Big Agnes mntGLO UL2 with Footprint
NOTE: This is the 2016 version of this tent. BA has since came out with a revised tent. I am sure that one is even better!
This small ultralight tent has been awesome. Coming in at 3 pounds 4 ounces packed weight, it was perfect for my kayak camping trips. Here are some specs....
Technical specs
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 2 lbs. 14 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 2 lbs. 3 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 3 lbs. 4 oz. |
| Packed Size | 5.5 x 17.5 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 90 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 29 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 9 + 9 square feet |
| Peak Height | 42 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Featherlite NSL |
| Pole Diameter | 8.7 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Nylon/polyester mesh |
| Floor Fabric | Ripstop nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | Ripstop nylon |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
Pros.
Very light
Packs down small
Easy to set up
Sturdy
Little to no condensation
Warm (using an insulated pad over an emergency blanket)
Great customer service
Cons.
Zippers catch in flaps easily ----Biggest Con
Does not come with a footprint
Air vent can only be operated from the outside
No overhead storage
If you are looking for a great backpacking tent you can not go wrong with a Copper Spur. I went with the two man and it gives me plenty of room to pack in some gear. I can bring my backpack right in with me.
With two vestibules, you have extra protection from the weather for your boots/shoes and anything else you do not want inside the tent.
Over the 4 years, I used this tent at the lake as well as my saltwater beach trips. It has held up in wind and rain. Even a heavy storm that pushed sand up on it. I have never had any condensation build up in it. That being said, I loaned it to my father once and he said he got some condensation.
The sewn in lights work great and use very little power from the provided pack. It has two settings and is perfect for seeing while settling info the night. I would like to see an overhead net for storage for the money as well as a footprint. Both of these can be purchased separately.
I would definitely recommend this tent to those needing a lightweight option. I would and may buy another. I look forward to bringing this along on my motorcycle trips as well!
Big Agnes Battle Mountain 2 With Footprint
I needed another tent so that I could loan out my Copper Spur. I went with the BM2 so I would have some variety to choose from when planning a trip. I have only used this tent once so a review is a bit premature. So far I can say this tent is AWESOME!
I took it to my Island trip in NC in the fall and it was warm and no condensation at all. I loved all of the storage nets built into the tent! It has them all over!
PROs
Very sturdy
Straight Forward setup
Openings at both ends
No Condensation
Excellent storage options
Well ventilated
CONs
Price
Footprint sold separate
Pegs did not hold as well in the sand as the ones with my Copper Spur.
I would have to say for the money, this tent is not for everyone. If it is in your budget, you will love it!. I can not emphasize enough how much storage this tent has! It is fairly easy to set up but it would be helpful if you did a practice run or two before taking it on a trip. If it is windy, you would benefit from having an additional helper. I felt like the footprint made things a little easier.
As stated in my "CONs" section, the pegs, for whatever reason did not want ot stay in the sand as well as others I have used. It could have just been the wind on the island. Once they were all in I had little to no issue. I did pick up some 12 inch sand stakes after this trip and I think that will make it easier.
I look forward to getting years of use out of this tent. Even though it is lightweight and packs small it is not quite as small as my Copper Spur. I will probably choose this tent over the CS if pack size is not an issue. The 2 man version I have is more spacious than the CS and the extra storage space is a game changer over the CS.
One last thing, The fly has a clear plastic window. It will be interesting to see how this holds up over time. Personally I feel that they could have left that off.
Here are the specs..
Technical specs
| Best Use | Mountaineering |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 4-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 6 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 4 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 7 lbs. 8 oz. |
| Packed Size | 9 x 20 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 84 x 54/58/36 (L x W head/middle/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 31 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 10 + 3.5 square feet |
| Peak Height | 42 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 3 |
| Pole Material | DAC NSL pole aluminum |
| Pole Diameter | 9.6/10.25 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Ripstop nylon/polyester mesh |
| Floor Fabric | Nylon taffeta |
| Rainfly Fabric | Dominico undyed polyester ripstop |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
Here are some size comparisons of the two tents. (Both are 2 man tents)
As a side note, I have no affiliation with Big Agnes and have not been paid to review these tents. I bought and paid for them myself and I just love them! You can not go wrong with Big Agnes!
