Thank you. I wonder if there are discrepancies in the production, but we also enjoyed the pads on the Trans-Catalina Trail in the mid40s as well. We pack along our trusty Tiger Wall UL3 Tent when roughing it in the backcountry for days on end. We ended up buying a SD Sweet Suite 2. It has very delicate material and must be treated with a light touch. While the corners of the foot end still need to be staked out for maximum livability, setting up a tent like this is very easy since it wont fall over before you can get your tent stakes in. I wrote a preview of the Tiger Wall UL as part of my Outdoor Retailer coverage in January, and used a production version in Utahs Grand Gulch in April on a trip with my wife Amanda. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. The stingy tie-outs and small entryway also fall into this topic, but theyve been mentioned elsewhere. I had almost 10 of extra headspace at the highest point. The Packed Weight is closest to what the UL2 and UL3 will weigh on an actual trip when pitched in its default configuration (fly + inner, stock pole set, no footprint). Ive liked the Sierra Designs Divine Light series so far but they are equally fiddly to get right. Your email address will not be published. They are roomier (in peak height, and width at the floor and shoulders) and use heavier-duty fabrics (20d and 30d for the fly and floor, respectively), but notably heavier, by about a pound. Thanks for the great review. Andrew, thanks for another in-depth product review. more/less? Something went wrong. Excellent headroom. But we agreed that we would not want to share it with another adult,especially in inclement weather, and especially for a weight penalty of only 4 oz. REI has been the exclusive distributor so far, but more retailers will have it starting next month. The inner tent has an abundant amount of insect-proof mesh which provides great airflow, with solid panels for added privacy. The SS2 is $30 less than the TWUL2, but the SS3 is $10 more than the TWUL3. Dont forget.always stuff your tents rather than trying to fold them. Any experience with that brand?The cost seems reasonable and I have adopted hiking poles so it seems a logical option. If you have the accessory footprint, itd be possible (but awkward) to pitch the fly first, like in the event it were raining. Plus, the wife didnt like the pee yellow color. I plan on adding guylines at the center head end of the fly, the vestibules, and the foot corners. The Tiger Wall UL3 Tent is the lightest Big Agnes, three-person, backpacking tent to still have two doors and two vestibules, both of which really come in handy when it's raining or if we don't want to be disturbed when someone has to go out in the middle of the night. The side doors have two zippers each, which means you can crack open the top of the fly doors along the top (like a transom) if you want more airflow inside the tent while keeping the bottom half of the door closed for more privacy or warmth. This can result in some moisture transfer from the rainfly to the foot-end of the inner tent after some rain, since the inner tent and fly hook into the same tent stake. The Seasons Best Gear, Apparel, & Footwear. I hope that it will let me camp in off-trail locations where a tent would not work. The zippers have a rain flap covering them, which helps prevent rain from dripping into the tent when the doors are cracked open. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aaa655de7d9c1e1e59ac1b853036e632" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. Please check your entries and try again. Both look to be around 4lbs and have a bit heavier fabrics which seemed like a reasonable compromise of weight and durability. There are very few lightweight three-person tents that come close to the Tiger Wall UL3 in weight and price. Backcountry Advocate ProgramBreaking Trail, Durable, lightweight backpacking tent for a trekking trio, Structured foot-end corners provides more usable space, 2lb 10oz trail weight for ultralight backpacking adventures, Single-pole design and TipLok Tent Buckle for less frustrating setup, Reflective guylines and color-coded webbing for easy low-light setup, Double zippers on vestibule doors allow for venting, 3D mezzanine bin at foot provides elevated storage, 2 interior mesh pockets and 1 large mesh pocket with cord ports. The doors have two zippers that make getting in and out or handing items through the doors without having to open them up entirely, which you want to avoid when mosquitos are about. In addition, availability is currently limited. I strive to offer field-tested and trustworthy information, insights, and advice. If you are dividing with a partner, then you can easily keep the metal parts separate. In spite of your advice I bought a tiger wall ul3 to use as a 2p tent (I dont always use poles, my backpacking buddies usually have less experience than me and its an easy tent for them to set up, I found it for $300, etc). Hi Andrew, The width of the floor at the head end is 66 and the width at the foot is 60. Andrew, I noted that in the cottage industry section, you didnt mention Gossamer Gears The Two as a competitive option. Thanks for subscribing! The rainfly simply drapes over the dome-shaped pole structure, so air can circulate between the inner and outer tent. Ive been hearing complaints about their warmth. I once lost a Tyvek footprint in the Sierras when we were day hiking. If you pick a wet campsite on a cold night and if your shelter doesnt allow for airflow when its raining, youre going to end up with condensation inside your shelter regardless of its construction. The poles on the TW UL3 weigh 15 oz. Not getting any younger. As