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Reviews > Shelters > Tarps and Bivys > Black Diamond Beta Light and Beta Bug > Owner Review by Larry Risch
(typical carry)Black Diamond’s measurement’s are for the area that has a minimum of 12 in of height, and so the Light and Bug have the same dimensions. Even though the Light is actually larger than the Bug this does not result in more living space since you have to keep away from the sides of tarp (Light) When the Light’s door is staked out it extends the length (when measured at the center) to a total of 110 in (279 cm). e. I bought the Beta Light after winter camping with a group which used a Megamid or something similar. I decided the Mega Light was too big for one so I bought the Beta Light, but I was impressed on how the Megamid was used to make a kitchen/and sleeping area so I eventually bought one of those as well though I have yet to use it. Imagine winter camping in something that is 1/3 the weight of some smaller 3 season tents, and packs down to somewhat larger than a one liter water bottle. This picture shows the packed size of the Light (left of the water bottle) and the Bug (right of the water bottle). The stakes shown are some of those included with the Light. 
This is a very lightweight roomy (huge?) shelter for one (I did not use it with another person) for snow camping or late season camping after the bugs are gone, if carrying trekking/ski poles anyway or able to use a ridgeline. Bringing the Bug adds weight but is still lighter and much roomier than some other 2 man tents, which taper down and are not as wide or long. Since I often hike without trekking poles (except when I expect snow) the weight of the poles that I would not otherwise bring makes this a less attractive option. The Light is small and light enough to take instead of say a space blanket for emergency shelter when day hiking. Pitching the tarp is very simple for one person, unlike old A-frames of the past. I just stake the 4 corners and insert the poles which will remain upright just from the tension of the 4 stakes, and then stake out the 2 middle side points for more floor space and taut pitch. The space advantage is offset somewhat by the internal poles and if not using the Bug, the need to keep gear from the sides of the tent so it won’t get wet or slip outside. The tarp is so large that this is probably more of a problem for 2 users. I have found I can angle the poles forward and back or to the side for more space in the center part of the tent and at least in the weather I have tested it, it was still very stable, though the roof was not as taut. Staking out a line from each peak might eliminate this slacking roof problem. This picture shows I can fit a full length pad down the center of the tent, it also shows that the left door can be staked out using the webbing in the buckle: 
The tent can withstand snow and wind, but Black Diamond warns that occupants might not. So site selection is important and perhaps a warmer (and heavier) sleeping bag/ winter bivy bag might be needed. Field information a. Locations tested: On the snow in the spring on Mt Rainier at about 6000 ft (1800 m), once at Paradise and once in the Grand Park. Summer on part of the Wonderland Trail Mt Rainier with the Bug (and using a ridgeline) In late fall, on the Golden Lakes loop in Washington State at 7200 ft (2200 m). Car camping at White Pass in Washington State, 4400 ft (1300 m) in the fall with the Beta Bug Backpacking Idaho and Canadian Rockies. b. Weather conditions: The low temperature was near freezing for all the tests, except White Pass. The weather was otherwise fair, (why go in bad weather?), except White Pass which had light rain. On the Grand Park trip a slight wind blew right into the top of my bag, making the night somewhat cooler. This was not a big problem since I had warm clothing and a very warm, though semi-rectangular sleeping bag. Snow on the ground cloth would slowly melt so it was important to keep the snow off. Just another skill to learn. Also getting the tent taut with “deadmen” was a little more work than with stakes or a freestanding tent. I did not experience any problems with condensation until the Canadian trip. Since I was alone staying away from the sides of the tarp was easy. The condensation was probably due to the very wet weather preceding my trip and cooler, windless weather which inhibited any drying. The campground had tent “platforms” or pads of raised earth contained in a a square by boards. This restricted the staking options since they were too small. This in turn reduced the amount of ventilation I would otherwise get. Using the longer stake out loops would require staking outside (and below) the tent pad. This resulted in the tarp being lower to the ground. Normally using longer stake out loops at the same ground level as the tarp would result in the tarp being higher from the ground with more ventilation than using the shorter loops. After I noticed the quick accumulation of condensation I opened the door but it did not remove the condensation once it was there. While examining the condensation I noticed a very very small hole in the tarp which Black Diamond said I could just apply some seam seal to fix. The Black Diamond email service is very helpful. Note when I stake out the front door, then unzip it the left panel is open, but the Bug opens on the right. It is easy enough though to stake out the left side even though there is no loop for this. I will probably add a loop by threading some cord thru the webbing buckle. In response to my emails Black Diamond stated they