Yes, seam sealing is a pain. However this is a no brainer product. I have the beta bug/beta light and am well pleased. Set up is very simple, plenty of room for two and lightweight for backpacking. It has been out in heavy rains and done very well. It stakes out how you want it, lots of ventilation or very little ventilation. It's been from the Unitas of Utah to the Smoky Mountains, it's a keeper.

I purchased the Black Diamond Betamid in 2001 and hiked the entire AT with it without any problems. It set up quickly and easily and has never, to this day, leaked more than a few drops (after sealing the seams). I would highly recommend this tent to anyone looking for lightweight shelter. However, if you are squeamish about bugs in your tent do buy this tent.

This review is for the Beta Light. Same as the betamid, only with Sil nylon. I would recommend the beta light as the sil nylon will not absorb water. As the previous reviewer noted, SEAL THE SEAMS BEFORE USING! This is a pain (there are a lot of seams) so set aside a few hours for it. Aside from the annoyance of unsealed seams, this is a lightweight, bombproof shelter. My wife and I used it for 6.5 months on the A.T. where it weathered everything from snow to a long, wet summer of torrential rain. We didn't even get damp inside the Betamid. We also used the shelter with the beta bug and the floor. Both work fine, but I wish they made a lighter version. The heavy nylon is kinda overkill. I'm tempted to deduct a point for the whole seam-sealing thing, but I can't give a shelter that kept us dry for 6.5 months anything less than a 5. Seriously, I don't know anybody else whose tents kept them this dry. Also, the steep walls help this tent stand up to snow remarkably well given how light it is. It's more sturdy in the white stuff than most 3-season tents.

Customer Service

excellent. I contacted them once about the lack of seam seal on the tent. I got a quick, polite response and the guy sent me a free tube of seam seal.

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As an Outdoor Educator I had a unsupported trip coming up in one of the wettest and windswept locations on the very southern tip of Australia. It didn't disappoint, up to 50knot winds and constant rain. Now carrying a ton of emergency gear (sat phones, a small hospital) and food for 7 days, the weight of my tent was a huge consideration (I ended up carrying the teachers tent the whole time as well). I purposely went out and bought the Betamid as it was soo much lighter than my Salewa Bergen. Surprised by how cheap it was I bought the floor as well. With constant rain I woke up damp on top most nights, I had loads of drips through the seams and a fair bit of my gear got damp. This was despite making it a challenge to get the fly as tight as possible. The worse was yet to come, on my second night, I woke up in a swimming pool, my thermarest doing a good job of keeping me afloat. The floor didn't hold water at all, it worked more like a dust cover than a waterproof floor. Next time I'll be taking my bivvy bag. I was rather impressed with the way that it performed in the wind, Sitting in a hut nice and safe I dreaded what was happening with the gale force winds whipping through the trees. I came out 2 hours latter to find all was well and that it was still upright. Can't wait to get it out into the snow.

This is a great product, especially for the ultra-light hiker. The optional floor is a great addition, and I am happy I bought it. But, for the weight and money, a heavy-duty plastic sheet might work just as well. The only downfall would be that rushing water would be let in by such a sheet, whereas the floor insert has raised sides and really keeps out the elements. Adjustable trekking poles are a plus and allow for a super-sturdy setup of the tent. Beware: there is no bug protection. Either use this for the colder seasons or figure out some other way of bug protection (e.g. bug net shirts). If you are looking for other ultra-light options, investigate high-tech hammocks and the L.L.Bean MicroLight.

Customer Service

Awesome! They are REALLY helpful and don't try and nickel and dime you.

Just got it. Will make better report after some trips. So far, so GREAT! Fits my 6''2" with room to spare. Lots of headroom, super lightweight, excellent inner ambiance from the yellow panels. Plenty of room for two, or one and canine companion(s).

Customer Service

Haven''t needed any service yet, but the Betamid was really hard to find!

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no previous tarping experience, only the old S.D. Sleeve Flashlight.

Wow, I guess I am the first to review this solid tarp. I bought this tent from the black diamond store in salt lake a half and hour before my flight left for a two week trip to Southeast Alaska. While there, I used the tarp in conditions that ranged from dry sunny days to windy, rainy conditions. Throughout all of the weather, I stayed dry and cozy. The best part was that this tent/tarp weighed well under 3 pounds. I was able to pack this and my other minimalist stuff in a pack slightly larger than a daypack. I couldn't believe how small this thing packs up.
I was a bit worried about the alaskan mosquitos and no-see-ums, but with a bit of bug repellant, I went bug free the entire time.
Bottom line: I will be using this tarp instead of my convertable tent for the majority of my future backpacking endeavors, I am confident that this tarp, properly staked, will withstand most conditions found through year-round backpacking. I just can't get over the small size and light weight, as well as weather worthiness of this little tarp. Oh, the colors are pretty dang cool too.
Any questions, feel free to email me.

Customer Service

I have had a lot of experience with bibler/black diamond and I know that they back up all the stuff that they sell, great service, not that you will need it much.

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