Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Review

Specs

Review

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3, much like its two-person sibling, features lightweight materials while providing ample room. Some of its key functionalities are as follows:

Comfort

While the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 provides great comfort, it also comes with a few cons. The two big doors on the two sides make it easy to enter and exit the tent. However, the dual-zip layout is awkward as you will need two hands to open and shut the entryways.

It comes with large gear storage pockets, one overhead and one at the foot end. These are big enough for your gears which makes organizing much easier. Additionally, the side pockets are great for smaller items.

The tent provides enough space for three people at 70 by 90 inches. At 43 inches in height, you and your companions will not feel stifled inside. The pre-bent poles also help maximize the interior space.

The tent tapers, which makes it a bit tighter at the foot area. This reduces the overall weight of the tent without sacrificing the head-and-shoulder area. While this is not noticeable if used with two people, it can be cozy for three large people.

Ease of Setup

The fairly typical structure is easy to set up, even if you are alone. The included primary poles connect at an X with a metal hub at their intersection. The end of the poles fit easily into a teardrop-shaped hole at the tent’s corner, which secures it from sliding out.

The cross pole helps increase the lateral space to make sitting up much more comfortable. The color-coded fly clip and the overall pole designs make it intuitive to orient all the pieces even before you attach them.

The stakes are bend-resistant and sturdy. However, they are colored grey, which is generic-looking, unlike others that are painted with color or a reflective coating. As such, it’s better to attach these, so you don’t lose them.

Weather Resistance

The tent provides excellent weather resistance.  The stakes on the head and the foot provide a gap between the body of the tent and the fly. This prevents them from touching the wet exterior when it is raining. The vestibule is rather adaptable and flexible.

The fly doors can be turned into awnings and stabilized using a set of trekking poles. The doors have a lot of configurations based on your needs. You will have great control over privacy and ventilation without sacrificing protection from rain and wind.

The floor is made of PU-coated ripstop nylon, which is both durable and waterproof. There’s a bathtub floor that prevents splashback to ensure that you are dry even on rainy days. The tensioners and guylines are pre-attached, which is a great plus.

While the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is more than enough to protect from rain, the exterior seems to hold water a bit longer than other ultralight tents.

Durability

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is decently durable. However, it is important to note that the manufacturers prioritized weight reduction. The tent material is actually tough for its weight, but it is not puncture-proof.

Just like any tent, it is best if you add a layer of plastic contractor tarp or polycro sheets to prevent accidental tears. A Tyvek wrap also works great, especially in protecting the bottom part on rough surfaces.

Weight and Packed Size

Weight is where the tent really shines. At about 90 by 70 inches, it is meant for three people or two individuals and a pet. However, at just a little above 3 lbs., it is reasonable for two people to carry on a trip.

Its weight is also the perfect reason to purchase the Copper Spur HV UL3, especially if you are on the market for a roomy tent for two. It is a bit more premium in price than some of the ultralight options, but its features more than make up for the price tag.

Surprisingly, the 21 by 6 inches packed size is slightly smaller than other two-person tents. As it is designed for multiple people, you won’t have any problems splitting the weight and pack between you and your friends.