Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel

About the Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel

The Stagecoach is a waterproof, wheeled duffel for those needing to carry a good deal of gear.  The Stagecoach comes in three sizes, small (54 liters), medium (85 liters), and large (150 liters) ensuring there is a size for every need.  The features from the Big Agnes website are below:

• Durable, waterproof nylon with welded seams
• Heavy duty plastic, tractor-style wheels on medium and large sizes. Polyurethane inline skate wheels on small size
• Improved flip top lid opens fully
• Light gray interior so you can see your stuff
• Durable aluminum frame with extending lockable handle
• Two large interior zippered pockets
• Independent backpack strap system and external compression straps
• Water resistant, molded plastic zipper and soft rubber grab handles
• Size small meets most airline carry-on size regulations

First Impressions of the Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel

When the Big Agnes Stagecoach duffel I ordered arrived the other day I thought for a few moment maybe it was too big.  With the ability to hold 150 liters the large duffel can swallow enough gear for even the most ambitious expeditions.  It’s going to be a challenge to fill.  I am a big fan of the backpack straps that are on the Stagecoach although I won’t be trying the shoulder it fully loaded.  The quality seems to be top notch and don’t anticipate any problems with the construction or materials.  I would have liked to see either a waterproof zipper or a flap to cover the zipper (or both) for the days where your Stagecoach sits in the elements for hours.  The one other feature I would have liked is an internal frame to give more shape to the duffel similar to that of the North Face Rolling Thunder.

Up Next for the Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel

The Stagecoach is currently being packed for a trip to Costa Rica in a couple weeks.  A few days after my return from Costa Rica I’ll be off to Peru.  In each case we’ll be abusing the Stagecoach to see how it holds up and meets our needs.  We will of course keep you informed.

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Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 on the Continental Divide

When my search for a new ultra-light backpacking tent began, I poured through copious reviews and buying guides and spent countless hours at my local REI. A friend who owns the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 suggested that I take a look at the Seedhouse SL series of tents. And, first impressions of the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 were favorable. With a weight of 3lb. 6oz. I had expected something roughly the size of a coffin, but what I found was a tent that provided sufficient space for two. The vestibule is a little smaller than I would have preferred, but I guess that’s the tradeoff for all that is saved in weight and space. The tent consists of a nylon and polyester mesh canopy that offers about as much ventilation as is possible in a tent and an almost unobstructed view of the night sky that is sure to remind you why you head to the backcountry in the first place. The bathtub floor and fly are constructed of a silicone-treated nylon ripstop with a waterproof coating. The fly buttons up securely to create a safe refuge even in the worst of weather.

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 with no fly

All seams are waterproof taped to ensure you stay dry. To save weight and make setup a snap Big Agnes used super light DAC Featherlite pole system. This system uses aluminum poles all attached to two hubs and plastic press snaps to hang the canopy. The stakes included with the tent may be some of the best tent stakes ever created. Extremely light and X-shaped ensue they hold well under almost any placement.

Here’s a trick I like to use on nice nights (when rain is not threatening) — stake out only the bottom half of the rainfly so you can view the stars and get a nice breeze. If rain starts during the night you can just pull the top portion of the fly over the tent. When traveling in areas where bugs are not a problem the fast pitch option can be used — pitch only the fly over the footprint (or nothing) reducing the weight to 1lb 12.22oz (800g) (1lb 6oz (626g) without the footprint). My preferences for a large vestibule aside, there is one technical problem with the small size of the vestibule. When left open during a rain storm the water from the top of the vestibule door drips into the tent. So, take care to avoid this and you should stay nice and dry. All in all, this one gets a thumbs-up. I have yet to find an ultra-light tent that beats the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2.

Quick Review

Design: Free Standing, Double Wall
Capacity: 2
Retail: $319.95 (Buy)
Weights:

• fly 1lb. .625oz (470g)
• canopy 1lb. 3.125oz (543g)
• footprint 6.125oz (174g)
• poles 12.25oz (348g)
• stakes .375oz (12g) each
• total (13 stakes) 3lb 12.5oz (1kg 715g)

Why it’s hot:

• Stakes
• Weight (light enough for one, big enough for two)
• Mesh canopy
• Weather resistance
• Size

Why it’s not:

• Vestibule size
• Upper vestibule can leak into tent when open

http://www.bigagnes.com

With the fly half removed

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