TL;DR - This is a great tent for two or three people. Its freestanding nature makes it much more flexible than a semi-freestanding tent.
When we first picked up an ultra-light backpacking tent, we let a good deal get the better of us. We found the Marmot Superalloy 3P (eBay) on sale - for less than half price of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 - in the REI outlet, and didn't really know the difference between freestanding and semi-freestanding tents.
After one trip, we knew we needed freestanding.
Luckily, REI has a great return policy, and they were happy to take more of our money for the Copper Spur UL3, which is the tent that had been initially recommended to me by Randy Langstraat in the first place.
At 3lbs 6oz, the tent has a reasonably large footprint at 90"x70", making it a little roomier than the Marmot. I'd still say that the 3P designation is ambitious, but it's definitely comfortable for two people.
Since its launch in 2008, the award-winning Copper Spur has been our most popular ultralight backpacking tent. Thanks to our proprietary HyperBead® fabric, the latest Copper Spur UL is lighter, stronger, and more waterproof than ever!
High volume, freestanding design provides ample interior room and the stability to keep you sleeping soundly through the roughest backcountry nights. Fully featured, with design aspects that make the backcountry more comfortable - like multiple gear storage pockets, an awning-style door, and generous vestibule space. When ultralight comfort is the priority, the Copper Spur UL is your ultimate home away from home.
Featuring our strongest and most durable HyperBead® fabric technology in our UL tent line. Engineered to perform season after season. HyperBead® fabric is 6% lighter, 25% more waterproof and 50% stronger than traditional fabrics, without added water repellent chemicals
EZ Pack Stuff Sack with large length-wise opening and compression closure makes packing up simple and easy
High volume, freestanding architecture provides generous livable space and stability - no need to stake out corners for a full pitch!
Large, easy egress side, dual-door design features dry entry/exit vestibules to keep gear dry and expanded coverage with awning-style doors that can be supported using trekking poles or the included extra guylines. A Quick Stash door keeper on the tent body makes stowing unzipped doors quick and easy
Oversized, 3D bin pocket provides massive, off-the-floor storage, ceiling and side pockets provide additional organization
Increased airflow with Low Vent capability on the vestibule doors and a high vent on fly, combined with double sliders on the vestibule zippers for venting from the top or bottom
Specifications
- Trail Weight: 3lb 6oz
- Total Weight: 3lb 13oz
- Packed Size: 21" x 5"
- Floor Area: 90" x 70" - 62" | 41 ft²
- Vestibule Area: 9ft² + 9ft²
- Awning Area: 9ft² + 9ft²
- Head Height: 43"
- Fast Fly / Shelter Mode Weight: 2lb 11oz
Big Agnes
First Impressions
We love it. This tent is defintiely better for us than the Marmot, even at twice the price (ouch).
Pros
- Free Standing. Both times we set up the tent, it was on slickrock, with no way to stake it down. Even in windy conditions, once gear is inside (and depending on the amount of wind, humans), the tent is rock solid.
- Weight. This tent was shockingly light at 3lbs 6oz. We could easily split the weight between multiple packs as well, by carrying the poles or footprint separately from the tent body or rain fly.
- Dedicated footprint. Having a footprint that's the perfect size, and integrates with the poles is fantastic.
- I really liked that the body was entirely mesh. This kept the mosquitoes out but gave a great view of our surroundings.
- Easy setup. Setup - with two people - wasn't difficult and took less than 10 minutes.
Cons
- Material thickness. This was expected with a three-person tent that weighs 3 lbs., but use of this tent requires that the occupants are constantly aware of "being nice" to the tent. This wasn't a problem for me, but it can be for others.
- Size. The size wasn't a problem in itself, but to say that this was a three-person tent was a stretch. The tent fit two people comfortably (but I still wouldn't put a pack inside due to the material thickness).
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