2020 Update for Big Agnes
Since this article was originally written Big Agnes has come out with some additional tents that I want to be sure to include here. Like this one:
The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Ultralight Backpacking Tent
If you are looking for an excellent backpacking tent then this fly creek HV UL has what you’re looking for. This tent boasts a sleek and modern design.
One thing I like is the vertical door construction. It takes a little getting used to but the door creases along one of the poles. This allows the tent door to be secured along the side of the tent and really opens up the doorway.
One downside to this tent is that the footprint is sold separately.
This tent is a great option for solo or “tight quarters” with another camper. Perfect for hiking.
Some more features include:
- Ultra Light comfort
- Vertical door construction
- Reflective webbing on corners
- Taped seams
- 3 interior mesh pockets
- 11 superlight aluminum J stakes
Item Weight – 1 pound 15 ounces
Interior Dimensions – 7.1 x 3.5/2.5 (L x W head/foot) feet
Packed Dimensions – 4 x 19 inches
Orignal Article
Looking to discover what the best Big Agnes tents are?
I’ve found the top 5 and placed them inside this article so you can choose which one suits you the most.
Big Agnes tents are by no means cheap or low quality, because they are made for extreme weather conditions.
They are all durable, high quality and going to last a long time even with frequent use, and that’s what makes Big Agnes tents stand out from the crowd.
5 Big Agnes Tent Reviews
1. Big Agnes Copper Hotel HV UL2 Backpacking Tent
This tent has the features of the award-winning Copper Spur series tent.
The steep wall construction promotes better livability and more head room while staying lightweight.
This type of hub structure increases overall strength by up to 25% and interior volume by 20%
The Big Agnes Copper Hotel has changed the entire backpacking game for the simple reason that it’s extremely lightweight with lots of room to sleep and sit up in.
Some more features include:
- One large door
- Vestibule with storm flaps
- Quick Stash door keeper (stows away unzipped door)
- Dual zippers with smooth functionality
- Discrete seam design
- Easy grip zipper pullers
- Two-tone mesh walls
- Fast fly option
The discrete seam design of this tent creates an aesthetic and modern look you don’t see on any other tent.
Item Weight – 3.1 pounds
Interior Dimensions – 4.3 x 7.3 feet
Packed Dimensions – 4 x 19.5 inches
Get yours on Amazon.com
2. Big Agnes Fly Creek 1 Platinum Tent
This is another 3-season, freestanding, ultralight weight tent from Big Agnes.
It has eco-friendly DAC poles and an ultralight, silicone-treated nylon rip stop rain fly for ultimate performance.
Polyester mesh body offers excellent ventilation, panoramic views and stargazing opportunities.
It has 1 door, a vestibule for storing equipment and storm flaps over the zippers stop cold air coming inside.
It has no trouble battling strong winds or heavy rain and will keep you safe and dry when you’re counting on it the most.
Some more features include:
- Reflective guylines
- 3 interior mesh pockets
- Reflective webbing on corners
- Taped seams
Item Weight – 1.1 pounds
Interior Dimensions – 7.1 x 3.5/2.5 (L x W head/foot) feet
Packed Dimensions – 4 x 17 inches
Get your ultralight tent on Amazon
3. Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Package: Includes Tent and Footprint
The Blacktail 2 has been designed with ultimate purpose in mind.
It has 2 doors for easy entry and exit and 2 vestibules for ample storage when camping with others.
Storm flaps are added to the vestibule to eliminate cold breezes during the night and the Quick Stash feature holds the door open.
It has media pockets to route ear phones through from your phone or iPod, reflective guylines to stop trips happening and reflective webbing to see your tent at night.
Some more features include:
- Fully-taped seams
- Easy setup thanks to the symmetrical pole structure
- Panoramic views of surrounding areas with the rain fly removed
- Stargazing opportunities
- 4 storage pockets
- Footprint included
- Fast fly setup
Item Weight – 6 pounds
Interior Dimensions – 7.5 x 4.3/3.5 (L x W head/foot) feet
Packed Dimensions – 6 x 21 inches
Get your Blacktail 3 at Amazon
4. Big Agnes Big House 4 Person Camping Tent
The Big House tent has a steep wall construction so it doesn’t really feel like you’re inside a traditional tent and provides a great living space when you’re out camping with others.
