32.5 sq ft
Vestibule Area : 0.8 + 0.8 m², 9 + 9 sq ft
Packed Size : 20 x 48 cm, 8 x 19 in
Cost: $329.95
Ground Cloth: Black Diamond Mesa Tent Ground Cloth
Average Ground Cloth Weight : 275 g, 10 oz
Cost: $44.95
The first thing I noticed about the tent, was that it packed up fairly small. The packed size, length-wise, is about the same length as my handle-bars.. so if I attached it to them, it wouldn't be a problem. The next thing is the speed of the set up. It is insanely easy. Steps to set up:
- Put down the ground cloth (the sides have "color-coded" straps, 2x orange, 2x black). Set down the tent, with the sides matching, orange to orange, black to black. All of the straps have a cone shaped gromet hole in the middle, and a plastic quick-release buckle. Once the tent is down, then comes out the poles. These are all attached by a vinyl / nylon stretch cord, and in the middle is a star-shaped center peice, this has a bolt-looking thing that goes towards the tent.
- Once the poles are layed down, the ends go through the gromets, and once bowed out, they self-lock. The center of the tent has a U bolt thing that attaches to the center peice of the poles. Each side of the tent has 2 clamps that snap onto the poles. This gives the tent its form.
- Then the tarp goes over the tent (not necessary, but protects against wind / rain). The corners of the tarp has quick releases that attach to the ground cloth. The corners and sides of the tarp are then staked down
So, the pro's:
- Fairly light.. its not the lightest tent, but it isn't heavy by any means
- Packs small.. again, its not exactly a hammock, but there are plenty of ways to mount to the bike
- Protects against the elements
- Easy to set up, especially after a long day's ride
- Multiple set-ups (ground cloth + tarp, tarp only, ground cloth + tent, ground cloth, tent, tarp, ground cloth only)
- It's designed for 3-season, mountain terrain.. so it can hold up in high winds (or should, at least.. I can't test this)
- Plenty of room to store your gear if your solo
And the con's:
- A bit pricey
- The tent needs to have the ground cloth, the bottom has 0 protection against the terrain
- The tarp vestibules could be a bit bigger / longer imo.
- The tarp is bright-ass orange. Not condusive to stealth-camping.