If you don’t have a lot of time and just want to get the gist of this article, here’s the summary:
To summarize, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent is an excellent choice for backpackers seeking a lightweight and compact shelter. Its higher-volume design offers more space without adding extra weight, making it ideal for those who prioritize weight savings. The tent’s ultralight materials and technical features make it a go-to option for minimalist camping trips.
The Fly Creek HV UL2 features a unique DAC Angle SF hub and poles, creating steeper walls for increased head and shoulder room. Its dry-entry brow and storm flap on the vestibule zipper provide added protection against the elements. The tent’s silicone-treated, polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon fly and floor are fully sealed with waterproof tape, ensuring a dry experience even in rainy weather.
Ventilation is excellent thanks to the ultralight, breathable ripstop nylon canopy with polyester mesh. The tent also offers ample storage with three mesh pockets and gear loft loops for additional options. Setup is quick and easy with the single hub and pole design, and the tent comes with reflective guylines and aluminum J stakes for secure anchoring.
While the Fly Creek HV UL2 has many impressive features, it may not be suitable for those who prioritize space, camp in extreme weather conditions, prefer a freestanding design, require multiple doors for easy access, or have a tight budget. However, for backpackers who value lightweight comfort and protection, this tent is a reliable choice for 3-season adventures.
Quick links:
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent Review: Who is it for?
I think that the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent is a great option for backpackers looking for an ultralight and compact shelter. With its updated higher-volume design, this tent offers more room to move, change clothes, sit up, and sort gear, all without adding any extra weight.
The Fly Creek HV UL2 is a 3-season, 2-person tent that is perfect for those who need to pack light but still want a weatherproof and technical shelter. Its ultralight materials make it a go-to choice for minimalist camping trips.
One of the unique features of the Fly Creek HV tents is the DAC Angle SF hub and poles, which create steeper walls. This design allows for increased head and shoulder room without the need for extra hardware or poles.
I really appreciate the new dry-entry brow above the vestibule, as it helps keep your gear dry when entering and exiting the tent, even when the vestibule is open. The vestibule zipper also features a storm flap, adding an extra layer of protection against the elements.
The silicone-treated, polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon fly and floor are not only lightweight but also fully sealed with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape. This means that you can rely on the tent to keep you dry during rainy weather without the worry of harmful PVCs or VOCs.
The tent body is made of ultralight, breathable ripstop nylon with polyester mesh, providing excellent ventilation. This is essential for staying cool and comfortable during warmer nights.
In terms of organization and storage, the Fly Creek HV UL2 comes with three well-placed mesh pockets that allow you to keep small gear within easy reach. There are also gear loft loops that can accommodate the Triangle, Entertainment, or PowerCase lofts (sold separately), providing additional storage options.
Setting up the tent is quick and easy thanks to the single hub and pole design. Ultralight plastic clips attach the tent body to the pole frame in a snap, making it a breeze to get your shelter up and ready.
If you’re looking to cut down on weight even further for minimalist camping trips, the Fly Creek HV UL2 offers the option to use a footprint (sold separately) with the fly and poles for a Fast Fly setup.
The tent comes with 11 superlight aluminum J stakes, as well as reflective guylines and webbing on the tent corners. These features ensure that your tent is securely anchored and easy to spot even in low light conditions.
In terms of technical specifications, the Fly Creek HV UL2 has a minimum trail weight of 1 lb. 15 oz. and a packaged weight of 2 lbs. 5 oz. It has a packed size of 4 x 19 inches, making it easy to fit into your backpack without taking up too much space.
The floor dimensions are 86 x 52/42 inches (L x W head/foot), providing ample space for two people. The floor area is 28 square feet, and the vestibule offers an additional 8 square feet of storage.
With a peak height of 40 inches, there is enough headroom for most people to sit up comfortably. The tent features one door and one pole made of aluminum DAC Featherlite, with a diameter of 8.7 millimeters.
The canopy fabric of the tent is made of nylon/polyester mesh, while the floor and rainfly are constructed from ripstop nylon. Although the footprint is not included, the Fly Creek HV UL2 is still considered ultralight.
Overall, I believe that the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent is ideal for backpackers who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing comfort and protection from the elements. Its compact size, easy setup, and weatherproof features make it a reliable shelter for 3-season adventures.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent Review: Who isn’t it for?
When it comes to the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent, there are a few user profiles that might not find it to be the best fit for their needs. While this tent offers many great features, it’s important to consider these factors before making a purchase.
First and foremost, I think that this tent is not ideal for campers who prioritize space and roominess. While the higher-volume design does provide more room compared to previous models, it’s still a compact and lightweight tent. If you’re someone who likes to have a lot of space to move around, change clothes, or store gear, you might find the Fly Creek HV UL2 to be a bit too snug for your liking.
Additionally, this tent might not be the best choice for campers who frequently camp in extreme weather conditions. While it is designed for 3-season use and offers weatherproof features like a silicone-treated fly and fully sealed seams, it may not provide the level of protection needed for harsher climates. If you frequently camp in areas with heavy rain, high winds, or cold temperatures, you may want to consider a more robust tent option.
Another user profile that might not be the best fit for the Fly Creek HV UL2 is someone who prioritizes a freestanding design. While the tent does come with 11 superlight aluminum J stakes to secure it, it is considered semifreestanding. This means that it requires some stake placement for proper setup and stability. If you prefer a tent that can stand on its own without the need for stakes, this may not be the best choice for you.
Furthermore, if you’re someone who likes to have multiple doors for easy access and ventilation, this tent might not meet your preferences. The Fly Creek HV UL2 features only one door, which means that you’ll have to coordinate with your camping partner for entry and exit. It also means that you may have limited airflow if you’re looking to maximize ventilation on warmer nights.
Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a more affordable tent option, the Fly Creek HV UL2 may not be the best choice for you. With its ultralight materials and technical features, this tent falls into a higher price range compared to some other options on the market. If affordability is a top priority for you, you may want to explore more budget-friendly alternatives.
In conclusion, while the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent offers many great features and benefits, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Campers who prioritize space, camp in extreme weather conditions, prefer a freestanding design, prioritize multiple doors, or have a tight budget may want to consider other tent options. It’s important to carefully evaluate your camping needs and preferences before making a purchase to ensure that you find the perfect tent for your adventures.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent Review: Conclusion
To summarize, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent is an excellent choice for backpackers seeking a lightweight and compact shelter. Its higher-volume design offers more space without adding extra weight, making it ideal for those who prioritize weight savings. The tent’s ultralight materials and technical features make it a go-to option for minimalist camping trips.
The Fly Creek HV UL2 features a unique DAC Angle SF hub and poles, creating steeper walls for increased head and shoulder room. Its dry-entry brow and storm flap on the vestibule zipper provide added protection against the elements. The tent’s silicone-treated, polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon fly and floor are fully sealed with waterproof tape, ensuring a dry experience even in rainy weather.
Ventilation is excellent thanks to the ultralight, breathable ripstop nylon canopy with polyester mesh. The tent also offers ample storage with three mesh pockets and gear loft loops for additional options. Setup is quick and easy with the single hub and pole design, and the tent comes with reflective guylines and aluminum J stakes for secure anchoring.
While the Fly Creek HV UL2 has many impressive features, it may not be suitable for those who prioritize space, camp in extreme weather conditions, prefer a freestanding design, require multiple doors for easy access, or have a tight budget. However, for backpackers who value lightweight comfort and protection, this tent is a reliable choice for 3-season adventures.