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Black Diamond Guiding Light
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Home › Forums › Commerce › Gear Deals › Black Diamond Guiding Light
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Jan 1, 2010 at 5:26 pm #1253704
I have no connections to this sale other than I bought one of these tents from the same seller a few days ago. I payed $360.00 USD which I thought was a good deal. The auction for another one will end in about 35 minutes from when this was posted. So far the price is only at $305.00 It could go up, but if anyone is on the market for this type of tent it could be worth looking at:
Here is a link to a review of the tent by backpackinglight:
https://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/processJan 1, 2010 at 6:03 pm #1558664Looks like it went for $360.00 I've seen several of these black diamond epic fabrics tents going for around 40% off lately.
Mar 15, 2010 at 5:37 pm #1586809Jumped on a Steep and Cheap deal for $363 with shipping, only to find it cheaper on Amazon. $309 with free shipping! I think with 2 people and gear it will be luxurious and a bargain. Backcountry was kind enough to refund my Visa since I had ordered just an hour prior to my new deal discovery. Class act.
Mar 15, 2010 at 6:20 pm #1586828http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Guiding-4-Person-4-Season/dp/B000FBBJWC
51% off, that is a good deal. Always a good idea to do a quick price check before buying from steep and cheap. The recent influx of highly discounted Black Diamond tents made of epic fabric must be the result of their new line of tents made of Nano Shield fabric.
I thought it would be worth mentioning that it is not at all difficult to convert the water resistant epic fabric to fully waterproof fabric with the application silicone diluted with mineral spirits. I have done this to both my Highlight and Guiding Light with great results.
I weighted the Highlight before and after and found a 2.25oz weight gain. I applied a 5:1 ratio of mineral spirits to silicone over the entire surface of epic fabric with a sponge paint brush. The fabric no longer mists through even heavy rain. From what I understand epic fabric is really just rip-stop with a light impregnation of silicone so it readily accepts the silicone. The whole process only took about an hour and it was surprising how little it affected the appearance of the fabric. Almost cannot tell it was treated. Obviously this treatment affect the breathable of the fabric.
Mar 15, 2010 at 8:51 pm #1586912Thanks for the tip!
Mar 15, 2010 at 11:17 pm #1586954A bit heavy isn't it?
Mar 16, 2010 at 5:42 am #1586999For a 4 person free standing 4 season tent it is actually very light.
Mar 16, 2010 at 9:05 am #1587047Amazon price now shows only 29% off. But I bet it shows up again on steep and cheap for around 45% off.
Mar 31, 2010 at 11:25 pm #1593095Hi Brett,
I have a Black Diamond skylight with Epic fabric I would like to waterproof. What kind of silicone and mineral spirits did you use? Also, in regards to breathability, how do you think it will effect my tent? condensation issues? And, do you think this waterproofing method is permanant, or will it flake or wear off eventually?
Thanks so much fdor your help!
Bill
Apr 1, 2010 at 5:20 am #1593126I used ratio of 5 parts orderless mineral spirits to 1 part clear caulking silicone. I bought both at walmart. I applied it with a sponge brush. Normal Epic fabric is very breathable and I'm sure it will effect this. It is a trade off. I think preventing condensation will now be mostly dependent on weather conditions and how well I use traditional venting methods like partially opening the door or window of the tent. I don't have a skylight, so I'm not sure what options it has in that regard. This treatment is permanent. It really soaks into the fabric. I'm very confident there is no way it is going to come of the epic fabric in any way. Hope this help.
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