Product Preview: Big Agnes Fairview 3 Tent
August 26th, 2010 Posted by Jessica. Published under Gear/ Product Review. 7 Comments.
Note: Since I will be using this tent more extensively next week while Rachel and I are camping on Assateague Island, this is merely a product preview until I’ve broken the tent in a little bit more.
Update: Read my review of the Big Agnes Fairview 3 tent here!
Big Agnes Fairview 3
For my 24th birthday this past June, Grandma Barnthouse lovingly mailed me a check for $100 with a card instructing me to “buy something you want, but don’t need.” Always an ever-practical grandchild, I decided the time was nigh for me to purchase a tent. Based on tips from various bike touring blogs, I knew I wanted a 3-person, 3-season backpacking tent. Why a 3-person and not just a 2-person tent if I’m only going to be bike touring with just Rachel, you ask? In bike touring you really need the extra space in the tent to keep your gear dry, sleep comfortably, and not feel claustrophobic. After all, it is going to be our home for upwards of two years– no need to be living in closer quarters than necessary, right? So I cruised REI’s online outlet and found a great deal on a Big Agnes Fairview 3.
Here’s a quick overview of the specs:
| Sleeping capacity: | 3 |
| Average minimum weight: | 5 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Average packaged weight: | 6 pounds |
| Floor dimensions: | 84 x 72 inches |
| Floor area: | 42 square feet |
| Vestibule area: | 10 square feet |
| Peak height: | 45 inches |
| Number of doors: | 1 |
| Canopy fabric: | Polyester/mesh |
| Floor fabric: | Coated polyester taffeta |
| Rainfly fabric: | Coated polyester taffeta |
| Number of poles: | 2 |
| Pole material: | Aluminum |
| Pole diameter: | 9.6 millimeters |
| Packed size: | 6.5 x 18 inches |
| Suggested use: | 3-season |
“There!” I thought when I placed the order online, “Now I will never be homeless!” I was officially one step closer to my life goal of becoming a traveling bicycle hobo.
As luck would have it, the tent arrived smack dab on my birthday! My housemates were gone, so I cleared out the living room and when Rachel stopped by to pick me up for dinner with my friends I insisted we set up the tent. Let me tell you– nothing rings in 24 quite like drinking wine and watching Four Eyed Monsters in a tent in my living room with my friends. I swear I’ll write a full and proper review in September!
7 Comments
Jessica on August 26th, 2010
Believe me– if my housemates hadn’t been coming back from vacation 3 days later, that tent would still be there!
Waterfall on August 31st, 2010
Looking forward to your review. I just purchased this same tent (waiting for it to be delivered) for backpacking with my husband and 9-month-old daughter. It looks like it’ll be a good tent, especially for the price, and it isn’t too heavy. Have a great time with it!
Dano on September 5th, 2010
Just ordered one as well. Plan on replacing my TNF 3 person tent that is a little to close to a 4 season tent at 8.5lbs w/ 3 poles. I should be able to sell it to break even on this light weight and packable 2per +GSD tent. Plan on comparing it to my current 3man and weighing them for actual packed weight. This is as light as my Nemo Losi 2p which is the most sweetish tent I have ever owned. I liked the two pole similar design in this model.
The vestibule is smaller then desired but that is where I am sure they are making up in weight savings. I always just use my pack cover cinch it around the pack and stuff it under vestibule anyway so it should work fine with two packs.
Waterfall- In you post on the other website one person recommended a Alps Mountaineering Zypher, I am glad you didn’t listen to that recommendation. I bought the 2p version and it leaked at the velco pole attachment areas. I have learned now that rainflys really need a bulletproof waterproofing around these velco attachment areas and a simple tape seam going over top of the velco does NOT cut it. If this BA Fairview doesn’t have good quality attachment points on the rainfly I might return it due to my experience of a strong leakage point.
Look foward to hearing what you all think of yours. Mine should be here in a week or so.
Product Review: Big Agnes Fairview 3 « Against the Grind on October 5th, 2010
[...] by Jessica on October 5, 2010 · Leave a Comment As I mentioned in my earlier post about my new Big Agnes Fairview 3 tent, here is my updated product review since I’ve had a [...]
Rachel on October 5th, 2010
Hey! Our official review is finally up: http://againstthegrind.com/2010/10/05/product-review-big-agnes-fairview-3/
How have you found the tent thus far?
Cheers,
Rachel
Rachel on October 5th, 2010
Hello!!
How’re you finding the tent thus far? We’ve got our fully loaded review up now: http://againstthegrind.com/2010/10/05/product-review-big-agnes-fairview-3/
Cheers,
Rachel
Phyllis Wiederhoeft on August 26th, 2010
LOL! I love the setup in the living room!