Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping mat: Bikepacking equipment from Big Agnes put to the test
Marc Strucken
· 16.09.2025
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Warm nights, long days - now is the time for the best bikepacking tours. That's why we asked a relatively unknown manufacturer in this country for a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat that are specially designed for transport on a bike. Lightweight, easy to stow and yet functional - that's what the products from Big Agnes from the USA be.
We have the 1-person Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack tent, the Fly Creek UL 25° down sleeping bag and the Zoom UL Insulated inflatable mattress tested. On top and for a little more comfort, there was also the inflatable Rapide SL quick travel pillow. Together, the package comes to 2912 grams, including all pack sacks, pegs and other accessories. According to the manufacturer's prices (RRP), the cost is 1355 euros.
For comparison: Last summer we already tested bikepacking tents: These 3 lightweight tents with a small pack size fit well on the bike. For references on sleeping bags and sleeping mats, click here:
Big Agnes 2-person Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack tent
The Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack tent is a lightweight two-door, two-vestibule bikepacking tent. It has a 12" shortstik pole (30.5 cm elements), which therefore fits perfectly in and on handlebar, pannier and saddle bags. The 2-person tent comes with its own robust, bikepacking-compatible compression bag, which can be easily attached to the bike using the integrated webbing loops.
As a feature, you can hang your bike helmet on a strap (daisy chain) on the inner tent or wet clothing and equipment on the integrated strap loops on the outer tent. There is a net on the inside, which is located roughly above the feet. A good idea is the extended tent floor, which extends into the two vestibules and thus offers space for dry, dirt-free changing and additional storage space for bags.
The outer tent is connected to the inner tent with the company's own fasteners, which Big Agnes calls TipLok Tent Buckle. These are classic buckles, but they make it very easy to adjust the flysheet - why didn't anyone think of this back in 1990?
When it comes to environmental protection, the US company relies on solution-dyed fabric. "Solution-dyed" refers to a process for dyeing synthetic fibres in which colour pigments are integrated directly into the melt during fibre production.
This anchors the colour directly in the fibre and not just on the surface, which ensures improved lightfastness and durability. The process is also said to reduce energy and water consumption during production - according to the manufacturer, a more environmentally friendly process that improves fabric quality.
Technical specifications of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack tent
- Total weight: 1324 g (incl. cover, pegs, repair kit; 907 g according to manufacturer)
- Pack size: 34 x 15 cm
- Floor space: 205 x 100 x 110 cm (L x H x W)
- Head height: 102 cm
- Floor tarpaulin Weight: 229 g (incl. case; 113 g according to manufacturer)
- Floor tarpaulin Pack size: 13 x 18 x 3.5 cm
- Price: 600 Euro (RRP) >> at Mountain time, Mountain friends or Amazon available at a reduced price
How we rate the Big Agnes 2-person Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack tent
The 2-person tent from Big Agnes is modular, which means that the inner tent can also be set up and used completely without the outer tent - for example as protection against insects on hot summer nights. The disadvantage is that this makes pitching a little more complicated, as the outer tent has to be taken down again to dismantle the poles.
The assembly is self-explanatory, especially due to the colour of the buckles, which are white at the front and yellow at the back. This means you know straight away which buckles belong where and don't get confused about the direction of the outer tent.
It took me 4:39 minutes to pitch the inner tent on my first attempt, and the Tiger Wall UL2 was fully erected in 17:31 minutes. The poles are almost self-explanatory, as they only fit in one direction. Dismantling and stowing away is also quick and everything fits into the pack sack without resistance.
The mesh pockets inside and the really large entrances (including the vestibules on both sides) are very positive features. Together with the extra groundsheet, you finally don't have dirty feet when putting your shoes on.
The pegs are virtually ultra-light-minimal-XXS-slim. They are not unstable as a result, but on the one hand they are sometimes difficult to pull out of the ground because you can't get a good grip on them. On the other hand, they don't offer much grip on loose ground if there is wind on the cords.
