Bibler Ahwahnee tent

“Anybody ever use this tent, or the Bibler I-tent? I know it costs a fortune but Christmas is just around the corner and I've been a very good boy this year. I'm favoring the Ahwahnee because it should be great in the winter, and with that huge door should be great in the summer as well. Plus, it's supposed to bombproof and it's not that heavy.

I almost pulled the trigger to buy a Warmlite, but I had a few questions and emailed them. They never replied after 3 tries in 2 weeks. I can't see sending them my hard earned cash with that kind of service. Todd from Bibler/Black Diamond replied almost immediately to my questions.”

“Go with the I-tent. That big opening on the side of the Awahnee is not practical for winter use nor is it good if you're sharing the tent in the summer. In the Awahnee when sharing, it means one person has to crawl over the other person to get in and out and in the winter an opening like that is just asking for stuff to come drifting in.

Also the I-tent is significantly lighter and less expensive.

Have you considered the ID MK1 XL as a possible choice?”

“Check out Hilleberg.”

“Woops, Rob from Bibler answered my questions, not Todd. Anywho, thanks for the input GS and Rich. I didn't think the Ahwahnee would be impractical for winter use because the big opening side can be zipped up, no? I doubt I will be sharing the tent, so crawling over someone won't be a factor, but I do like the roominess of a 2 person tent. If I go with the I-tent, it was suggested by Rob to get the 2 door for better ventilation, which puts the weight and cost closer to the Ahwahnee.

I did look at ID and Hilleberg. Great tents but I'm still leaning towards the Bibler. Who knows... There's still 6 weeks til Christmas though. Decisions decisions...”

“Only problem with the I tent is it's 6' 10" long and 48' wide..your pad is usually 22"...not a real problem if your not to tall. They are really well made.

Think of it as a bivy sack you can sit up in.”

“Ditto mtnsteve, if you're 6 feet tall you might the Eldo to avoid condensation on your bag.”

“Thanks mtnsteve and rockbuck. I'm 5'10 if I cheat a tad.”

“A friend of mine ran into Todd Bibler on the trail and found him to be a really nice, down-to-earth guy. The same friend is planning on buying the I-tent after sleeping in one. Be sure to get the two door model to cut down on condensation.”

“Thanks everybody for your thoughts and advice. Today I ordered the I-Tent 2 door and sent the bill to the North Pole. I hope Santa doesn't choke when he sees it.”

“I'm choking! $700 for a tent? Cripes!”

“I'm jealous too, but good luck with it anyway.”