Outdoor Retailer Summer 2019

You’re exactly right Jeff, those of us who dwell on BPL often don’t see things from the perspective of the masses. From what I understand the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 and UL 2 have been a huge sellers for BA. I had a UL1 and I thought it was a piece of garbage, but the listed weight is light and it’s semi-freestanding. What’s more it’s well marketed by retailers.

sectionhiker also says that the BA Platinum 7d silnylon versions of their tents are flying off the shelves even faster than the DCF. And even though it might be a bit of an exaggeration, I’m sure they’re probably selling well. Even the masses are converting to ultralight somewhat. 7d – 15d silnyloh tents are what a lot of people want these days. And oh yea, they DON’T want trekking pole tents.

Now that I think about this, it makes perfect sense.  The BA tents are offering reduced weight (what backpacker doesn’t appreciate that) without requiring any change in backpacking style, skill, or technique.  From that viewpoint, if one were replacing a worn out tent, one of the BAs is a no brainer…it’s a “free” (in every sense other than the effect on one’s wallet) reduction of weight from one’s back.

Perhaps BA is brilliant, and it is I who knows not of what he speaks.

No, I’d say you’re a very savvy guy John. It’s just that we’ve been saved (much like an evangelical Christian) by finding ultralight. When you’re a more serious backpacker who’s felt the euphoria of getting the miserable boat anchor off your back, you just know better than to buy the mass market junk. Nevertheless, I still think the 1P BA Carbon tents would be great for adventure racers and FKT though.

BA’s DCF/Carbon tents are strategic because they *really* boosted sales of their Platinum tent line. Lighter than their regular tents but less expensive than the DCF/Carbons. They can limit the availability of the DCF/Carbons and force people into the Platinum line. I’m in awe. Awesome marketing strategy. Creating a need where one didn’t exist before.