View Full Version : Big Agnes 1 person fly creek vs. 1 person cooper spur?
SummitSistah
02-18-2017, 18:49
I am starting my AT hike late March. I originally bought a 2 person cooper spur but realize that I need to cut down on weight even more. I'm now looking at the 1 person fly creek and 1 person cooper spur. The fly creek is 7oz. lighter. Any thoughts?
HooKooDooKu
02-18-2017, 18:53
I've borrowed a Fly Creek UL 1 for a weekend trip a few years ago. Main thing I didn't like about it was getting into it like a sleeping bag.
I used a Copper Spur UL2 for a JMT thru and loved it. Tons of space and I could bring ALL my gear with me into the tent (even boots to avoid critters chewing on laces).
Agree on the front vs. side entry. I own a CS UL1, use a 25"x78" pad and find the interior space to be adequate. I also bring my gear inside. The head room is marginal except at its peak. Interior pockets help with organization, the fly is very weather proof with a decent size vestibule. The pole system is will handle minor snow loads. I have found the fabric to be very waterproof, also own UL3 & UL4. Ventilation is good.
Also agree on the CS1. Also an everything (boots, pack - there's always something that I want) in the tent guy.
rockyiss
02-18-2017, 21:14
I used a friends Fly creek ul1, I didn't like the entry and it seemed the walls sloped in to much. I then bought a copper sp ul1 and I liked it, but I wanted more room so I got the copper spur ul 2 and I love it . I like having two vestibules and more room and the weight wasn't that much more. (I can dump weight somewhere else ) I am only 5'3 weigh about 135 but I didn't want to be scrunched up in a tent if it was raining a lot. But if I had to pick between a fly c ul1 and a copper sp ul1 it would be the copper spur because of the side entry and free standing ability. My copper sp ul1 got a couple of tears in it and I called big agness because in five days I was supposed to be leaving on a trip. They told me ship it to them. They fixed it and they had back to me in time for me to go on my trip . Big Agness you rock !!!!
4eyedbuzzard
02-18-2017, 22:23
IMO, saving 7 oz isn't worth being miserable in your tent. There's a point at which (for most of us anyway), carrying a little extra weight for comfort and convenience makes for a better experience. You're supposed to be having fun out there. Given the low weight of modern tents, cutting to the bone just isn't worth it. The Fly Creek gets pretty bad reviews on the entrance, especially in the rain. It also at least feels more confining than the CS UL1 based on comments from those who have used both tents. I just recently bought (on sale impulse purchase) a CS UL1 and my first reaction is it's small, but adequate for me as a solo hiker. I looked at a Fly Creek UL1 at the store and it feels much smaller even though the square footage is similar. Having lugged my share of 1 and 2 person 5 lb+ tents in the past, everything these days is pretty light. I'd stay with the CS UL1 or 2 if I were you.
Last Call
02-19-2017, 02:57
I use the Fly Creek 1 for long hikes; for short / overnights I tote the Copper Spur UL2.....hate my Copper Spur UL 1 got stolen......
Maineiac64
02-19-2017, 08:28
I use the Fly Creek 1 for long hikes; for short / overnights I tote the Copper Spur UL2.....hate my Copper Spur UL 1 got stolen......
Did it get stolen on a hike?
swjohnsey
02-19-2017, 08:38
If you can deal with front entry the Flycreek UL1 is an excellent tent.
I used a friends Fly creek ul1, I didn't like the entry and it seemed the walls sloped in to much. I then bought a copper sp ul1 and I liked it, but I wanted more room so I got the copper spur ul 2 and I love it . I like having two vestibules and more room and the weight wasn't that much more. (I can dump weight somewhere else ) I am only 5'3 weigh about 135 but I didn't want to be scrunched up in a tent if it was raining a lot. But if I had to pick between a fly c ul1 and a copper sp ul1 it would be the copper spur because of the side entry and free standing ability. My copper sp ul1 got a couple of tears in it and I called big agness because in five days I was supposed to be leaving on a trip. They told me ship it to them. They fixed it and they had back to me in time for me to go on my trip . Big Agness you rock !!!!
+1 on BA customer service. I had a little tear in the mesh over my CS1 door. They told me it would be a couple of bucks to repair but then didn't charge me anything. Did a much better job than I would have done and pretty quick too.
