Big Agnes - Copper Spur HV UL3 Bikepack

I was not a fan of pricey tents (who is?) but after spending 9 days living in Big Agnes Coper Spur UL3 Bikepack I really can see myself dropping the same kind of money, if not slightly more, for a next tent. Materials, R&D and manufacturing to a standard cost and you really do get what you pay for whether you go with cheap or expensive tent.

I like where your head’s at for the free standing options. My first thought was the BA copper spur bike packing variant. I’d take a look at the durston xmid 2p (non dcf) and add a set of his poles. Think they are called z flick? Considerable weight/space savings.

Used Big Agnes copper spur.

I took a lightweight Big Agnes bikepacking tent on a long 1.5 year trip on the PanAmerica and it did great. Survived all the crazy winds in Patagonia. Ants chewed some small holes in it in Costa Rica, but I bought some tent repair tape before the trip and that easily patched the small holes. Towards the end of the trip I was very rough putting it up one night and snapped a pole but I used one of the tent repair splints they give you and it seemed completely structurally fine with that, even in strong wind again. I'm actually taking the same broken pole and hole-y rainfly on my next long trip too because I think it will hold no problem. --------------- Previously I was using a heavy UK camping shop own-brand tent and it the actual tent material felt thicker and more durable... but it was 3x the weight.

I can only recommend what I’ve got, which is a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3. Mine is extra long. I love it! I’ve also got the 2P variant, which can fit 2 comfortably, if slightly snugly, though I am 193 cm.

If you want a 3 person tent for the weight of a 2 person tent, get an ultralight tent like the big agnes cooper spur hv ul3, which has the bonus of being a tiny bit wider, longer, and taller than a typical 3 person tent, too! All for the weight of a typical decently priced 2 person tent (about four pounds).

Ultralight 3 person tents weigh about as much as a traditional 2-person tent so I agree this can be an excellent option. On my last trip we used our Big Agnes Copper Spur 3UL and with just two people it felt like a palace. I acknowledge it's a really pricey tent, but compared to the 2XL it's only slightly heavier/pricier and much more useful for situations where you actually need to shelter three people, or maybe 2 people plus a dog.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is the QUEEN of 3person tents. It *will* get a bit cramped once you have two adult-sized boys, but it’s still doable. But at that point, you’ll be at the end of that tent’s lifespan (newer tents will be much lighter) and/or the boys are gonna want to sleep alone in their own tent. For an even lighter option, the Tarptent Triple Rainbow, Hogback, or Cloudburst 3 person tents are all great choices. One thing to consider: double doors are more pleasant with two people … but with 3, you may want a front-opening single-door tent like the Cloudburst. That way, nobody needs to climb over anyone else for the bathroom. The Cloudburst also won’t feel too tight with an adult and two adult-size kids. It has TWO openings/vestibules but they’re positioned at the head and foot, so no climbing over your friends.

Big Agnes specs 53oz for the copper spur ul3 at trail weight. The copper spur 1p is 32oz. Durston really shines with it's space for value, the xmid 1 has the same footprint as many lightweight 2 person shelters. Which is good and bad. You'd be hard pressed to find a comparable combination of weight/price/living space.

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Weight: ~3 lbs 14 oz (trail weight) Price: ~$650 Pros: Freestanding with excellent interior volume Two doors and two large vestibules High-quality materials and DAC poles Good for long trips and moderate weather Cons: Expensive Thin fabric requires some care 2. MSR Hubba Hubba 3P Weight: ~3 lbs 12 oz (trail weight) Price: ~$600 Pros: Excellent balance of weight and durability Symmetrical design, spacious for two or cozy for three Great ventilation and weather resistance Cons: Slightly tighter vestibule space than Copper Spur

I’m just going to chime back in since a few people have recommended a 3p tent. We actually bought the BA copper spur HVUL3 at first and returned after our first trip it as it was too big for us as a backpacking tent. We downgraded to the HVUL2 and with each of us having our own door and vestibule it’s plenty big enough. If you are looking for a 3p tent then go for it. It’s big.