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Big Agnes one-man... keep or return? (Read 2697 times)
smashdancer
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Big Agnes one-man... keep or return?
Jun 4th, 2014 at 9:24pm
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Just found a good deal on Big Agnes Fly Creek UL-1 but set up at home and it looks small and I'm concerned that you have stake it out at the feet. Not a true freestanding tent. Anyone have any experience with this tent? If it is roomy enough to sleep in, dry and holds up to wind, I'll keep it. If not, time to take it back.
  
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db
Web-lackey
Inukshuk
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Re: Big Agnes one-man... keep or return?
Reply #1 - Jun 5th, 2014 at 6:46am
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I have a similar BA. The one thing I dislike is that even with all that netting above, the only way to get ANY actual ventilation is to leave the bottom of the door open. Other than that it's a little short for my taste but I knew that when I bought it. It was too good of a deal to pass up. Fit and finish is great. Mine isn't truly 'freestanding' either but that's never been an issue to me.
  
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Wind-In-Face
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Re: Big Agnes one-man... keep or return?
Reply #2 - Jun 5th, 2014 at 8:43pm
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Smashdancer,
I have the Fly Creek 2 Platinum, which is essentially the same design just a little bigger. As stated, it isn't truly freestanding so it needs to be carefully staked at the back. I bought the 2 because the 1 just seemed too small and the weight difference was negligible. If the price was too good and you don't mind the size, keep it. Quality and durability will not be an issue. I've used mine in torrential rain and strong wind with no problems. It is my go-to tent. enjoy!
  
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mastertangler
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Re: Big Agnes one-man... keep or return?
Reply #3 - Jun 8th, 2014 at 11:20am
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I have a somewhat eccentric but dear friend who is as true a "minimalist "as I have met. It is foremost in his consciousness and we have had numerous interesting conversations on the topic. One of his favorite sayings is "waste not, war not" but I digress. This preoccupation with minimalism is occasionally fraught with undesirable results (I told him not to drive 55MPH to save fuel on the freeway lest someone bash into your rear end......it was time for a new truck anyways I suppose)

This minimalist philosophy also lent itself to his tent. The not free standing aspect eventually became a bit of drudgery for him even though he is the most patient person I know and is an engineer (R&D Nissan). Frequently things had presented themselves as less than desirable for quick set up. While I had already set up and was eating dinner he was often still doing "engineering" work.

MT's rule: you have enough hassle in your everyday life, no sense inviting it along on your canoe trip.

I have looked at the minimalist design tents however and would be very likely to take one on a backpacking trip using my walking sticks as supports.
  
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Mad_Mat
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Re: Big Agnes one-man... keep or return?
Reply #4 - Jun 17th, 2014 at 1:45pm
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I bought the BA Fly Creek UL-2 for use as a solo backpacking/hunting tent.  used it mtn goat hunting last year.  I looked at the UL-1, and reviews, and decided that it was really too small - the UL-2 works great as a solo tent, with room for gear inside - the vestibule is really very small.  As said, not truly free standing, but not a big deal in the two man version - I never bothered too much to stake out that foot end so the tent did not drape down.

I would not take the Fly Creek UL-2 to Quetico, mainly due to the staking out issue - when you camp on rocky ground and its hard to get tent pegs in, that would add a hassle factor.

the other issue I see mentioned in reviews, for both the Fly Crek UL-1 and UL-2 is the sloped entry - rain can get in the tent when you have that open to crawl inside - that is more of an issue with the one man tent as its door is smaller than the two man version.  One review, maybe two, mentionsed trouble with the door zipper - that can be a problem with a one door tent - I use my REI Quarter Dome T-2 for Quetico, as much for the two doors as any other reason.  If a zipper blows out, it can be duct taped closed and use the other door.

Having said all that, I do really like the Fly Creek UL-2, and it is very light and packs small.  I have 12 or 14 tents, somehting like that, and the Fly Creek is my #1 choice for backpacking.
  
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