How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Lighter, stronger and more waterproof than ever thanks to proprietary HyperBead™ fabric, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 tent is ideal for minimalists looking for a side-entry, ultralight tent.


Imported.
View the Big Agnes Tiger Wall Product LineView all Big Agnes Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 2 lbs. 1 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 3 pounds |
| Packed Size | 6 x 19 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 88 x 66/60 (L x W head/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 38 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 8 + 8 square feet |
| Peak Height | 42 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 1 |
| Pole Material | DAC Featherlite NFL |
| Pole Diameter | 9.3 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Breathable recycled 15-denier ripstop nylon, and polyester mesh |
| Floor Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead fabric technology; recycled 15-denier ripstop nylon with 1,500 mm waterproof coating without intentionally added PFAS |
| Rainfly Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead fabric technology; recycled 15-denier ripstop nylon with 1,500 mm waterproof coating without intentionally added PFAS |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Design Type | Semifreestanding |
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It is beautiful super light tent a lot of space. Super easy and quick to set up. But it is not durable at all. Do not pitch small obstruction even with footprint. You will have wholes in the floor. Do not use it in high wind rainfly will rip. You have to baby this tent. My personal experience is this tent can not stand outdoors in variable conditions and stand in one piece. It might be good for designated campgrounds with cover and flat surface but its not good for wilderness trips. Good thing is Big Agnes will do the repairs for you. This tent does not live up to hight quality standards that I am custom to experience from big agnes products
I use this as a generous two person tent for two adults and a small dog. It would be a very narrow fit for 3 adult humans. I use it for backpacking and the occasional car camp when I don't want to deal with a bigger tent. I love this tent and would take it anywhere. I upgraded to this from a Fly Creek that is now quite old. Coming from that I'm loving having two doors/vestibules. This tent has a nice amount of vertical space, it's pretty light weight, and packs down pretty small, especially when you pull the poles out of the main stuff sack and stow those separately. I love that the door zippers meet in the corner to avoid sipping around a taught curve.
In my opinion, it would be hard to find a more perfect Bikecamping tent where ultralight and ultra-packability are paramount. I think it's all about the right use occasion for this tent. Some of the reviewers should find a more appropriate, sturdy tent for what I perceive their needs are. 2lb10z for this much tent is amazing. A cinch to rapid assemble. LOVE the 2 doors/vestibules approach (ok, I like it, my wife adores it). Also- get the footprint (for longevity too) and this system can operate as a tarp tent with footprint+poles+Fly only. Such a cool tent! Oh- and- because it's so dang light, we believe the UL3 is ideal for 2 people with that wonderful little extra space :)
Great overall tent, lightweight, roomy (enough room to sleep two plus large dog comfortably), and weather proof. Con: The fly door should have opened from head to center. If it's been raining or snowing you can not get out of the tent without getting wet. It's one of those things that doesn't really matter until it does, then it's a big deal. It would be nice to be able to fold the fly door over the rest of the vestibule. I know I'm being a little too picky, especially since most tent flies open the same way, but let's change the game and do something different.
I've waited to review the Tiger Wall 3 until I had throughly field tested it. After using it on eight substantial bikepacking trips I am very pleased with its performance. Pros: lightweight, packs small, right size for two cyclists (3 would be a joke), holds up well in heavy rain and winds, great gear pockets, and ease of set up. Cons: needs shorter poles for bikepacking, and the significant one - when the fly is wet it is almost impossible to get into and out of the tent without dripping water on your sleeping area. Regardless, I highly recommend this tent.
Great Tent! I took this on the 28 mile Four Pass Loop with my daughter and dog. We had plenty of space inside. I used the BA rapide double wide pad and another 20 inch wide BA pad that I had from years earliet. This covered the entire floor from side to side. The tent was solid once all the stakes were in. My problem with this is that it only comes with 9 stakes included and you could really use 11. On night two I thought I had left a few stakes behind after the first night. I came online to buy a few more and in looking at the length in the product description (6 inch) I realized I hadn't lost any and I guess they don't expect you to put stakes in the corners where the poles attach to the tent and ground cloth at the top. I guess you could go without these two stakes, but I always want the tent fully supported and ready for high winds. That being said I absolutely love the stakes they provided and how the roped slip into the notch and the lines are so easily adjusted. Very high-quality light weight material. The only other complaint I have is that the available footprint does not cover the space inside the vestibules. It would be nice to have this area clean for setting a pack or shoes. We actually had large packs 80 and 60 liter and we slept with them at our heads with the dog (60 lbs) between us and had plenty of room. I am 5'11" and my daughter is almost the same height. Despite my two grievances this is the nicest tent in my collection. I can't wait to use it again on my next adventure.
Just bought this for hiking in Montana. It's easy to set up, dry, warm, with no insects, and excellent Organization space.
I've used many BA tents over the years, from the mountain series to the ultralight Fly Creek. To me this tent hits all the ideal ultra light and minimal points without being so cramped that it becomes inconvenient. I love having two doors and two vestibules to store gear, especially in the rainy PNW. Sets up fast, when fully guyed out it holds the wind off well, and the ventilation keeps moisture build up low. All in all a solid choice.
This tent is my favorite. I have four from different companies. It's easy to set-up, comfortable and sturdy beyond its weight. This was my initial concern regarding its weight. I'm proud to own it thing the brand denotes a serious backpacker is inside. I have also bought other Big Agnes gear and damaged it and needed a repair the process was a delight and I was the WOWed me with their service. I am a customer for life!
This tent is super light and comfortable for two people. If you are actually looking for a three person tent and don't want to sleep charlie and the chocolate factory style, I would recommend something larger, but for two people there is plenty of space for big comfy sleeping pads, backpacks etc to stay dry. I've only every used it for summer camping in the alpine, but its been great in afternoon thunder storms.


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