Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

[jejton]

I am taking the family (myself, wife and 3 young kids) on a roadtrip to the Black Hills, Badlands National Park and Yellowstone/Grand Tetons, with possibly a stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in mid-June. Last time we went camping, we had 1 kid, so it was time for an upgrade. Till now, we've gotten by with Coleman and Kelty tents but now I want something spacious enough to grow with the family and last a few years. I wanted something with a room divider, roomy enough that the kids won't go bonkers if they have to spend a rainstorm in it, durable, budget-friendly and well-ventilated. This is for car camping so weight is not much of an issue. I've narrowed down to the REI Kingdom 8 and Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8. I've read many reviews and seen some Youtube Videos but no head to head comparisons.
Originally the BA was out of my priceline but I found it on sale so it would only be about $30 more than the REI (once the garage and tax are added - the BA would be tax and shipping free). I dont think I'd have time to return the BA and buy a new one before the trip (the REI sale would be over anyways by Monday, so the discount would disappear).

I've read that the REI can be problematic in strong winds (which I know are a risk in the Badlands) but other reviews (and the REI salesperson for what its worth) said if staked and guy'd well, would not be an issue. I like that the REI fly can be rolled back to make the second room more versatile, but the BA seems like it would be a better choice for colder weather (i.e. Great Lakes fall camping).

What are your thoughts?

[a65hoosier]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

Hi jejton and Welcome to the Forum!

First - no personal experience with either the BA FD8 or REI Kingdom 8. I think there are a few members that have the Kingdom series, not sure about the BA FD's. Maybe they will chime in. I recently went through the same assessment looking at 6P tents. BA FD6, Kingdom 6, REI Basecamp 6, or the Marmot Limestone 6. I ultimately went with the Marmot...but I can feel your pain in deciding.

Second - as you are probably aware...you really won't go wrong with either of these tents. Both...being large tents...require real estate to properly pitch.

Third - I agree with your initial assessments regarding the wind on the Kingdoms (don't know, but I've also read the reviews). I always figure that the riskiest part of a pitch in the wind is just after the poles have been erected but prior to the rainfly install and guyline placement. It's at this point where the poles have little support and can be bent. Once the rainfly is installed and attached to the poles (via velcro usually) and then guyed out, you have a stronger structure.

The BA is classified as a 4 season tent...mainly due to the stronger pole structure's ability to handle snow loads. It is a "warmer" tent (relatively speaking). Just looking at the set-up required tho, it appears the BA would take a bit more time to get fully pitched.

Seriously...both of these are high quality tents. It will ultimately come down to how you think you will personally utilize the tent during your trips. Some factors may mean to you more than others. Regardless....you'll have good shelter for you and your family on your roadtrip with either.

[GodsKids27]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

We recently purchased the Kingdom 8 and we are extremely happy! I did months of research, scanning and reading until I made my decision. We just came back from an amazing weekend. About the Kingdom 8
1. Easy to set up! Two people in a tight spot about 30 minutes.
2. The tech garage is a must! Just saying, spend the extra, it's worth it.
3. The open no seeum top is great for staring at the sky.
4. It's big! Really!! Two adults and I am 300lbs, over 6 foot tall; 3 teens and my 6 year old with room to spare.

To top it all off, REI just had 25% off the Kingdom 8 which paid for the garage. We love it and never think we could have picked better.

[MacGyver]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

Since wind is a major concern, I would go with the Big Agnes. As a65hoosier stated, the pole configuration looks sturdier. That and the fact that the front and back of the Kingdom tents are pretty much flat, making them more susceptible to catching wind like a sail.

[jejton]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

So I ended up going with the REI. Mainly because I didn't want to risk buying the BA without being able to see one setup first. I couldn't setup the Kingdom 8 because REI was too busy when I got there but they had a Kingdom 4 set up so I get the gist. Read more than a handful of reviews that stated, if staked and guy'd properly, can handle whatever winds I am likely to encounter. If we are not happy with it after this trip, I can return it and shop around again for the BA but if I wasn't happy with the BA after receiving it, I would have missed out on the sales price for the REI.
We had a beautiful weekend and now are expecting heavy rains for the week, so the wife and I went and set it up in the backyard for some testing.