The outer tent stands very high - at least according to my setup - which can be problematic in heavy rain if the water splashes up the inner tent and penetrates the mosquito net into the tent.
The option of strapping the tent and everything that goes with it to the handlebars is practical and very useful. The pack sack can be easily and stably strapped to the handlebars. All in all, the Big Agnes bikepacking tent is a very good solution for solo trips. The interior is comparatively spacious for a 1-person tent. You can easily stow things around the sleeping mat. However, the UL2 is designed for two people. In my opinion, that would not only be cramped, but uncomfortably tight. Practically speaking, I wouldn't know where and how a second sleeping pad of the same type as the one you're using would fit in!
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25° sleeping bag
The Fly Creek UL 25 sleeping bag wants to be the right one for minimalist adventures on the bike. High-quality materials such as the lightweight NetPlus fabric made from recycled fishing nets and 850-quality down result in a lightweight, compact sleeping bag.
According to Big Agnes, every aspect of the sleeping bag, from the ergonomic foot area to the insulated thermal collar, is designed to maximise thermal efficiency without adding weight or bulk. It is suitable for overnight stays in temperatures from spring to autumn, technically speaking: ISO comfort: 2 °C.
Technical specifications of the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25° sleeping bag
- Total weight: 703 g (incl. pack sack; 722 g according to the manufacturer)
- ISO comfort: 2 °C
- ISO limit: -4 °C
- Filling type: 850 DownTek™ PFC-free
- Total filling weight: 482 g
- Pack size: 19 x 38 cm
- Maximum user size: 183 cm
- Shoulder circumference: 152 cm
- Hip circumference: 137 cm
- Foot circumference: 91 cm
- Price: 500 Euro (RRP) >> at Mountain friends or Mountain time available at a reduced price
- Materials:
- Outer/inner material: Ultralight, recycled NetPlus 10D nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating without PFAS; fabric made from recycled fishing nets
- Insulation: 850 Downtek PFC-free; using bluesign-certified, water-repellent chemistry without PFAS
This is how we rate the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25° sleeping bag
What's worse? Nature, silence, an owl calling in the night - and your sleeping bag rustles and crackles as if it were filled with aluminium foil and straw. Not so with the Fly Creek from Big Agnes, which is pleasantly quiet and makes little sound even on the manufacturer's sleeping pad. A good start. It is also pleasantly light: when you lift it up, but also on your body.
The cut of the sleeping bag is striking, with a zip positioned in the middle and not all the way through. Otherwise, the shape is more like a classic mummy sleeping bag with a thick hood that can also be zipped up. When it's warm, you can efficiently get some air by opening the zip and folding it away over the chest.
The disadvantage, at least for the less agile, is that the sleeping bag can only be opened to about a third of its total length. This means you have to crawl, slide and (quietly) rustle to get in and out. A side fastening is therefore more favourable. If it's cold, however, there is no cold bridge through the zip at the feet. Here, only the smooth, soft fabric caresses the toes.
The Fly Creek sleeping bag can also be easily manoeuvred back into its pack sack. With the pack straps not included, there is still potential for further compression. Conclusion: You lie very comfortably and warmly in it, but can easily control the heat output. However, the zip in the middle is rather impractical when getting out.
Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated sleeping pad
For me, a sleeping mat - as the name suggests - is particularly important for thermal insulation against a cool or even cold ground. It doesn't have to be particularly comfortable or soft, the main thing is that the cold doesn't creep insidiously from the damp grass into the tent and into my sleeping bag at night. So the insulated mat from Big Agnes came in handy.
According to the manufacturer, it has a generous R-value of 4.3 and is designed for use in three seasons. In fact, such a value is also sufficient for winter mats (R-value 4 is sufficient down to -11 °C; e.g. bivouacs in alpine terrain). The R-value indicates the Thermal resistance of a material in degrees Kelvin per watt (K/W).
