Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Tent $999.99

Used by: Contributing gear editor Mark Watson

Used for: Six months

This tent is small when packed into its stuff sac and pitches as a versatile double-walled three-season shelter. 

It weighs 1190g – super-light for this class of tent. If split between two people, you barely know you’re carrying it. I’ve used it for high mountain camps in summer and bikepacking. The fly can be used on its own for additional weight savings and an increase in the area of ground covered.

The ShortStik poles break down to 30cm, which is much shorter than regular poles. They’re easy to pack on a bike, or sideways inside a pack. Pole configuration is minimal though, so this tent flexes in high winds. If I was expecting especially rowdy weather, I’d take something stronger. 

My favourite three-season tent would have dual vestibules for comfortable entry and exit with two people, and better airflow, but for maximum weight savings on a short trip, this tent would be my first choice. 

Big Agnes is working on a new Solution Dyed version. This will have an improved fly door configuration to allow partial or full opening for better protection during bad weather.         

Verdict: Super-light and with multiple pitching options. A great tent for fast and light three-season adventures, but take a footprint to protect the thin floor.