Backpacking Background:

Product Description:

The Parkview 2 is designed to be a lightweight, 2-person, 3-season backpacking tent.  It is considered to be freestanding.  The tent itself is what I expected from my research on the Big Agnes website, although I was pleasantly surprised to find out the optional footprint was shipped with the tent and included in the test series. 

When the package arrived, I emptied the contents of the retail box out onto the living room floor, and observed the following characteristics:

• The Parkview comes shipped in its own stuff sack.  The stuff sack is large enough to hold all of the tent components.
• The optional Parkview footprint was also shipped in its own stuff sack.
• There is more than enough room in the Parkview stuff sack to hold the footprint as well.

Next, I examined the contents of the Parkview stuff sack and found the following:

Each stuff sack is made for a specific function, with the stake sack the smallest and the tent sack the largest.  Each sack is made from the same denier nylon as the fast fly.  The smaller stake and pole stuff sacks come equipped with a tie attached to the top and each has more than adequate volume to hold its intended contents.  The main tent sack has the Big Agnes logo stenciled on it and comes with a nylon grab handle along the bottom.  The main tent sack also comes equipped with a cord and cordlock around the open-end to securely close the stuff sack.

The pole system is promoted in the Big Agnes literature as the Atlas Pole System™ by Mountain Hardwear and features floating connectors and Yunan Air Hercules Scandium Poles featuring non-corrosive shoktips.  What this means in laymen's terms is that the poles are made from an aluminum-scandium alloy.  When added to aluminum, scandium produces improvements in strength, ductility, aging response and grain refinement, resulting in a frame system made from high performance materials.  These poles are slick!  There are two 'hubs', made of the same material as the poles.  The entire assembly is connected together via shockcord running throughout the hollow interior of the pole system.  By simply removing the pole assembly from the stuff sack and letting go, the entire structure practically self-assembles!  The floating connectors are located between each section of pole and are used to secure each section together.  At the four ends of the pole structure are located the non-corrosive shoktips.  These tips are formed to allow secure insertion into the tent body during assembly and allow for ground contact.  The pole system and stuff sack weigh in at 1 lb 11.1 oz (765 g).  Note: there are actually two pole assemblies contained in the stuff sack, although both are constructed of the same materials.  One assembly is for the tent body and the other is a straight assembly without hubs used with the installation of the fast fly.

The tent walls are made from 40D nylon mesh and rip stop, creating a space of openness that really brings the outside in on clear nights when the fast fly isn't needed.  There are two opposing D-shaped doors in the tent, with large, nylon zippers on each.  When looking at the tent, the doors are found on the "long" walls.  The floor of the tent is shaped as a rectangle, and the long walls correspond to the walls along the long side of the rectangle.  The tent comes equipped with a bathtub floor made of 70D nylon with waterproof coating (polyurethane and silicone).  The dimensions of the floor measure 56 x 88 x 6 in (142 x 224 x 15 cm) [w] x [l] x [h].  Other features found inside the tent include four mesh storage pockets measuring approximately 6 x 10 in (15 x 25 cm), found in each corner of the tent, along the floor; and four attachment loops around the top of the tent.  The loops are set 14 in (36 cm) apart and at right angles to each other.  They are designed to be attachment points for a gear loft, which is sold separately, but lend themselves nicely as an attachment point for my headlight for night reading.  The interior height of the tent from floor to ceiling measures 45 in (114 cm).

The exterior corners of the tent are marked with an interesting attachment assembly.  The assembly consists of a .75 in (2 cm) wide by 10 in (25 cm) long length of heavy nylon.  Although I could not find published specifications on the nylon, it's similar to the grade used in belts and pack straps.  Each assembly contains two metal grommets, followed by a .75 in (2 cm) nylon fastlock buckle, and finished off with a 2.25 in (57 mm) diameter loop.

Plastic clips are located all along the associated ridges of the tent exterior.  The clips provide a quick attachment solution for the tent to the pole assembly.  In essence, the tent hangs from the external pole assembly, allowing maximum room in the tent's interior.  By itself, the tent weighed in at 4 lb 4.1 oz (1.93 kg).

The fast fly is made from 40D nylon ripstop, finished with polyurethane and silicone coating.  It's translucent, with an off-white color.  When deployed over the tent, it creates a second wall, eliminating access for rain, wind and snow.  When adjusted properly, a space is formed between the tent and fly around the pole assembly, allowing for air circulation and the removal of moisture from inside the tent.  The major features found on the fast fly are the two vestibules. 

The main vestibule contains a plastic window at its top.  The main vestibule can be operated from two different zippers, and has a measured area of approximately 12 sq ft (1.1 sq m). 

The second vestibule has only one zipper and a measured area of about 8 sq ft (.74 sq m).  Note: there is no right or wrong way to position the vestibules other than in alignment with the tent doors.  In other words, the vestibules are completely interchangeable with each door on the tent.   

