BFD
Description
The 7-meter BFD will withstand the harshest conditions on the planet and provide a comfortable and safe shelter for a group. It is the largest production dome of its kind. Made with titanium dioxide-coated fabric, the BFD is made to last season after season. Tents made with titanium dioxide coated fabrics have lasted up to 10 years of seasonal use at Everest basecamp.
The BFD was designed with high altitude expeditions in mind, but has proven itself in many environments all over the world. The BFD's numerous vents give the dome unmatched airflow compared to domes of this size, allowing it to stay comfortable during the heat of the day. From high desert to high alpine, the BFD has your group covered.
For more livability in wet conditions or if using the BFD as a sleeping tent, pick up a BFD Floor. To improve the BFD's performance in wet weather and in snow loading, pick up a BFD Flysheet.
Features
- ET210 features a Titanium Dioxide coating, which is extremely UV resistant and lasts 3-5 times as long as comparable tent fabrics under intense UV exposure.
- Custom Cobra clips are made of injection-molded acetyl plastic, which remains flexible to -40˚F/C, with stainless steel gate
- Internal tie downs/o-rings provide many options for hanging, storage or internal guying. When properly strung and tensioned, the internal tie down system will greatly increase the strength of the tent much like the spokes and rim of a bicycle wheel.
- Clear polymer window film does not yellow from UV exposure and remains flexible to below -40˚F/C.
- White ET210 window covers protect window film from UV and reflect heat when closed. (This allows the BFD to excel in almost any condition where large groups need to congregate. Great for expos, trade shows and in-laws as well.)
- Reinforced attachment points are 3-layer ET210 sewn over a nylon core.
- Reflective grommets are alphanumerically labeled and pole-specific to ease setup.
- 840D nylon perimeter skirt
Click here for setup instructions
Specs
| Weight | 76lbs 10oz |
| Capacity | 20+ people plus gear |
| Floor Area | 415.5 sq ft |
|
Interior Height
|
9' |
| Diameter | 23' |
| Poles | 15 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Windows/Vents | 7 |
Materials
| Tent Body Fabrics |
ET210 titanium dioxide coated polyester ripstop, 4000mm
|
| Skirt Fabric | 840D Nylon Taffeta |
| Poles | 15 DAC Pressfit 13.2mm |
Features
Specs and Dimensions
| Weight | 76lbs 10oz |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20+ people plus gear |
| Floor Area | 415.5 sq ft |
| Interior Height | 9' |
| Diameter | 23' |
| Poles | 15 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Windows/Vents | 7 |
Materials
| Tent Body Fabrics | ET210 titanium dioxide coated polyester ripstop, 4000mm |
|---|---|
| Skirt Fabric | 840D Nylon Taffeta |
| Poles | 15 DAC Pressfit 13.2mm |
SlingFin BFD — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BFD’s intended use?
The BFD is our big momma workhorse single-wall 7-meter expedition basecamp dome for extended use by large groups over multiple seasons in high-UV environments like the Himalaya. Designed for expedition use, the BFD features heavy zippers and durable fabrics to stand up to both guides and clients. It’s normally used for dining, comms, ops, or first aid to support larger groups. It’s best suited for high altitude or arid environments where UV resistance is the priority, where precipitation primarily falls as snow. For rainy and humid climates, the double-wall Kahiltna Dome is a better option, or you can get a partial flysheet for the BFD to improve its rain performance.
Why is UV resistance important and how does Titanium Dioxide help?
At high altitude, tents that are set up for extended periods of time experience devastating levels of UV exposure. UV breaks down fabrics, coatings, and webbing, turning them brittle and eventually leading to the demise of the tent. UV exposure is often the limiting factor in a tent’s lifespan in those conditions. Titanium dioxide is basically sunscreen for fabric. Mixed in with the fabric’s waterproof coating, titanium dioxide reduces the amount of UV that reaches the fabric itself. It’s hard to mix into coatings, and it’s expensive, but it’s worth it. At Everest base camp, domes with traditional fabrics often do not last more than one season because UV degrades the fabric so quickly. We’ve had titanium dioxide coated fabrics last 8-10 seasons on Everest.
What accessories are available for the BFD?
We offer a removable floor and a partial flysheet for the BFD.
Can I get repair supplies and spare parts for the BFD?
Yes! We are passionate about keeping our tents in the field as long as possible and have spare pole sections, repair fabric, and repair adhesive available on our website. Even if a specific part isn’t listed on our spare parts page we can almost always find the part you need. Just reach out to us and we’ll get you sorted out. Depending on inventory levels we are often able to sell individual components of the tent if you manage to wear something out or damage it beyond repair.
