Which of These Two Tents Should I Keep?

Keep the platinum

I'm not familiar with the platinum. I've owned the BA ul 1 for years. I like not having all mesh interior–and I've had that in earlier iterations–because a) it doesn't weigh any more than netting and b) it offers better wind blockage and splatter blockage too. I think that it's also slightly warmer than all netting. However, in a 2 person tent, it may be that all netting would provide better ventilation and so better condensation control. so it may come down to what your hiking conditions are–cold and dry or warm and humid. In any case, I like these tents; I think that they're bombproof and relatively light weight. My only problem has been with the zipper on the fly, and it's been a real drag. Baby that zipper! try not to tension it too much. Same with the inner door zipper. BA should really upgrade this feature imo. I'd pay the several ounce penalty in a heartbeat if they sewed in a bigger, sturdier zipper. So keep them both so when your zipper fails you'll have the second tent to take hiking! p.s. lose the footprint and bring a polycryo ground sheet instead; you'll save about six ounces and the polycryo is better if anything because it's clear and you can scout out possible pine cone needles etc. that might puncture your pad.

Well, it's just me in the tent. I like to use a 2p to have the extra room to spread out(I'm 6'3') so the condensation isn't as much of a concern.(remember I'm new here…I just realized I can't see your post- that's annoying! let me know if there's a way i can though) Any rate- you brought up several things I've been thinking as well. I worry about the potential for splash back and the whole draft/wind issue. I know what I need to do…but I just don't want to.hah I need to try both out for a weekend and see what I think after that…but then I can't sell whichever one I don't keep as "new". So, that's one for the platinum and one for the regular….dang, it's still a tie!

The Platinum is probably more versatile and comfortable over a wider range of conditions. These are 3-season tents not intended for winter use. In extreme alpine cold and wind the 5-10 degree difference of a solid wall tent could be important, but for a 3-season tent the mesh walls of the Platinum will ventilate much better. If you pitch it well splash and splatter shouldn't be much of an issue. And on a hot, muggy night where you just want to get away from the bugs the Platinum will be far superior.

I've owned both; went from Platinum to FC2. Keep the FC2. For the reasons you said. I assume from your avatar you just moved to the Bay Area, which means you'll find yourself in Emigrant or Yosemite or the Olympics before long; all three places I had splashback issues with the Platinum during storms, esp around the foot. Any weight savings is more than made up for by the fact that on a windy pitch, the higher wall of the FC2 will let you get away with a lower-temp quilt or less sleep gear. Same exposed pitch, summer night in Emigrant, two years running: slightly chilled under 40° quilt in Platinum, absolutely fine in FC2.

hmm…so maybe I should keep the FC and just sell the Platinum! Maybe it'll sell better than that stupid Marmot Nitro I mistakingly bought! Thanks for the input fellas Ps- yep I'm new to the area…my brain hurts from all the possibilities!!!