Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3 Tent - extended version

Product detailed description

Over the past two years, the manufacturer has refined the Copper Spur series to near perfection. The new model features an even more durable yet lighter material: double-ripstop nylon. A major change has been made to the tent’s entrances. They have now been redesigned so that a canopy can be easily set up from both entrances. All you need to set it up are trekking poles. Changes have also been made to the aluminum poles at the top of the tent; they are now pre-shaped for even better stability.

Another great feature is the patented TipLok Tent Buckle™, which serves a triple function—you snap the aluminum pole into it, attach the flysheet, and it also has an integrated anchor loop. The manufacturer has also put a lot of thought into the interior storage space and introduced new 3D pockets, which can hold a variety of small items without reducing the interior space. Of course, corner cable ports for your electronics are a must. Last but not least, the tent stakes have also been updated. They now feature a new, more stable cross-section, are lighter, and even stronger than ever before.

Maximum space even for taller people

The Copper Spur series is designed for maximum space and comfort while keeping weight to a minimum—it features two side entrances and two spacious vestibules. The width of the inner tent is sufficient for three standard-width sleeping pads (51 cm). However, it can also accommodate one wider pad and two standard ones. In the Long version, the inner tent is 15 cm longer than in the standard version of the Copper Spur HV UL3. So now even truly tall people can fit comfortably.

Thanks to the short crossbar in the middle of the tent, the side walls of the inner tent are nearly vertical, providing plenty of space for three people to move around. In addition, this version offers an impressive 10 cm more headroom. 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 minimize weight, 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 listed weight, it is again a double-wall, self-supporting structure, with enough space for 3 standard sleeping pads side by side, 8 high-quality stakes, guy lines with line locks, and storage bags. A complete package.

Simple setup

The same setup process applies to this tent as to 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 cross pole into the “pockets” in the flysheet (there are loops that allow this without using brute force) and then secure the flysheet to the poles in several places using Velcro loops—this not only helps with proper tensioning 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 floor strap using a plastic buckle. You can either thread the other tensioning points onto the floor stakes, or run them through a cord, tighten the linelock, and stake them separately. With a quick glance at the instructions, this goes smoothly and quickly even on the first try. 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 cross pole and threading it into the pockets in the flysheet. There are several handy pockets on the sides near the head and at the top of the tent for a cell phone, headlamp, etc., and above all, the workmanship is excellent.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3 Long:

• The total weight, including everything, is 1790 g – inner tent, flysheet, tent poles, stakes, bags, and a repair kit in case a pole breaks.
• DAC poles and stakes (8 pieces).
• Packed dimensions: 17 x 56 cm.
• New design for more interior space (the letters HV stand for High Volume).
• The Long version is 15 cm longer.
• Two entrances and two spacious vestibules with the option to set up a canopy over the entrance.
• Two-way entrance zippers covered by a flap.
• Adjustable ventilation at the top of the tent.
• Large pockets on the sides and overhead.
• 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 double 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.
• Option to purchase the original “Footprint” (239g) – with this, the tent can be used in Fast Fly mode – just the flysheet without the inner tent. It then essentially becomes a three-person tarp with an amazing weight of 1300g!!!