Great tent. The single wall design is excellent. Not having to carry and setup a rain fly is great. Setup is quick and easy. It's very light and extremely durable. Ventalation is no problem and I haven'r seen any condensation either. This tent IS expensive but if you can appreciate quality gear and can afford it, buy a Bibler. I've used North Face, REI, and Walrus tents and in my opinion nothing even comes close.

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The fabric of the Bibler tents performs differently under different circumstances just as Gortex does; however, I think that the Bibler material wicks moisture better.

1. Arctic conditions -10 to -50. (interior Alaska winter) The material doesn't breath at all. As soon as the water vapor molecule starts to pass through the material it becomes frozen in place. Within a short period the tent becomes no more breathable than a plastic tent and the rest of the breath breath and body vapor condenses and freezes to the inner wall. For these conditions a non water proof tent breaths much better.

2. Cold with lots of moisture (South East Alaskan Coast spring time) This tent is spectacular. In horrific downpours with lots of wind this tent did not leak a drop nor was there any condensation.

3. From Cool to Hot with and without rain (Escalante Wilderness Southern Utah spring time) This was a great tent for this situation. Light weight, totally dry, no condensation. The only negative was that it blew down a sandstone hill and the material was completely ground through to the tent poles in several places.

Another drawback with the Bibler product is that it is very expensive.

Customer Service

I spoke with Todd Bibler on several occasions before Black Diamond took over the production. He was a very straight shooting individual and was full of good information. Subsequently I have had dealings with Black Diamond regarding this tent and they have been great as well.

I liked the product so well that last summer I purchased a Pueblo Bibler tent that I use with my wife and children for backpacking trips. I am considering picking up one of the Bibler bivy sacks.

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For extremely cold conditions I use a Walrus tent with out the rain fly and this breaths better than the Bibler fabric.

This is a great tent. I love it. Strong winds or rain, no problems. Condensation is also not a problem. I would love a second entrance (- hate to climb over the other person in the middle of the night), a little bit more space and a vestibule, but otherwise this is a great tent.

Customer Service

No experience so far

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I haven't owned my Bibler Ahwahnee for very long but it has already proven itself worth the cost. Using the tent down here in Texas you would expect condensation but with all of the ventilation this tent has I haven't had any at all. The tent has seen the extremes of weather, from 70 to 80 degree nights to pouring rain and 60mph wind gusts. This tent was well worth the money I spent on it. Great tent!!

Customer Service

I have emailed and called Bibler/Black Diamond with questions and they have been very helpful with everything.

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The North Face, Sierra Designs, Kelty, Mountain Hardwear

The Ahwahnee is the best two person tent available. It is built to take anything the weather can throw at it. Ventilation is excellent with the large door and window. It is only 33 square feet on the inside, but it is all usable space. I used some larger square footage tents that felt much smaller on the inside. If the weather is bad, the bright interior and great headroom make it an ideal place to hang out. The tent can be setup from the inside which is convenient when it is raining. However, it is also possible to set it up from the outside so you don't have to take your boots off.

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The North Face, Moss

I owned an Ahwahnee from Bibler for 5 years and have never found another brand of tent to stand up to it. Dry, light, and bombproof. This is a case of you get what you pay for and you pay alot but receive much more. Tent has seen heavy snows, winds, and rains and always bested them. If your budget is up to it--go for it.

Customer Service

Good service department and on occasion, enjoyed Todd's sense of humor.

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Sierra Designs, The North Face, Walrus, Moss

This tent is at the top of my ""if I could own only one tent"" list. I have not owned this tent but have used one on several trips. In spite of the simple design this tent can take just about anything mother nature can dish out. Great ventilation, lots of room, HUGE door. This tent is one of the easiest to set up from the Bibler line because you don't have to actually get inside to place the poles. Climbing into a tent with your boots on is a BIG no no in my backwoods mannerst book, so I really appreciate this feature. It is pricey but if you are looking for one tent that you can take on all of your adventures this is the closest I come across to fitting the bill.

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You get what you pay for!... this really does sum up Bibler tents and my Ahwahnee. I bought it over the Eldorado because I'm 6'-4" and while I could squeeze into the Eldorado, either my head or my feet were always against the tent wall, the Ahwahnee is just a bit more generous in it's proportions enough to prevent this. In fact with the optional vestible attached, it's almost Gothic cathedral-like in it's feeling of volume and space. (for a backpacking tent!) I haven't had mine long enough to report on its durability but by reputation, I'm not concerned at all. The weight factor, or lack there of, was one of the main reasons I considered a Bibler tent, The confidence in storm conditions was another reason. It's the best of both worlds in one tent but of course you do pay for it. It's been said that you never regret your indulgences, only your economies... perhaps, I know I have no regrets about buying the Bibler. Five stars!

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The North Face, Sierra Designs, Walrus

Bibler makes high end tents. I think they are for those that don't care about how much they cost or those that are looking for an exceptional tent. We backpack frequently in the high Sierra and I can't find a better tent. The setup is quick 2-4 minutes. Its water proof, one wall and we have yet to get any condensation inside. If you want to lighten your load and have a quality design then the Ahwahnee is worth considering. I especially like the design with one side that can be completely opened. This makes for an easy entrance even with big boots. You zip the netting and still have a full view from your campsite.

Customer Service

I have had tents by Moss, Northface, Walrus and several others. There is no comparision to the Bibler.

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My version of this tent looks a little different, being only one color, but this could be since I've had it for so long--purchased in 1981 or 82...not sure. I have always loved this tent!! The single-wall construction gives lightweight, but it is both breathable and waterproof. Beyond that, even though Todd Bibler told me he didn't want me using it for a hard-weather tent, it has survived a night atop San Gorgonio (while we thought we'd blow away and land in Redlands), a three-foot snow storm in the Sierra and raccoon pee in Big Sur, all with aplomb and one careful laundering. It's long enough to fit my 6'5"" frame when prone, too. GREAT TENT.

Customer Service

Customer service, at the time I ordered, was Todd Bibler. His advice was great, and the tent arrived when he said it would.

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