I use the Copper Spur UL 1 and love it. I'm a 5'4" lady and have plenty of room for me and my gear. I can sit up straight and can nearly be straight up when kneeling. Highly recommend! If you can make it to an REI, you can set up both of these tents in the store and crawl in to see which you like better. Good luck with finalizing your gear and getting out on the trail!
Agreed with 4eyed above IRT weight savings... you're going to hate a one man tent after a while..I have a Fly 2 and love the weight, but the entry does suck in the rain. I prefer it for weight when solo but would not be able to justify buying one if i already owned a CS2...
Where else are you adding so much weight you're worried about 7 oz?
usually these type questions come down to the individual hiker's preference for
side entry vs. front entry tent
both are great tents, I have the UL Fly Creek-1, a few ounces lighter than the Copper Spur-UL1
but I liked the side entry of the Copper Spur better to be honest
if you are more inclined to cut ounces, go for the UL Fly Creek
if you are more concerned about comfort and staying dry with entry/exit to the tent, get the Copper Spur
4eyedbuzzard
02-20-2017, 11:18
I am starting my AT hike late March. I originally bought a 2 person cooper spur but realize that I need to cut down on weight even more. I'm now looking at the 1 person fly creek and 1 person cooper spur. The fly creek is 7oz. lighter. Any thoughts?Are you interested in a trade? CS1 mtnglo for your CS2? Sent you a PM.
Traveler
02-20-2017, 14:02
IMO, saving 7 oz isn't worth being miserable in your tent. There's a point at which (for most of us anyway), carrying a little extra weight for comfort and convenience makes for a better experience. You're supposed to be having fun out there. Given the low weight of modern tents, cutting to the bone just isn't worth it. The Fly Creek gets pretty bad reviews on the entrance, especially in the rain. It also at least feels more confining than the CS UL1 based on comments from those who have used both tents. I just recently bought (on sale impulse purchase) a CS UL1 and my first reaction is it's small, but adequate for me as a solo hiker. I looked at a Fly Creek UL1 at the store and it feels much smaller even though the square footage is similar. Having lugged my share of 1 and 2 person 5 lb+ tents in the past, everything these days is pretty light. I'd stay with the CS UL1 or 2 if I were you.
+1 - Agreed with this, though I use the CSII trading a few ounces for a little extra room for gear and the side entry door.
Last Call
02-20-2017, 16:21
did it get stolen on a hike?
after a hike....left in a truck while hitchhiking after the shuttle driver broke down....never recovered....
hyperhiker
02-20-2017, 16:52
I only use side entry shelters now. I often cook right outside the door in the morning so I can drink my coffee in bed. A lot more work with a front entry.
poolskaterx
02-20-2017, 18:21
Side entry is my preference, extra weight is worth the convenience.
SummitSistah
02-21-2017, 00:36
Thanks for the offer but I'm all set. I brought the cs2 back to REI and got a cs1.
4eyedbuzzard
02-21-2017, 00:38
Thanks for the offer but I'm all set. I brought the cs2 back to REI and got a cs1.Cool. TY for the reply. Have a great hike!
I used a Copper Spur 1 on my thru hike last year. I highly recommend it (roomy, side entrance, etc.) I ran into a guy who was using a Fly Creek 1 that he bought from REI. He wasn't happy with it because he said the bathtub floor was too low and splash back entered the tent (I never had that problem with the Copper Spur).
He said he intended to return the tent to REI when he completed his hike because of the splash back. I noticed that the new Copper Spur HV has a significantly lower bathtub floor at the foot end than the discontinued version. I wonder if the redesign hasn't attempted to fix something that wasn't broken (interior room), while leading to unforeseen problems.
Thanks for the offer but I'm all set. I brought the cs2 back to REI and got a cs1.
I think you'll be happier with the CS1. Besides the weight savings, the single vestibule of the CS1 will allow for greater flexibility in site selection. This isn't just conjecture. Finding a spot to pitch your tent can be a major PITA on some parts of the AT. I can remember multiple times where I barely shoehorned my CS1 into a site that would not have been possible for a CS2.
A consideration (for some of us) is to have a left hand zip sleeping bag to match the side entrance of the CS1. Quilt users can ignore.