First impressions.
1 - The included instructions SUCK! I found a great Youtube video someone uploaded for setting up the Kingdom 6. Was very helpful. Took us about 45 minutes. Partly because it was a new tent but much of that was because the included instructions and videos were for a different version. They kept referring to color coded grommets, and tabs, etc. The tabs on ours were all green, as were the fly's. Ours also utilized clips the fly to the tent tabs, while the instructions and videos all referred to inserting the tent stake through tent tab grommets. So through trial and error, we figured which way the fly went. I imagine, with two people and minimal wind, the tent can be erected in 15 minutes, plus extra for guying it out.

2 - Tent is very spacious. This is definitely a tent that can grow with us. I like the versatility of the fly, allowing the second room to be used a screen room for enjoying clear, starry nights. the vestibule is large. The rear end however has a minimal overhang. I'm curious to see if the door will leak under heavy rain.

3 - The tech garage seems like it will be a nice add-on, if campsite allows, however we could not figure out how to erect it. We were able to connect it to the tent easily enough, but could not get it to stay up. Again, included instructions were useless.

4 - The pack is nice. Looks like there is enough give in it to easily pack the tent back in. That has always been the challenge for - packing a tent, sleeping bag, etc back into its sack.

So now, questions.

1 - The REI comes 6 guy lines. I see many more tie-loops on the fly. How many should more should I buy? Do I just search " guy lines " or is there something specific I should look for?

2 - I bought some extra steel stakes (the tent came with 8). Are those the right kind, or should I be looking at different stakes?

3 - One of the salespeople recommended a spray on UV protectant for the fly - not seam sealer. Use it or is it garbage to be returned?

4 - The tech garage - for the life of us, we could not figure out how to set it up. Anyone have a good video to point me to ?

5- Any good videos demonstrating how to tie back the fly ?

6 - There were quite a few clips on the inside of the fly which the instructions, videos did not address. I could not see how they attach to the tent. Any ideas?

[NMCamper]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

Congratulations on your purchase! We just bought the same tent and love it so far. For the extra guy lines, I looked on YouTube and found a video on how to tie my own. It was very easy and they work great. Don't have a video for setup of garage, but it won't stay up until you stake down the two corners at the end. Steel stakes have worked fine for us. Those extra clips are for tying back the fly. There is loop on the outside that corresponds to each hook. Role the fly up to that point then attach the loop and hook around the rolled up fly.

[NMCamper]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

I will also add that when all guy points are used, including garage, it is quite solid in 30 mph winds.

[a65hoosier]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

Congrats on your new Kingdom. I think you'll be pleased with your tent. With careful pitching and take downs, always guying out...and most importantly, making sure the tent is completely dry before it's stored away will ensure a long life. I hang every tent used in the garage off some hooks I put in the ceiling to let it air out and dry after each trip. I still remember my family camping trips as a kid. You are going to have some fun family adventures...and create fun memories at the same time (perfect for campfire story telling).

One of the salespeople recommended a spray on UV protectant for the fly - not seam sealer. Use it or is it garbage to be returned?

hmmmm...good question/interesting topic...and worthy of not being lost in the thread. Your fly is polyester which is hardier against UV rays (altho not impervious--it will eventually be beaten by the sun, just not as fast as nylon). idk. I guess it depends on the cost, does it work/etc. I generally hate spraying stuff on my tents as it runs a risk of staining....or just not working that well to justify the effort and expense. I had a Coleman family tent that had to be annually sprayed/seam sealed. I eventually relegated it to the "loaner & fair weather only" shelf.

Other members: Any reviews on the UV protectant? Any one else here on the forum used it? Experiences?

[wiiawiwb]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

I owned an REI Kingdom 6 and after setting it up in the backyard I decided to return it. I was certain that if I huffed, and if I puffed, I could blow the tent down. I've never owned the BA Flying Diamond but suspect the fly, tent and floor material is heavier than the K8. Also, the pole configuration of the BA appears far superior to the K8 for wind tolerance.

Having said all of that, for the price of the BA8, I'd be looking at other tents as well. Cabelas Backwoods Three-Room tent. The Alaskan Guide 8 and a second tent. Many options. Cabelas is having a tent sale now so you could pick the, up on the cheap.

