Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Tent

The Big Agnes Fly Creek Series has a History of Quality

 

The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is precisely what an ultralight backpacking should be. My own experience using the Fly Creek line of tents began with the UL1 model. Nearly identical, it’s smaller and lighter but is made from the same materials and exemplifies the same quality as the two-person model.

Extreme situations this tent has been tested in include snowstorms, thunderstorms, and even 50+ mph winds. No weather event has ever rendered the Fly Creek unusable. If you are planning to take on the WWT, this tent would be an excellent choice.

 

The Two Person Fly Creek Tent 

 

Using the Fly Creek HV UL2 is a great experience. It has enough room for two people to sleep comfortably, it is lightweight, and it holds up to the demands of the backcountry.

 

• Can Two People be Comfortable? 

 

Yes.

I am 5’10” and shared this tent for weeks on end with someone who was 5’3″.  Each of us had ample room to stretch our legs and fall asleep inside mummy bags. I had 3-4 inches to spare but if you are an extra tall person, I would recommend trying out the tent before purchasing it.

 

• Room for Gear With Two People 

 

Offering only 8 square feet of vestibule space, making gear for two people fit is a challenge, but not impossible. We found the best method was to stack both packs vertically and align them horizontally under the fly, with our hiking shoes beneath.

This method worked to keep our gear dry through thunderstorms and snowstorms alike.

How Waterproof is the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2?

 

This tent performs admirably through even the heaviest precipitation. I use a down sleeping bag and I cannot afford to get it wet.

 

• Waterproofness concerns. 

 

The rainfly is made of Nylon with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane that will hold out 99% of the water. During the heaviest rains, I have felt a slight mist coming from the fly as raindrops exert maximum force. But the mist is easily ignored, and never amounts to enough liquid to make me worried.

If I do lean against the interior wall, my sleeping bag can get quite wet. I had to learn to stay aware of my sleeping position in the wettest conditions.

 

• Overall, the tent is waterproof. 

 

Having a learning curve with how to sleep and dealing with a mist once in a blue moon is a worthy tradeoff. The weight saved by using this model more than makes up for these two minor inconveniences.

 

How Lightweight is the Tent?

 

• My typical pack weight is 2lb 3oz.

 

I leave the stuff sacks at home and use the shoelace-like cord, included with the tent, to tie it into a roll. I do bring the included stakes, total weight for them is 4oz.

The tent is so lightweight that I still use it for my solo, multi-day backpacking treks. The large interior space is a luxury in the backcountry and you will hear no complaints about it from me.

 

 Ease of Setup and Teardown

 

• Each process shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.

 

Big Agnes only uses one pole as the skeleton of the structure. It incorporates a hub and branches into three distinct legs. The pole snaps together at lightning speed and bending it to fit the floor is simple to do, even with one person.

I have successfully taken the tent down in the pouring rain and subfreezing temperatures. Both times it took nearly the same time as it does on warm, sunny days.

I want to preface this section by saying I was not paid to write it.

Over the years, my experience with Big Agnes, as a company, has always been extraordinarily delightful. Their customer service is outstanding and their warranty is among the best in the outdoor industry.

 

1.) Sleeping Pad Return

 

While I was hiking the Appalachian Trail (as a L.A.S.H.er) my Big Agnes inflatable sleeping pad sprung a leak. When I called Big Agnes, they were exceedingly friendly, and helpful. Based on a singular phone conversation, they sent me a brand new sleeping pad which I picked up in the next trail town.

 

2.) Tent Interior Replacement

 

When traveling to Patagonia for a 4-month backpacking trip, I invested in the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 Tent.

It held up remarkably well, being flattened countless times by the unceasing winds down at the “end of the world”.

Upon my return, the tent’s bug lining was ripping near the zipper and the floor had some holes in it from camping on top of rocks. I called Big Agnes to inquire about repair options and they told me to mail the interior to them and they would replace it. The damages fell under the warranty and I received a brand new inner tent in a matter of weeks.

 

3.) Entire Tent Replacement

 

Most recently, I upgraded to the Flycreek UL2. This model accompanied me to Everest Base Camp, the Mae Hong Son Loop, New Zealand, and countless camping and hiking trips inside the United States.

The rain fly was tattered and the zippers were falling off. I called Big Agnes to ask about warranty options and once again, they were a joy to talk to. The model I owned was old and no replacements were available. Instead, the representative told me to mail the whole tent to them and they would replace it with the newest model, at no charge.

If you are looking for a gear company that stands by their products and values their customers, look no further than Big Agnes.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Tent