It has 2 very large doors that can be left opened during the day for cross-flow ventilation and easy thoroughfare. The Quick Stash feature keeps them in a safe and secured manner.
2 mesh windows offer ventilation and outside views (or keep them closed for privacy).
The wall pockets are designed for iPads and the storm flaps stop cold air coming in.
Some more features include:
- Fully taped seams
- Stargaze viewing with the rain fly off
- Smooth opening doors
- Gear loft loops
- Color-coded webbing and buckles
- Reflective guylines and webbing
- 10 interior mesh pockets
Item Weight – 11.4 pounds
Interior Dimensions – 8 x 7.5 feet
Packed Dimensions – 6 x 15 x 27 inches
Get yours here
5. Big Agnes Tumble 1 Person mtnGLO Tent
My recommendation
The Tumble 1 is much more affordable than many other Big Agnes tents and has features not mentioned in the tents above.
It has 1, 2, and 3-person versions.
It features an mtoGLO lighting system which lights up the interior of the tent and produces an even distribution of glow to sit up and play cards, read a book or just hang out (has 3 total modes).
The lights are integrated into the seams and withstands years of use even with constant pitching and disassembling.
Some more features include:
- Lightweight considering the affordable price tag
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Vestibule for gear storage
- Tall center height
- Fast fly setup
Item Weight – 4.1 pounds
Interior Dimensions – 7.5 x 3.6/2.6 (L x W head/foot) feet
Packed Dimensions – 7 x 17 inches
Get your GLO tent on Amazon.com
Well that concludes this article.
My recommended Big Agnes tent is the Big Agnes Tumble 1 Person mtnGLO Tent since it’s more affordable than the others, has the lighting system and comes in 3 sizes.
It’s very waterproof, combats high winds with ease and lightweight enough to go backpacking with.
Thanks for reading this article and please leave all questions and concerns in the comments below!
Hi Brandon, fine post here. I personally like the Big Agnes Copper Hotel the best; it seems much more attractive for the livability and the space inside. Thanks for the post.
Yes Evan, that tent really does feel like home away from home with all the attractive features it provides and 20% increased height. Thanks for commenting.
Amazing how far tents have come, and I didn’t realize it! I like the idea behind the mtnGLO tent, and the fact that it comes is different sizes and is lightweight. However, there definitely seems to be something for everyone on this list.
Thank you David. Let me know if you need any help finding a tent.
Hey Brandon!
Thanks for the great research and comparison of these tents. This is a brand I wasn’t familiar with but after seeing some of their unique features I’m impressed. I wish my old tent had reflective guy lines…might not have had so many trips in the night! And built in lights for reading or playing cards is brilliant! Well done!
I’m expecting even more tents in the upcoming years to have these types of features so expect a wider selection to choose from my friend 😀
Hey good review, thanks for your research into these tents. I do a lot of camping and have had a number of tents. Actually looking for a 2nd tent soon, have a big one now want a smaller one. Really like the fly creek, but its a little pricey. Maybe ill check out the tumble instead! Still sounds like a good tent.
Awesome choices you have there Lance and whatever one you choose you can’t go wrong, because they are definitely high quality with good weatherproofing.
Hi Brandon, excellent article comparing the Big Agnes Tents. When I was younger with little kids we always used large Eureka tents for the family, assuredly because we could buy them cheap directly from Eureka because we lived in the same town as the company’s manufacturing facility. We bought rejects, which worked fine. As I got older and started backpacking with friends I moved to smaller, lighter one-man tents. I think the Agnes Tumble with the glow feature would have been a good choice. Next time I’m in the market for a new tent I will definitely consider it. I will now read some of your other articles. Great website.
That’s amazing Bob, and everyone seems to like the features that the Big Agnes Tumble offers and the fact that it’s visually appealing. I can’t wait to see you back here!
Wow, what great information. I have not camped for a very long time now. I wish the tents we had years ago were like the ones you described. can’t believe how light they are now. I especially like the Big Agnes Big House 4 Person Camping Tent. It looks so spacious. Thanks for all the information.
Have an awesome day!
I also love that tent due to the spacious interior and increased height, and I have no doubts you’ll love it too!
Why does it have to be so hard to find replacement plastic Y’s for the pole system? Even in the schematic drawings of Big Agnes tents the aren’t labeled with a descriptive name. I guess I’ll just use PVC glue to fix it.
Contact the manufacturers, they should be able to send you some for free.