Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3 Bikepack Tent

Product detailed description

The American manufacturer Big Agnes has introduced a line of tents called Bikepack. After a closer look and some testing, we have to say that this isn’t just marketing hype—this line truly lives up to its name! Essentially, it is an identical tent to the classic Copper Spur HV UL3, but in a smaller package. This was achieved primarily thanks to shorter pole segments and a waterproof compression bag. Since 2021, there have been a few changes... Most notably, the bikepacking version of this tent now allows you to set up both entrances on trekking poles or additional poles, turning the entrances into a great "porch" with sun protection. All tents also feature updated tent stakes from the renowned DAC brand; these now have a different, more stable cross-section and are lighter and stronger.

Thoughtful details

As is customary with Big Agnes, a lot of thought has gone into the details here. The tent’s dimensions have remained the same; only the total weight has increased slightly. This is primarily due to the more durable stuff sack (taped seams) with compression straps. The stuff sack has two compartments: one for the inner tent, fly, and stakes, and the other for the shortened poles. The entire bag has several loops for attachment options. The package includes 4 Velcro straps (shorter and longer) that allow you to easily attach the entire tent to the handlebars or bike frame. The entire tent packs down to approximately 18 x 34 cm, but thanks to the compression straps, it can be reduced even further.

Details Designed for Cyclists

Since the tent is designed primarily for bikepackers, you’ll find a few small details that are truly thoughtful. One of them is an elastic strap on the inner tent near the entrance, which is used to secure a bicycle helmet. The flysheet features a strap with several loops for drying clothes. Inside the tent, there are several mesh pockets and "shelves" for storing clothes and other small items you want to keep handy. The Copper Spur series is designed for maximum space and comfort at minimal weight—it has two side entrances and two spacious vestibules.

On paper, the inner tent is only a few centimeters longer than the Fly Creek series, but in practice it is significantly longer—when we had it set up, the usable space seemed to be a good 15 cm larger. I think even a 2-meter-tall person would fit comfortably. Thanks to the short crossbar in the middle of the tent, the side walls of the inner tent are nearly vertical, and there’s plenty of room for three people to move around. If you want to sleep “under the stars,” you can set up the inner tent on its own. On the other hand, if you want to keep the weight to a minimum, using the original “footprint” you can set up just the flysheet on its own, leave the inner tent at home, and effectively experience what it’s like to use a tarp. At the stated weight, it is again a double-wall, self-supporting structure, with enough space for three sleeping pads side by side, 8 high-quality stakes, guy lines with line locks, and storage bags. All this comes in a compressible, waterproof bag.

Simple setup

The setup process is the same as for all BA tents—you set up the inner tent first; the specially designed poles are color-coded so you can’t get them mixed up. You tension and stake the corners of the floor, then snap the mosquito net onto the aluminum poles. You can therefore use it for sleeping under the stars while still being protected from insects. Drape the waterproof flysheet over the inner tent and orient it correctly—the straps at the corners are again color-coded; at the top, thread a short crossbar into the “pockets” in the flysheet (there are loops that allow this without using brute force), and then attach the flysheet to the poles in several places using Velcro loops—this not only helps ensure proper tension but also significantly increases the tent’s wind resistance.  

At the point where the pole attaches to the floor, simply clip the flysheet to the strap on the floor using a plastic buckle. You can either thread the other tensioning points onto the floor tent pegs or pull them through the cord, then use the linelock to tighten and secure them separately. With a quick glance at the instructions, it goes smoothly and quickly even the first time. Everything is simple and well-thought-out. Many details of the tent show that Big Agnes knows what they’re doing—whether it’s the use of line locks or, for example, snapping the mosquito net onto the crossbar and threading it into the pockets in the flysheet.

For all two-wheel enthusiasts and bikepacking adventurers, we now offer a special cycling clothing collection: Rab Cinder.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3 Bikepack:

• Total weight, including everything, is 1930 g – inner tent, flysheet, tent poles, stakes, bags, repair kit in case of a broken pole, waterproof compression bag
• Minimum weight (tent + poles): 1700 g 
• Option to purchase the original “Footprint” with a floor in the vestibule—with it, the tent can be used in Fast Fly mode—just the flysheet without the inner tent. It then essentially becomes a tarp for two with an amazing weight of 1470g!!!
• Packed dimensions: 18 x 34 cm.
• Waterproof, compression stuff sack with loops for attaching to handlebars or a bike frame.
• DAC poles and stakes.
• Option to set up "porches" from the entrances using trekking poles or sticks (not included).
• New design for more interior space (the letters HV stand for High Volume).
• Two entrances and two spacious vestibules.
• Two-way entrance zippers covered by a flap.
• Adjustable ventilation at the top of the tent.
• Large pockets on the sides and overhead + a strap for securing a bike helmet.
• All guy lines and straps are reflective so you won’t trip over them in the dark with a headlamp.
• The flysheet attaches to the poles with Velcro—this ensures excellent tension and high stability of the tent.
• The sides of the inner tent around the body and head are made of fabric instead of mesh (this comes in handy in strong winds to keep dust from blowing inside, or if you toss and turn a lot at night and might touch the dew-covered flysheet, so you won’t get wet).
• Materials: floor and flysheet – siliconized rip-stop nylon with a waterproof PU coating on the inside. Inner tent – a combination of breathable nylon and polyester mesh. All seams taped with solvent-free waterproof PU tape (PVC and VOC-free) Poles and stakes  – duralumin.