How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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For fast-and-light missions where every inch of space counts, the ultralight Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum 2 tent is quick and easy to set up in the dark, in a storm or by yourself.
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View the Big Agnes Tiger Wall Product LineView all Big Agnes Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 1 lb. 15 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 1 lb. 10 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 2 lbs. 4 oz. |
Packed Size | 5.5 x 18 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 86 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) inches |
Floor Area | 28 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 8 + 8 square feet |
Peak Height | 39 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 1 |
Pole Material | DAC Featherlite NFL |
Pole Diameter | 8.7 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Breathable nylon ripstop/ polyester mesh |
Floor Fabric | Silicone treated nylon ripstop |
Rainfly Fabric | Silicone treated nylon ripstop |
Footprint Included | No |
Ultralight | Yes |
Design Type | Semifreestanding |
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It took 5 mins to set the whole thing up. The material is ultralight weight, breathable even with the rainfly on and very good quality. You do have to be real careful with anything sharp, but I guess that with any type of tent. The overall design of it is made for ultralight weight conscious backpackers. You can tell this was designed by people who have/had experience in the field. Yeah it's a bit pricey but after going through quite a few other tents with less quality, less money and more weight, it was costing more in the long run. I highly recommend a footprint of some kind, It is a must! I purchased the BA footprint with the tent because it has the color coded clips for the rainfly so you have the option to setup shelter without the tent. Looking at it all setup it stands out you know it's a BA. I didn't think I would fit in it standing outside looking at it but when you get inside there is plenty of room. I am 6'2" 240 Lbs . I can easily fit my Sleeping Bag, Sleeping pad and my Osprey 60L Aether AG and still have plenty of room and be comfortable. The doorways are designed to get in and out of the tent easily without crawling on the ground.
I’ve purchased this tent in April (‘19) and have been able to use it multiple times, in multiple conditions. In each trip, I was the only one sleeping in the tent. Yes, it would be compact with two people, but I had done my research and knew exactly what I was getting into. The material does feel thin and I’m not sure how it’ll perform over the long haul, but so far, I’m impressed. On a very windy evening backpacking South Sister, the only effects of the wind I noticed (while inside the tent) was the sound of material flapping. The tent performed well, keeping the wind out. I’ve yet to use this tent in the rain, but I have no doubt it’ll perform well.
I got a chance to test out this tent last weekend in the Olympic National Forest, 3 days 2 nights. I was able to set up the tent quickly in the rain, it’s really easy to figure out, especially if you grab the UL2 footprint. With the guy lines tied out, I stayed really dry through a full night of rain. Having the extra vestibule for my pack was really nice. Even though this is a 2 person tent, I don’t know if I’ll use it like that. It’s really a better fit for one person and a dog. :) At less than 2 lbs trail weight, it’s pretty perfect for backpacking. I was also nervous about dog nails, rocks, sharp things on the tent since the bathtub feels thin - no incidents to report here. I recommend still being mindful of it, but it’s proved to be durable. The zipper on the rain fly tends to get stuck easily if you move too fast, but it gets better with practice once you’re used to it. Once the sun was out, the rain fly dried out within an hour or so - way faster than I was expecting. Can’t recommend it enough.
The weight and ease of set up for this tent was amazing. Felt like nothing when I picked it up. Was really excited about it. Took for a backpacking trip on the superior hiking trail for it first run and somehow in the night the side wall got a hole punched in from my sleeping pad. Woke up with before the sun with a lot of mosquitoes in the tent and had to return it. I love Big Agnes so returned it for the heavier more durable version of it. If you care about ounces and are super light weight it might be a good tent for you. But the lack of durability and how much it costs wasn’t for me.
I have used this tent on multiple trips and have had nothing but good things to say. While it can be tight with two people, the double door and vestibule are great for giving two people a bit more space. It is simple & quick to set up. The floor does feel a bit thin, but with the weight that is expected. I bought the BA footprint along with this and haven't had any issues yet..
listed dimensions are for a floor of 86". I'm 77" tall so I wasn't expecting to do jumping jacks. if i held my ankles at a 90 degree angle and lay diagonally, both my head and feet bulged the tent to the point that the seams stressed. I'm use to tentmakers flat-out lying about the number of people that will fit within. Not used to fabricated dimensions.
Super light, very easy to set up. Spent 6 nights since purchasing this, found a great deal in the return section. Tent had been returned due to a bent pole, contacted Big Agnes and they sent me a replacement pole, amazing customer service. Love this tent.
I love their tents. Still haven't mastered pitching this tent on the foot end to keep the fly off the inner mesh, but no issues with water.
I just bought this and upon initial setup, the rainfly does not have the Velcro tabs that attach to the poles as advertised. also, even though this is billed as a 2-person tent, the floor is not big enough for a 2-person air pad. Looking forward to an actual field test to build an opinion on everything else
Works in light rain, but during heavy rain events every rain drop a certain percentage goes through the membrane. After a 10 minute down pour my sleeping bag was wet. I have lost confidence in the product for heavy rain events, this is when the tent should be a tent. Overall-nice design. I like the light weight. You have to be extra careful with the zippers. The bug netting works well.