Initial Review of the Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepacking Tent

I've been waiting so long to be able to check out this tent, and the day has finally arrived! So far, I am pretty pleased with the ease of setup and teardown...as soon as the footprint is available I will be putting this tent through its paces.

[@robertperlaki4182]

Love my tent. Was camping last weekend got caught in a pretty good thunderstorm, high winds rain everything. No leaks nothing got wet. Made it through. I would recommend this tent.

[@PittsburghSonido]

That's impressive. Good to know.

[@cpfpv6410]

This would also be a great tent for kayaking!!!

[@Random-ed2xf]

Whenever I go camping rain will happen at one point and that is normally setting up.The best one was my trip to Wyoming and told at a coffee shop it has not rained for months. As soon as we got to the campsite it started raining.

[@cpfpv6410]

Big thumbs up on this review!! Thank you for the information!!

[@Sky206King]

I have the Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Hotel. Since it's the non-Bikepacking version it weighs around 6.5 lbs (trail weight). Other than that the tent dimensions are the same. If you cant find the footprint for this tent, you can probably just use the non-Bikepacking version footprint. I love this tent and have used it in a variety of conditions. It has withstood 25mph winds, heavy rain, moderate snow, and tons of sunshine. Definitely worth the money and will last many years with proper maintenance and good care.

[@ChillaxinOverHere]

I'm researching my next tent and appreciated reading your comment. I've had my sights set on this tent but I couldn't justify the extra cost of the bikepacking version. For an extra $100 you get a different color, shorter poles, a handlebar bag, and about half a pound more in weight. I'm sure I'll be just as happy strapping the regular version somewhere.

[@michaelgray8128]

I just got this recently for moto camping on my dirt bike, this fits perfectly into my Mosko luggage... amazing little tent for weekends and weeks away.

[@rallenrallen]

Same here with Enduristan Blizzard L bags. ✌🏼

[@boxofmoles4057]

Thanks for sharing. Personally, I find the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2P optimal for my motorcycle camping. Much more headroom in the porch and tent.

[@crookedcorey]

The footprint that works for these are the normal blacktail 2 tents. I questioned this till I did some research myself. The only thing that doesn’t get the footprint is the hotel part, to which in my opinion is not needed. Great video!

[@turkey4957]

They make a footprint for it that is the bike pack version

[@IndyDog-ns8ws]

Should be great for canoe/kayak camping. I use Tyvek for ground cloths. They work great.

[@cpfpv6410]

You could also dig your chair legs into the ground a couple inches and get that head room when you sit in the chair

[@anthonymaglio6488]

dope review I just picked on up a few weeks back I went with the 3 person one. super awesome tents and for the price point you can't beat it.

[@clarkcoffman]

Are you backpacking with it? Curious how the 3 person packs up.

[@anthonymaglio6488]

Yes and it’s fits in my 40 liter perfect with bags and pads as well as food and cooking. Could also bring a friend.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Nice video! The struggle is real trying to get the footprints in stock. Big Agnes and a lot of other brands we carry are still trying to catch up with demand.

[@BrittaniReidBrittaniReid]

Thanks for sharing!! REI had both the tent and footprint in stock, so I went ahead and bought it! Big Agnes for the win!

[@thecoffeefuelledwoodsman]

Great review! I'm a hammock camper that needs a tent for myself, wife and dog for the cold weather and have been looking at everything. Going to continue to research as this one is $500 CAD, but you've given me a load of great info! Thanks for posting!

[@78cobra]

Ive had my hotel 3 in cold weather. It w Has to much mesh, Nd to much under the hotel for a light cold breeze to pass threw the tent. , i bought an msr that is the same hotel design. Its vestibule goes al the way to the floor around the temt and the hotel section. It has a much lower ceiling. But I'd go with the msr for cooler nights or the eureka mountain pass for 3+/4 season camping.

[@thecoffeefuelledwoodsman]

@@78cobra Thank you very much! Great info.

[@MegaMastiffman]

You could cut out a small piece of tarp for the area with your chair too if you wanted I think it’s awesome Big Agnes for the win! I have the Coopersur HV UL 2 and it’s the best tent iv ever had. Ridiculous about the foot print. Hope it’s doing well for ya.

[@madmaxthemotomutt6464]

I got one and i just did my first voyage on a tiger XCA, we noticed the same thing. It’s a little heavier then my kelty tent but so much smaller and fits in my mosko moto panniers! I’ve got a footprint it’s awkward and NEEDS to me staked out, but imma also bring a piece of tyvek just incase!

[@kokadjooutdoors620]

Been looking into this tent for car camping with my dogs like the extra space in the vestibule

[@wesleycwagner]

Hi pass filter at about 200hz will get rid of some of that wind noise

[@lourdevegeta]

Thank you for this

[@dynamadnessadventures205]

Great video. That tent looks great ride safe

[@40spokes99]

Great Vid. Just bought the tent and footprint. REI had both in stock, and I got a $34. credit for future purchases. Interestingly Big Agnes had neither in stock. I think this will be a great setup for MC camping. Do you know if the stuff sacks are waterproof? You would think they would be if they are exposed on a bike. I’d also like to see you do a video of the complete breakdown, and how you got the tent back into the stuff sack.

