UL2 or 3

[archery bum]

Mostly a lurker here and everywhere, but I took Wapiti up on his generous offer so I will hold up my end of the deal. Been looking at the Big Angus tent and not sure which one to buy. I'm 6'2" at 260 lbs and have a Kifaru DT1 with bikini frame. I would like to sleep comfortably with my pack and bow in the tent with me, not sure if the UL2 would be big enough for that. Not sure which model, been looking at a couple different ones. Any insight on 2 or 3 or which model would be better than another or maybe a different make all together. I'm pretty new at this elk hunting thing. thanks for any replies

[Indian Summer]

Hi Archery Bum! Here's my take on tents. First and foremost you need to determine what you plan to do with it. What's your style of hunting. Will you always utilize a 1 man shelter or will you decide to room with partners? A tent is a major investment. It's also one of the keys to your survival and comfort along with your sleeping bag. Do NOT put price at the top of your list of criteria. Get the best you can afford. To a degree you pay for weight: The lighter the pricier. For me plan A never includes bailing out early. An inadequate tent would be a good reason for that to happen.

That said I have one criteria that the weight minimalists will laugh at: I have to be able to stand in my tent. Think about the nights where it's raining and the inside of the tent is your whole world. I'd rather carry a little more weight and be comfortable than sit in a cramped tent smiling because the weight on the way in wasn't bad. So yeah my tent is heavy.

But when I figure my floor space I look at it like this: The space calculated to occupy a single person is the space it takes to place a sleeping bag, usually a mummy bag. SO At the very minimum if you plan to bring a back pack etc inside you need a two many capacity. The other decision is do you want to lay beside your gear or have place for you, a place for your gear, AND an area as big as a sleeping bag to move around, cook, eat, hang clothes etc. More air space means better for drying clothes and less moisture inside just from breathing too. I guess you know my answer: A 3 man tent is the minimum size for me.

[ctdad]

The big Agnes scout ul2 is big enough for what you want. My partner used one last year. He's your size and he kept all his gear in the tent with him. But you definitely won't be standing up in it.

[WindedBowhunter]

Indian Summer summed it well!

Some additional points to Indians points, are what type of terrain and weather will you be pitching your tent? This will provide insight as to the design, durability of your shelter, as well as if you need a free standing or staked shelter.

Are you sure you want your gear inside with you? How about a vestibule to keep your gear, smelly socks and boots in?

Take a look at Exped and Hilleberg shelters. I have used both with no complaints thus far, as well as the BA UL2. But, I no longer have the BA. Once you learn to stake your shelter taught, it will assist in the mitigation of condensation, along with the shelter having ample ventilation.

This will be the 6th year I have used my Hilleberg Soulo.

[Huntography]

Take a look at the Big Agnes Slater. Great for us tall folks.

[easeup]

I've got a BA 2 man also and found that it works out good. but I am not anywhere near 6-2 either.
the vestibule section is definitely where the wet muddy boots and gear stays other wise everything you got will be wet sooner or later.

[ST52V]

You have a lot of options out there to look at. If you want some room and 62"-64" of tent height look at the golite shangri-la 3. If you get some bad weather the 59 sq ft and height will come in handy.

[archery bum]

with the UL tents isn't there room under the fly for wet boots and socks to hang?

[BrentLaBere]

Others have brought up some really good points already. I used the UL2 Fly Creek, I am 6-2, and can say I fit fine inside comfortably. I wouldn't have a problem with my gear in with me but I didn't see the point.....fit in the vestibule or outside. Went to the lake during the summer months and tested it out on a camping trip with friends. Everyone got a good laugh and thought I was crazy. Just find out where your comfort zone is and go with that.

I can also add in rain and snow the shelter held up awesome. Very little condensation on the inside and I think it was because of the sides collapsing because of too much snow.

[pointysticks]

get the two.

my brother and i share the two..when it rains, i bring my pack inside and prop my head up on it. it isnt horrible.

the two vestibles are great. my brother leaves his pack outside under it..with boots. solo, that thing would be a palace.

[Z Barebow]

I have the UL 2. But I am not 6 2 either. RE Keeping gear in the tent. My stuff can get wet and I don't want it in the tent with me. That being said, I would put my boots in the vestibule. My clothes that I am going to wear lay next to me in the tent. My pack and bow would stay outside. I have a 5x7 sil tarp that I would cover them up with. (Tarp has other functions if needed.)

Only knock I have on the UL series is the way the vestibule opens. If you have it pitched on any sort of incline and the door is wet or snowy, the wet stuff falls into the tent, (and not all in the vestibule)

I would buy it again.

[archery bum]

thanks for the post. I'll be looking for a 2 unless I can get a good deal on a 3. I'm in no hurry to buy one, been watching ebay.

[ctdad]

My partner used the scout ul2 last year. They added a fly to it this year. Here is a good comparison review of the three models available. This is a very lightweight tent but you have to have trekking poles to pitch it. Plenty big for you. I'm considering getting the one with the smaller vestibule, but not the enormous vestibule.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF-JIKsB0ow