Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent
Best for: Expert ultralight three-season solo backpacking.
Kelty
Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person
Best for: Quick setup and budget-friendly backpacking trips.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent is a backpacking and the Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
Both score 7.9 overall, though the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent wins more individual scoring categories.
The biggest gap is intangibles, where the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent holds a clear advantage.
The Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person also has a price edge — $878 less at $159 versus $1038.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent
- Incredible 18 ounce trail weight
- Simple single pole carbon architecture
- High volume waterproof Dyneema fabric
- Limited headroom for taller hikers
- Single door makes entry awkward
Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person
- Quick Corner pole sleeves
- Pre-bent aluminum poles
- Shark Mouth carry bag
- Single door entry
- Lacks rainfly vents
Full Specs
| Spec | Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Carbon 2 Tent | Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Dome, Ultralight | Dome, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $1,039 | $160 |
| Weight | 2.12 Lbs | 4 Lbs 8oz |
| Min Trail Weight | 1 Lb 2 Oz | 4 Lbs |
| Floor Area | 28.0 ft² | 29.5 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 8 Sq Ft | 7.85 |
| Peak Height | 40 | 40 |
| Doors | 1 | 1 |
| Floor Dimensions | 86 X 52/42 In | 85 X 54 In |
| Pole Material | Carbon Fiber | Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | Dyneema Composite Fabric | 68D Polyester/1800mm |
| Rainfly Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead Fabric Technology; Recycled 15 Denier Ripstop Nylon With 1,500 Mm Waterproof Coating Without Intentionally Added PFAS | 68D Polyester/1800mm |
| Packed Size | 5 X 18.5 In | 16" X 7" X 7" |
| Setup Time | 5 10 Min | 5 Mins |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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