[@boxofmoles4057]

Thanks for the review. I 'll stick to the Lone Rider MotoTent.

[@mattrnuttall]

I just picked up the same tent and already got my footprint for it. They were in stock on Amazon.

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Was it for the bikepack model? I know they made one for the non-bikepack model that was about $40 online from what I saw. When I called Big Agnes and asked about it, they said that the non-bikepack version would not work due to using different buckes. That being said, if you found one in stock that works I will be buying one ASAP. Thanks for the heads up!

[@mattrnuttall]

@@twowheelvlog7233 you might be right, need to double check that!

[@jeffreysantore7606]

Are you still liking this tent?? Does it sleep warm in warmer temps?? There is not much mesh on the main body of the tent, it looks like it would have little air flow.

[@JohnMFlores]

Thanks for the details. Debating between this and the 3 person version. Is the extra interior space worth the extra pound? Is the vestibule bigger on the 3 person? More research to do!

[@alkatorsh07]

Appreciate the review man! Question.. can you do without the 'hotel' extension if for whatever reason you're in a rush to pitch because of the rain or tight for space? Would it compromise the integrity of the tent if you don't pitch that section? Cheers

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Yes and no. You could absolutely pitch it and stake it down on the corners and then just use the door on the opposite side of the hotel, but you will still have all of the material of the hotel just kinda hanging out there. It's doable, but not necessarily ideal.

[@turkey4957]

Just want to say thank you for answering these detail questions because as an observer reading these responses it’s giving me huge insight into if I will buy it or not. (I think I will, lol)

[@Eds_PanAm]

good video, watched a few more of your videos....love history on the civil war so your Gettysburg stuff is great, unsure about the tent though, guess I'll wait for more reviews from you after you use it, I have been looking for something, but it seems like alot for only 1 nite? subscribed

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Appreciate it! Hopefully I'll be able to get that tent out in a few weeks.

[@fartman10284]

The only concern I have with the fly is the fly doesn't attach to the main diagonal poles via velcro strap for the guylines.

[@jarptl]

You think its enough 1500mm floor/water for a heavy rain or thunderstorms??? Thanks and greetings!!!

[@eminbk]

Hello. I'm just curious, when you've only put up the main body (without the "hotel" section), did the fly completely cover it as it is not clear in the video? It would be good to know when the large vestibule is not needed (short/solo trip), if some weight could be saved. Thank you

[@twowheelvlog7233]

I haven't gotten a chance to use this tent much to this point due to my work, but from what I recall, the hotel portion is integrated into the rest of the rain fly and cannot be removed. That being said, if you didn't want to use the hotel section, it would basically just have a lot of extra fabric hanging off of the side.

[@unsinkablemb]

Check the measurements of only the tent. I have a Marmot 2 person fly that fits this tent, when I don't need the garage.

[@Ohio_Motonaut]

I just bought this for motocamping but the footprint will not be available until August according to customer service... Covid delays I guess. REI had this on sale for like 20% off a couple of weeks back making it a great deal. Still not sure if I'm going the tent route or the hammock route though...

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Ah gotta love the REI deals. I decided to try some Tyvek instead of waiting for the footprint. I figured I don't really need a footprint covering the hotel section anyways. Hoping that in a few weeks I can take it out.

[@Ohio_Motonaut]

@@twowheelvlog7233 I want it so I can set the thing up without the tent body.

[@Rainbowtearsmile]

Thank you for this Video, very helpful! Would you say That a bike would fit into the Hotel / Front tent Part to protect it?

[@twowheelvlog7233]

I can at least say that a motorcycle wouldn't fit.

[@Rainbowtearsmile]

@@twowheelvlog7233thank you!

[@johnstraughan5630]

Has anyone had trouble getting the Blacktail 3 (or the Blacktail 2) Hotel Bikepack Tent rolled up so it fits the original stuff sack?

[@GregSamborski]

So I’ve been trying to decide between this tent, the Nemo Dragonfly Bike Pack 2, and the Nemo Dagger 2. I see the large vestibule on the BA as a huge selling point. So is it as practical as you anticipated? The Nemo Dragonfly is so damn compact though!!! Also, what about just using a tarp as a footprint. This way it could also be more heavy duty. I was thinking you can just fold the access under thee tent or cut it. Is it an issue with weight/performance?

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Depending on the scenario, the vestibule is wonderful. If I get caught in the rain, it is very nice to have that extra room so I don't feel quite as claustrophobic. That being said, I too am very interested in checking out the dragonfly bikepacking tent as all of my other tents are nemo. Hopefully once Pennsylvania weather makes up its mind and I can get a few days off I will take the blacktail hotel 2 out with the camera and do a proper video showing its usefulness.