[NMCamper]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

I owned an REI Kingdom 6 and after setting it up in the backyard I decided to return it. I was certain that if I huffed, and if I puffed, I could blow the tent down. I've never owned the BA Flying Diamond but suspect the fly, tent and floor material is heavier than the K8. Also, the pole configuration of the BA appears far superior to the K8 for wind tolerance.

Having said all of that, for the price of the BA8, I'd be looking at other tents as well. Cabelas Backwoods Three-Room tent. The Alaskan Guide 8 and a second tent. Many options. Cabelas is having a tent sale now so you could pick the, up on the cheap.

I have to respectfully disagree. While a dome style tent will always provide better wind resistance, I have seen my Kingdom 8 hold up in high winds with ease. The BA will likely be more forgiving of improper or insufficient guying, but if properly guyed, this tent will hold up against substantial winds, especially if you add the garage (the garage adds aerodynamics and several additional guy points and anchor points which significantly add to the stability of the tent). While this would not be my preferred tent for sustained winds in the 40's to 50's, I would really rather not be camping in such conditions anyways, and trust that this tent will stand up in anything short of such conditions.

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

So I ended up going with the REI. Mainly because I didn't want to risk buying the BA without being able to see one setup first. I couldn't setup the Kingdom 8 because REI was too busy when I got there but they had a Kingdom 4 set up so I get the gist. Read more than a handful of reviews that stated, if staked and guy'd properly, can handle whatever winds I am likely to encounter. If we are not happy with it after this trip, I can return it and shop around again for the BA but if I wasn't happy with the BA after receiving it, I would have missed out on the sales price for the REI.
We had a beautiful weekend and now are expecting heavy rains for the week, so the wife and I went and set it up in the backyard for some testing.

First impressions.
1 - The included instructions SUCK! I found a great Youtube video someone uploaded for setting up the Kingdom 6. Was very helpful. Took us about 45 minutes. Partly because it was a new tent but much of that was because the included instructions and videos were for a different version. They kept referring to color coded grommets, and tabs, etc. The tabs on ours were all green, as were the fly's. Ours also utilized clips the fly to the tent tabs, while the instructions and videos all referred to inserting the tent stake through tent tab grommets. So through trial and error, we figured which way the fly went. I imagine, with two people and minimal wind, the tent can be erected in 15 minutes, plus extra for guying it out.

2 - Tent is very spacious. This is definitely a tent that can grow with us. I like the versatility of the fly, allowing the second room to be used a screen room for enjoying clear, starry nights. the vestibule is large. The rear end however has a minimal overhang. I'm curious to see if the door will leak under heavy rain.

3 - The tech garage seems like it will be a nice add-on, if campsite allows, however we could not figure out how to erect it. We were able to connect it to the tent easily enough, but could not get it to stay up. Again, included instructions were useless.

4 - The pack is nice. Looks like there is enough give in it to easily pack the tent back in. That has always been the challenge for - packing a tent, sleeping bag, etc back into its sack.

So now, questions.

1 - The REI comes 6 guy lines. I see many more tie-loops on the fly. How many should more should I buy? Do I just search " guy lines " or is there something specific I should look for?

2 - I bought some extra steel stakes (the tent came with 8). Are those the right kind, or should I be looking at different stakes?

3 - One of the salespeople recommended a spray on UV protectant for the fly - not seam sealer. Use it or is it garbage to be returned?

4 - The tech garage - for the life of us, we could not figure out how to set it up. Anyone have a good video to point me to ?

5- Any good videos demonstrating how to tie back the fly ?

6 - There were quite a few clips on the inside of the fly which the instructions, videos did not address. I could not see how they attach to the tent. Any ideas?

This isn't a tent I've ever put up so lemme do some looking around and get back to ya. I can tell you that it's easy enough to permanently colour code poles at home using nail polish. Oh and for your stereophiles out there does a nice job coding wires too and is still "manly" in an organized kinda way. As for guyline cording easiest to buy is prolly from REI......2 or 3 mm and reflective if possible.


I've been using this product on my rain fly for about the last 4 maybe 5 years:

https://www.rei.com/product/850168/n...proofing-spray

Definitely boosts the waterproofing but as others have said in the REI reviews no idea if the UV resistance works but cheap enough insurance. I will say the rainfly is the part of a tent's fabric structure that takes the biggest brunt of rain and sun so that's something to consider particularly if you camp in shade challenged areas.