you would expect of a semi-freestanding tent, the Tiger Wall UL has a nearly foolproof pitch that is convenient and fast. A 3-person version of the Hornet is not available. A lot of people just dont use trekking poles. Me for instance, Ive never used trekking poles. Im default to yours, since it makes more sense BA specs the HH at 1200 for the fly and floor, and youd expect to see a higher HH if they were using 20d on one of them. Weighs less than 2.5 or 3.0 pounds for fly, inner, poles, stakes, and stuff sacks; Features two side-entry doors and two vestibules; Costs $400 or $450, or less if you can wait for a major holiday sale; Has a double-wall construction, with the ability to use the fly, inner, and footprintindependently or together as a system; Includes a dedicated pole set, perhaps because you dont use trekking poles; Can be inspected first-hand prior to purchase, and returned painlessly if you change your mind; and/or. Big Agnes sells a Tiger Wall UL3 footprint, but I use a much less expensive piece of Tyvek. The Tiger Wall poles are DAC Featherlite aluminum with a shock-corded hub at the tents head end. Normally, equipment like shelters, packs, and sleeping bags on a 2-year cycle its just too expensive to update them every season, especially since there is no compelling need for it. A Tiger Wall 3 would probably work about as well for us. The poles go into 2 grommets at the head end and 1 at the foot. So the Tiger Wall (or at least its poleset) must be carried vertically. Wanda Rice February 3, 2022 Tent-Reviews, Ultralight Backpacking Gear Reviews. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. The biggest difference is in weight and cost. 2. The UL2 is 52 inches wide at the head, 42 inches at the foot; the UL3, 66 inches at the head, 60 inches at the foot. Four other locations need to be tied down, however: the two rear corners, and the two vestibules. Are you saying that the tent is heavy or light? Basically carrying poles just for the tent that actually weigh more than the dedicated pole set of the Tiger Wall. The Tiger Wall has 2 side vestibules that provide plenty of room for external but covered gear storage. The Tiger Wall UL3 has a hub pole design that makes it super easy to set up and provides near-vertical sidewalls with ample head and foot room. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". Yes, BA lists the Fast Fly weight as 2lbs 2oz. The side walls are near vertical, which allows all occupants to sit up comfortably without needing to lean towards the center as required in fin-style geometries like the Fly Creek and Nemo Hornet. All Rights Reserved. I find freestanding tents fiddly to pitch in wind/rain. But if I were looking for a shelter thats appropriate for a thru-hike or that offers hardcore performance, Id keep looking. There are very few lightweight three-person tents that come close to the Tiger Wall UL3 in weight and price. SectionHiker also recommends window insulation wrap for this purpose, which is even lighter weight but less durable. It is easiest to pitch the inner first, and then the fly. Hi Andrew, Does the advice of never folding tents but rather stuffing them apply to dyneema tents. She thought it was comfortable and secure, appreciated having her own door and interior pockets, and was able to pitch it without knowing any knots or reading the instructions. The pole set creates acceptable tension at three points: the two front corners, and the rear center. I dont know about 3 adults. Do what Tarptent says. The mesh body seemed too thin for us, having to unzip two zippers to get out seemed a bad design and thought the foot area pole dropped too quickly, losing what could of been usable head area with a simple notch. I plan to replace the fixed-length guylines on the rainfly with longer cord and line loc adjusters to create a bigger gap between the inner tent and fly to prevent moisture transfer while making it easier to find good stakeout points. To achieve its low weight, Big Agnes usedthin fabrics and light-duty #3 zippers, provided the bare minimum of interior floor space, and was stingy on guyline tensioners and door openings. All Rights Reserved. While the Tiger Wall UL3 is a solid poor weather performer in my experience, it not as strong or durable as heavier tents made with thicker fabrics, bulkier zippers, or additional tent poles. In the Tiger Wall, BA used 15d coated nylon for the fly and 20d coated nylon for the floor, both rated to 1200 mm hydrostatic head. I seldom use the stuff sacks that come with my tents. 3. 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. Would you have opinions and a list of competitors based on simplicity rather than light weight? lighter, less expensive, or higher performance) than the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3, you need to look at the cottage industry and to move away from semi-freestanding double-wall tents. The newsletter is sent once per month, max, and normally contains informative reviews and skill tutorials. Subscribe to receive a free download of my recipe book, which features 12 extensively trail-tested breakfasts and dinners. Tents like the Tigerwall and Hornet seem to be all that is light and functional in those situations. using heavier fabrics and #5 zippers, increasing its dimensions, etc)? The TIger Wall will meet the needs for many couples, it just wasnt for us. Disclosure: The author purchased this tent with her own funds. Love mine! Put in my pack and dont even know its there. I would much prefer Y-shaped stakes like this one: Lets quickly compare the Tiger Wall UL to tents from BA and other wholesale manufacturers. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "andrskur-20";
