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big agnes copper spur HV UL3 is probably the move here. decent headroom bc of the hubbed design so tall adults don't feel like they're constantly hunching, and at like 4lbs it's not gonna destroy your back on trail. three person rating w a 1 year old basically means you actually have room to move around vs feeling like sardines. if budget's flexible the nemo dagger osmo 3p is solid too, slightly heavier but the livable space is genuinely better than the specs suggest. one thing worth knowing — "3 person" ratings are pretty optimistic from most brands so if you've got two tall adults i'd honestly lean toward a 4p if weight isn't a dealbreaker. the rei co-op trail hut 4 is a budget-friendly option that's not ultralight but gives you real space for a family setup.
People math and tents get hard. I'd always lean towards one person extra, so a 4p tent. There aren't a lot of light options in 4p tents though. We used a Eureka 4p tent for years, that weighed 8 lbs, and tried several times to find an alternative but never found anything worth it. At the actual 3p level, we have a Nemo Dagger Osmo 3p, that is pretty amazing, but we've only ever used it for 2 people. It's also very expensive, and doesn't seem to go on sale very often.
We got down poured on last trip to the BWCAW in our Nemo dagger osmo. Stayed completely dry. Just make sure to use a footprint that’s tucked completely under the tent
Nemo Dagger, 3p just for my partner and I, more than enough room with very little weight penalty. They're well thought out, pretty loaded details-wise. I'd look into that series as well.
Your packing a megamat duo in a suitcase? Go with the Nemo dagger 3p, it’s not the most ultralight but it’s definitely more durable than the big Agnes tents you listed. I have it and bring it with me in my canoe camping trips, it’s a great tent.
I recently bought a Nemo Dagger 3p to replace my Marmot Amp 3p. I'm usually the only one in the tent, but it is nice to have room for one of my kids if they go with. I have no regrets at all about not getting a 2p tent. I like the fact that I have enough room in my tent to keep things easily organized.
My backpacking buddy has the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 and I have the Nemo Dagger 3P. They're both really nice tents. Can't go wrong with either. The Nemo seems like a Tardis .. everyone that sees it says its way bigger in the inside than you'd expect.
BA Copper spur 3, Nemo Dagger 3, MSR Hubba 3 or REI Half Dome is what I use
It was expensive but I personally love my nemo dagger 3p tent just for myself. I also got the footprint. I think they have more features now and are called the dagger osmo or something. Again, it was expensive but have 99% nothing but praise for it and it has held up for me.
I carry my nemo dagger 3p with footprint. I value the space more than I value the weight savings from a smaller tent myself as I like bringing all my stuff in with me.
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