What Makes Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint Stand Out?
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint isn’t the sexiest piece of gear, but it’s an essential component for extending the life of your ultralight shelter and adding versatility to your camping setup. Made by Big Agnes, this lightweight footprint is specifically designed to pair with their popular Tiger Wall UL2 tent, offering a crucial layer of protection against abrasive ground conditions. It also allows for a Fast Fly setup, where you can leave the tent body behind for an even lighter shelter option, making it appealing to weight-conscious backpackers.
My experience in the field has taught me that the underside of tents takes a beating, and replacing a tent due to a damaged floor is a costly mistake. I needed a reliable and lightweight solution to protect my investment in the Tiger Wall UL2, and the footprint seemed like the obvious choice. Its claim of adding versatility with the Fast Fly setup was also intriguing, promising a quicker and lighter shelter in appropriate conditions.
Upon unboxing, my initial thoughts were focused on its incredibly light weight and compact size. The nylon ripstop material felt durable yet packable, a crucial balance for gear that needs to withstand the rigors of the trail. Its build quality appeared solid, with reinforced corners and precise stitching, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand the demands of backcountry use.
Compared to generic footprints or Tyvek groundsheets, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint stood out due to its custom fit and Fast Fly compatibility. I considered a heavier-duty generic footprint for increased durability, but the weight penalty was a deal-breaker for my ultralight setup. While Tyvek is a budget-friendly option, it requires cutting and doesn’t offer the integrated attachment points or Fast Fly capabilities.
I was excited by the potential for extending the life of my tent floor and reducing pack weight on suitable trips. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint promised a perfect balance of protection, versatility, and minimal weight, making it a welcome addition to my backpacking kit.
Real-World Testing: Putting Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint was on a three-day backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain was a mix of rocky trails, pine needle-covered forests, and exposed balds. I encountered everything from dry, dusty conditions to a brief but heavy rain shower.
The footprint proved easy to use, clipping seamlessly to the tent’s Tiplok Tent Buckles. Setting up in the rain was a breeze, providing immediate protection to the underside of the tent while I finished pitching the fly. After the rain, the footprint dried quickly, preventing moisture buildup and keeping my tent floor clean.
The only slight issue was finding perfectly flat ground, as even minor irregularities could be felt through the thin nylon. This is more a reflection of ultralight shelters in general than a flaw of the footprint itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint has held up remarkably well. Despite being subjected to abrasive surfaces like granite slabs and sandy riverbanks, there are no signs of tears or significant wear. Cleaning the footprint is a simple process of wiping it down with a damp cloth.
Compared to a previous experience of damaging a tent floor on a sharp rock, the footprint has given me peace of mind and has definitely outperformed expectations. I no longer worry about carefully selecting a perfectly smooth campsite, knowing that the footprint is providing a critical layer of defense. It definitely earns its place in my pack, and in protecting my investment in my tent.
Breaking Down the Features of Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint
Specifications
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint is specifically designed to protect and enhance the life of your Tiger Wall UL2 tent. The asphalt color helps conceal dirt and reduce visual impact on the landscape. Its nylon ripstop fabric balances weight and durability, while offering a degree of water resistance.
The footprint weighs only 5 oz and packs down to a compact 7×4.5×1.5 inches, making it virtually unnoticeable in your pack. Its designed for 2-person tents and utilizes the Tiplok Tent Buckles for easy attachment. Understanding these specifications is key to appreciating the footprint’s targeted design for ultralight backpacking.
Performance & Functionality
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint excels at protecting the tent floor from abrasion, punctures, and moisture. The footprint adds a barrier between the tent and the ground, significantly reducing wear and tear. The Fast Fly setup is a clever feature that allows for a minimalist shelter using just the footprint, fly, poles, and stakes.
A minor weakness is its thinness, offering limited padding on rocky surfaces. However, this is a necessary trade-off for its light weight. It definitely meets expectations for its intended use: protecting the tent floor and enabling the Fast Fly configuration.
Design & Ergonomics
The footprint is a simple rectangle with grommeted corners that attach securely to the tent poles via the Tiplok Tent Buckles. Its lightweight design is a major plus, adding minimal weight to your pack. There isn’t a significant learning curve; it’s intuitive to set up and use.
Its design is minimalist and functional, focusing on weight savings and ease of use. The compact packed size makes it easy to stash in any corner of your backpack.
Durability & Maintenance
The nylon ripstop material is reasonably durable for its weight, but it’s not indestructible. Proper care, such as avoiding excessively sharp objects and cleaning it regularly, will extend its lifespan. The footprint is easy to clean with mild soap and water.
With reasonable care, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint should last for many seasons of backpacking. Regular inspections for small tears or punctures can help prevent larger issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint comes with a simple stuff sack for storage. Its primary “customization” is its ability to enable the Fast Fly setup, effectively transforming your tent into a minimalist shelter. It is designed specifically for Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 models made after 2021, ensuring optimal compatibility.
You can pair it with aftermarket tent stakes for improved holding power in different soil conditions. There aren’t many other customization options, as its functionality is straightforward.
Pros and Cons of Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, adding minimal weight and bulk to your pack.
- Extends the life of your Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 tent floor by protecting it from abrasion and punctures.
- Enables the Fast Fly setup, allowing for an even lighter shelter option in appropriate conditions.
- Easy to use and attach to the tent with Tiplok Tent Buckles.
- Quick-drying and easy to clean.
Cons
- Provides minimal padding on rocky or uneven ground.
- Designed specifically for Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 tents; not universally compatible.
Who Should Buy Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint?
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint is perfect for weight-conscious backpackers, thru-hikers, and anyone who values extending the life of their tent floor. It’s ideal for those who frequently camp in varied terrain and want the option of a lighter shelter using the Fast Fly setup. Those who prioritize comfort and padding over weight savings might find it insufficient on very rocky surfaces.
Anyone purchasing the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 tent should strongly consider adding this footprint to their kit. If you are primarily a car camper or camp on well-maintained sites, you might not need this.
A must-have accessory is a set of durable tent stakes for securing the footprint in windy conditions. A small repair kit with adhesive patches can also be useful for fixing any minor tears.
Conclusion on Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint is a valuable addition to any ultralight backpacking setup. While it’s not the most glamorous piece of gear, its ability to protect your tent floor and enable a lighter shelter option makes it a worthwhile investment. The $70 price tag is justified considering the cost of replacing a damaged tent.
I would personally recommend the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint to anyone who owns a Tiger Wall UL2 tent and values lightweight gear and durability. Don’t let a torn tent floor ruin your trip; invest in the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint and enjoy peace of mind on the trail. Protect your investment and your comfort – grab one today!