As long as you understand the need to use and maintain the tent with due care, youll find that the Tiger Wall UL3 provides an impressive amount of luxury and convenience in a small and light package. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. The footprint has stake loops and is far more likely to stay in place if youre out of the tent and a wind comes up. If you camp frequently in southern Utah or other environments with extremely fine sand, Id probably look for a different shelter. The Sierra Designs Sweet Suite 2 and Sweet Suite 3are also new for spring 2018. Its heavier than the TW but the mesh body seems much more durable and the pole design gives a roomier feel. If I were always doing casual couples trips, spending $400/$450 could be justified. A mid design seems nice on the face of it but lacks niceties like a gear porch that are really useful with kids. I doubt there are any changes to the Tiger Wall 2/3 for 2019, and havent heard of any. Best, Dylan, Id definitely replace the stock guyline with my guyline system, https://andrewskurka.com/2016/guyline-tension-system-backpacking-tents-tarps-hammocks/. Your email address will not be published. Review: ZOLEO Satellite Communicator || Seamless messaging, Preview: Ultimate Direction Deluge || Waterproof/NON-breathable jacket & pants. A shorter pole set that could be oriented horizontally would be preferred, if the weight trade-off was not significant. To find something better (i.e. The user-friendliness of the double doors is partially compromised by the door size on the Tiger Walls fly. Ive been thinking a lot about the Tiger Wall since I wrote the review, and pondering the question, Why would anyone actually buy this thing? As I said in the review, Id buy it because its a perfect couples trip tent plenty of room for two (in the 3P version), and simple as heck to set up. The cross pole connects to the tent body above the doors and helps to create vertical sidewalls. Ive used Tarptent before (the ProTrail iirc) and it was extremely annoying needing to choose between breaking down camp every day and leaving a pole behind for my hike. However, its almost too easy unlike a perfectly pitched tarp or mid, it provides no sense of satisfaction. This means you can just squeeze in three regular (20) mummy-shaped sleeping mats, but three wider (25) mats wont fit. However, the rainfly is made with a very thin 15 denier fabric that can get caught in the zipper if youre not careful to support it with two hands when opening or closing it. Included: tent pole repair sleeve, extra guyline, stakes, stuff sack & bags for poles, and 8 stakes. I live in Northern Colorado, most trips will be above 6,000 feet in Colorado, Wyoming or Colorado Plateau. Normally I just squash the tent body and fly into the bottom of my pack so that it takes up the space better than a round tent bag. But this is not a practical weight, sincesince its performance is greatly diminished if the rear corners and vestibules are not tensioned. Im not likely to spend more that 20 days/nites a year in a tent. Things for me to consider: In a extremely heavy volume wet snowstorm at 12,200 a few weeks ago, I put up the fly of my Tiger Wall 2P without the body, using the footprint to hold the pole ends. My writings on backpacking gear, supplies, and skills, and sometimes about running, hunting, and life events. Please check your email for further instructions. That said, I very nearly pulled the trigger on a tarptent and Im inspired by the modularity of those designs. At 2 lbs 10 oz, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is a great tent for a weight-conscious pair of backpackers. Im looking for a good 3 person option for myself and 2 children (6 and 10), I have been afraid to invest in a UL tent because I can see it getting destroyed by my kids. In marketing material, the Tiger Walls Trail weight will often be referenced. In addition, the ZPacks shelters are single-wall, not modular; so the fly and inner cannot be used independently. Free Shipping and Returns. You can also subscribe without commenting. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Learn to research conditions, select gear, plan meals, make maps, and more. Its possible the ZPacks or ML tents could be viable options for me. I read your other post on the new Carbon models for 2019. There are also side pockets at the head end for storing personal items, a loft-style media pocket, along with gear loops for hanging items overhead. The dedicated poles make BA tents more user-friendly, but end up being a big handicap. The crossover roof pole helps to maximize the interior volume potential of the footprint. Small and light weight. I love my Tiger Wall UL3 for many of the same reasons. And it allows for cross-ventilation, which helps to minimize condensation in humid conditions and to improve comfort in warm temperatures. The only downside is that the interior can get wet if its raining when you erect the inner tent, but carrying a small trail towel is sufficient to mop up any rain that gets through. However, they are9 to 15 oz heavier and $50 more, which seems like big penalty for one marginal benefit, the Copper Spurs free-standing design. It wasnt until we hit the 30s on San Jacinto that the cold became a problem. Do you know if BA will be releasing an update to the Tiger Wall UL2/3 for 2019, and what the changes would be? Id love to hear your thoughts, especially WRT how to get the footbox floor, mesh, and fly all tensioned and spaced properly without running 3 lines off each corner. High route guides, a free food e-book, and signed copies ofThe Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide. The Copper Spur Platinum series is more weight-competitive with the Tiger Wall, but has a $200 or $250 premium. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
