Thursday, June 27, 2013

Firstlight vs. Seedhouse: Best Tent for Summer Backpacking

Me pitching the Seedhouse on a cold, windy day in late summer


The The Black Diamond Firstlight and the Big Agnes Seedhouse are two of the best tents on the market.  They are both are super lightweight, burly, three season tents.

We own both tents because they each have areas where they outshine the other.  The Seedhouse is awesome anytime you might want a breeze or end up in a downpour, the Firstlight is amazing for truly alpine sites.

Neither are roomy tents for lounging, but both tents have a low profile and small footprint that makes it easier to find a good place to pitch them in rough terrain and high wind.

My dilemma: which tent should we take on our five day backcountry trip next week?


The Firstlight


The Firstlight is the first birthday gift Ryan ever gave me (is it a wonder that I married a man with such good taste?).  I was enamored of the tent after selling lots of tents and other gear for a couple seasons at the top-notch Second Ascent in Seattle.  Its simple, tough construction is ideal for alpine conditions.

Pitching the Firstlight from the inside is a one person job

We have tested the Firstlight in many conditions: gusting winds, driving rain, below zero with deep snow as well as blazing hot with little wind.

One of the best features is that the Firstlight is free standing and you can pitch it from the inside.  This feature makes it much easier to pitch in the wind because your body weight keeps the tent in place while you are putting it up.  Pitching the tent from the inside is a bit of a mixed blessing when it is raining hard because I need to take more care to keep my wet clothes from getting the inside of the tent wet.


The Firstlight on our first sub zero (F) trip....we did experience some frozen condensation

The Firstlight excels in windy alpine conditions, especially in cool weather.  The single wall construction keeps off the rain, and can also double as a makeshift bivy sack for two if need be.  It has the smaller footprint of the two tents, making it easier to find a place to pitch in a rock field or on a steep slope.  This tent also has a taller ceiling and steeper walls, so both Ryan and I can sit up inside the tent.

We escaped to the Firstlight after being followed for hours by a bloodthirsty swarm of mosquitos

The Firstlight is not at its best in humid conditions.  The downside of the single wall construction and limited mesh is that condensation forms easily and does not evaporate quickly.  You can't get a breeze unless the mesh door is pointed in exactly the right direction.

Also, the tent gets a bit wet in the driving rain.  The walls don't leak when left alone, but if you or your sleeping bag touch the sides moisture will come through.  This is a bigger issue if you are tall.  Ryan is 5'10" and was ok if a bit cramped.  We took this tent on a very stormy trip to the Enchantments a couple years ago and stayed cozy enough.

This is the tent I would take for dryish, cool to cold conditions when I will be camping on a ridge or other exposed site where I could get a breeze. The extra head room, lighter weight, smaller footprint and windproof walls make it ideal for camping above tree line.  Black Diamond is now selling a newer, lighter version of the Firstlight.


The Seedhouse


The Seedhouse in late summer up Chaffin Creek

I want to describe the Seedhouse in the way that fashion magazines describe a dress: a confection of mesh with fabric in all the right places and none where it doesn't belong.

Big Agnes designed this tent with an entirely mesh body, and still managed to keep the weight down to under three pounds.  We got this tent for summer camping when you need lots of mesh for a cross breeze and mosquito protection.  However, we have tested the Seedhouse in more trying conditions than balmy summer days including high wind and storms.


The sturdy little tent performs admirably in adverse conditions.  It seems delicate but still looks new after all that we have thrown at it.

The vestibule gives it an edge over the Firstlight in terms of overall comfort, and the rain fly keeps out all the rain when pitched correctly.  I also love sleeping in it with the fly off because the mesh keeps out the bugs while I get to stargaze.

This tent could be used as a three season tent, however, because the body is all mesh, more heat escapes from the sleeping space even with the rainfly on and it gets colder faster than other tents I have slept in.  Also, if the wind is really gusting it more easily drafts up from under the rainfly.  This tent is tapered: it is taller by the head than the foot.  Ryan can sit up inside, but only in the middle and it really doesn't work for both of us to sit up inside at the same time.

The Seedhouse is the best tent for camping trips so hot we want to spend most of the time in the water
The Seedhouse wins if we'll spend lots of time below treeline, camping by lakes, on hot days or when it is humid.  Big Agnes has released a new lighter two person mesh body tent, the Fly Creek.


Conditions Dictate the Choice

The Firstlight and the Seedhouse are each clearly best suited for particular conditions.

