Bibler Tents Kiva

Review Date
May 27, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: RichardG ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $450.00 at eBay

Summary:
I've been a Bibler booster since buying a Bombshelter about ten yhears ago, so I splurged on the Kiva. As noted in the other reviews, it has been discontinued, and this happened some time ago, as the tent reflects some early Bibler features that have been improved in other models. There isporthole-type ventilation (works fine, looks funny), screening attached by velcro instead of a zipper (inefficient), and velcro ties for the poles (a big nuisance). But the tent weighs only about 6.5 lb,is hotel-sized for two, and a higher ceiling than the Bombshelter makes it feel roomier. This higher profile, and the fact that it has only two poles, means that the tent MUST be fully staked and tied down if you expect more than a moderate breeze. Same great Toddtex fabric as today's Biblers. Except for those damn ties, easy to set up. I seam sealed mine and it's watertight. While less versatile than my Bombshelter or Ahwahnee, as a 2+ season tent the Kiva's more than adequate for general backpacking. If you're going for the summit I'd take another tent.

Customer Service:
Best in class. Black Diamond's been great even with a model they discontinued years ago.

Similar Products Used:
Other Bibler tents, North Face, Moss Statdome.

Review Date
February 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: James (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bloomfield, NJ, USA

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Black Diamond

Summary:
The Kiva is discontinued, unfortuneatly. At only 6 lbs, great for two person backpacking team. Fabric is awesome- stayed dry in unbelievable monsoons in the Whites (after seamsealing). Great ventilation. Not too windproof, but with so many tie downs, not really a problem. Dries quick. Very spacious- room for 3 with gear. I'd buy another, but mine is still in great condition after 3000 miles of hiking. Bibler/BD rocks!

Customer Service:
Black Diamond's staff (owns Bibler) are all super nice, and not cheap with the little things (like extra seamsealer, etc.)

Similar Products Used:
This is my first experience with a single wall tent. I'm into modified Moss wings for good weather.

Review Date
September 9, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Lee(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Mass

Summary:
Nice Tent- not the best value in the world, but rugged and dependable. Good for 2 people and some of their stuff.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
Some Cheap tent from Herman's sports, before they went out of business.