It does work, but even on that basis the footprint had quite a bit of slush before the fly could be completely staked out. However, you would need to either buy their ground cloth or fabricate something on your own that could hold the poles down and in place. The side walls are vertical which helps improve the available space inside. Im not sure any tent wouldnt have a problem, other than my single wall mountaineering tent. Id prefer to spend the money now on something that works well and will last all 5 months rather than replace half way through, but I also dont want to spend upwards of $500 on a tent, or carry more oz than necessary. The Tiger Wall UL 3 is a double-wall semi-freestanding tent with an inner mesh tent that is suspended from a three-pronged overhead dome-shaped pole-structure. The rear corners and vestibules must be tensioned to maximize interior volume, vestibule volume, and weather-resistance. The MSR Freelite 2 and Freelite 3 share a similar architecture asthe Tiger Wall UL2 and UL3 both are semi-freestanding with three points, have dual side-entry doors and the crossover roof pole. I find this perfect for one person, and it can be squeezed into a smaller space between trees, roots, and rocks. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
I have no financial affiliations with or interests in any brands or products, and I do not publish sponsored content. What is your perspective on that? I have other 3 man tents which seem to be much larger, but much heavier. I am solo thru-hiking the PCT sobo this year (leaving in 3 weeks) and the salesperson at REI encouraged me to buy the Tiger Wall UL2. I do not carry trekking poles and like Griffin view that as not a weight savings. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. if Tarptent or MLD shelters were always failing, wed have heard it by now. The Zpacks Duplex and Triplexare substantially lighter and stronger, because they are made with DCF/Cuben. The Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid + InnerNet is lighter (28 oz equivalent trail weight), stronger (30d sil-nylon), and more storm-resistant. Ive also considered adding a clip onto the the middle of the door to hold it closed in case I want the bottom open for ventilation. If you shop around, youll find very few three-person tents that are designed for backpacking and not car camping or that weigh substantially more. I think there is a typo in here somewhere. Grab a buddy or your honey and split it between you. Then bring some Ti skewer stakes for non-critical tie-outs. This is my go-to shelter when I am backpacking with my kids (ages 5 through 11). But itll cost you: the 22-oz Duplex sells for $200 more than the Tiger Wall UL2; the Triplex, $250 more than the UL3. You each get enough space so that your cohabitant is not snoring right in your face and you dont have to share your vestibule. There are also hook and loop straps to help line up the fly on the poles properly and lock down the structure if its windy. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. I dont necessarily agree with all their decisions and I detest the rationale (to win the spec war, which sadly is a big driver for the sales of tents and other outdoor gear),but I can at least admire the effort. I forgot to close the zipper one rainy night and no rain dripped inside and they work well. J stakes from DAC are strong and light, but I dont care for them. In general, the Tiger Wall will be easier to use and lighter, while the Tarptents will be more durable and less expensive. Disclosure. 1. BA struggles to compete with the cottage brands on performance-to-weight because its choosing to design tents with dedicated pole sets. If an occupant has a wider 25-inch pad, the Tiger Wall will only fit one or two people. Thanks for the article and the all around great site. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. Shelters from both brands are more fussy, and you cant return them or check them out in a store. I carry trekking poles, but I like to be able to leave base camp standing (particularly if it might rain) when I go on day hikesand I need to bring my trekking poles along on those hikes. Sierra Designs switched to this style last year, too. How did you end up liking those BA AXL pads? There are many places in the Northeast where good tent campsites are few and far between. However, I spent 2 weeks camping north of Seattle (in one location) with this tent and I didnt like it, although I wasnt able to figure out exactly why until I read your review here and things became clearer. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. The Nemo Blaze 2P is 1 oz lighter than the Tiger Wall UL2. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
