BD Betalight Patty Grade VI Q’s

Backpackgeartest.org has several reviews of the betalight.
Give patagonia a call about fit or call one of their retail stores and have a crashtest dummy [salesperson] check the fit, I have the same problem with their sizing being all over the map.

I have used a Betalight on a number of trips in the US and Europe. I have used it as a tarp, with the floor and with the Beta bug when my wife is with me. I have severe thunderstorms and torrential rains with out any problems. (It has withstood strong winds above the tree line without extra ropes and only with Easton 6' pegs.

In a word if I am travelling with someone else then that is the tent we use (with or without floor).

If both of us are using trekking poles then we use a poncho tarp as a veranda.

I think the Betalight is very under rated and is not fashionable, possibly because of its extra weight when compared to a GoLite Hut for example.

A picture of the Betalight on Rondvassbu in Norway

I've used an MSR Twin Peaks which is similar to the Betalight, just a bit larger and heavier. I was very impressed with the size and bomber construction. But I see it mainly as a mountaineering or winter shelter. Not the lightest, no bug protection, etc. Add the Beta Bug to the Betalight and you've got a pretty hefty tent.

If you're thinking 2 person but don't mind the seperated space of the Beta tent, how about a Mountain Laurel Designs Grace Duo tarp with a couple of UL bivy sacks? Or if it's below the treeline, what about a Six Moon Designs Europa, a Tarptent Squall 2, or a Tarptent Cloudburst? All great shelters that I've pushed above the treeline on many occasions and into sizable winds. Should be great for your conditions and they have a floor, better ventilation, and full bug protection. These would all compliment your Firstlight nicely- Tarptent in 3 seasons and Firstlight in winter and in the high mountains.

The Tarptent Double Rainbow is cool too- and will have much more usable space than your Firstlight.