Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 Bikepack Solution DYE Tent

Product detailed description

The American manufacturer Big Agnes has introduced a line of tents called Bikepack. After closer examination and testing, we have to say that this isn’t just marketing hype—this line truly lives up to its name!  The American brand is now also manufacturing its products using the new Solution Dye technology.

New Material

The material is dyed with maximum consideration for the environment. Solution Dye is more resistant to UV radiation and drastically reduces energy and water consumption during production. Water consumption has been reduced by up to 50%, and carbon emissions and chemical use have been cut by 80%.

More space

Changes have also been made to the tent’s construction, primarily to increase space. The entrance arch has been modified, and overall, the interior space has been expanded for more comfortable use inside the tent. All tents now feature tent pegs from the renowned DAC brand; these have a new, more distinctive and stable cross-section, and are lighter and stronger. Essentially, this is the same tent as the classic Fly Creek HV UL 1, but in a smaller package. This was achieved primarily thanks to shorter pole sections and a waterproof compression stuff sack.

Designed for cycling

As is customary with Big Agnes, a lot of attention was paid to the details. The tent’s dimensions remain the same; only the total weight has increased slightly, by 28 grams. This is primarily due to the more durable stuff sack (taped seams) with compression straps. The stuff sack has two compartments: one for the inner tent, fly, and stakes, and the other for the shortened poles. The entire stuff sack features several loops for securing it. The package includes 4 Velcro straps (shorter and longer) that allow you to easily attach the entire tent to the handlebars or bike frame. The tent packs down to approximately 13 x 17 x 36 cm, but thanks to the compression straps, it can be reduced even further.

Sophisticated Details

Since the tent is designed primarily for bikepackers, you’ll find a few small details that are truly delightful. One of them is an elastic strap on the inner tent, which is used to secure a bicycle helmet. On the flysheet, there’s a strap with several loops for drying clothes. The inner tent also features several mesh pockets and “shelves” for storing clothes and other small items you want to keep close at hand.

Low weight comes first

The Fly Creek series is designed with the lowest possible weight in mind—a single front entrance, a smaller vestibule, and no extra space. It’s just right for a comfortable night’s sleep and basic functionality. Even in a pinch, two people won’t fit inside. But even at the stated weight of 1080g, it features a double-wall, freestanding construction, enough space even for a wider sleeping pad, plenty of high-quality stakes, guy lines with line locks, and stuff sacks. The complete package comes in a waterproof, compression bag. But don’t worry, it’s not just a tiny coffin—even someone 190 cm tall can fit lengthwise, with plenty of room left around the head and shoulders. When I sit inside at 182 cm, I have more than 5 cm of headroom. 

Easy and quick setup

First, you set up the inner tent; the specially designed poles are color-coded, so you can’t get them mixed up. You stretch out the corners of the floor and stake them down, then snap the mosquito net onto the aluminum poles. You can therefore use it for sleeping under the stars while still being protected from bloodthirsty insects. Drape the waterproof flysheet over the inner tent; the straps at the corners are color-coded as well. Secure it to the poles in several places using Velcro loops, and in the middle of the side panels, clip it to the mosquito net with a carabiner (this pulls the mosquito net walls outward and significantly increases the interior space. At the point where the pole attaches to the floor, simply clip the flysheet to the floor strap using a plastic buckle.

You can either thread the other tensioning points onto the floor tent pegs or pull them over the cord, then use a line lock to secure them separately. With a quick glance at the instructions, it goes smoothly and quickly even the first time. Everything is simple and well thought out. Many details of the tent show that Big Agnes knows what they’re doing—whether it’s the use of line locks, or the sides of the inner tent around the body and head made of fabric instead of mesh (which comes in handy in strong winds to keep dust from blowing in, or if you toss and turn at night and might touch the dew-covered flysheet, so you won’t get wet, etc.), several pockets on the sides and at the top for your phone, headlamp, etc., and above all, excellent craftsmanship.

So if low weight and pack size are your priorities, the Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack is the ideal choice. For several years now, it has been among the five most popular tents on the Appalachian and  Pacific Crest Trail! My only criticism would be the lack of any ventilation at the top. It’s not a “deal breaker,” because when the weather is nice, it’s definitely better to ventilate by unzipping the main flap, and when it’s pouring, ventilation is useless… but some extra ventilation would certainly be a plus. If you know you’ll definitely be setting out alone and weight is a priority, then the Fly Creek HV UL 1 Bikepack is the clear choice. If you’re mostly setting out alone but would like to squeeze a partner into the tent occasionally, then I’d go with the two-person version UL2. When you go alone, you’ll only be 110g heavier and you’ll have plenty of space.

For all cycling enthusiasts and bikepacking adventurers, we now offer a special cycling clothing collection Rab Cinder.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack Solution DYE:

• Packed dimensions: 13 x 17 x 36 cm.
• Total package weight: 1080 g (waterproof bag, poles, inner tent, flysheet, stakes, straps)
• Minimum weight (tent + poles): 870 g
• DAC poles and stakes.
• New design for more interior space (the letters HV stand for High Volume).
• Two-way entrance zipper covered by a flap – it’s not a bad idea to unzip it slightly from the top at night for better ventilation.
• Large pockets on the sides and above the head.
• All guy lines and straps are reflective so you don’t trip over them with your headlamp.
• The flysheet attaches to the poles with Velcro and to the inner tent with carabiners – this ensures excellent tension and high stability of the tent.
• Materials: floor and flysheet – silicone-coated Ripstop Nylon with a waterproof PU coating on the inside.
• Inner tent – a combination of breathable nylon and polyester mesh.
• All seams taped with solvent-free waterproof PU tape (PVC and VOC-free).
• Poles and stakes – duralumin.
• Option to purchase the original “Footprint” – with this, the tent can be used in Fast Fly mode – just the flysheet without the inner tent. It then essentially becomes a spacious tarp for one person with an amazing weight of 680g!!!