We both got in, checked it out and immeaditely didnt like some of its features, some of which you also mentioned in your write up. As a frequent lightweight backpacker, Im used to dealing with lighter weight fabrics, but my husband isnt and managed to snag the zippers repeatedly. Another 12 inches of zipper (at the cost of about 2 oz) would help here. A little experience with the brand, but none that isnt several years old. Extra 20% Off Select Backcountry Exclusives .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop This Deal, Our All Around Duffel, Now In More Colors Shop Packs & Travel, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. The lightweight mesh inner tent provides excellent ventilation while the rainfly has dual zippers and rain flaps on the doors so you can still ventilate the tent even when it rains. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Also many of the places I camp are above timberline. Itsavailable in two sizes: With its semi-freestanding pitch, crossover roof pole, and two-door/two-vestibule configuration, the Tiger Wall UL sits functionally between BAs popular Fly Creek and Copper Spur models, andcompetes most directly with the MSR FreeLite, Nemo Blaze, Nemo Hornet, and Sierra Designs Sweet Suite. What are your thoughts. Without question, I would prefer the two-door/two-vestibule configuration of the Tiger Wall. It is in a class of its own. The larger Tiger Wall UL 3 is still well under 3 lbs in weight, which is pretty incredible for a three-person backpacking tent. My body was cold everywhere it was in contact with the sleeping pad. 4. Im not sure how easy it would be to set up under the fly in the rain. With three 20-inch pads inside the UL3, there is even less leftover space 0 to 3 inches on each side. The stock stuff sack for the Tiger Wall is a conventional tube. Cottage manufacturers can make money on small product volumes, but Big Agnes probably cant. 2022 Andrew Skurka. At 2 lbs 10 oz, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is a great tent for a weight-conscious pair of backpackers. What consumer-level mods would you make if you knew youd be getting some mileage out of this tent? Stakes. Realistic number of uses for Tiger Wall: 100? Excellent weight. Its more difficult to claim that one shelter is best here, because they cater to different types of users. Grab a buddy or your honey and split it between you. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
The compressed length of the pole set is 19 inches, which is longer than the width of nearly all backpacks. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. We specialize in modern backpacking gear and skills, long-distance thru-hiking, mountain high routes, and off-trail travel. My specific concerns: The weight of a tent is largely a function of its fabrics. The fly goes over the poles and clips to the body at the pole points where webbing can be tightened with ladder lock clips. I got this tent with the intention of using it for 2 people, and it works great for that. But the Tiger Wall UL is not without compromise. My husband and I have been using a Copper Spur UL3 (yes, 3, not 2) as our primary couples tent for years. The Nemo Hornet 2P is 3 oz lighter than the Tiger Wall UL2 and $30 less expensive. For solo trips, we use a Big Agnes Fly Creek 2. I recently purchased a Double Rainbow Lithium and the packaging recommends folding loosely into pack rather than stuffing it in the pack?? The larger Tiger Wall UL 3 is still well under 3 lbs in weight, which is pretty incredible for a three-person backpacking tent. And one way that BA achieves very low weights is by using very lightweight fabrics. A child or small dog would be okay, although Id have to protect the floor from sharp paws. Plus, even with the fly on, the vestibules' Low Vent system maintains proper airflow so no one has to feel clammy while staying sheltered from the rain. The Fly Creek HV UL2 is 3 oz lighter and $50 less, buthas only one front-entry door and a fin-shaped architecture that is less roomy. I think the market for relaxed couples-trip gear is much larger than the market for gear aimed primarily at thru-hikers or expedition trips. BA uses the same fabrics in their Fly Creek, and they are serviceable for multiple seasons or a long thru-hike. Required fields are marked *. I have found top-loading stuff sacks like the MSR Tent Compression Sack to be much more user-friendly. So for me to get a trekking pole tent, its. No tension system is included, which helps to keep spec weight low but which compromises its functionality. Tarptent has a few models that are competitive with the Tiger Wall, notably the Bowfin, Double Rainbow, and Saddle 2. Thanks the detailed review, love your site, such a great resource. There is a cross piece that is also attached to the pole system with a swivel. Instead, it tries to do more while keeping in check its weight and price, and remaining very easy to use. For very extensive use, I would at least plan on buying the accessory footprint, and I probably would look for something less delicate. It has loads of space, and only weighs a little over 2 lbs per person. All for less than three pounds all-in, including stakes and polycryo footprint. The short lines also leave little flexibility when trying to find a place where you can stick a stake in easily and solidly. A circumnavigation of the remote upper headwaters of the Tuolumne, The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide (Second Edition): Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail, Review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 & UL3 || A couples trip tent, Free download: My 12 go-to breakfasts & dinners, https://andrewskurka.com/2016/guyline-tension-system-backpacking-tents-tarps-hammocks/. I could easily be convinced to incur some fuss or learn some knots in exchange for carrying a half- or full-pound less of shelter, but a lot of other backpackers apparently dont feel that way. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
The reason I ask is that I plan to get UL3 sometime this year, and Im wondering whether I should hold off, or grab the 2018 version, Im in no rush. That is a LOT of weight that could be invested elsewhere, like in more durable fabric and in larger panels that negate the inherent geometric inefficiency of trekking pole-supported shelters (e.g. At best, 2.3 oz can be shed: take four stakes (-1.4 oz) for just the vestibules and rear corners, andleave behind the two largest stuff sacks (-0.9 oz).
