We have four tents:
1. UL minimalist 2P backpacking tent (Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2) for the most strenuous backpacking trips where every ounce matters
2. UL 3P backpacking tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2) our typical backpacking tent with our dog
3. Very cheap 2-3P dome tent for car camping (typical Wal-Mart tent) an extra tent for friends/family just in case
4. Large 4P stand-up tent (Eureka Copper Canyon 4P tent, with queen cot)
For car camping, #4 is so, so nice. Being off the ground where both of us can be standing and getting dressed, etc. at the same time is a huge luxury compared to being on the ground.
That said, we also have a towable 17ft camper that is next level across the board (queen bed, fridge, hot/cold water, toilet, shower, table, etc.
We also sleep in the back of the 4Runner when we arrive at the trailhead late at night for an early morning start.
Not sure about bags or pads, but my longest lasting tent was a Fly Creek UL2. I practically lived in that thing for 3 full summers, and used it for extended periods of time over a number of years. Bought in 2013, retired it last year. Replaced it with a Copper Spur UL1. Overall I would say I am very satisfied with Big Agnes products.
While I agree that you should plan on using a 1P tent for a long solo thru-hike, I consider the Fly Creek UL2 to be a misnamed 1P tent.
Yes, I own one. I would never take it on a trip with my husband, but it's perfectly sized for one person and your gear.
u/MonumentMan wrote:
"Having a larger tent is a NEGATIVE - it literally will not fit at certain campsites."
True, but a Fly Creek UL2 should fit just about anywhere.
I am one of those people who won't trade off much comfort to reduce weight.
You can be surprisingly comfortable in camp while still carrying a light load. For example, a large tarp can actually be more comfortable than a tiny tent, especially if bugs are not significant.
I've always seen the weight trade-off as more of a comfort on trail vs. comfort in camp balance.
I've dramatically reduced my pack weight thanks to the information here and elsewhere, while still maintaining reasonable comfort in camp.
If my husband and I tried to share our Fly Creek UL2, neither of us would get any sleep. The slightest noise or movement from either of us would wake the other up.
I like my Fly Creek UL2 as a solo tent, but no way would I plan to use a Fly Creek UL1/UL2 or Copper Spur in 50 mph winds.
You need a bombproof tent under those conditions, and that means stronger fabrics than these tents use.
Front access kinda stinks, as your vestibule area is also your entrance (among other things). If you look at mountaineering/4 season tents that use this design, they often have a additional vesituble that extends [waaay out there](https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/eldorado-tent-vestibule?variant=49695714181437), so you can utilize the space really well. Ventilation on the Fly Creek is also just so-so, since you can't set up a nice cross breeze with two opposing doors.
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.
My Fly Creek UL2 tent has been great! I wish it had side doors instead of a single front door, but it has withstood over a decade of use, and it was one of the lightest tents available when I bought it. It's still lighter than my new X-mid.
Edit: I have a down sleeping bag from them which is also very good. It's very lightweight for its price and features. Durability has been solid AF. I think it's called the Big Horn Anvil.
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Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.
AliveAndThenSome
