Big Agnes - Blacktail Hotel 2

I have a Big Agnes. Love the tent and love the brand.

I've used many different tents over many many years and tons of time in the wilderness and I am now 100% committed to Big Agnes tents. They are quick and intuitive to pitch, no need for instructions because color coded, great breathability, great water resistance, good weight to strength ratio, good customer service/warranty repair. I think the shorter poles should become standard because it's easier on the bike or in a backpack.

Try the REI re/supply. I got a Big Agnes tent that retails for $499 for $134. Also, REI sale is coming up in a few weeks and there will probably be a good deal on their own brand tents and others.

https://geartrade.ca/ they stock a bit of budget gear and they are not amazon. Also try thelasthunt.com, and https://www.sportchek.ca/en.html they can have some good gear in clearance. I really enjoy my big agnes tent and they are available in long, but they are pricy when not on sale.

Big Agnes ,Big house is comfy

I’ve had trouble with zippers on Big Agnes tents, but I’am in the sand often.

I have done the w trek and other routes in the area. Encountered very windy conditions. Didn't use the tents you own, instead I used big agnes, but I do own an x mid 2 solid now. I think with proper pitch the x mid should be good. Stakes should be fully underground. The wind can be strong enough to blow sand and dirt through the mesh into your tent. I got a bunch of soil on my face when lying in the tent. That's actually why I got an x mid solid instead of xmid.

I got the non-bikepacking version for me and my GF and we like it but can confirm its heavy. Vestibule is nice in the PNW cause we can cook under it during the rain, but I also got a nice hammock tarp that we use when we dont need the vestibule since the vestibule fly+extra pole does add a decent amount of weight. Also we aren't any pro racer UL type people, just 3-4 weekend getaways a year.

I got my wife into camping and backpacking, but I screwed up initially on the backpacking and am really lucky she’ll do it with me—I chose a trail I hadn’t done before and it turned out to be steep, crowded, hot, and covered with horse poop. Also, I brought the wrong fuel bottle for our camp stove and so there was no hot dinner once we got to (an admittedly pretty lovely) campsite by the lake. That meant I had to improvise a mini fire, which ruined her camp pots. We both still laugh at the pic I snapped of her at the top of the pass on that first trip, sweaty and dirty and panting and furious. Don’t be like me. ;) I did better getting her into cool weather camping and kayak camping—invested in good equipment, a nice thick comfy exped camp mat, zero degree down bag that zips to mine, silk sleeping bag liner, battery-heated vest, good food that we often make ahead and enjoy at camp, and an excellent pair of tents (large family-style marmot for car camping, and a Big Agnes for backpacking). I also try to bring along fancy chocolates and bust them out around the fire with a nice hot beverage. In short: take her comfort and safety seriously. Turns out all that makes my camping experience better, too.

I've used a Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel for years now. I've grown up in the bush and it's by far the best tent I've ever used. Every year I buy a can of silicon sealing spray and spray it down on a good sunny non-windy day, never had a drop of rain. The best part is the huge vestibule. On super rainy days we can set up our camp chairs in there and cook with the stove no problem, the dogs sleep out there and it's a great place to dry stuff. My wife and I got the 3 person version for extra space as I've never found a 2 person tent that is actually comfortable for two people. If you are 2, get the 3 person. Not sure what the price on them is these days and if you're CAD or USD, but I've never seen or used a better tent. Otherwise, where I live, every camp has at least one MSR Hubba. They seem to be a big favorite but I've never used one, not a huge fan of MSR tents. The ultimate cheap resort is just some department store tent and cover it with the silicon spray. When I grew up I was in Beavers/Cubs/Scouts, and to avoid a bunch of shitty kids wrecking good tents, the troop would just buy really cheap Coleman tents and douse them in silicon spray. This always worked great also. Hope that helps!

I’ve got several tents and the one in your picture is one of them. Blackmail 3P I think. I’ve also got the copper spur. The black tail is a tank. I only use it for trips where there’s support, like ragbrai. I use the copper spur for overnight/easier riding trips. For actual bike packing / serious miles, I go with an ultra lite HMG mid-1. The black tail is cool and giant, but it’s a big heavy load too.

Right now REI is clearing out excellent Big Agnes 2P tents. They’re the best for the price. Light, tough, freestanding. Easy setup. No gimmicks.

I have a 1p REI tent and a 2p Big Agnes. I use the smaller one in colder conditions because it takes less space in my pack, which makes more room for extra insulation. When it’s warmer, I don’t need all the extra warmth at night so I can bring the bigger tent. My typical camping trip is 1-2 nights, and I try to keep my pack weight low, but I will always pack the bigger tent when I can.