Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Big Agnes
Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent
Best for: Ultralight solo fast-and-light mountain missions.
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent
Best for: Solo backpackers wanting an affordable, lightweight shelter.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent is a backpacking and the REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent is a trekking pole, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
Both score 8.1 overall, though the REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent wins more individual scoring categories.
The biggest gap is ease of setup, where the REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent holds a clear advantage.
The REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent also has a price edge — $220 less at $329 versus $549.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent
- HyperBead fabric offers elite waterproofing
- Spacious 1.5-person asymmetrical interior design
- Ultralight trekking pole supported setup
- Small pole pockets fit poorly
- Sloped walls limit taller hikers
REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent
- Stargazing-friendly rollaway fly
- Trekking pole setup option
- Integrated mesh condensation vents
- Heavy condensation buildup
- Cramped interior space
Full Specs
| Spec | Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent | REI Co-op Flash Air 1 Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Ultralight, Trekking Pole, Non Freestanding | Trekking Pole, Backpacking, Ultralight, Non Freestanding |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | 4 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $550 | $329 |
| Weight | 1.2 Lbs | 1 Lb 6 Oz |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 1 Lb 4 Oz |
| Floor Area | 22.0 ft² | 21.3 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 9 Sq Ft | 8.4 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 47 | 42 |
| Doors | 1 | 1 |
| Floor Dimensions | 88 X 28 44 In | 88 X 35/27(head/foot) In |
| Pole Material | Trekking Poles | DAC NFL Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead Fabric Technology; Recycled 15 Denier Ripstop Nylon With 1,500 Mm Waterproof Rating | Ripstop Nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead Fabric; 20 Denier Recycled Solution Dyed Polyester With 20 Denier High Tenacity Ripstop Fabric And 4,000 Mm Waterproof Rating | Attached Rainfly |
| Packed Size | — | 6 X 16 In |
| Setup Time | 20 Mins | 5 Mins |
| Warranty | Lifetime | None |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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