Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 1 Person Tent

imported
#1 
									I just bought this tent for my thru hike attempt in 2013. The reviews on line have been great.

However, when I set it up I found that it’s not free standing, the set up is a bit finicky, and the material and zippers seem VERY delicate.

I’m new to ultra light gear–so maybe I just need to try it out. If anyone could share some knowledge on how this tent stands up on the AT I would appreciate it!

I am also looking at the Contrail Tarp Tent (as the lightest option) or MSR’s Hubba (as the heaviest option). Advice please!

									_Pippa_
#2 
									I used this tent for 800 miles on the AT this year.  It was fine.  Held up in a pretty good rain storm.  I had to use rocks to set it up on tent platforms.  It is pretty small, but I thought it worked well and I will continue to use it.

									_Corky_
#3 
									I used the Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 on the JMT this summer. I had two adults in the tent and found it cramped but comfortable. It did not seem too flimsy and held up well in some very strong wind. It never rained or even got cloudy in the three weeks we were there so I can't talk to the weather proofing but plan on using it next summer on my backpacking trips.

									_Big B_
#4 
									You really should look at the Rainbow – mine has 3500+ miles.

I can sit up completely inside due to the over arching pole, I’m 6 ft. No pole in the middle or doorway due to design, so easy in and out (big door too). Holds your stuff inside since its 8 1/2 ft long inside. 2 lbs and change, amazing product. Both free-standing w/ trekking poles or stakes, options are nice. That’s my 2 cents. …enjoy your trek.

									_Postcard_
#5 
									Postcard

I have resently purchased a Rainbow and used it on my BMT Thru-Hike. I Love the Tent but is there any secrets to get the condensation under control. I got drenched during a rain storm as it knocks all the condensation down. Love the weight and the room, also the ease of setup. Thanks

Sub

									_subman_
#6 
									In some conditions, any and all shelters may have issues. Tenting near or under trees help with heavy dew. Heavy humidity days without a breeze can be tough, but I've never had your case.

I do always keep my vent window storm peak open and try to keep my door cover taught as well as the tent so some breeze can find me up through the perimeter venting. Frankly, those days and conditions hopefully will be the exception and not the norm. All the other aspects that the Rainbow offers are just too nice. Aside from the perfect storm of conditions, you might also be warmer and contribute to the inside environment? Example, some hikers sweat very little during the day. Me, I’m a waterfall, I’m usually drenched when I get to camp. Sorry I couldn’t help.

									_Postcard_
#7 
									Site selection also helps with condensation control.  Besides trees as noted, stay away from low spots around water.  Ever walk down from a dry ridge into fog below you?  You will if you camp on the dry ridge instead of down in the cool basin.  Cold air tends to sink at night and may reach the dew point, especially in higher humidity areas like near lakes and streams.  I saw that repeatedly on the AT.  Carry enough water to set up a dry camp and you'll be drier over night.

I used a Contrail on the AT and it performed very well. Others did not have as much luck because of inexperience with site selection, as I did on my first nights with a single wall shelter. If you set up in a pounded muddy site, you’ll have problems in heavy rain. Silnylon does not have the static head that polyurethane does, and you can get misting and seepage. You need to pitch silnylon shelters on well-drain sites. I use a cotton bandanna to wipe off condensation and misting, and use the distilled water for a sponge bath if I need one.

									_Garlic_
#8 
									Thanks for the info.  Everytime I camped near a creek.  I will get my water and move up to a higher area and try that.  

									_subman_
#9 
									I have used the Tarp Tent Rainbow 2 for the last 2 years (mostly on the AT), and am extremely pleased with it. I am 6'2" and 210 and use it as a solo tent...plenty of room, yet lightweight. When I first purchased it, I would have some problems with condensation in high humidity conditions or camping next to streams in lower lying areas. I have since purchased an interior liner from Tarp Tent, and this solved almost all of the condensation issues. Hope this helps.

									_Tailhook_
#10 
									I used the Rainbow for the PCT and loved it but I switched to a Hubba1 for Washington because I felt the Rainbow would not be durable enough for real weather. I mean, in Cali and Oregon ANY tent or tarp or none will be fine. Henry Shire makes great stuff but he has to sacrifice durability for weight like they all do. The Hubba is bomb proof but yet another pound to lug around but for the AT I'll go with the Hubba.

									_bamboo bob_