Earlier this year, Big Agnes called me with a desire to create their release promos for a new bikepacking tent, but, if you know anything about Big Agnes, they don’t like fake. So, the plan was to meet in Phoenix/Scottsdale for the Queen’s Ransom bikepacking loop.
Quick note: by no way is this a sponsored post, Big Agnes doesn’t even know this article is being written.
The crew didn’t have enough time to complete the full route, but we had three days. Which was enough to hit the trail, test the tents, and shoot the required photo & video assets for the launch of this new tent.
So, let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
The Good:
Fits on your handle bars and/or front fork
Second generation of this style, with several upgrades, including the bag with integrated straps for easy attachment
Large vestibule, easy to cook and store gear
The ability to use my bike as a stake, adds a bit of safety knowing I’ll wake up if somebody is trying to grab my bike
Daisy chains for my stinky clothing to dry
The Bad:
I want more pockets. There are already enough pockets, but I’m a pocket guy in a tent, especially if I am sharing a tent
The Indifferent:
The colors. Overall, I’m used to Big Agnes having tents that pop and these tents are more stealth. The crew loved the color, but I was indifferent
My Actual Thoughts:
Who Is The Big Agnes Bikepacking Tent For?
The first question that came to mind when I grabbed this tent was, “Do I really need a separate tent for bikepacking since I already have three other tents?”
Honestly, no.
Why?
I only bikepack one, maybe two times a year so dropping $500-something on a fourth tent for two long weekends a year isn’t worth it to me. However, if I were to go on a long bikepacking trip, say a 30-60 day trip again — I cycled around New Zealand, partway across the US, and a few other longer trips — I would invest in a this tent. Having a tent made for a bike just makes sense.
Knowing this tent exists, when I plan that next big trip, which is brewing in the back of my mind, I would get this tent. Most likely the Tiger Wall UL2.
If you are buying this tent, bikepacking is you main activity or you’re headed out on a longer trip.
Will The Tent Hold Up?
After three days in the desert, I can’t fully answer this question. With that said, every Big Agnes tent I have owned, which I think is roughly 10 or 11 at this point, has lasted several seasons of wear and tear, crazy storms, and harsh ground that would tear most tent bottoms (I’m not a fan of ground traps unless I am cowboy camping).
Also, Big Agnes has a great warranty/repair program, so if something does happen, they got your back.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for a tent and love bikepacking, this should be at the top of your list. Very few competitors come close to the comfort this tent provides. Sure there are a few lighter tents on the market, but you will sacrifice comforts like bug net, vestibule, daisy chains to air your gear, etc. While those seem like little things that don’t matter, trust me they make a world of difference!
Bugs suck, it’s nice to escape them and get a good night sleep.
Vestibules are critical for storing gear when it rains as well as cooking in non-ideal weather
Daisy chains… just think about putting on wet gear, from your sweat the day before, that has sat in a bundle in the corner of your tent. Rash-city-baby!