The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Tent is a highly acclaimed ultralight backpacking shelter designed for weight-conscious adventurers. Weighing in at just 1 pound 12 ounces (765 grams) and boasting an impressive floor area of 28 square feet, this tent offers an exceptional balance of comfort, durability, and packability.

Design and Features

The Fly Creek HV UL2 features a sleek, freestanding design with color-coded pole clips that make setup quick and easy. The two-person tent boasts a spacious interior with plenty of headroom and ample gear storage options. A dual-hub design allows for more stable structures in windy conditions.

Big Agnes’ proprietary HV (High Volume) architecture increases the internal volume while maintaining a low pack weight, resulting in an airy and comfortable living space. Additional features include:

• Waterproof floor area: 28 sq ft (2.6 sq m)
• Peak height: 38 inches (97 cm)
• Floor width: 42 inches (107 cm)
• Floor length: 84 inches (214 cm)
• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (765 g)
• Trail weight: 1 lb 8 oz (635 g)

Materials and Construction

The Fly Creek HV UL2 features a durable, weather-resistant fabric with a 15D nylon ripstop construction. The floor is made from a waterproof and abrasion-resistant material, while the walls are constructed using a breathable mesh for excellent ventilation.

Big Agnes has implemented several innovative design elements to enhance the tent’s performance, including:

• WeatherTAC water-repellent treatment on the rainfly
• DAC Angle Hubs for improved stability
• Color-coded pole clips for quick setup

Setup and Takedown

The Fly Creek HV UL2 is designed to be easy to set up and take down. The color-coded pole clips and dual-hub design make it straightforward to assemble, even in windy conditions.

Performance

In our testing, the Fly Creek HV UL2 performed admirably in various weather conditions. While it’s not entirely freestanding, the tent still maintained its shape and provided an excellent shelter from wind and rain. The ventilation system was effective at keeping the interior dry and comfortable.

Comparison to Competitors

The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is an exceptional ultralight backpacking tent that competes directly with other top brands in this category, such as:

• MSR Elixir 2: Weighs 1 lb 12 oz (765 g), offers a similar floor area and design
• REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus: Weighs 2 lb 10 oz (1.19 kg), features a slightly larger floor area but heavier weight

Conclusion

The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is an outstanding choice for weight-conscious backpackers seeking an ultralight, high-performance shelter that still provides ample comfort and durability. With its innovative design elements, durable materials, and exceptional ventilation system, this tent stands out as one of the top options in its class.

Technical Specifications:

• Floor area: 28 sq ft (2.6 sq m)
• Peak height: 38 inches (97 cm)
• Floor width: 42 inches (107 cm)
• Floor length: 84 inches (214 cm)
• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (765 g)
• Trail weight: 1 lb 8 oz (635 g)
• Waterproof rating: 1500 mm
• Material: 15D nylon ripstop
• WeatherTAC water-repellent treatment on the rainfly