Our clothing and sleeping bags also modify the conditions for us.  Warmer, slightly heavier gear will extend the Seedhouse comfort range.  If I bring less and lighter gear, the Firstlight will be better - but not much fun if we end up on a warm night by a lake.

......Just checked the weather one last time and there is a hazardous weather warning for very hot weather.  This time we'll take the Seedhouse.

*****

Have you decided to purchase a tent?  Support Hillmap by clicking through to a merchant site below.

The awesome Black Diamond Firstlight



The amazing Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2


13 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for this post. When you shop around for backpacking supplies, a place to rest your head will be one of your main concerns. Your search for the best backpacking tents on the market will reveal several options and, before you make any decisions, it’s important to weigh up each option. Different types suit different needs and preferences. See more http://survival-mastery.com/skills/camp/the-best-backpacking-tents.html

Troy Flores said...

When it comes to backpacking, you don’t always have the means or the funds to stay in a hotel or motel. Sometimes, you just have to camp under the stars, and having a reliable tent on your side can make all the difference in the world. But when you’re backpacking, you want to minimize on space and weight. See more http://myoutdoorslife.com/gear/camping-and-hiking/best-backpacking-tent.html

Oliver Maurice said...

Maybe you need visit this blog for some info on how people usually focus on their homework. Check it out because it could be really worth it.

Andriana said...

I am a student and I want to thank you for a good resource to help devote more time to my hobbies). In turn, I want to advise a good site.Logitech G635 Driver https://logitechg502.com/logitech-g635-driver-and-software/ and Software. The Logitech G635 is a premium gaming headset with high-quality components and 50 mm Pro-G drivers. It also features DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound with precise sound landscapes. It is also compatible with Logitech G HUB software, which lets you customize the headset and keep its firmware updated. The G HUB software is a great tool and will allow you to get the most out of your headset.

ArturHeym said...

Some of the best law essay writers specialize in various types of law classes. They are also knowledgeable enough to write papers that require a high level of professionalism. If you aren't sure whether to hire an essay writing service or not, here are a few things to keep in mind. I was busy writing my essay my girlfriend found write law essay writing services https://essayhub.com/law-essay-writing-service. The first is that a reputable service should guarantee the quality of the work they produce. They can guarantee that the paper you receive is 100% original, and they will only charge you once you approve it.

valentina said...

The most informative article.Reckless Driving Petersburg VAKeep sharing the post.

johnscena said...

The Firstlight is a single-wall tent designed for mountaineering and alpine use. It's lightweight and compact, making it suitable for backpacking. It's relatively light, which is great for backpacking where every ounce matters.
virginia personal injury statute of limitations

srisri said...

The Firstlight and Seedhouse are both ultralight backpacking tents that are well-suited for summer use. The Firstlight is slightly lighter and has a more spacious interior, while the Seedhouse is more affordable and has a better rainfly. Ultimately, the best tent for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.the best way to decide which tent is right for you is to try them out in person.
estate lawyer near me Virginia

shira said...

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is an excellent choice for summer backpacking. It's lightweight, spacious enough for two, and well-ventilated with its high-volume design. The durable materials and easy setup make it a reliable companion for warm-weather adventures, striking a balance between weight and comfort. With its thoughtful design and quality construction, it's a top pick for summer backpacking enthusiasts.
motorcycle accident law firm





Calvin James said...

These travelogs make life so much memorable for you travelers! Make sure to have men's leather bomber jacket for travel

Robert said...

how to file uncontested divorce in virginia
This article provides a detailed comparison of Firstlight and Seedhouse camping stores for campers in the summer. It offers a detailed view of each store's characteristics and advantages, which is useful for informed decision-making. The article also includes information on weight and size, as these are important factors for campers. Testimonios from real campers or experts can be added to support the claims about each store's performance. The article also explores the limitations or drawbacks of each option to provide a more balanced perspective. It also includes a section of frequently asked questions or advice for selecting camping stores, and links to web sites for purchasing. Overall, this informative article helps campers choose the best camping store for their summer adventures.

Brian said...

Your post truly resonated with me! As I set out on my path to becoming a writer, I've chosen to start by collaborating with a law paper writing service from https://allessaywriter.com/law-essay-help.html. This decision promises to sharpen my writing skills and enrich my comprehension of legal intricacies.

Ashish Chemicals said...

Explore a comprehensive selection of camping gas options at https://ashishchemicals.co.in/camping-gas.php, designed to enhance your outdoor experiences with safety and efficiency. Browse through reliable canisters and cylinders tailored for all your camping requirements.