How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Designed to help you sleep soundly through the roughest nights in the backcountry, the latest version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 tent is lighter, stronger and more waterproof than before.




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Imported.
View the Big Agnes Copper Spur Product LineView all Big Agnes Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 3 lbs. 6 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 2 lbs 11 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 3 lbs. 13 oz. |
| Packed Size | 5 x 21 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 90 x 70/62 (L x W head/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 41 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 9 + 9 square feet |
| Peak Height | 43 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Pole Material | DAC NFL |
| Pole Diameter | 9.3 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Breathable 15-denier nylon with 20-denier solution-dyed ripstop and 15-denier polyester mesh |
| Floor Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead fabric; 15-denier nylon with 20-denier solution-dyed ripstop and 1,500 mm waterproof coating without intentionally added PFAS |
| Rainfly Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead fabric; 15-denier nylon with 20-denier solution-dyed ripstop and 1,500 mm waterproof coating without intentionally added PFAS |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
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This lightweight tent has some great features. First, it is incredibly light weight. Coming in at just under 4 pounds; which is significantly lighter than other tents I've used. Set up is a bit confusing at first and was not intuitive. Plus, the directions don't have any pictures. But after assembling it once, it's easy to remember and relatively straight-forward for one person to accomplish. The length is ample so we could comfortably sleep two and store our gear. It's a 3-person tent and it would work with three mummy bags and average height people--if you're tall, I don't think you could fit three people and gear. The exterior seems water repellant, but we were out on a clear weekend and didn't get to test that feature. It stores well in the small stuff sack and is easy to compresses. Overall, I think this tent would work well for two people or three hardcore backpackers used to cramped spaces. It would also work well as emergency gear stored in a vehicle for "just-in-case" situations.
Really, really impressed with this tent. Ever since I've been an adult I've had a hard time finding the right tent. Some are simple to set up but way too heavy, others are really complex to set up and sometimes even harder to take down and put away. This tent found the middle for me. First things first, it's very light weight for a 3-man tent with a really slick sleeve that can be tightened to be pretty small. Once you open it you'll quickly notice the intuitive packaging for the poles and stakes. The tent comes in two pieces and can actually be set up either as a tent with the awning or just the awning itself. I haven't tested that yet but I could see how you did it and it seemed pretty straight forward. The material is very light and definitely pretty good at blocking out the wind. It was a little breezy the first time I set it up and it did give me a little trouble just trying to keep it straight to put it together. Material seems thin but from my use so far it's very durable. The only thing I'd mention is that the bottom of the tent is definitely that same thin material. If you're going to be beating this thing up with some recreational camping I'd suggest a tarp to protect it, but maybe I'm just being paranoid. It's pretty standard 3 man tent where you'll be much more comfortable with just two people in there, but plenty of room in there. Often overlooked trait.. so easy to put away. it folds up nicely and was easy to strap back down.
This is one of the best tents I ever owned. I also have the two-person for backpacking but got this because the two-person is a bit tight for two adults. Very durable, stood up to 30-40 mph winds on the beach. But sand was able to make it under the fly eventually and we slept in sand which was not good. There is ventilation features but if the sun hits the tent in the morning, unobstructed, it's like an oven in there. The newer versions look a little better in this respect. After 10 years, the seam tape is coming off I re-glued them but it didn't work perfectly. I also popped a hole in the fly stretching it over the pole for the awning over the vestibule. I will patch it and keep trucking. Over 10 years and hundreds of nights out in the elements, I'd say I got my money's worth. My seven year old was able to set up the tent by herself!
Bought this tent for backpacking and have used it for that and it is the first tent (own three) I grabbed when heading out for mountain bike festivals, general camping excursions, etc. it is so easy to set up and I have stayed dry in several downpours. We got the three man because our dogs goes backpacking with us, so we split the tent between both of our bags. Not sure how backpacking solo would be with the size, but I'm not there yet.
I recently camped at Hume Lake Campground in Sequoia National Park and got caught in a storm that lasted over seven hours. My Big Agnes tent held up flawlesslyno leaks, no issues, and it kept me completely dry and comfortable the whole time. Couldn't be happier with this purchase!
We successfully went Rim2Rim in the Grand Canyon fitting 3 grown men, we were a bit snug but 3 men!! The gear pockets inside allow for great organization and with how easily the tent packs and travels it really can go anywhere, do anything!
We backpack and car camp depending on the trip. This tent has done well so far. It feels roomy. Love all the pockets on the inside. It was quick and easy to set up. Really like the vent up top.
Light and roomy tent. Set up and take down is pretty simple. Very light. It went back into the storage bag very easily. The bag clips instead of zips, so no broken zippers! Lots of storage compartments. There was more room inside than I expected.
This is my primary tent, used for multi season backpacking. I love how lightweight it is, and yet it still feels sturdy. It sets up super easily, packs down easily, and is very spacious inside. I would suggest getting the footprint as well. I haven't yet, and am worried when using the tent on anything except soft ground without rocks or pine needles (hard to come by).
This tent is the perfect size for a solo trip or with another person. I am 5'8" and i find the tent has plenty of space. is very light and so easy to setup. My fie and daughter have taken it camping and i have used it backpacking with our son. Very comfortable and easy to use.