Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2

[family bargain]

This dome isn’t the lightest in its class—the freestanding Burn Ridge weighs four pounds more than ultralight options—but it costs half as much, making this two-door, four-person shelter a fantastic buy for families seeking an affordable backcountry shelter.

Our testers used it on paddling trips and short-haul hikes, and loved the generous space and headroom. The 60-square-foot floor measures 96 inches on the longer side, which keeps even the tallest campers happy. Using polyester instead of nylon fabric lowers the cost. (Poly is nearly as strong as more expensive nylon, resists UV damage better, and sags less when wet, but it’s not as abrasion-resistant.)

DAC’s 6000-series aluminum poles, which are heavier than Featherlite models, also keep the price down. Setup is simple, with an H-shaped hubbed pole that creates airy headroom and a soaring, 50-inch ceiling. Two 13-square-foot vestibules offer ample storage for boots, packs, or the family dog. One family of five used it for a weeklong float along Utah’s Green River, as well as overnights in the Rockies, and had no problem with condensation. Credit plenty of mesh and a taut pitch that encourages airflow between canopy and fly.

D-shaped doors keep mosquitoes out during entrances and exits (by unzipping only the bottom edge and keeping most of the door closed, testers sitting inside the tent could lace their boots in the vestibule). Downside: It’s bulky (24” x 8”) when packed, so hikers divvied the components. $300; 8 lbs. 8 oz.; bigagnes.com* Three season, free standing, ultralight backpacking tent
* DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors and lightweight hubs – featuring eco-friendly anodizing
* All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability
* Fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
* Floor is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
* Tent body is ultralight breathable nylon rip-stop and polyester mesh
* Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
* Single hub/pole design makes set up easy
* DAC Twist clips attach tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy set up
* Single door and vestibule
* Mesh pocket included. Located above head at front of tent.
* Reflective guyline and reflective webbing on tent corners for nighttime visibility
* All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC’s) tape
* 11 Superlight aluminum J stakes – featuring eco-friendly anodizing – included
* Gear loft loops included: Fits Big Agnes TRIANGLE gear loft – sold separately
* Footprint sold separately
* Color: Cool Grey/Gold
* Note: We list several weights for our tents to aid your product research.
Trail weight refers to poles, fly and tent body.
Packed weight includes poles, fly, tent body, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, instructions, and packaging.
Fast Fly weight refers to the poles, tent fly and accessory Fast Fly footprint.