How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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Lighter, stronger and thoughtfully made, the 3-season Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution-Dyed bikepack tent is built for efficient 2-wheeled travel on- and off-road.
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View the Big Agnes Fly Creek Product LineView all Big Agnes Backpacking TentsBest Use | Bikepacking |
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Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Packaged Weight | 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
Packed Size | 14 x 6.5 x 5.5 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 86 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) inches |
Floor Area | 28 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 8 square feet |
Peak Height | 42 inches |
Number of Doors | 1 door |
Number of Poles | 1 |
Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Featherlite |
Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Solution-dyed, breathable nylon and polyester mesh |
Floor Fabric | Solution-dyed, water-repellent and silicone-treated ripstop nylon with a 1,200 mm waterproof polyurethane coating |
Rainfly Fabric | Solution-dyed, water-repellent and silicone-treated ripstop nylon with a 1,200 mm waterproof polyurethane coating |
Footprint Included | No |
Design Type | Semifreestanding |
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This was a great buy for a weekend backpacking trip. It’s small, very light, easy to pack, and easy to assemble. We didn’t end up using the rain fly because it was too warm and we wanted the air flow, but as a two-person screened sleeping area, it was great. My husband is pretty broad, but I’m pretty petite and we both slept side by side just fine. The little gear pockets up too made a great place to store little odds and ends. I can see how this would be perfect for bike camping too with the helmet spot and gear hooks. Overall, it seems like a hood buy and we’re excited to use it again!
I (30F) just recently started getting into bikepacking. It's super lightweight, fits well between my drop handlebars, and plenty of daisy chains and buckles to attached other things to it/the handlebars. Setting up the tent the first time is suspiciously easy and I wondered if this was really 3-season for just how lightweight everything is. But after two rainy nights in Michigan in late September, I was happily satisfied with how dry and warm I was (also used the footprint and a BA sleeping bag/air pad system). Also, this tent can definitely fit two people with air pad systems but probably not a lot of gear- I use it by myself and find that it's the perfect fit for me and my gear. Only critique would be that I would occasionally feel the smallest water particle/mist make it through the rainfly.
I got the Fly Creek HV UL2 at an REI garage sale for super cheap. It was already a bit beat up and dirty, but looked solid enough. There were three known problems at the time of purchase, the front door zipper would easily separate, a pole had a crack on the female end where the poles fit together, and there was a tear in the netting that was patched with duct tape. Rugged Threads in Bend OR replaced the zipper pulls for $40 and the zipper has worked great since. The pole was repaired with some duct tape and has held up to some really awful weather. I remove the duct tape on the netting, cleaned off the adhesive and sewed up the tear. Can't even see it anymore. Since purchasing, another pole has developed a small crack that duct tape has successfully repaired. Given the tent was already well used, I was dubious about performance and durability. I have been pleasantly surprised. The tent has been through some heavy wet snow, a very nasty thunderstorm with wind and hail, and a night with wind gusts over 40mph. I have never been wet (despite a "river" running under the tent) and there were no problems handling the wind - even a bad side wind. On cold damp nights there is condensation inside, but haven't seen a tent where that wasn't a problem. I have packed the tent soaking wet and still been dry at night. And the weight is a dream to carry for all that protection. The water sealant on the fly and floor are impressively effective. You might think the lightweight fabric would need gentle care. Not as much as you think. I have been very impressed at the durability of the floor and fly. The mesh does need a bit more care. Setup is easy and quick. There are some tradeoffs. I would prefer a free standing tent. You need to stake the back corners in order to get everything tight. It still stands even if these are not staked out. But staking can make a big difference in bad weather, so it has to be done. The front entry door isn't ideal, but I use this as a one person tent, so not as big a problem as with two in the tent. As for recommending the tent, I wouldn't hesitate if this is really the tent for your purposes (lightweight effective 3 season protection with limited space). It is my go to tent for a solo trip. But when hiking with my spouse or dog or both, it stays in the closet. I expect this tent will be serviceable for years to come.
Used this tent for a Back packing trip on the SHT. I actually am going to return it for a different lightweight tent because what I really don't like about it is the middle of the side walls of the tent bow in toward the sleeping area. I tried to adjust the corners to fix this issue and wasn't able to.
To be clear, I own the 2020 version, but my understanding is that all the specs are identical, but the newer version is made with a more eco-friendly process. This has been a great tent. I've used it for both bikepacking and backpacking in various conditions. In heavy wind, the walls definitely moved and bowed, but the tent remained pitched. As with most 2-person tents, that is a stretch and the single door makes night-time exits and re-entries cumbersome. I have only ever shared it with my young son, and things are tight with full-size pads. The idea of 2 adult men in this tent seems like a stretch. That being said, it is light, compact, durable, and easy to set up. Some of the bikepack-specific features that seemed gimmicky to me have actually been extremely useful and I've consistently used them, especially the helmet strap that keeps a helmet off the ground and under the rainfly and the daisy loops on the fly that allow clothing items to be fastened to dry at the end of a day on the trail.