Big Agnes - Fly Creek HV UL 2

IMO this is based totally on personal preference for comfort/tolerance for discomfort both with sleeping comfort and pack weight. My personal experience (myself and other couples we've backpacked with), plan to share a tent. My spouse and I have done both 3p and 2p. The 3p tent wasn't particularly light (as in split up between our packs), but was comfy for sleeping on the trail, and we've had a couple different ultralight 2p backpacking tents. We had a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent for a long time with only one door that was a pain in the ass and so tight for 2 people, and both being around 5' 9" we were literally head to toe crammed in the tent, but we were so exhausted most nights backpacking that we didn't really care, and at the time, the total packed weight of under 2lbs was a big deal for us. Then we "upgraded" to an REI Quarter Dome SL2 that has a bit more space and 2 doors, for a little more weight (just under 3lbs I think?), and have been super pleased. We have our own sleeping pads & bags. So... ultimately my advice is to try with the tent you've got, maybe for a shorter trip and see how comfortable it is for you before making any new gear purchases, but definitely plan to share a tent! They also have "2+" tents out there designed for 2 with a little more space, without going up to 3p. Have fun!!!

Fly creek ul2 is like 3oz heavier but a ton of more room, bigger vestibule and a few hundred less than the PitchPine. Honestly don't understand what they hope to gain from this? My only guess is they are catering to the wealthy that shop at REI and tell the employer to give them the most expensive, lightest tent they have.

[I like the big Agnes fly creek](https://www.outlandusa.com/p/big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul2-solution-dye-graygreige-2-person) but it's very cramped for 2 people. I'd say you both need to be on the smaller side, but definitely completely sealed and free standing (it's awkward if you can't peg it, but it ultimately stands.)

I've been sleeping in tents for decades and have never used a footprint. The Fly Creek is a very reasonable tent, especially at that price point.

Why Not buy the Fly Creek and MYOG your ground sheet from tyvek for ~15 € (Extremtextil) You don’t even need to sew it. Just cut it with scissors and leave the edges raw or put some masking tape on P.S. I am fully sold on MYOG since a year - it can be loads of fun!

unpopular opinion here, since most people are "all in" for trekking pole tents, but Big AgnesFly Creek HV UL2 is also sub-2lbs (1lb 15 oz), and if you take Gossamer Gear The Two (24oz+ once you include cordage) and add two trekking poles, Big Agnes will actually be lighter than GG The Two. Advantages of Big Agnes is: it's (semi)free standing so can be setup with no stakes if needed, in very tight places, and is a true double-wall. You can leave the fly at home if you only need the inner, or only use the footprint+fly with no mesh, for weight savings, so it's modular. I suspect due to steeper slope at the corners BA will give you a bit more space efficiency for similar footprint. If you definitely bringing 2 poles, GG The Two wins by \~7 oz or so, but you would need to take a careful accounting of all options that are important to you, cordage, stakes etc. There is no one "correct" answer here.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 well over 200 nights of use (with a tyvek diy ground sheet)guessing its about 1/2 worn out. 1kg. Great single person adventure cycling tent with room inside for gear.

Big Agnes fly creek 2 is 1kg which is about the weight of a full water bottle. Cheap insurance if the weather turns nasty. Yes you will need a sleeping bag & mat. The smallest sleeping bag has down in it & you are best getting one that is treated with a waterproof/ resistant system. Japanese are crazy for camping. They have lots of opportunities to camp or you can just set up in one of the parks in town near 7/11 or Onsen. I spend a month a year touring Japan & camp lots & Im 63. https://seatosummit.com.au/products/the-traveller-down-sleeping-bag https://seatosummit.com.au/products/ultralight-insulated-mat You dont need premium brands. Shop around & see whats on clearance, just make sure it light & reasonable quality. Naturehike make cheap tents. One last thing, check out Alee on cyclingabout he had info on touring on a road bike in japan. https://www.cyclingabout.com/guide-bicycle-touring-bikepacking-japan/ Message me if u need more info. You dont need to go overboard but you need light reliable gear that will last. My tents last about 10 years, sleeping bag & mattress about 15 years & I use them 30 to 40 nights a year.

There are some pretty good clearance deals right now as the big brands are changing their lines over for spring. Big Agnes and Nemo have a few left on Amazon and REI still, I think. I snagged a ba fly Creek ul 2 for 200ish on Amazon that's going to serve as a backup/summer tent, and a 3p nemo tent (that isn't ultralight) for family trips with 2 people and dogs. If you can't find an amenable deal on sale, get an x-mid. It's the best value overall.

I have the fly Creek 2, and I like it - especially at the current clearance price on Amazon. Cannot imagine sleeping with a second person in it, though. It feels too small, even for me + big dog.

If you are brand new, get something cheap and on sale. Fair chance that you either will give up backpacking after a few trips or realize that you want to invest more in high-end gear.  You eventually need a quiver if tents, sleeping bags, and packs as no single one is great for all conditions.  For summer, I mainly use: flycreek 2p tent, Western Mountaineering 20 or 40F sleeping bags, and a daypack with side straps that cost about $60 and weighs roughly half a pound. 

Big Agnes fly creek 2 is perfect. I hiked solo on PCT and also shared the tent plenty of times no problem. There are other brands like Nemo who have built similar tents.