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Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Tent Review UL2/UL3
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 / UL3 Tent Review
If you are here, you are in the position I was in 3+ years ago.  I was looking for a light backpacking tent that could potentially hold 2 people.  I have used the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 tent almost exclusively for the past 3 years.  Everything from backpack hunting the Rocky Mountains to camping on the shore of Lake Monroe in beautiful southern Indiana.  I apologize for that plug of my former stomping grounds.Â
When I started down this journey to find an affordable backpacking tent, I knew I wanted 3 things. I didn’t specifically mention affordable in my criteria below, but that was a concern. Tents are like anything else in life, you can spend as much or as little as you want.
Bugle, Bark, and Chuckle this to your buddies!
Tent Review Criteria
- Lighteweight – ounces equals pounds and pounds equal pain
- Durable – Is it going to hold up to my use and abuse
- Space – Can we get two people and gear in it
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Tent – Weight
How does this tent stack up to the competition in terms of weight? Let’s look at the table below. Note: I am including the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 in the comparison as it is he tent I started with.
| Tent | Capacity | Season | MSRP | Weight | Pole Mtl. | Floor Area |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 | 3 | 3 | $429.95 | 2lbs 15oz | Aluminum | 39 sqft |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 | 2 | 3 | $349.95 | 2lbs 5oz | Aluminum | 28 sqft |
| Nemo Dagger 3 | 3 | 3 | $529.95 | 3lbs 12oz | Aluminum | 43.9 sqft |
| MSR Access 3 | 3 | 3 | $699.95 | 4lbs 6oz | Composite | 41 sqft |
| Eureka Mountain Pass 3 | 3 | 3 | $369.95 | 6lbs 13oz | Aluminum | 45 sqft |
Comparing the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 / UL3 to the other options listed it is the lightest option by far.  When I was deep in the analysis phase, I also investigated floorless shelters or tarps.  I really like the idea of a tarp for camping in the mountains, but not as much for shore camping given mosquitos.  I found the Big Agnes Fly Creek to be comparable in weight compared to some of the big name floorless shelters.
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Tent – Weight
I have used the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 for over 3 years on multiple adventures and it is still going strong.  As a matter of fact, I think it will last many more years.  The material is thin, but we have pitched it on weed / rock covered ground and have not had issues.  If you are remotely careful, these tents will last you a long time.
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Tent – Space
What we gain in comparison on weight and price in the comparison table, we lose a little bit on floor space.  It is slightly smaller than the other options but given the weight and price benefit I will take it every time.  I can say, on multiple occasions we have fit two grown men in this tent with backpacks and hunting gear stored under the vestibule.  You can fit 2 in the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3, but the UL2 is far too small for 2 guys and gear.  The UL2 would be a great solo tent, or 2 children.
Other Features
After using the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 for multiple backpacking, hunting and shore camping adventures I found a number of features that I really like. These weren’t things specifically on my list when purchasing but are an added bonus.
- Zippers & Guy Lines have reflective material – This is especially key at night, with a headlamp on. Instead of fumbling around for a zipper or tripping over a guy line, I can easily see them.
- 1 pole – There is one main pole in the entire setup. This is quick and easy to do even for a single person. I can have this tent setup in about 3 minutes from the time I grab the bag.
- Packed Size – In the stuff sack, it is approximately 19 inches long by 6 inches in diameter.
- The corners are color coded with the poles. For example, the poles and the nylon strap with grommet in the front are silver and in rear are gold/yellow. This aids in quick and easy setup.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 
Pole & Grommet Nylon Color Coded 
Reflective Corners 
Pole & Grommet Nylon Color Coded 
Reflective Guy Lines 
Reflective Zippers
Wrap Up
In my opinion this is a great affordable backpacking tent. I have used this tent exclusively the past 3 years and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. The MSRP is just that, a suggested price. A quick search and you can find multiple companies that are happy to offer you a discount plus a price less than MSRP. This is a great tent, you won’t be sorry.
If there are other tents that I should include send us a note with the contact form. If you liked this refview check out our review of technical hunting pants and mid-layers. Until next time, get outside.