OutdoorGearLab

The Black Diamond Firstlight is ideal for fair weather multi-day alpine climbing and ski touring adventures because it is TINY, which is why we love it. We don't love it for extended storms or harsh four-season conditions, as it isn't completely waterproof. It handles a little rain or snow, but in extended periods of either, it can be challenging to stay dry. You might be wondering, why bring a tent if it isn't particularly stormworthy and suffers from poor condensation? We love it for its small packed size and low weight. This tent took up the least amount of space in our pack, hands down. The footprint is small, and it can be pitched nearly anywhere there is room for two people to lay down. While not bomber, it does shield its occupants from light to moderate winds, keeps the bugs out, and will help its occupants maintain some level of dryness — as long as it doesn't rain or snow too much or too hard.
This model borders on mediocre for wet conditions, but for fair weather alpine climbing and ski trips, the Firstlight's weight and low packed volume are hard to beat, as long as you can afford to be picky about your weather. As a result, its versatility is limiting, and unless you live in the Sierra, it likely won't be the only 4 season shelter you end up owning. However, for the trips most people will embark on where weight is a consideration, this model is hard to beat.

The Black Diamond Firstlight is ideal for fair-weather multi-day alpine climbing and ski touring adventures because of its exceptionally low weight and ability to compress smaller than any other model in our review. Its small size and tiny footprint allow you to pitch it nearly anywhere there is room for two people to lie down. Its bug netting means as long as it is nice out, you can sleep with the door wide open without getting bit. We don't love it for extended storms or harsh four-season conditions, as it isn't that strong nor completely waterproof. Built with a newer version of Black Diamond's proprietary NanoShield fabric, it has created the most water-resistant Firstlight, helping it handle a little rain or snow fine. Still, it can be challenging to stay dry for extended periods. You might be wondering, why bring a tent if it isn't, particularly water resistant, wind resistant, and suffers from poor condensation? 
This model borders on mediocre for wet or stormy conditions. It offers just enough water resistance for short-duration "surprise" afternoon thunderstorms. It works well for fair-weather areas like the Sierra but not for consistently wet and stormy spots. However, this is our top choice for trips where weight is the main consideration. 
Read more: Black Diamond Firstlight review

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