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Editors' Choice 2010: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent
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READERS COMMENTS
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Great video on the vestibule for this tent.
Terrible video! "Got" is not a word, hon.
For me it's a one-person tent. Two can squeeze in but neither can sit up comfortably. Most of Kelly's observations are correct but, "plenty of room for two people" is definitely not one of them.
I'm 6'5" and have been using a BA Seedhouse SL2 for years. I wouldn't mind a couple of more inches in the length, but as it is, I find it fine for my wife and myself. The Fly Creek 2 seems to be just as long (maybe 2" longer depending on how you measure), and I'm about to buy one. Tall people: if you you can handle your feet touching one end of the tent and your head nearly touching the other, I'd say the Seedhouse 2 (and likely the Fly Creek 2) are long enough for you.
My experience with Big Agnes is that their idea of a free standing tent means it will not completely collapse. You will have to have ideal conditions to fully stake it out if you want a super taut pitch. After watching this video, it looks like nothing has changed. For now, I'll stick with my Mtn. Hardwear Approach tent that I have had for years. It's a little heavy, but is bombproof. I can't believe the 9" snows and incredible winds it has withstood. And the condensation is very minimal, if at all. When I'm going to be in the backcountry for 10-12 days at a time in September and October, I need something that I can count on, even at the expense of a little extra weight. And so the hunt for something lighter continues.
Could anyone out there who owns the b.a. fly creek ul2 please tell me what the measurement is between the tent walls at a height of 20"?= At shoulder height for me. Of course I am trying to learn at what point 2 persons of my height touch the side of the tent when sitting upright. So the measurement would also need to be a couple of feet inside rather than at the door. My wife is 5'2" so I am still hopeful. The closest REI store is 90 miles away. The last time I was in there they didn't have a fly creek 2 set up for display.
Anyone? Thanks
6' 3" 215, and the fly creek 2 is a great solo tent for me, my 40lb mutt and my gear.
I purchased my BA Fly Creek 2 from HumbleOutdoors for $310 it came with a free footprint and fee shipping.
I have used my new tent 3 times since June. This tent is light, and thus the material made me nervous at first. But after 14 nights of use with 3 days of rain, I have to say I am impressed.
Like most backpacking two man tents, space is limited. So for extended trips with two people, I would recommend a three man tent.
If you like lots of room to spread out, play cards, cook, and sprawl while in the backcountry, this is not your tent. However, if you prefer to travel light, see your shelter as a necessary refuge from the elements, and like staying dry (and you're less than 6 feet tall), you're in luck. This tent is perfect for a weight conscious couple. My wife and I used it pretty extensively this summer in Alaska, including a rain-filled 2 week hiking and packrafting traverse of the Talkeetnas, and we were cozy and dry every night. The vesti fit our packs, shoes, and wet clothes. The pockets kept small stuff handy but out of the way. Even the cheery color kept our moods up despite really crappy weather. You could go lighter with a tarp, but not much!
This is a good one person tent. As you can see if you look carefully in the door in this video the rear (tent - not fly) sides sag in significantly. This is because to save weight BA did away with the rear split pole of the preceding models and has the single main pole go to the rear and tries to pull the back out taught just with stakes and soft corner pieces. It would be impossible not to rub against the sides with two people. Whether that would matter I don't know but I don't like it. It did keep me (solo) dry for four rainy days in the Olympics but for two people I would definitely go for the BA Copper Spur which so far seems to me the perfect 3 season tent. My wife and I use the CS3 for the extra room but I'm sure the CS2 would be fine for people ok with tight quarters - it is certainly bigger and much better pitching than the FC2. Really the only thing outstanding about the FC2 is the weight which is why I am keeping it for solo trips.
Just used my Fly Creek UL2 on the Buffalo River trail. I was super happy with it! I'm about 5'11" and it suited my girlfriend and I just fine! I know that I sacrifice a little livability, but it performed its duties and exceeded my expectations. First, it's so incredibly light and compact that I can stuff it anywhere in my pack and just keep the poles on the outside. Second, there are 3 pockets inside, one large triangle on each side and one small one in the ceiling (perfect for glasses, flashlight, etc.. Third, I kept the rain fly on and still got nice airflow and NO moisture inside! The outside was drenched with dew though. And with 2 pads, 2 bags, some clothes, and 2 people inside, i slept without touching the walls. The vestibule is a little puny, but it kept one 60L pack and one 38L pack dry. Just thought I'd let everyone know that I'm very happy with the tent! Keep in mind though, that we are not large people, and it did not rain. But come on... 2lbs, 2oz? Amazing :)
Just used the UL2 for a 5 day 4 night backpack trip in the Sierra...vestibule will hold boots, about it...I wouldn't cook in it, especially when operational...I'm 6 foot and it was a close fit, just barely keeping my head out of the door's netting....easy set up and overall great...hard to turn around in it w/o having the door open...but with mosquitos outside, not practical.
yes, this smacks "ad" more than it does "review".
You should do a review on the UL1 i am 6 foot 6 and i don't know how well i would fit
Main thing for me is always length when discussing "big" - at 6'4" two-person tents get small quickly...
I too, would like to see the bags and pads added to the demo...love the idea! MtnJay, great suggestions!
It is great to have videos to compliment the articles about gear you review (thx!). Two ideas I have are; put some gear in a tent your reviewing, and if a 2-person tent, definitely include 2 pads & bags which would be great of course. The other idea/request is if you could make these just a bit longer and consider using some sort of details checklist based on the gear category? (thinking, all tent reviews would always comment on these 10 things: venting, pockets, etc., etc..) that would give us some great common points of reference when looking at a bunch of your tent video reviews (or any other gear of course) for comparison details. I hope this didn't come off as negative, just offering some ideas for consideration :) Thanks for all you do!
I would not call the vestibule 'big'. Would be nice if you can comment on the usability of it: does it fit packs? Big enough to cook it? During rain, does it let water in when opened?
Great video, its good to finally see something other then specs about this tent. I have the UL1 and love it.
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