Each corner of the fast fly contains an adjustable nylon strap with a fastlock buckle connector, allowing secure attachment to the tent.  Midway up the fly body are loops aligned with the pole structure underneath, and contain lengths of guy lines for staking down the fly body.  There are also stake loops at the bottom of the vestibules and guy loops at their top.  The fast fly alone weighed in at 2 lb 2.2 oz (970 g).

The tent stakes are made of aluminum, although their exact composition is unknown.  Compete deployment requires 13 stakes, which is the quantity that came in the stake sack.  Each stake is the same size and shape.  Each stake starts with a shepperd's-like hook at the top, followed by a straight body and finished off with a tapered point at the bottom.  The bag of stakes weighed in at 7.8 oz (221 g), and each stake weighed in at .5 oz (14 g).

The footprint is an option that must be purchased separately for the Parkview tent.  The footprint is made of 70D nylon with a 1500 mm waterproof coating.  Its color is blue, with a band of yellow grosgrain around the perimeter.  The footprint measures 56.5 x 88.5 in (144 x 225 cm).  Each of its four corners contains the same attachment assembly as found on the exterior of the tent.  The assembly consists of a .75 in (2 cm) wide by 10 in (25 cm) long length of heavy nylon.  It's similar to the grade used in belts and pack straps.  Each assembly contains two metal grommets, followed by a .75 in (2 cm) nylon fastlock buckle, and finished off with a 2.25 in (57 mm) diameter loop.  The footprint came with its own stuff sack and weighed in at 12.4 oz (251 g). 

Tent Set Up:

I found the tent set-up easy to learn and am able to perform it quickly in the field.  I begin with the footprint, as it serves as a groundcloth beneath the tent.  To simplify setup and improve my own comfort, I look for a site that is as level as possible, with enough room around it.  The complete assembly requires an open area of at least 11 x 12 ft (3.3 x 3.7 m).  After the footprint is in place, I tuck the connector ribbons located in the corners under the footprint, as they are not needed with the tent assembly.  Then, I simply unfold the tent on the footprint, making sure the tent doors are oriented to my preference.  Next, I assemble the poles.  By simply removing them from their stuff sack and giving the whole thing a little shake, the frame structure practically self-assembles.  The pole assembly must be oriented correctly with the tent.  This is ensured if the short pole section that connects the two hubs runs between the doors on the tent body.  Note: there is no curvature to the pole assembly, but as each pole is inserted into the corresponding grommet on the corner ribbon of the tent, the structure conforms to the proper shape.  The pole assembly is attached at each corner on the connection ribbon with the poles inserted in the closest grommet to the tent body.  All along the ridgeline of the tent are located plastic clips that allow a fast and secure connection of the tent to the frame structure.  On a clear night with no fear of precipitation, after clipping the tent to the poles, I'm done!  The structure is now self-supporting, although I may add a stake in each corner to make sure the structure stays put if the wind picks up.

If inclement weather is threatening, I now install the fast fly over the tent.  Step 1 is to determine where I want the main vestibule, then make sure it's aligned with the door.  Now I clip the fast fly to the tent on the side containing the smaller vestibule.  This is quickly accomplished using the fastlock connectors in each corner.  The female half of the connector is secured on the tent at each corner of its exterior along the "connector ribbon", whereas the corresponding mate to each connector is found attached at each corner of the fast fly.  Going around to the main vestibule, I insert the fast fly pole (found in the pole stuff sack but assembles separately from the main frame) through a small loop under the vestibule at its apex.  I then insert each end of the pole in the corresponding outer grommet on the "connector ribbon" on the tent.  While I'm at each corner inserting the vestibule pole into the grommet, I also clip the fastlock buckle together, with one half found on the tent and the other on the fast fly, as described before.  Then I reach under the vestibule and attach the hook and loop fasteners, found on the underside of the fast fly, around the fast fly pole.  In order to install the fast fly effectively, I feel I need at least the vestibules staked, along with the tension lines found at the ends of the tent that do NOT contain a door.  These lines connect to corresponding lines on the fast fly, and both are staked out together.  So, I feel I need at least four stakes, at a minimum, to correctly install the fast fly and tension it enough to create the space between it and the tent body.  This is necessary to create an air space to remove moisture from inside the tent, and shed water correctly in the rain, as well as maximize the available area inside each vestibule.  Big Agnes offers 13 different stakeout points to secure the tent and fast fly.

Fast Fly Set Up:

If the optional footprint is purchased, there is another option for setting up the Parkview.  The tent body can be left home if conditions permit, and the Parkview can still be assembled into a very nice shelter, sans the protection the tent provides.  Big Agnes refers to this setup as the Fast Fly setup.

