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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3

*Est. $500

Reviewed June 2009
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3

pros
  • Fast setup
  • Roomy for two people
  • Light
  • Lifetime warranty
cons
  • Low doorways
  • Sand can blow in
  • Only two gear pockets
  • Expensive footprint
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 
5 star:
(1)
4 star:
(0)
3 star:
(0)
2 star:
(0)
1 star:
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Average Customer Review

(1 customer review)

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Great lightweight tent, April 26, 2008

We picked this tent up the day before leaving on an 8-day hiking trip in the Grand Canyon. The tent is about 4-1/2lbs including rainfly and poles... much lighter than our 'reserve' tent which weighed about 8lbs. The tent was easy to set up and of the 7 nights, 4 of them we left the fly off utilizing only the screen top. The large vestibules of the fly are nice for boots and other gear with excellent air circulation. It did not rain on us so I can't speak to the water impermeability, but we did get some very strong winds. Because of the full screen top and air gaps under the fly, the wind was able to blow a bit of dust into the tent. We used the fly in the strong wind as the tent is more 'aerodynamic' with the fly and more tie points are provided on the fly. The only criticism I could possibly come up with is the lightweight floor, but this is expected given the overall light weight of the tent. The manufacturer recommends using the footprint to help protect the floor, but that is 1lb we did not want to carry for 8 days - the floor held up fine given some care (clearing as many rocks as possible from the tent area). Overall we are very pleased with the tent and look forward to future camping trips.

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Our Sources

1. Backpacker Magazine

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 Magazine

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

4. Backcountry.com

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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