Gear Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL HV 3 Double-Wall Tent

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL HV 3 is a capable double-wall, freestanding tent. I’ve had the benefit of testing the tent in the rain, and then on a hot day. This tent is not ultra lightweight like some of the other tents on Garage Grown Gear. However, it is a palace with plenty of head and shoulder room. I have the bikepacking version of the Copper Spur UL HV 3, which just has shorter poles than the standard backpacking version. I’ve used this tent on a few different bikepacking trips, sharing the shelter with a friend, and have been pleasantly surprised. 

Pros of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL HV 3 Tent

Storage! There is storage abundant in this tent. The amount of pockets spread out all over the place is amazing! This feature allows people to spread out and not have gear all over the floor. It is super helpful to have headlamps off the floor, for example, and the stuff sacks hanging up.

Venting! The vestibules in the Copper Spur UL HV 3 are huge and offer many different configurations to allow venting and space. There is also a vent on the top of the tent that can be opened to increase airflow.

Space! There is a third tent pole to increase the head area, which plays a huge role in making the tent feel larger.

Well Designed! There are many different features that help to make this tent so nice! The thought that goes into this tent is apparent everywhere.

Fast Fly! You can run the shelter as just the rain fly and the floor print. This allows the tent to drop weight. However, you give up the pockets and the mosquito protection! In the midwest, mosquito protection is definitely worth the weight! Note: Big Agnes sells the floor sheet for the Copper Spur UL HV 3 separately. I would highly recommend it!

Easy Setup! I can set up and take down this tent myself. The fly and body are color coded. This makes it super easy to ensure that you are setting it up properly.

Vestibules! The vestibules can be buttoned down for storm protection; or completely unzipped and tucked for venting; or can be set up with trekking poles to create an awning to provide shelter from the sun or to cook in rain showers. 

Cons

Weight! You can absolutely find lighter weight tents out there.

Not a True Three Person Tent! I would highly recommend getting a tent that is one person bigger than you think you’re going to need — unless you’re camping with your significant other. The tent is designed to fit three 20-inch pads. So if you’re going to use wider pads, or just want some space to store extra gear, or maybe don’t want to snuggle up with your adventure partner, going up a size is the move. My friend and I had a 20-inch pad and a 30-inch pad and that did get a little tight at times. 

Good to Know

Big Agnes updated the fabric used to construct the Copper Spur UL HV. New proprietary ultralight nylon double ripstop mixed denier fabric offers extra tear strength and puncture resistance without adding weight.

Specs

UL2

• Capacity: 2 person
• Floor Dimensions: 88" L x 52"/42" W (head/foot)
• Floor Area: 29ft²
• Interior Peak Height: 40"
• Vestibule Area: 9ft² each side
• Packed size: 19.5" x 6"
• Weight: 3lb 2oz (packed), 2lb 11oz (minimum)

UL3

• Capacity: 3 person
• Floor Dimensions: 90" L x 70"/62" W (head/foot)
• Floor Area: 41ft²
• Interior Peak Height: 43"
• Vestibule Area: 9ft² each side
• Packed size: 21" x 6"
• Weight: 3lb 14oz (packed), 3lb 8oz (minimum)

UL4

• Capacity: 4 person
• Floor Dimensions: 96" L x 86" W
• Floor Area: 57ft²
• Interior Peak Height: 50"
• Vestibule Area: 14ft² each side
• Packed size: 22" x 7"
• Weight: 5lb 11oz (packed), 5lb 4oz (minimum)

Conclusion

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL HV 3 has plenty of room with huge vestibules. It packs down pretty small and has great venting! This tent could be considered a quiver killer as you can use it for both car camping and backpacking. 

Copper Spur HV UL Tent by Big Agnes

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