Setup begins with the footprint.  It is opened and laid out with its "connector ribbons", found in each corner, fully extended.  Next the hub pole assembly is deployed, with each pole attached at the inner grommet of the connector ribbon.  Be careful to make sure the short pole connecting the two hubs on the pole assembly, runs parallel with the short sides of the footprint.  Now, simply install the fast fly as described in the tent setup.  At minimum, it will require 4 stakes, with at least 8 recommended in my opinion.  There are guy lines that extend down from the fast fly found midway along each ridge that I feel are more necessary in this setup and account for the additional 4 stakes; although they too are used at user's discretion.

Take Down:

Disassembly simply involves reversing the setup.  After the poles are in their sack, and the stakes have been cleaned off and in their sack, I fold the fast fly and tent to fit in the stuff sack, then I throw the pole sack and stake sack together at one end and role the whole thing up.  When it's completed rolled up, I drop it in the stuff sack.  I roll the footprint up and stuff it in its sack, then drop it in the main sack on top of the tent.  The whole thing fits easily into the main stuff sack.

First Impressions:

So far, I like this tent.  It seems well made to me.  The materials feel lightweight, yet strong.  The bathtub bottom, as well as the footprint, are beefy and so far, waterproof.  All seams are taped, with no extraneous threads.  The pole system is slick; although small in diameter, it feels very strong.  All hardware: fastlock buckles, clips, grommets, zippers, seem of high quality.  Assembly is fairly easy, although I would recommend a couple of dry runs before going out in the field, since a little experience greatly reduces setup time.  As far as a lightweight backpacking tent (a relative term, I know), the Parkview is huge!  The vestibules really add a lot of space, along with enough headroom to sit up and crawl around easily.  In my experience, many 2-person backpacking tents are much too constrictive.  I prefer a little elbowroom between my tent mate and me.  I've got it in the Parkview. 

I have two main concerns at this point of the test series.  First, I have issues with the main stuff sack.  There appears to be some stress along the seam on the end with the nylon handle.  My guess is this occurred with me carrying it around by the handle when fully loaded.  I shall keep an eye on it.  Second, I've had several times already where I've caught the door zippers on tent material.  Although I've been able to remove it easily, and no there appears no discernable damage to the material, this can't be good long-term.  I will keep an even closer eye on this, and report accordingly in the Field and Long Term reports.

Beginning Tests

My total experience so far consists of setting the tent up twice, and the fast fly setup once, along with a quick overnighter in the Parkview.  The Friday night sleepout consisted of a March night typical for this time of year: damp, drizzle with temperatures in the low 40 F (4 C) range.  I was surprised how warm it was inside the tent!  I've been exclusively sleeping in hammocks, under tarps, or under the stars the last several years, and forgot how warm a tent can be.  The vestibules make a great spot for my boots, enabling me to keep the sleep area clean and dry.  I was dry "as toast" in the Parkview using it right out of the "bag" with no further waterproofing applied.
 

Comment on Directions:

I found the included directions very easy to follow for both the tent setup and fast fly setup.  Personally, I would have liked a few pictures or diagrams instead of all the verbiage, but on the good side, Big Agnes includes the directions in a pdf file on the website, which I can easily access any time I need a copy.

Comment on the Web Site:

I really liked the Big Agnes site in general.  I found it easy to navigate, and didn't require several layers to get where I wanted to go.  Where I wanted to go though, was the Parkview.  Here, I was a little confused.  This tent seems to be called the Parkview 2 for 2-person, yet it is the only model in the Parkview series.  Many times it's referred to as either the Parkview 2, or simply Parkview.  Also, it took quite a bit of digging to find the definition of "packed weight" and "trail weight", as many of the published weights are given under these headings.  I finally found it on a comparison table of all the Big Agnes tents, but it was nowhere on the specification page for the Parkview.  I would like to see it listed with the specifications to make comparisons easier for the reader.

Test Plan

I was interested in the Parkview because it seemed to provide a solution to two problems for me.  First, it was roomier than any backpacking tent I've ever used.  I don't like being squished into my tent mate.  Second, the vestibules might provide a solution to protecting my other gear.  It seems to be able to do this at a weight that's acceptable.  Plus, the weight easily breaks down and can be shared by my tent mate.  The construction of the Parkview seems sturdy enough to survive at least some lightweight end-of-winter snow.  I expect to be able to thoroughly test the tent and fast fly setup in easy winter conditions as well as some wet, cold spring conditions, and warm summer conditions.

The testing will continue through a damp spring into the dog days of summer, where temperatures will hit 90 F (32 C).  We have quite the buggy season throughout the summer, and plan many nights in the tent.  But, with the cooler temperatures now and at the end of the test series, I'm excited about testing the fast fly setup.

 I like the Parkview 2 by Big Agnes.  With the optional footprint, it's even more versatile, allowing setup strategies to match conditions.  It's well made; setup is quickly learned and easy to perform.   I like the way it looks too.  The light colors will reflect the summer heat well.  It breaks down easily and lends itself nicely to different components being carried between two (or more) people.

Tim