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- Fast setup
- Roomy for two people
- Light
- Lifetime warranty
- Low doorways
- Sand can blow in
- Only two gear pockets
- Expensive footprint
The award-winning Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is an ultralight backpacking tent that provides comfortable space for two, yet is light enough for one hiker to carry. Reviewers say this modified A-frame tent provides an excellent balance between privacy and ventilation, plus excellent rain and wind resistance and extremely fast setup. Tests show zero condensation, and two doors plus two vestibules add convenience. The main drawback is that the floor is thin, but the optional footprint (*Est. $60) weighs about a pound. For a budget two-person backpacking tent, consider the Eureka Timberline 2 (*Est. $110), which weighs 6 pounds without its optional vestibule.
We found the best review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 tent at Backpacker magazine, where it earned the 2008 Editors' Choice award based on rugged comparison tests in varied terrain and weather conditions. Outside magazine recommends the similar two-person version, the UL2. Another comparison review at Wired tests the three-person version along with three other backpacking tents. We also found enthusiastic owner-written reviews of the Copper Spur UL3 at BackCountry.com, REI.com and Amazon.com.
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Our Sources
1. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Based on thorough field tests of 35 new tents, editors at Backpacker magazine give the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 a 2008 Editors' Choice award as the best tent of the year. Despite its light weight it proves sturdy, dry, wind-resistant and roomy enough for three people.
Review: 2008 Editors' Choice Awards: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3, Editors of Backpacker magazine, April 2008
2. Outside MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Outside magazine also field-tests quite a few new tents every year, so this review of the two-person version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur carries a lot of credibility. Editors praise the light weight and deluxe features (such as reflective guy lines), with price the only drawback noted.
Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, Editors of Outside magazine
3. Wired.com
This brief review of four tents ranks the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 second to the REI Quarter Dome T3, which weighs the same. The Copper Spur is spacious and faster to set up, but pricier and loses points for having only two gear pockets.
Review: Reviews: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3, Editors of Wired
More than a dozen owners review the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 here with high enthusiasm. One says it "held up well for the 16 straight hours of rain, freezing rain, hail, and snow," while another says it takes only a minute to set up.
Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3, Contributors to Backcountry.com
5. REI.com
Half a dozen owners give the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 enthusiastic reviews here, reporting that it's easy to set up, resists rain and wind extremely well, has plenty of vestibule space and stays dry. One praises the tent for having enough solid wall to feel enclosed, but plenty of mesh for ventilation.
Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur 3, Contributors to REI.com
6. Amazon.com
The sole user posting a review reports that even without the footprint, the floor is durable if treated gently, and the tent holds up well in high winds - though sand can blow in.
Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3, Contributor to Amazon.com
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