Gear Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 Tent

Description:

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is an ultralight 3-person nylon and polyester mesh tent body with an ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating fly and floor. The Copper Spur UL3 is ideal for three-season backpacking. The DAC Featherlite pole system is light and easy to assemble– one person can set the tent up.

MSRP: $499.95

Specs:

• Trail Weight: 3 lb 11 oz
• Packed Weight 4 lb
• Footprint Weight 9 oz
• Floor Area: 44 sq ft
• Head Height 44”

Circumstances of Review:

I researched all of our possible options for our edition of tiny home in the pursuit of the perfect tent to share with my best friend on our AT thru-hike . We decided to split group gear and snuggle up in a tent together. First, we learned about Big Agnes during the Badger Sponsorship and wanted to support a company that contributed to Appalachian Trials. Plus, Big Agnes tents are awesome, tried and tested true. We used it for over 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail and our tent became our home, our getaway bungalow.

Roses

Spacious: We had more than enough space to more around and be comfortable in our 44 sq ft. tiny home. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 dual doors allowed us to get in and out without crawling over the other person. On the other hand, the tent had enough space to spend a rainy day inside without feeling trapped. Above all, we tested it out with three people and the tent was still awesome.

Durability: The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is an outstanding tent. We were able to stay dry through torrential downpours in the Smoky Mountains, snow on top of Roan Mountain in Tennessee.Plus, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Series dries quickly even after torrential downpours.

The Floor Design The tent  had enough space to fit our packs inside, change comfortably inside and move around. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 floor design is huge for backpacking standards. Moreover, the tent’s ability to store packs was  inside the was helpful during the month of rain in May, keeping our gear dry. However, as a result, our tent smelt horrible.

Easy to Clean: Next, tents acquire a certain stank from a thru-hike. I recommend shaking out the tent every few days and cleaning it with a watered down solution of tech wash if the smell gets really bad.

Thorns

Weight: At 4 lbs packed weight the tent is heavy. It was not necessary for us to carry a 4 lb tent. However, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 tent’s floor design, space and durability features outweighed the ounces. If you’re not hiking with a partner and sharing a tent but want room consider ultralight 1 or 2 person tents.

Water logged:  During a series of rain storms where water kept seeping into the tent and we got soaked. We called Big Agnes, who said our footprint was catching water due to the wet conditions. We tried the tent without the footprint and the tent stayed dry, so problem solved. Further, we want to thank Big Agnes customer service for the help and fast response. Overall, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is weather proof. The water logged tent happened two times during the five months we spent on the Appalachian Trail.

Value

As someone who doesn’t like sleeping in shelters it was essential to find a tent that would withstand five months on the Appalachian Trail and its variable weather. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 met every box on my checklist. Further, a tent is an expensive purchase and I highly recommend purchasing a footprint to protect your tent from debris. Additionally, the only repairs we made while on the trail was patching holes in the mesh to prevent pesky mosquitos from entering our tent. Overall, the tent’s durability is remarkable and the spaciousness is worth the weight and price too.

Shop the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Here