As for stakes currently I'm enjoying the MSR Ground Hogs. NOT inexpensive but less issues with broken and lost stakes so well there you are. For every old stake that breaks I treat myself to 2 MSRs thus breaking up the cost.

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

OK..........I think the setup is pretty well covered in these 2 vids:

With rain fly (and possibly the vid you watched since he refers to color coded tabs) :

https://youtu.be/TnwRlDVFqxk


and without rain fly:

https://youtu.be/x8Z_np2NGi8

As for the interior clips.....I'm going to guess that is for a gear garage, places to hang lanterns/flashlights/fans and similar. I finally used my gear garage for the first time last year because there were so many of us in the tent(5). Came in handy for storing items like dirty clothing in a ditty bag.

As for tying back the fly didn't see anything specific to it in the vids but did see how to pull back the interior walls and doors in this vid as well as vestibule setup:

https://youtu.be/RVqnb0-GL8Q


This video shows the additional garage already set up which might give you an idea on how to do it:

If you have a backyard, put out a pitcher of ice tea and have at the set up after watching the vids that make the most sense to you. When you've reached tent setup nirvana reward yourselves with a brewski.

And if it's any help the first time I ever set up my current tent was in an empty apartment with high ceilings and fortunately no pendant lighting :he:

[jejton]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

This isn't a tent I've ever put up so lemme do some looking around and get back to ya. I can tell you that it's easy enough to permanently colour code poles at home using nail polish. Oh and for your stereophiles out there does a nice job coding wires too and is still "manly" in an organized kinda way. As for guyline cording easiest to buy is prolly from REI......2 or 3 mm and reflective if possible.


I've been using this product on my rain fly for about the last 4 maybe 5 years:

https://www.rei.com/product/850168/n...proofing-spray

Definitely boosts the waterproofing but as others have said in the REI reviews no idea if the UV resistance works but cheap enough insurance. I will say the rainfly is the part of a tent's fabric structure that takes the biggest brunt of rain and sun so that's something to consider particularly if you camp in shade challenged areas.

As for stakes currently I'm enjoying the MSR Ground Hogs. NOT inexpensive but less issues with broken and lost stakes so well there you are. For every old stake that breaks I treat myself to 2 MSRs thus breaking up the cost.

Thats the spray I bought at the saleslady' recommendation.
I'll see if I have a chance to stop and pick up those guylines at REI. They suggested I buy a length of paracord and cut it to length for my purposes, which I did. Now I have to figure out the proper way to tie the guylines. I havent found any great videos or website tutorials (too often its hard to follow the knot tying instructions) but I will keep looking.

[jejton]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

OK..........I think the setup is pretty well covered in these 2 vids:

With rain fly (and possibly the vid you watched since he refers to color coded tabs) :

https://youtu.be/TnwRlDVFqxk


and without rain fly:

https://youtu.be/x8Z_np2NGi8

As for the interior clips.....I'm going to guess that is for a gear garage, places to hang lanterns/flashlights/fans and similar. I finally used my gear garage for the first time last year because there were so many of us in the tent(5). Came in handy for storing items like dirty clothing in a ditty bag.

As for tying back the fly didn't see anything specific to it in the vids but did see how to pull back the interior walls and doors in this vid as well as vestibule setup:

https://youtu.be/RVqnb0-GL8Q


This video shows the additional garage already set up which might give you an idea on how to do it:

If you have a backyard, put out a pitcher of ice tea and have at the set up after watching the vids that make the most sense to you. When you've reached tent setup nirvana reward yourselves with a brewski.

And if it's any help the first time I ever set up my current tent was in an empty apartment with high ceilings and fortunately no pendant lighting :he:

Thanks for the links. We did set it up in our backyard right before a few days worth of severe rain storms. It partially collapsed but that was due to me not guying it properly (was not expecting such severe winds) but most of the tent still stayed dry. I then had to wait for a couple days of dry weather so that I could take it down and repack it.

[jejton]

Re: Big Agnes Fliying Diamond 8 vs REI Kingdom 8

OK..........I think the setup is pretty well covered in these 2 vids:

With rain fly (and possibly the vid you watched since he refers to color coded tabs) :

https://youtu.be/TnwRlDVFqxk


and without rain fly:

https://youtu.be/x8Z_np2NGi8

Those links are not working for me.