Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Tent Review UL2/UL3

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 / UL3 Tent Review

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Bugle, Bark, and Chuckle this to your buddies!

Tent Review Criteria

1. Lighteweight – ounces equals pounds and pounds equal pain
2. Durable – Is it going to hold up to my use and abuse
3. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Packed Size – In the stuff sack, it is approximately 19 inches long by 6 inches in diameter.
4. 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.

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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.

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