As long as you understand the need to use and maintain the tent with due care, youll find that the Tiger Wall UL3 provides an impressive amount of luxury and convenience in a small and light package. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. The footprint has stake loops and is far more likely to stay in place if youre out of the tent and a wind comes up. If you camp frequently in southern Utah or other environments with extremely fine sand, Id probably look for a different shelter. The Sierra Designs Sweet Suite 2 and Sweet Suite 3are also new for spring 2018. Its heavier than the TW but the mesh body seems much more durable and the pole design gives a roomier feel. If I were always doing casual couples trips, spending $400/$450 could be justified. A mid design seems nice on the face of it but lacks niceties like a gear porch that are really useful with kids. I doubt there are any changes to the Tiger Wall 2/3 for 2019, and havent heard of any. Best, Dylan, Id definitely replace the stock guyline with my guyline system, https://andrewskurka.com/2016/guyline-tension-system-backpacking-tents-tarps-hammocks/. Your email address will not be published. Review: ZOLEO Satellite Communicator || Seamless messaging, Preview: Ultimate Direction Deluge || Waterproof/NON-breathable jacket & pants. A shorter pole set that could be oriented horizontally would be preferred, if the weight trade-off was not significant. To find something better (i.e. The user-friendliness of the double doors is partially compromised by the door size on the Tiger Walls fly. Ive been thinking a lot about the Tiger Wall since I wrote the review, and pondering the question, Why would anyone actually buy this thing? As I said in the review, Id buy it because its a perfect couples trip tent plenty of room for two (in the 3P version), and simple as heck to set up. The cross pole connects to the tent body above the doors and helps to create vertical sidewalls. Ive used Tarptent before (the ProTrail iirc) and it was extremely annoying needing to choose between breaking down camp every day and leaving a pole behind for my hike. However, its almost too easy unlike a perfectly pitched tarp or mid, it provides no sense of satisfaction. This means you can just squeeze in three regular (20) mummy-shaped sleeping mats, but three wider (25) mats wont fit. However, the rainfly is made with a very thin 15 denier fabric that can get caught in the zipper if youre not careful to support it with two hands when opening or closing it. Included: tent pole repair sleeve, extra guyline, stakes, stuff sack & bags for poles, and 8 stakes. I live in Northern Colorado, most trips will be above 6,000 feet in Colorado, Wyoming or Colorado Plateau. Normally I just squash the tent body and fly into the bottom of my pack so that it takes up the space better than a round tent bag. But this is not a practical weight, sincesince its performance is greatly diminished if the rear corners and vestibules are not tensioned. Im not likely to spend more that 20 days/nites a year in a tent. Things for me to consider: In a extremely heavy volume wet snowstorm at 12,200 a few weeks ago, I put up the fly of my Tiger Wall 2P without the body, using the footprint to hold the pole ends. My writings on backpacking gear, supplies, and skills, and sometimes about running, hunting, and life events. Please check your email for further instructions. That said, I very nearly pulled the trigger on a tarptent and Im inspired by the modularity of those designs. At 2 lbs 10 oz, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is a great tent for a weight-conscious pair of backpackers. Im looking for a good 3 person option for myself and 2 children (6 and 10), I have been afraid to invest in a UL tent because I can see it getting destroyed by my kids. In marketing material, the Tiger Walls Trail weight will often be referenced. In addition, the ZPacks shelters are single-wall, not modular; so the fly and inner cannot be used independently. Free Shipping and Returns. You can also subscribe without commenting. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Learn to research conditions, select gear, plan meals, make maps, and more. Its possible the ZPacks or ML tents could be viable options for me. I read your other post on the new Carbon models for 2019. There are also side pockets at the head end for storing personal items, a loft-style media pocket, along with gear loops for hanging items overhead. The dedicated poles make BA tents more user-friendly, but end up being a big handicap. The crossover roof pole helps to maximize the interior volume potential of the footprint. Small and light weight. I love my Tiger Wall UL3 for many of the same reasons. And it allows for cross-ventilation, which helps to minimize condensation in humid conditions and to improve comfort in warm temperatures. The only downside is that the interior can get wet if its raining when you erect the inner tent, but carrying a small trail towel is sufficient to mop up any rain that gets through. However, they are9 to 15 oz heavier and $50 more, which seems like big penalty for one marginal benefit, the Copper Spurs free-standing design. It wasnt until we hit the 30s on San Jacinto that the cold became a problem. Do you know if BA will be releasing an update to the Tiger Wall UL2/3 for 2019, and what the changes would be? Id love to hear your thoughts, especially WRT how to get the footbox floor, mesh, and fly all tensioned and spaced properly without running 3 lines off each corner. High route guides, a free food e-book, and signed copies ofThe Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide. The Copper Spur Platinum series is more weight-competitive with the Tiger Wall, but has a $200 or $250 premium. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
