Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Tent Bikepack Solution Dye

Product detailed description

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Bikepack Solution Dye is finally "equipped" with the new Solution Dye technology starting in 2022.

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 reduced 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 2, but in a smaller package. This was achieved primarily thanks to shorter pole segments and a waterproof compression stuff sack.

Bicycle-friendly

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 130 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 entire tent packs down to approximately 14 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 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 is the top priority

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. It’s fine for two people to sleep in, but for more space inside, we recommend the Copper Spur series. But even at the stated weight of 1190 g, it features a double-wall, self-supporting construction, enough space for two sleeping pads, plenty of high-quality stakes, guy lines with line locks, and stuff sacks. A complete package in a waterproof, compression bag. But don’t worry, it’s not just a tiny coffin—even at 190 cm tall, you’ll fit lengthwise inside, and there will still be plenty of room around your head and shoulders. When I sit inside at 182 cm, I have more than 10 cm of headroom. You can fit even a fairly large backpack widthwise in the vestibule. A smaller backpack is definitely better, though, so it won’t get in the way when you’re heading out of the tent.

Easy and quick setup

First, set up the inner tent; the specially designed poles are color-coded so you can’t get them mixed up. Stretch out the corners of the floor and stake them down, then snap the mosquito net onto the aluminum poles. You can thus use it for sleeping under the stars while still being protected from blood-sucking 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 strap on the floor using a plastic buckle. You can either thread the other tension points onto the floor tent pegs or pull them over the guyline, 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, 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 UL2 Bikepack Solution Dye 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 zipper, and when it’s pouring, ventilation is useless… but some extra ventilation would certainly be a plus. If you know you’ll be setting out alone or occasionally with a partner and weight is a priority, the Fly Creek HV UL2 is the clear choice.

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

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Solution Dye:

• The weight of the complete package (waterproof bag, poles, inner tent, flysheet, stakes, straps) is 1190 g.
• Minimum weight (tent + poles): 990 g
• Packed dimensions: 14 x 17 x 36 cm.
• DAC poles and 11 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 – rip-stop 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 it, the tent can be used in Fast Fly mode – just the flysheet without the inner tent. It then essentially becomes a spacious tarp for two with an amazing weight of 794g!!!.

Fly Creek HV UL Bikepack Solution Dye Tent from Big Agnes on Vimeo.