Big Agnes Platinum series

Depends on where you want to take it. If you are careful with gear, it will likely give you plenty of protection in most conditions.

I have the Tiger Wall Platinum 2 but have only used it slightly. It IS FRAGILE there is no doubt about it.  You DO have to be careful with it. It IS more likely to be damaged.   It will not last as long as a tent made with heavier materials.  Personally, I like it for what it is – an ultralight tent with many features that won’t last forever. I would buy it again – however, that comment is not yet made with weeks of mountain use.  I probably would not buy the tent if I was super concerned about durability in rough conditions or the tent’s life span. Note: I have a lot of tents and the majority have lasted longer than I would like, but I am not thru hiking either.

This guy used the Big Agnes Copper Spur Platinum on the entire CDT…

https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/gear/review/big-agnes-copper-spur-2-platinum-tent-review/

Where I go it isn’t always easy to find a clear spot to pitch the tent. There are roots protruding from the ground and brush looking to snag things if you’re not careful. I’m confident I could protect the bottom with something underneath but that reduces the weight savings.

The more I think about it, and with confirmation from James post above, I’m going to bag the idea of the gossamer-thin fabric of the Platinum series.  No doubt it would be sheer delight to reduce the weight but my instinct tells me it would get torn at the worst time.

Thanks all!

I use the Nemo Hornet Elite 1P that is “gossamer thin” with zero issues… but I use a Tyvek groundsheet, as I do with all my tents.

I was really hoping to see more Platinum owner/user replies on this thread because it directly relates to what myself and others are trying to ascertain about 7d silnylon fabrics on another thread https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/rsbtr-7d-mtn-silnylon-6-6-now-available-in-dark-olive-and-blaze-orange/page/3/#comments

I’m looking for Platinum owner/users who’ve been through major blows in these tents, you know, the strong brunt of thunderstorms with 30+ mph winds and blowing rains.. The kind of weather that can turn a backpacking trip into a miserable disaster, and it may or may not bring on hypothermia.

With the field testing I”ve done on my 7d cat cut solo tarp, I’m convinced that the 7d silnylon needs to be helped out with poles and a frame to at least be semi-freestanding. I can pitch the 7d tarp drum tight enough to bounce a quarter off of it when dry, but when condensation settles on it the material sags and wilts significantly. Retightening only does so much good. That’s why I’d especially like to hear what Scout 1 and Scout 2 users have experienced, as well as others who’ve camped in the poled Platinum tents during stormy weather. Same with the 7d Nemo Hornet Elite and MSR Carbon Reflex.

Advice? You want light, move to single walled non-free standing tent.

I use the Nemo Hornet Elite 1P that is “gossamer thin” with zero issues… but I use a Tyvek groundsheet, as I do with all my tents.

This is a methodology that will quickly be lost to people who are chasing grams and are focused on a single variable analysis. I value the redundancy of a groundsheet for a minimal weight penalty, just like I carry a CCF with my uninsulated AXL pad – some would say to me to just get an inflatable that is both light and insulated (x-therm), but weight is not my only criterion for a useful system. I am also not convinced the BA Platinum series is a good choice for everyone chasing grams, but it is a good option for many who value the other features of the BA tents and are willing to deal with the drawbacks, cost, and limitations of a shelter made from UL fabric.

This is a methodology that will quickly be lost to people who are chasing grams and are focused on a single variable analysis. I value the redundancy of a groundsheet for a minimal weight penalty

Obviously I agree. I also like to have the option of cowboy camping, and the Tyvek footprint allows this to happen.

One way I like to look at it is. With a ground sheet, any beating the bottom of the tent may get, the sheet takes the brunt of it. You can always replace the ground sheet with whatever option you’re choosing to go with. If your tent only has a heavier denier bottom and things go south. You either have to patch the main bottom or replace the entire tent. Then again, with the heavier denier maybe never any issues.  Also, with Big Agnes tents, using a factory ground sheet gives you the option of going single walled and not utilizing the inner tent. Which is also a bonus when setting up in pouring rain. Set the ground sheet, insert poles into ground sheet, pull over rainfly, then attach inner tent.

I use a clear polycro ground sheet with my Six Moons Skyscape X. I find that a clear ground sheet is a huge feature, especially for a non-free standing tent. I can lay it out, and get a much better idea of all the lumps underneath before staking anything down. This is less valuable with a free-standing tent, because if you find that you a root is wrong place, it is easy to move. But one thing works both ways is that I can easily view things that are hazards (sharp rocks, pine cones, etc.) and move them off to the side (or put the tent to the side). Obviously you can do this without a ground sheet, but it is just easier.

In any event, if it appears that the one weakness (to someone interested in this tent) is the durability of the floor, then I would get a ground sheet.