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 love my Big Agnes Copper Spur 2-Person Bikepacking tent. It’s freestanding which is a big deal for me, fits great between the bars because of the shortened poles, and is the perfect size to comfortably store all my gear in the tent with me. Sets up really quick, and you don’t have to know origami to get it back in the bag. Day-to-day on a trip I just stuff it back in and it’s fine. The 2-person retails for just above your price range, but it’s always on sale somewhere.

Just get the Copper Spur. It’s the gold standard for a reason. Use it for a few seasons and you’ll have enough experience to know exactly what you want out of your next tent. I have a 3-person Copper Hotel bike packing tent which has been amazing for 6 years and a BA Tiger Wall UL2 which I hate only because I know what I’m missing having not gotten a Copper Spur UL2 instead. My next tent will be a CS UL2.

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.

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.

I have the same tent and agree it was worth the investment especially for frequent backpackers.

I definitely recommend contacting them. I have the same tent and love it. I have another older big Agnus that's needed zipper repairs and they've been so helpful.

I invested in a Big Agnus ultra light 3 person tent for when my partner and I go camping. It has some extra room for gear and our dogs. It's very light. I've been using Big Agnus tents for a decade and love them. Their customer service is awesome if you ever need repairs.