The Zoom UL is therefore very insulating, with a weight of 580 g (incl. cover), which is not ultra-light. On the other hand, it is pleasantly quiet, even in combination with the Big Agnes sleeping bag. According to the manufacturer, the "aviation-certified lamination" ensures durability.
The thing with air
The Mat is inflated in the classic way with an enclosed pump bag. Compared to others, however, this is extremely unsuitable. The material is quite stiff and hardly inflates at all, and there is no stiff edge at the opening, so you can hardly get enough air into the bag to pump efficiently.
More than 10 passes are necessary. However, once a certain counter-pressure is reached, the valve of the pump bag slips out of the connection on the sleeping pad - ultimately you don't get enough air into the pad. I top up with my mouth and my own lung power. However, this should actually be avoided, as mould can form in the mat due to the moist air you breathe.
Conversely, you have to press on the valve to release the air. So if you want to speed things up and roll the mat, you basically need two people. This is rather unusual - other manufacturers solve this with two different valves or a locking mechanism. In my opinion, there is a real need for improvement in the pump bag and valve.
All the material can be stowed away again in the pack sack without any problems if you stick to the previous quarter fold.
The nights of the test were actually not very summery at all and so the team of Zoom sleeping pad and Fly Creek sleeping bag was able to show off its warming strengths. Test passed - no cold felt from below, well positioned, great sleep.
Apart from the pump bag, the mat is recommended - especially for cold-sensitive bikepackers who are happy to put up with 200 grams more. Speaking of purchase: the price is comparatively favourable at around 200 euros.
Technical specifications of the Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated sleeping pad
- Total weight: 580 g (incl. cover) (482 g according to manufacturer)
- R-value: 4,3
- Pack size: 21 x 10.5 cm
- Thickness: 9 cm
- Price: 200 Euro (RRP) >> available here at a reduced price
- Materials:
- Post-consumer ripstop made from recycled nylon
- 2 layers of heat-reflecting film
- Padded inflation bag made from recycled padding material
- TPU lamination
Big Agnes Rapide SL cushion
I don't race gravel bikes (yet) and organise bikepacking tours primarily for my own amusement. Therefore, a certain level of sleeping comfort is important, and I also tried out the Rapide SL pillow from Bis Agnes. Just under 60 grams and a small bag the size of two energy bars for a good night's sleep are worth it to me.
When inflated, the pillow has a size of 41 x 25 cm, which is suitable for most sleeping mats and sleeping bags. Depending on how much pressure you put into it, it can be up to 10 cm thick, which for me is a very good height for the head. As it has a special cover fabric on the underside, it slides around on the sleeping pad much less than other inflatable pillows do. It contributed significantly to a good night's sleep during the test nights.
Only the price of 55 euros is comparatively high, but this is the manufacturer's price. We have also spotted it at a reduced price.
Technical specifications of the Big Agnes Rapide SL cushion
- Total weight: 57 g (45 g according to the manufacturer)
- Pack size: 11 x 4 cm
- Dimensions: 41 x 25 x 10 cm
- Price: 55 Euro (RRP) >> available here at a reduced price
Who is "Big Agnes" anyway?
Big Agnes looks back on over 20 years of company history. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with the goal of developing better equipment for campers. The company's location in Steamboat Springs plays an important role in product development and testing.
Big Agnes emphasises the proximity to various outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and mountain biking. The Continental Divide Trail and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness are test areas for the equipment. This close proximity to nature enables the company to test and further develop its products under real-life conditions.
Vision for the future and commitment
For the future, Big Agnes recognises its responsibility to provide people with high-quality equipment for camping and outdoor activities. The company emphasises its commitment to driving innovation while respecting the environment and making a positive impact on the outdoor community.
From product development to partnerships with environmental protection organisations, the company pursues a holistic approach. According to Big Agnes, it works with over 20 organisations that are committed to protecting public lands, sustainable practices and equal rights.
Marc Strucken
Editor