[@GregSamborski]

@@twowheelvlog7233 thanks for the info. I've never owned a Nemo. The guy at the store was really stoked on the Dagger, it's got a newfangled fabric technology and feels very spacious! I hope to find the time to review all three soon. Seems BA will be getting restocked with your tent soon!

[@LifeWithKernelLee]

👍🏻

[@fredfred9000]

weard i found on big agnes the pack size is 21x7

[@shoeonhead]

But will my bike fit in there???

[@twowheelvlog7233]

I'd doubt it, sadly. If I took the bags off of my bike I'd be able to get the back end in, but it wouldn't clear the handlebars or windshield.

[@twowheelvlog7233]

But for what it's worth, next time I take this tent out I'll be sure to back my bike into the tent and also stand next to it so you can get a better visual of whether your bike might fit!

[@scottbroyles2114]

i ordered this tent a couple of weeks ago .. it did not come with this bike sack .. it's just a loose bag, not a compresssion bag.. is the bag available seperately ?

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Oh I'm not sure. This was exactly how it arrived for me. If you call Big Agnes directly they may be able to hook you up.

[@jaymo9392]

Just recently purchased this and just received it today. I noticed that your stuff sack and stakes are completely different from what I got. I cant deny that I just bought mine for roughly $188.00 + $15.00 tax. Is mine the cheaper version? Because I was really eager to see if I bought THE BLACKTAIL 2 HOTEL and not just the blacktail which I did get the HOTEL version just minus the stuff sack and stakes. (They are just regular I guess)

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Did you buy the bikepack version? It could be that they switched up the stakes there. I know that the non-bikepack version is much less expensive, so it's possible that you got that one.

[@jaymo9392]

@@twowheelvlog7233 I think I bought the first version or the last year model. I saw a different video which youtube says over 1 year ago and in that video I have the same sack and stakes. But all in all I think its a great deal especially I can put my back inside the vestibule(hotel) and not to worry anymore.

[@turkey4957]

Jay Mo you almost certainly bought the non bike pack version but still a wonderful tent that is the same in almost all ways besides the pole system and shape of the stuff sack/assembled package

[@maryjzanellecapacio7219]

Question: the campsite I'm planning on going has a max of 6m2 for the pitch, will this tent fit into that pitch size?

[@juacartav3363]

From REI's website: Floor dimensions 90 × 52 inches Floor area 33 square feet Vestibule area 28 + 9 sq. Ft.

[@andersudengaardtoft5123]

It wouldn't fit on the handlebars for a road bike, I guess 🤔

[@JohnBraman413]

still got the bike? no new videos

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Oh I've been wanting to get out and film for quite some time. I'm an ER nurse, so most of my time is either spent at work, or recovering from work. I assure you though I do plan on bringing out some new content in the future.

[@Adaskiss1]

Will 2 people fit in it?

[@twowheelvlog7233]

Oh absolutely. You won't have a ton of living space in there once you fit in 2 sleeping pads, but I've had 2 people in there without touching the walls.

[@bushcraftnrwandysoutdoorshow]

Hmm Looks Like the MSR Hubba Tour 2 🤔

[@mushieslushie]

That is significantly more expensive... And also discontinued. It's more comparable to the normal hotel 2 (not the bike packing version) which is even cheaper.

[@johnworrell9374]

Magellan made a 2-person exactly like that for $40. I love it but it is out of production.

[@turkey4957]

No sir, they did not. Either that was 30 years ago or it completely lacked the expensive ultralight fabrics and unique bike packing short stick invention. That is simply impossible.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

You did not talk about the weight AT ALL!! What's the weight dude??

[@twowheelvlog7233]

6lb 1oz. Probably took longer to type that question than it would have been to google it.

[@PensiveCashew]

He definitely did.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

@@twowheelvlog7233 charming dude! Thanks for being a DICK! Not worth watching you! 🤣🤣🤣🖕 good luck with your 78 subs

[@Chris66able]

Inner up first is no good for the UK.

[@unsinkablemb]

it will fast fly set up, too!

[@mattcero1]

These tents are flat out too expensive. Worth the extra money? No. Thanks for posting though.

[@mushieslushie]

Compared to what? Walmart?

[@turkey4957]

Matt Cero clearly knows nothing about unique features this offers that other tents don’t. Oh well you can’t fix stupid. Enjoy your 10 lb featureless huge Walmart 2 person

[@turkey4957]

Also Matt, nearly all high performance ultralight tents are this price so…… big swing and a miss buddy

[@mattcero1]

@@turkey4957 Waaahh. You picked a perfect name by the way.

[@Choklar_]

Weird, I thought this tent was cheap. I'm seeing it at $239.96 currently. Maybe it went down in price, your post is from 2 years ago after all.