Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Review
Brand: Big Agnes · Category: tent · Price: $370 - $500
This tent is for gram-counting backpackers, thru-hikers, and solo adventurers who prioritize a minuscule pack weight above all else, even if it means some personal space sacrifice. If you're looking for a comfortable two-person shelter for car camping or don't want to play Tetris with your gear inside, skip this and look elsewhere.
Specs
| Doors | 1 |
|---|---|
| Poles | DAC Featherlite NFL aluminum hubbed pole set |
| Weight | 1 lb 15 oz trail weight; 2 lb 4-5 oz packed weight |
| Rainfly | Solution-dyed or HyperBead nylon ripstop with polyurethane/silicone waterproof coatings; about 1200-1500 mm waterproofing |
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Capacity | 2-person |
| Floor Area | 28 sq ft |
| Packed Size | About 4-6 in x 19-19.5 in |
| Peak Height | 40-42 in |
| Vestibules | 1 vestibule, about 8 sq ft |
| Fabric Denier | 15D to 20D nylon ripstop, depending on version |
Strengths
- Very low weight for a two-person double-wall backpacking tent
- Compact packed size, especially useful for bikepacking or small packs
- Good storm performance reported by reviewers for a lightweight shelter
- Freestanding or semi-freestanding setup is fast and straightforward
- Long-running model with broad retailer availability and many user reviews
- Updated fabric versions improved waterproofing and tear strength
Complaints
- Cramped for two adults, especially with two large sleeping pads or lots of gear
- Only one door and one vestibule reduce convenience and livability
- Vestibule space is modest compared with rival ultralight two-person tents
- Minimum-weight claims can differ a lot from packed-weight reality
- Footprint is often sold separately, increasing total cost
- Not as comfortable or spacious as the Copper Spur UL2 at similar weight class
Setup And Design
Setting up the Fly Creek HV UL2 is quick and straightforward thanks to its DAC Featherlite NFL aluminum hubbed pole set. This system means many pole sections are connected, making it easy to see where everything goes. It's a semi-freestanding design, meaning it holds its shape mostly on its own, but you'll want to stake out the corners and vestibule for optimal stability and interior space. The HV (High Volume) design provides steeper walls and a bit more usable head and shoulder room compared to older Fly Creek models, making it feel slightly less coffin-like.
Weather Protection
Don't let the light materials fool you; this tent offers solid three-season protection. The rainfly and floor are made from 15D to 20D nylon ripstop fabric, which is very thin but has excellent tear resistance for its weight. It's treated with polyurethane/silicone coatings providing 1200-1500 mm of waterproofing, meaning it can handle sustained rain and keep you dry, which is critical for staying comfortable in wet conditions. Reviewers consistently report good storm performance for a tent in this weight class.
Livability And Space
Here's the trade-off: to hit that low weight, the Fly Creek HV UL2 is minimalist. At 28 square feet of floor area and a 40-42 inch peak height, it feels cramped for two adults, especially if you both have full-sized sleeping pads. It features only one door and a single 8-square-foot vestibule, which means one person will be crawling over the other to get out, and gear storage outside the tent is tight. For comparison, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 offers significantly more space and two doors for a similar weight.
Weight And Packability
The Fly Creek HV UL2 truly shines in its weight, coming in at a mere 1 pound, 15 ounces trail weight. That's incredibly light for a double-wall two-person tent, meaning less strain on your back during long days. It packs down to about 4-6 inches by 19-19.5 inches, which is exceptionally compact and perfect for stuffing into tight spots in your pack or for bikepacking handlebars. However, be aware that the listed 'trail weight' often excludes essential items like stakes, so your real-world packed weight will be closer to the 2 pound, 4-5 ounce mark.
Materials And Durability
Big Agnes has made iterative improvements over the years, with newer versions featuring their HyperBead nylon ripstop, which aims for improved waterproofing and tear strength. The fabric denier — a measure of fabric thickness and durability — is between 15D and 20D, indicating a very thin, ultralight material. While this keeps the weight down, it means you'll need to be careful with sharp objects and rough ground; a separate footprint (often sold separately) is highly recommended to protect the delicate floor from abrasion and punctures.