This review delves into the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, a lightweight backpacking tent marketed for two people. Weighing in at a mere 2 pounds 8 ounces, it boasts a compact design utilizing eco-friendly materials. With a 28-square-foot floor area and 39 inches of headroom, the tent promises a comfortable solo experience. However, its semi-freestanding single-pole architecture and tapered footprint raise questions regarding its suitability for two occupants. The review examines the tent's setup, ventilation, storage options, and packability, comparing its performance against its advertised specifications and price point. Key considerations, including the need for a separately purchased footprint and the impact of the tent's dimensions on interior space, are explored.The analysis critically evaluates the trade-offs inherent in the Tiger Wall UL2's lightweight design. We assess whether its strengths in ventilation, ease of setup, and solo comfort outweigh its limitations in space, the necessity for staking, and its high price tag of $399. Ultimately, the review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment, helping potential buyers determine if this ultralight tent is the right choice for their backpacking adventures, considering both solo and two-person usage scenarios.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight
- Double-wall construction (less condensation)
- Good ventilation
- Intuitive and easy to set up
- Great interior storage
- Expensive
- Semi-freestanding (requires stakes)
- Tapered foot (less width at the bottom)
- Long packed length
Read more: 5 Best Family Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure
Specifications and First Impressions
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is marketed as a two-person tent, boasting a lightweight design and eco-friendly materials. Weighing in at 2 pounds 8 ounces, it features a 28-square-foot floor area and 39 inches of headroom. Its dimensions are 52 inches wide at the top, tapering down to 42 inches at the bottom and a length of 86 inches. Notably, it does not come with a footprint, requiring a separate purchase.
The tent's single-pole architecture makes it semi-freestanding, requiring staking at the bottom. While lightweight, this design might limit its flexibility compared to fully freestanding tents.
Performance and Features
The double-wall construction effectively minimizes condensation, aided by excellent ventilation. Setup is intuitive and straightforward. It also offers ample interior storage pockets on both the front and back, a handy feature for organization.
However, the semi-freestanding design is a drawback; you need to stake it at the bottom. The tapered footprint, 10 inches narrower at the bottom, limits interior space, especially if sharing with another person or using larger sleeping pads.
Packaging and Considerations
The tent packs down into a relatively long stuff sack, which might necessitate vertical packing in your backpack. The reviewer used a Nemo Tensor 25L insulated sleeping pad and found sufficient room, although using two 20-inch pads instead of one 25-inch pad would be necessary for two people.
The high price point of $399 is a significant factor. The reviewer mentions using a Six Moon Designs footprint which fits adequately though it's not a perfect match.
Final Verdict
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is a lightweight and well-ventilated tent, suitable for solo backpacking trips. Its double-wall construction and intuitive setup are significant advantages. However, the high price, semi-freestanding design, and tapered foot print limit its appeal for two-person use or those prioritizing space.
Weighing the pros and cons, the tent's lightweight nature and excellent ventilation make it a solid choice for solo adventurers willing to pay a premium for such features. However, couples or those needing more interior space should consider other options.