Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye Bikepacking Tent

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A bike packing tent, that works just as well for hikers. Ultralight sustainable materials make this brilliant for fast and light overnight adventures maximizing performance, without impacting the environment.

Big Agnes says: 

Built for on and off-road, two-wheeled travel and constructed with ultralight materials for fast and light overnight adventures. Now redesigned using stronger, lighter, more sustainably sourced fabrics in a process that reduces water, chemical, and energy use by 50% compared to traditional fabric dying methods. This award-winning, ultralight tent is known for its steep wall architecture and single vertical door to maximize livable space so you can camp more comfortably in the backcountry. With the Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Solution Dye, you get all of the weatherproof and technical features of a 3-season, 2-person bikepacking tent but made with ultralight, sustainable materials that are built to last.

Benefits of Solution-Dyed Fabrics

• 50% reduction in water required- Nearly 5 gallons of water saved per tent on some models
• 80% reduction in energy required- Significantly reduces carbon emissions
• 80% fewer chemicals used – For a cleaner and safer dyeing and finishing process

Big Agnes is the first to introduce solution-dyed tent body and fly fabrics to the equipment category. The result is better for the environment and the high UV resistance of the solution-dyed fabrics improves the quality of our tents. Improving already great tents isn’t easy, choosing to lessen the environmental impact while doing so is.

Our Verdict

Big Agnes’ Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye Bikepacking Tent  has had a serious overhaul. A key feature being rolled out across a number of Big Agnes tents is the use of solution dyed fabrics. This is a great move for a number of reasons, firstly the positive environmental impacts which see a significant reduction in both energy and water consumption during manufacture. Secondly, this process means the tents are much more resistant to colour fade from UV. On a practical level, the tent benefits from a slight change in the pole design which now provides steeper walls, more headroom and a wider door opening which all make this version feel much more spacious and more usable.

The classic pole set up remains, keeping the weight at a minimum while providing a decent amount of internal and vestibule space. As with most Big Agnes tents there are loads of handy storage pockets inside as well as simple features to make setting up faster and easier. There are a number of other tweaks in the design to bring more welcome improvements such as changes to the pole set through to improvements in the tent pegs provided.

This new Bikepacking version has trimmed down the pack size thanks to the “Short Stik” poles, which are an impressive 4 inch (10 cm) shorter than standard poles, making it easier to stash on your handle bars or panniers.  This is a great Bikepacking tent that provides excellent space for the low weight and this version is much nicer to use thanks to the well thought out changes.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Solution-dyed fabric is highly resistant to UV fade and drastically reduces energy consumption and water use during manufacturing, a process that is better for the environment and improves the quality of the tent fabric
• Featuring a 12″ Shortstik Poleset, ideal for packing onto handlebars, panniers and saddlebags, or saving space in any pack
• Multiple bike-frame attachment configurations for burley compression stuff sack with daisy-chain webbing system
• High volume architecture using DAC angle hub creates steep walls, maximizing interior space without extra weight
• Dry-entry door design keeps tent interior dry
• Single door and vestibule featuring storm flaps on vestibule zipper and easy-grip zipper pulls
• Structured foot-end corners create additional interior space
• Maximized storage with multiple pockets, 3D shelf and ceiling pocket with media cord routing
• Attach Triangle gear lofts (sold separately), accessories, and mtnGLO® Tent & Camp Lights with multiple interior loops
• Secure gear outside with daisy-chain webbing loops on fly
• Ready to pitch with pre-cut guylines and tensioners attached to fly
• Velcro® tabs connect fly to pole structure providing perfect pitch and extra stability
• Enhanced visibility at night with reflective guylines and webbing

Specifications

UOG Specs

• Flysheet weighs: 337g
• Inner weighs: 357g
• Poles weigh: 300g
• Total weight: 992g (excludes pegs & bags)
• Pegs x11 weigh: 98g

Big Agnes Specs

• Trail weight (excludes pegs): 2lbs 2oz / 964g
• Packed weight: 2lbs 10oz / 1.19kg
• Fast fly weight: 1lb 12oz / 794g
• Packed size: 5.5″ x 6.5″ x 14″ / 14 x 17 x 36cm 
• Floor area: 28ft² / 2.6m² 
• Head height: 42″ / 107cm
• Vestibule area: 8 sq ft / 0.7m2

Material & Construction

• Fly and floor: solution-dyed water-repellent silicone treated, nylon ripstop with a 1200mm waterproof, polyurethane coating
• Tent body: solution-dyed breathable nylon and polyester mesh Waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane taped seams (No PVC or VOCs)
• DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with angle hub pole design
• Compatible with Triangle gear loft – sold separately
• Includes 11 lighter, yet stronger, 6″ Dirt Dagger™ UL Tent Stakes with patent pending I-Beam aluminum construction
• Mates with footprint compatible with Fly Creek HV UL featuring TipLok™ Tent Buckles
• Fast Fly Setup available

Help & advice:

• Big Agnes Tent Guide
• Bikepacking Advice Page
• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?
• About Big Agnes
• Solution-Dyed Fabrics