The biggest issue with that design (and other similar designs from Big Agnes) is that during a rain, entry or exit means rain will come directly into the living quarters.
Hard to understand why one 6'-1" person (me) finds it plenty roomy and another doesn't, but I guess it all comes down to expectations and experience. Did you guy out the side nice and tight? Makes a big difference with interior room. I'm talking about the guy points mid-way up on the fly that attach to the tent body.Originally Posted by hawkhero
BTW: that perceived rain thing is a non-issue. I've used mine over 100 nights without getting rain inside the main tent body. In the 5% of the time it's raining hard while entering or exiting, you just have to take care and not 100% unzip the fly.
Sorry it didn't work out for you! sounds like you do need a more spacious tent. That wont be as warm, but if you're sticking strictly with warm-weather use, not a factor.
"Hard to understand why one 6'-1" person (me) finds it plenty roomy and another doesn't"
Not uncommon.
Many possible reasons
Torso longer (or shorter for those who fit) than average
Thick mat vs thin mat
Sleeping on you back vs curled up
"Just touching" the walls for one is "pushing against the walls "for another.
"Torso longer (or shorter for those who fit) than average"3
I meant sit up room there...
Yeah, all good reasons, and I did understand when you mentioned torso length.
I still think it amounts to expectations and experience more than anything. Tarp tents are wonderful and spacious, but they have their issues as well. Sounds like the TT is the way to go for the OP. If I didn't get a pro-deal on new Big Agnes products (40% off), I'd buy his fly Creek from him, knowing that mine will eventually wear out. I think he can sell his for much better than 40% off; despite what is said on this thread (the negativity), the BA fly creek is a fairly highly rated tent (average 4 stars everywhere I see ratings).
Update: I sold the Fly Creek. I looked at the MSR Hubba nx. Ended up with a BA Copper Spur! Love the side entry better than the Fly Creek.
No, it is a real issue v.s. a perceived issue and is one of the reasons why BA also makes side entry tents with 'drip free' entry.
It is a ****ty design.
It is a great design if you are willing to deal with the compromise necessary for an under two pound design in a free standing tent.
Exactly. And I'm pretty sure the side entry thing is preferred by a lot of folks because it is simply easier to get into. I think the OP will be very happy with his decision. Good gear is all about tradeoffs. The CS is heavier, but more convenient.
13 stakes required to full set up doesn't make it freestanding. What a great design.
It is free standing without any stakes in a pinch. It takes six for a full pitch if you have a brain. I also have a Hubba. I generally only carry it on the motorcycle.
13 stakes for full pitch; not truly freestanding design. Show your 6 peg pitch that was done with a brain.
I have a Fly Creek UL1, and have set it up various times with 6 to 11 stakes. Just curious about which 6 you consider the essential 6.
The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage.
Richard Ewell, CSA General
Two in back, two in front, two on sides . . . think I use 7 one in very back at the point. In '12 the BA Flycreek UL1 was probably the most popular tent on the trail. Mine comes in at 31 oz ready to go. My Hubba is about a lb heavier.
I've used a Fly Creek UL2 for a few years. Perhaps 120-130 nights? Who knows maybe more. Never had the issues that many are talking about. Been in some horrendous thunder storms and have always remained dry. Don't even use a footprint with it. Once the floor was "floating" as I had an inch or two of water under tent (I know, operator error as I was in a bad spot) and still remained dry. I have had some condensation on the fly but have never used a tent that this didn't happen and this is after all one of the purposes of the double wall construction. 95% of the time I set-up with 8 stakes. If it is to be very windy and I am exposed, I will use 2 extra stakes. I understand what the poster is talking about when he says that he sets up with 6 stakes. I just prefer to use the extra stakes as it is no big deal. All manufacturers of free-standing tents recommend some staking. If people are getting wet from either rain or condensation they obviously didn't set up properly. I have recommended, and will continue to do so, this tent to numerous interested people.
Lonehiker (MRT '22)
Thanks, pretty much the same here, unless I do an extra 2 on the sides to cut down on condensation.
The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage.
Richard Ewell, CSA General
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