Fly Creek UL2

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.

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.

Copper spur is awesome. 2p tents are tight with two people. If I want room, I use the REI half dome. If I’m concerned about weight, I use a fly creek ul2. Two pads barely fit in the fly creek, but it works, and I’ve had two people and a 45lb dog in there. It depends on priorities, how much hiking you will do, and how much you like the person you are with. Also, are you willing to have two tents? A copper spur 2 for tougher backpacking and a cheaper tent for easy trips and car camping works as a great combo.

https://preview.redd.it/kvtmhsjv9j9f1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7783be7d019ab34c94abf36f71b3bcb6a4532ec7 Two adults, one 45lb dog in a fly creek ul2. It’s just wide enough for two pads, and the rainfly has to be guyed out or condensation is an issue. It works. But if he got stir crazy, it wasn’t pleasant. My biggest issue with it is that I’m 6’2, so my head and feet are touching the ends. This often leads to condensation on my feet. But, realistically, that happens in any light tent I’ve tried unless I sleep diagonally.

I actually used my fly creek in Iceland. It’s an amazing tent. With the wind, I found a natural break to pitch by. But my buddy loves his copper spur and thinks the weight is well worth it. It is also faster to setup well because it is free standing. I can get the fly creek up in a hurry, but if I have to treasure hunt for sticks and rocks to tie to, that adds a lot of time, which sucks when it’s raining. My buddy is a big fan of Nemo as well and says the Hornet is worth considering.

Not at that price and weight. I like the fly creek UL 2 as a light option, but it’s more expensive. On the cheaper side is the half dome or quarter dome but they are heavy and prices vary. A good tent will last you many years, so factor that into your decision.

My favorite car camp tent is the REI half dome. It’s actually comfortable. If you want a cheaper option, the Ozark Trail tent from Walmart is pretty decent, but doesn’t have aluminum poles. The half dome can do backpacking, but it is on the heavy side. When I care about weight, I bring my Fly Creek from Big Agnes. Copper Spur and Nemo Hornet are also great options. The fly creek is crazy light, but you really have to like the second person if you’re going to fit two.

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.

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.