Design and Construction
The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack has a freestanding dome structure, making it easy to set up and take down. The tent's poles are color-coded, making it easy to match them to the appropriate clips and corners. The fly and floor of the tent are made from durable polyester material, providing reliable protection against rain, wind, and other elements.
One unique feature of the Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is the "hotel" feature. This feature allows you to create a separate sleeping area within the tent. The tent has a removable divider that can be placed inside the tent, separating the sleeping area from the rest of the tent. This provides an added level of privacy for couples or friends sharing the tent.
The tent also has two doors and vestibules, providing ample storage space for gear. The vestibules are spacious enough to store panniers or other gear, while still providing enough space to enter and exit the tent easily. The doors are designed with mesh panels, providing ventilation while keeping insects out.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack has a spacious interior, with a floor area of 31 square feet and a peak height of 44 inches. This provides enough space for two people to sleep comfortably, with enough headroom to sit up inside the tent. The tent also has plenty of storage space, with two large vestibules that can store gear and other items.
The tent's "hotel" feature also adds an extra layer of comfort and privacy. The removable divider creates a separate sleeping area, providing a little more privacy for couples or friends sharing the tent. The sleeping area is spacious enough to accommodate two people comfortably, with enough room for sleeping bags and other gear.
Ventilation
The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack has good ventilation, thanks to the mesh panels on the tent's ceiling and doors. The tent's fly also has a vent that can be opened to allow air to flow through the tent. This helps to prevent condensation buildup inside the tent, keeping the interior dry and comfortable.
Weight and Packed Size
The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it an excellent option for bikepacking. The tent weighs in at just 5 pounds 1 ounce, which is relatively lightweight for a two-person tent. The tent's packed size is also quite compact, making it easy to carry on your bike. The tent's packed dimensions are 10 x 15 x 7.5 inches, making it easy to fit in your panniers or other gear bags.
Ease of Setup
The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be easy to set up and take down. The tent's poles are color-coded, making it easy to match them to the appropriate clips and corners. The tent also features clips instead of sleeves, making it easy to attach the tent to the poles. The tent's fly is also easy to attach, with buckles that make it easy to adjust the tension and ensure a secure fit.
Durability
The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it is durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The tent's fly and floor are made from polyester material that is both durable and waterproof. The tent's poles are made from lightweight and durable aluminum, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of bikepacking.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design: The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on your bike. It weighs just 5 pounds 1 ounce and has a packed size of 10 x 15 x 7.5 inches.
- Durable construction: The tent is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it is durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The fly and floor of the tent are made from polyester material that is both durable and waterproof, while the tent's poles are made from lightweight and durable aluminum.
- Spacious interior: The tent has a floor area of 31 square feet and a peak height of 44 inches, providing enough space for two people to sleep comfortably. The tent also features two large vestibules, providing ample storage space for gear.
- "Hotel" feature: The tent's unique "hotel" feature allows you to create a separate sleeping area within the tent, providing an added level of privacy for couples or friends sharing the tent.
- Good ventilation: The tent has mesh panels on the ceiling and doors, as well as a vent in the fly, providing good ventilation and preventing condensation buildup inside the tent.
- Easy to set up: The tent is designed to be easy to set up and take down, with color-coded poles and clips that make it easy to attach the tent to the poles.
Cons
- Limited color options: The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is only available in one color option (orange).
- Only suitable for two people: The tent is designed to accommodate two people, so it may not be the best option for larger groups.
Conclusion
The Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is an excellent tent for bikepacking. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry on your bike, while its durable construction ensures that it will withstand harsh weather conditions. The tent's spacious interior and "hotel" feature make it a comfortable and convenient option for two people on a bikepacking trip. Its good ventilation and easy setup are also important features that make it a great choice for outdoor adventures.