intend to fix this next year. Although Black Diamond does not recommend it, if it is raining it seems easy enough to put up the tarp first and then insert the Bug. Put the Bug in the rear and take down the back pole and insert it in the Bug and then the Light, then repeating with the front pole, perhaps attaching the rear of the Bug to the Light’s stake out points first. However attaching the Bug to the stakes is difficult without going outside and wearing rain gear inside the Bug may get the Bug wet anyway. Putting on and taking off the rain gear would probably not be practical. Black Diamond recommends putting up the Bug first then putting the tarp over it. Even with the Bug taut, the Light would not be. The last time I tried this it required adjusting 3 stakes to make the Light taut and using the longer adjustable shock cord loops on the Bug. I will add loops of the right length so that when the Bug is taut, so will the Light. This will require several sets of loops so that the Light can use either of its short or long stake out loops, so it can be higher or lower on either side. There are single strands of webbing with cord locks on the Bug. Black Diamond's email stated: "The cord should be "tabbed" through the loop about 1 foot up from the corner on the inside of the Betalight[sic], along the seam. By pulling all those tight you pull the Betabug[sic] closer to the Betalight[sic], ensuring a better weather seal when it gets really windy. It also gives you a bit more room along the floor of the Betabug[sic] since it pulls that out. This isn't really necessary to do if you need the ventilation underneath (say on a really hot night where it may or may not rain)." I have yet to try this, because at first I was told (or misunderstood what I was told) that they were for attaching the Light to the Bug, in lieu of stakes. Black Diamond says this is the same method as that for attaching the Beta floor to the Light. This picture shows the Beta’s stake out loops and this single strand with a cord lock: 
This picture shows a close up of the single strand with a cord lock: 
The use of a ridgeline requires not only a clear spot for the tent, but also trees nearby, which makes sites less frequent than either for a tent or a hammock. It is not clear how you are supposed to tie the taut lines to the ridgeline so that " . . .you can adjust the length of the line and the direction of pull independently." One time I just tied loops in the ridgeline where I wanted them and ran the taut lines through them. The last time I tied small Prussik loops to the ridgeline, but I am not sure they would not slip in the rain or after a long night in the wind. The ridgeline would work with both the Bug and the Light, by clipping or tying the Bug to the Light. Smaller carabiners would result in less sagging of the Bug, but this was not a problem anyway. Of course the big advantage of the ridgeline is more center space, and the ability to use my poles while out day skiing or day hiking, or to leave the poles at home. When using the Light by itself, I stake out the four corners so the Light is very taut. This way I will not need to adjust these stakes further after inserting the poles. I make sure the door buckle is clipped closed so the door will not unzip and the stake out will not be too taut. I can fold the door panel back along with an extra side panel if the Bug is used or a ridgeline is used. This also works if I stake out the front door and roll back the other door an extra panel. (In this case I cannot roll back the other door). This might make it easier to put gear in or to watch a sunset in fair weather. The door only unzips from the bottom. I would like it if the door zipper could be unzipped from the top, so some venting could occur at the top of the tent. Instead I must decide to leave at least one side of the tent staked higher up, (getting more wind and perhaps rain) or risk condensation. I think the standard advice is that when it is windy less ventilation is needed, so I should stake the windy side lower by using the shorter stake out loops. That is fine except if conditions change during the night. Summary I am very impressed with the Beta Light as a lightweight (but cooler) shelter with a lot more space for snow camping and camping after bug season if I am using trekking poles. I had no idea how light and small the packed size of this tarp/tent would be until I saw it. Having head room for the length of the tarp means changing clothes is easier. The long length means a vestibule is not needed, at least for one person. The Beta Bug is a nice option, and keeps the weight below some smaller tents, if I do not count the weight of the trekking poles. I like the complete coverage of the Bug over say a mosquito net alone. It also keeps me and my gear away from the sides of the tarp as well. Unlike my other tents, where the fly weighs more and takes up more space the Bug is heavier and packed size is larger than the Light itself so it is nice when the bug season is over and I can leave this at home. The Beta Light appears to be well made. The pockets which hold the poles are well made and even if a pole gets knocked over it usually holds onto the pole. So far it seems very durable except for the small hole noted above, and with proper care I expect it to last for some time. From what I remember sil-nylon is less able to withstand abrasion, so I would not want to lie on it. Read more reviews of Black Diamond gear Read more gear reviews by Larry Risch Reviews > Shelters > Tarps and Bivys > Black Diamond Beta Light and Beta Bug > Owner Review by Larry Risch | |||