It does work, but even on that basis the footprint had quite a bit of slush before the fly could be completely staked out. However, you would need to either buy their ground cloth or fabricate something on your own that could hold the poles down and in place. The side walls are vertical which helps improve the available space inside. Im not sure any tent wouldnt have a problem, other than my single wall mountaineering tent. Id prefer to spend the money now on something that works well and will last all 5 months rather than replace half way through, but I also dont want to spend upwards of $500 on a tent, or carry more oz than necessary. The Tiger Wall UL 3 is a double-wall semi-freestanding tent with an inner mesh tent that is suspended from a three-pronged overhead dome-shaped pole-structure. The rear corners and vestibules must be tensioned to maximize interior volume, vestibule volume, and weather-resistance. The MSR Freelite 2 and Freelite 3 share a similar architecture asthe Tiger Wall UL2 and UL3 both are semi-freestanding with three points, have dual side-entry doors and the crossover roof pole. I find this perfect for one person, and it can be squeezed into a smaller space between trees, roots, and rocks. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";
I have no financial affiliations with or interests in any brands or products, and I do not publish sponsored content. What is your perspective on that? I have other 3 man tents which seem to be much larger, but much heavier. I am solo thru-hiking the PCT sobo this year (leaving in 3 weeks) and the salesperson at REI encouraged me to buy the Tiger Wall UL2. I do not carry trekking poles and like Griffin view that as not a weight savings. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. if Tarptent or MLD shelters were always failing, wed have heard it by now. The Zpacks Duplex and Triplexare substantially lighter and stronger, because they are made with DCF/Cuben. The Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid + InnerNet is lighter (28 oz equivalent trail weight), stronger (30d sil-nylon), and more storm-resistant. Ive also considered adding a clip onto the the middle of the door to hold it closed in case I want the bottom open for ventilation. If you shop around, youll find very few three-person tents that are designed for backpacking and not car camping or that weigh substantially more. I think there is a typo in here somewhere. Grab a buddy or your honey and split it between you. Then bring some Ti skewer stakes for non-critical tie-outs. This is my go-to shelter when I am backpacking with my kids (ages 5 through 11). But itll cost you: the 22-oz Duplex sells for $200 more than the Tiger Wall UL2; the Triplex, $250 more than the UL3. You each get enough space so that your cohabitant is not snoring right in your face and you dont have to share your vestibule. There are also hook and loop straps to help line up the fly on the poles properly and lock down the structure if its windy. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. I dont necessarily agree with all their decisions and I detest the rationale (to win the spec war, which sadly is a big driver for the sales of tents and other outdoor gear),but I can at least admire the effort. I forgot to close the zipper one rainy night and no rain dripped inside and they work well. J stakes from DAC are strong and light, but I dont care for them. In general, the Tiger Wall will be easier to use and lighter, while the Tarptents will be more durable and less expensive. Disclosure. 1. BA struggles to compete with the cottage brands on performance-to-weight because its choosing to design tents with dedicated pole sets. If an occupant has a wider 25-inch pad, the Tiger Wall will only fit one or two people. Thanks for the article and the all around great site. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. Shelters from both brands are more fussy, and you cant return them or check them out in a store. I carry trekking poles, but I like to be able to leave base camp standing (particularly if it might rain) when I go on day hikesand I need to bring my trekking poles along on those hikes. Sierra Designs switched to this style last year, too. How did you end up liking those BA AXL pads? There are many places in the Northeast where good tent campsites are few and far between. However, I spent 2 weeks camping north of Seattle (in one location) with this tent and I didnt like it, although I wasnt able to figure out exactly why until I read your review here and things became clearer. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. The Nemo Blaze 2P is 1 oz lighter than the Tiger Wall UL2. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
