Big Agnes Tents live up to their reputation for roomy design and 4 season comfort.

All our tent reviews highlight easy set up, and the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8-person tent, featured here, fits the bill.

This easy to set up tent is made even simpler to erect because of the color-coded poles.

They easily push through guides that are clearly described on printed instructions which are securely attached to the carry bag, so can’t be misplaced.

It is designed for year round use. You will stay warm and dry in the snow, although sub-arctic conditions might be a test.

The dome configuration means there is not as much headroom overall, as found in a straight-walled cabin tent. But there is still ample clearance, grading to six feet in the centre.

Technical specifications:

Tent material: The fly is made of polyurethane coated ripstop polyester. The body is polyester ripstop with polyester mesh. The floor is PU-coated polyester.

Capacity: 8-person.

Type: Double wall free-standing 4-season dome tent.

Poles: Six DAC Pressfit Reverse Combi aluminium poles.

Pole attachment: Clips and sleeves.

Doors: Two entrances.

Vestibules: Two, measuring 35 square feet.

Panels: meshed ceiling and side panels.

Seams: Fully taped.

Gear Loft: Available, sold separately.

Interior Height: 72 ins.

Floor Dimensions: 175 ins in length, 115 ins at widest point.

Floor space: 112 square feet.

Packed Size: 8 x 16 x 27 ins.

Packed Weight: 27 pounds, 12 ounces.

Trail Weight: 22 pounds, 6 ounces.

How the technical details translate into benefits for you.

• The size and configuration make the Big Agnes tent ideal for the family camper. It is designed for year round use, and the rear compartment, with a separate entrance, is great for the kids.
• The ripstop polyester material is able to withstand the rigours of family camping.
• What is ripstop? It’s a lightweight woven material which resists tearing and ripping. The same technique is used in the manufacture of parachutes, sails, even hot air balloons. Anywhere a material is required not to fail under stress (just like family camping).
• The huge polyurethane coated rain fly provides a secure roof over your heads. The PU coated floor is an added insurance against unwanted moisture. It is a very effective, breathable water barrier.
• Colour coded tent poles make for an easy to set up tent. We advise that two people handle the setting up. Allow about 15 minutes.
• The tent poles are a key component in this tent’s lightweight sturdiness. They are manufactured by the Donagh Aluminium Corporation (DAC) in South Korea.
• Aluminium poles have a high strength to weight ratio. The Pressfit description refers to the ground-breaking pole jointing technology which increases durability, while keeping weight down.
• Easy to follow instructions allow you to fit the poles into clearly indicated clips and sleeves.
• Superb ventilation adds to the comfort factor. This is achieved through mesh ceiling and side panels.
• Front and back vestibules keep the entrances protected and provide added shelter from the elements, whether sun or rain.
• Two doors mean extra convenient access.
• Convenient storage pockets cleverly placed within.

 

I have omitted cost details because places like Amazon constantly review their prices. They are always attempting to offer you the best deal. Just click on the Amazon button to get the current low price.

Don’t forget to check out their free delivery and returns policy.

 In a nutshell: why do we like this Big Agnes tent? It’s the simple things

It’s roomy and versatile. It can be used as your base camp when hiking or climbing.

Has the space for setting up an eating room in bad weather. Although generally we would not recommend having food in the tent. Never know what critters are prowling around at night.

Place a tarp under the spacious vestibules and you can keep your entrances clean and dry. The vestibules are a great feature because they can be completely closed, rolled away, or set up for shade.

It’s an easy to set up tent in the dome configuration, but still has room to move.

It can handle sudden changes in weather, such as wind, rain and snow.

Plenty of mesh storage pockets, some located at head height, for those bits and pieces that can otherwise become clutter.

Reflective guy ties help against stumbling in the dark.

The closed off section at the rear. Kids love it, so do  dog campers.

Easy to follow instructions come attached to the carry bag.

The carry bag is roomy and make this tent a lot easier to fold and pack than some.

One minor gripe: Some campers have found that the zips were not as sturdy as they expected for a tent this size. Counter this by using best practice and don’t neglect maintenance and cleaning.

To see what others have to say, just click here and read some detailed customer reviews.

Big Agnes Tents pass the test of most tent reviews when it comes to good design and durability.

But take our tip to prolong the life of your tent. Spend a little extra for, at least, a cheap poly tarp to place under the floor when setting up. This goes a long way to delay wearing of the floor, and guards against damage from rocky ground or exposed tree roots.

This tent has available dedicated floor protection, called a footprint, which can be bought separately.

A nice feature of the tent is the “spare back room” which has just enough space to squeeze in a queen-size air mattress.

The compartment can be folded back when not needed, to reduce the area of the floor plan. This is a handy feature of this Big Agnes 4 season tent, if the spot for pitching the tent is on the small side.