Review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3-Person Tent: Is it Worth Your Adventure?

Why Should you Choose the Copper Spur HV UL?

Last year was the year that I decided to start investing in ultralight camping gear. Whether I am backpacking or front-country camping I am usually with my husband and dog, so I needed a tent that would fit all three of us. After weeks of research, I decided to buy the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3-Person Tent. The Copper Spur is renowned for its lightweight design and spacious interior, but is it the perfect tent for me? In this review, I'll delve into the key features, pros and cons, user feedback, and overall value of this popular tent model.

Design and Build Quality

The Big Agnes Copper Spur 3-Person Tent has an overall simple design, but you can tell from the details that every design choice was purposefully chosen. The Copper Spur is a double-walled tent with a mostly mesh and a rip-stop nylon floor, and a fly to protect you from the elements. Its double-wall construction provides excellent protection against the elements while maintaining breathability. There are doors on each side, which is great for easy access, especially with three people sleeping inside. When you first feel the material that the Copper Spur is made of, it is shocking how thin it is. I was very skeptical to have a tent made of tissue paper! Big Agnes has made sure to reinforce the lightweight nylon to increase durability. My dog has crawled inside the tent and her nails haven’t made a scratch.

There are two sets of DAC Featherlite NSL poles, the main body poles, which are all connected by a hub at the top of the tent, and a small horizontal pole that helps with the fly. You can also use your hiking poles to create a small awning using the fly doors. I haven’t tried this myself but it looks pretty cool! The one thing about the design that can be a little bit tedious is the zippers catching on the fly. Often you have to hold the opposite side of the fly taught to prevent the zipper from snagging. Overall the Copper Spur’s modern, freestanding design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a focus on durability and weather resistance.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the Copper Spur is straightforward and efficient. The color-coded webbing and buckles simplify the process, allowing for quick and easy assembly, typically taking less than ten minutes. The ends of the poles and clips on the tent corners are color-coded as shown above, meaning less struggle when you roll into camp and need to set up in a hurry. The clips on the fly are color-coded as well, which simplifies the most annoying part of setting up a tent. The tent includes reflective guylines and webbing, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, and the tent stakes are durable and easy to pound into the ground with your boot or a rock. Overall, the Copper Spur is very easy to setup, one person can easily do it alone, making it one of its most beneficial features.

Space and Comfort

With a floor area of 41 square feet and a peak height of 40 inches, the Copper Spur offers enough space for three people to sleep. This is one area where I feel the Copper Spur lacks, with a lot of people choosing to use wider 25-inch sleeping pads, it can get a little crowded with three people. Personally, I think this tent is a comfortable 2-person tent, with extra room for a child or dog, but three full adults may not find this tent to be wide enough. The two vestibules provide an additional 18 square feet of storage space, ensuring that gear remains organized and out of the sleeping area. I like being able to put important things like my phone, gloves, bear spray, and sunglasses in the pockets for easy access. The pockets also allow you to use your phone light or headlamp to light up the entire tent from above. Ventilation is excellent, thanks to the large mesh panels and dual doors, which also enhance airflow and reduce condensation. The fly vestibules outside the tent allow you to keep your pack and shoes dry without having to keep them inside the tent.

Portability

One of the Copper Spurs most attractive features is that it weighs in at just 3 pounds 14 ounces, it is impressively lightweight for a three-person tent. Its compact packed size of 6 x 21 inches makes it easy to carry, whether you're embarking on a backpacking trip or a car camping adventure. The included stuff sack is designed for efficient packing and transport, ensuring the tent fits seamlessly into your gear. One of things I find so annoying is stuff sacks that are impossible to fit the gear back into, the Copper Spur packs are a great size for easy packing. There are separate bags for the stakes, poles and tent/fly, so you can split the weight between people.

Weather Performance

The Copper Spur excels in various weather conditions, thanks to its robust waterproofing and wind resistance. The silicone-treated nylon rip-stop fly and floor, combined with polyurethane coating, ensure reliable protection against rain and snow. I have camped in the Copper Spur in inclement weather and the tent was easily able to withstand strong winds and heavy downpours, making it a reliable choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Lightweight and highly portable

- Easy and quick setup

- Spacious interior with ample storage options

- Excellent ventilation and dual doors

- Durable and weather-resistant materials

Cons:

- Higher price point compared to some competitors

- Slightly snug fit for three adults

- Zippers may require careful handling to avoid snagging

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other tents in the same category, the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3-Person Tent stands out for its combination of lightweight design and robust weather performance. While it may be pricier than some alternatives, its durability, ease of use, and thoughtful design features justify the investment. Competitors like the MSR Hubba Hubba NX offer similar benefits but may fall short in terms of interior space and ease of setup.

Conclusion

The Big Agnes Copper Spur 3-Person Tent is a standout choice for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and spacious tent for their outdoor adventures. Its ease of setup, weather resistance, and thoughtful design features make it a reliable companion in various conditions. While it may come at a higher cost, the overall value and performance justify the investment.