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.
$59
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$89
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the Big Agnes Copper Spur Product LineView all Big Agnes Backpacking TentsBest 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 |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
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.