Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Review (By an Outdoor Guide!!)
April 18, 2024
I’ve owned the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 since 2017 and have used it extensively both backpacking, car camping, sea kayak guiding, and both as a solo tent and shared. From durability to packability, here is a through review of the BA Fly Creek UL 2.
Why this blog? Hi I’m Maddy and I’ve worked as an outdoor guide and writer since 2018! I work most summers as an overnight sea kayaking guide, and my longest trip was 70 days! All of my gear has been tested long term and in a variety of conditions.
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Fly Creek on my Grand Canyon backpacking trip in March 2024 🙂
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 Bottom Line Review:
Overall in seven years of owning the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2, I would give it a positive review and recommend it to any solo backpacker or wilderness traveller looking for a jack-of-all-trades ultralight tent to last a long time.
This tent is lightweight and super packable, holds up to the regular use and abuse of thru-hiking and/or overnight sea kayak guiding (salt damage was minimal for one full season, 30+ nights, not stored in dry bag). Holds up in wind, sleet, and snow with the right sleeping setup for the temperatures. Front vestibule space is great for cooking out of the elements or storing a backpacking bag.
Big Agnes Fly Creek Pros:
Lightweight, packable, extremely durable, unlikely to need replacement parts in first few years of use. Can comfortably fit two small adults in a pinch. Good vestibule space to store gear/cook in during weather.
Big Agnes Fly Creek Cons:
ot free-standing (tent stakes required, making it difficult (not impossible) to set up on sand or hard rock). Comfortably fits two people if both are smaller, but the shape makes it difficult to maneuver. Single exit in front of tent.
How long does Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 Last?
The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 has excellent longevity and is extremely resistant to wear and tear.
I had read in other reviews and heard anecdotally that the rain fly tears easily; that has not at all been my experience. This tent has been through three full seasons of overnight kayak guiding and change plus a number of all season backpacking trips, totaling 120+ nights of use throughout my outdoor career. I have had no tears in the rainfly or tent body, nor any other sign of wear and tear.
On this tents most recent trip, it stood up to 55 mph wind gusts in the Grand Canyon, only partially staked out (because I did not bring enough tent stakes).
The only sign of wear and tear on year seven is the bungee in the tent pole is a little bit weaker than it used to be and will likely need to be restrung at the end of this summer.
Fly Creek on a sea kayaking trip to Sucia Island, WA in the San Juan Islands
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 Weight:
The Fly Creek UL 2 weights in at 1lb 15 oz, making it lighter than the competitor Nemo Hornet 2p (at 2 lbs 1oz). The Nemo Hornet does, however have two doors and is free standing, making it more practical for a UL two-person tent for couples, especially if anyone is tall. The Fly Creek UL 2 ($400) comes in at almost $30 cheaper than the Nemo Hornet ($430).
The most expensive competitor two-person backpacking tent (MSR Hubba Hubba 2) comes in at 2 lbs 14 oz, similar in function to the Nemo Dragonfly.
Overall, the Fly Creek UL 2 is one of the lightest backpacking tents on the market. I like the UL 2 for one person, keeping it super light while adding a little extra space for a solo backpacker.
Note: most backpackers use a footprint with their tent to protect the bottom of the tent from tearing and keep water out. Personally, I honestly don’t bring a footprint unless I know it’s going to rain or the ground is especially wet. The bottom of the Fly Creek UL holds up fine on it’s own, and camping on sand, tent pads, or grass a footprint is often not really needed as long as you’re conscious of sharps on the ground.
How well does the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 hold up in Weather:
The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 holds up well in wind and heavy rain, so long as you take the care to completely stake out the tent. I’ve personally tested the tent in up to 55 mph winds with no issue, and in heavy rains.
Temperature wise the Fly Creek provides a significant amount of warmth with 2 people inside (almost too hot with 20 degree bags, two people, sleeting and well below thirty in the late night early morning). For a solo backpacker definitely err on the side of a warmer sleep system, especially if you chill easily.
I use either a 20 degree Nemo Disco or Enlightened Equipment 0 degree quilt paired with the Nemo Tensor UL for max comfort backpacking under 50 degrees at night.
left to right: hiking in the north cascades, shoulder season on the North Shore, backpacking AZ’s Havasu Falls Trail
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 for Backpacking:
The Fly Creek UL is pretty much the perfect tent for solo backpackers who are looking for a true tent setup without adding much weight. The Fly Creek UL2 is also good for two small backpackers to share, but shared with taller folks might be a tight squeeze.
I personally prefer the UL2 to the UL1 Fly Creek for backpacking and paddling; the extra tent space when guiding is really valuable to me for privacy and comfort.
new to backpacking? Check out this detailed guide to planning, packing, preventative first aid, and food for your first backpacking trip!
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 for Paddling Trips:
The Fly Creek UL 2 is my go-to for solo kayaking and guiding because of how well it has held up long term and weather resistance. The only downside is that the tent isn’t free standing. It makes up for that in saved space, and even though the tent is not freestanding I haven’t yet not figured out a way to make it stand via tying it off or rocks.
sea kayaking Desolation Sound, British Columbia
A good budget paddling alternative (and the tent I provide as a loaner tent on my trips) is the Kelty Late State line. The one person makes for a great guide or solo paddler tent; the four person makes for a great family paddling tent at a good price point.
Is Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 worth the price?
Overall, the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 is a excellent deal for the price point; using mine primarily while guiding, the tent has more than paid for itself over the course of the last seven years.
The Fly Creek UL2 is a good choice for anyone looking for an ultralight tent for 1-2 people at the best possible price point for longevity and long term use with no bells or whistles, and minimal weight.
Camping in March (left) and August (right) in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 cheaper alternatives:
The Fly Creek UL2 dollar per value is probably one of the best backpacking tents on the market, but if you’re looking for a budget friendly backpacking tents, here are some alternatives:
Kelty Late Start: a little heavier (4lbs, 5oz), simple design, weather resistant, good for the casual solo backpacker (1-3 trips a year, less than 5 days a trip). Minimal vestibule space. Cost: $159.95
REI Trailmade:heavier (5lbs, 7oz) double exit and free standing. Newer line and REI brand is sometimes noted for having tent polls snap. Personally I haven’t experienced it, but I’ve heard of it happening during set up. REI will however, replace your tent poles if it breaks, so it’s a fair gamble. Cost: $199.00
Marmot Tungsten 2:heavier (5lbs), double exit, free-standing, excellent vestibule space. I’ve heard really great reviews from folks who have brought this on my paddling trips. Cost: $249.00
Looking for more on backpacking? Check out…
- The best backpacking destinations in the Midwest
- A beginner’s guide to a 2-5 day backpacking trip
- Plan a bucket-list backpacking trip to Havasu Falls, AZ