We both got in, checked it out and immeaditely didnt like some of its features, some of which you also mentioned in your write up. As a frequent lightweight backpacker, Im used to dealing with lighter weight fabrics, but my husband isnt and managed to snag the zippers repeatedly. Another 12 inches of zipper (at the cost of about 2 oz) would help here. A little experience with the brand, but none that isnt several years old. Extra 20% Off Select Backcountry Exclusives .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop This Deal, Our All Around Duffel, Now In More Colors Shop Packs & Travel, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. The lightweight mesh inner tent provides excellent ventilation while the rainfly has dual zippers and rain flaps on the doors so you can still ventilate the tent even when it rains. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Also many of the places I camp are above timberline. Itsavailable in two sizes: With its semi-freestanding pitch, crossover roof pole, and two-door/two-vestibule configuration, the Tiger Wall UL sits functionally between BAs popular Fly Creek and Copper Spur models, andcompetes most directly with the MSR FreeLite, Nemo Blaze, Nemo Hornet, and Sierra Designs Sweet Suite. What are your thoughts. Without question, I would prefer the two-door/two-vestibule configuration of the Tiger Wall. It is in a class of its own. The larger Tiger Wall UL 3 is still well under 3 lbs in weight, which is pretty incredible for a three-person backpacking tent. My body was cold everywhere it was in contact with the sleeping pad. 4. Im not sure how easy it would be to set up under the fly in the rain. With three 20-inch pads inside the UL3, there is even less leftover space 0 to 3 inches on each side. The stock stuff sack for the Tiger Wall is a conventional tube. Cottage manufacturers can make money on small product volumes, but Big Agnes probably cant. 2022 Andrew Skurka. At 2 lbs 10 oz, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is a great tent for a weight-conscious pair of backpackers. What consumer-level mods would you make if you knew youd be getting some mileage out of this tent? Stakes. Realistic number of uses for Tiger Wall: 100? Excellent weight. Its more difficult to claim that one shelter is best here, because they cater to different types of users. Grab a buddy or your honey and split it between you. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
The compressed length of the pole set is 19 inches, which is longer than the width of nearly all backpacks. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. We specialize in modern backpacking gear and skills, long-distance thru-hiking, mountain high routes, and off-trail travel. My specific concerns: The weight of a tent is largely a function of its fabrics. The fly goes over the poles and clips to the body at the pole points where webbing can be tightened with ladder lock clips. I got this tent with the intention of using it for 2 people, and it works great for that. But the Tiger Wall UL is not without compromise. My husband and I have been using a Copper Spur UL3 (yes, 3, not 2) as our primary couples tent for years. The Nemo Hornet 2P is 3 oz lighter than the Tiger Wall UL2 and $30 less expensive. For solo trips, we use a Big Agnes Fly Creek 2. I recently purchased a Double Rainbow Lithium and the packaging recommends folding loosely into pack rather than stuffing it in the pack?? The larger Tiger Wall UL 3 is still well under 3 lbs in weight, which is pretty incredible for a three-person backpacking tent. And one way that BA achieves very low weights is by using very lightweight fabrics. A child or small dog would be okay, although Id have to protect the floor from sharp paws. Plus, even with the fly on, the vestibules' Low Vent system maintains proper airflow so no one has to feel clammy while staying sheltered from the rain. The Fly Creek HV UL2 is 3 oz lighter and $50 less, buthas only one front-entry door and a fin-shaped architecture that is less roomy. I think the market for relaxed couples-trip gear is much larger than the market for gear aimed primarily at thru-hikers or expedition trips. BA uses the same fabrics in their Fly Creek, and they are serviceable for multiple seasons or a long thru-hike. Required fields are marked *. I have found top-loading stuff sacks like the MSR Tent Compression Sack to be much more user-friendly. So for me to get a trekking pole tent, its. No tension system is included, which helps to keep spec weight low but which compromises its functionality. Tarptent has a few models that are competitive with the Tiger Wall, notably the Bowfin, Double Rainbow, and Saddle 2. Thanks the detailed review, love your site, such a great resource. There is a cross piece that is also attached to the pole system with a swivel. Instead, it tries to do more while keeping in check its weight and price, and remaining very easy to use. For very extensive use, I would at least plan on buying the accessory footprint, and I probably would look for something less delicate. It has loads of space, and only weighs a little over 2 lbs per person. All for less than three pounds all-in, including stakes and polycryo footprint. The short lines also leave little flexibility when trying to find a place where you can stick a stake in easily and solidly. A circumnavigation of the remote upper headwaters of the Tuolumne, The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide (Second Edition): Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail, Review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 & UL3 || A couples trip tent, Free download: My 12 go-to breakfasts & dinners, https://andrewskurka.com/2016/guyline-tension-system-backpacking-tents-tarps-hammocks/. I could easily be convinced to incur some fuss or learn some knots in exchange for carrying a half- or full-pound less of shelter, but a lot of other backpackers apparently dont feel that way. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
The reason I ask is that I plan to get UL3 sometime this year, and Im wondering whether I should hold off, or grab the 2018 version, Im in no rush. That is a LOT of weight that could be invested elsewhere, like in more durable fabric and in larger panels that negate the inherent geometric inefficiency of trekking pole-supported shelters (e.g. At best, 2.3 oz can be shed: take four stakes (-1.4 oz) for just the vestibules and rear corners, andleave behind the two largest stuff sacks (-0.9 oz).