Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent

What We Think

For backpackers who refuse to choose between a featherweight pack and a tent they can actually sit up in, the Copper Spur HV UL3 makes a compelling case that you can have both.

This three-person shelter scored a 8.4 overall, earning its reputation as a benchmark ultralight tent through genuinely impressive weight savings paired with livable interior volume.

The "HV" in the name stands for high volume, and owners consistently confirm it's not marketing speak.

User Reviews

With a 9.7 in User Reviews, the Copper Spur HV UL3 enjoys near-universal praise from the backpacking community.

The most common compliment centers on that 41-square-foot interior, which owners describe as "palatial" for an ultralight tent, particularly given the near-vertical walls that maximize usable space.

The dual awning-style vestibules earn repeated mentions for keeping gear dry while providing flexible shelter options in varied weather.

Big Agnes's proprietary HyperBead fabric technology also draws positive attention for its combination of light weight and tear resistance.

Quality & Durability

The tent scored a 9.0 in Quality & Durability, reflecting Big Agnes's premium construction standards and DAC NFL pole architecture.

However, this is where we need to name the tent's genuine weakness: owners consistently flag the floor material as fragile.

At 3 pounds 8 ounces, weight savings come from somewhere, and the ultralight floor fabric is the tradeoff.

If you're camping on rocky or root-covered ground, a footprint isn't optional, it's essential, and that's an added cost Big Agnes doesn't include.

Weather Resistance

A 9.0 in Weather Resistance reflects solid three-season protection, though the 1,200mm hydrostatic head rating on both floor and fly is entry-level waterproofing by technical standards.

For typical backpacking conditions, light to moderate rain, occasional wind, this is more than adequate.

The dual vestibules provide 18 square feet of combined gear storage, keeping packs and boots out of the elements.

If you're planning trips in genuinely wet climates, the Marmot Fortress 2 offers burlier weather protection at roughly a third of the price, though you'll carry nearly two extra pounds for it.

Ease of Use

Setup earned a 9.0, with the five-minute pitch time proving realistic even for first-time owners.

A recurring theme in negative reviews, however, involves the zippers, which owners describe as sticky and finicky, particularly in cold weather or when the fabric is taut.

It's a minor frustration that becomes less minor at 2 AM when you need to step outside.

Space & Comfort

The 8.0 in Space & Comfort reflects a tent that's genuinely roomy for two backpackers with gear, though calling it a three-person tent requires friendship levels most of us reserve for family.

The 43-inch peak height lets average-height campers sit up comfortably, a luxury in the ultralight category.

For comparison, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 offers similar interior space with an included footprint at $250 less, though it weighs more than twice as much.

Value for Money

At $650, the Copper Spur HV UL3 scored a 6.0 in Value for Money, the lowest mark in an otherwise strong scorecard.

This is premium pricing for premium weight savings, and whether that math works depends entirely on how many miles you're covering.

If you're shopping our best 3-person tents roundup, you'll find capable options at half this price, just not at half this weight.

Who It's For

The Copper Spur HV UL3 is built for serious backpackers who count ounces and cover real distance.

Couples who want gear space and room to move will find it ideal, as will solo hikers who prioritize interior comfort on longer trips.

If you're hiking alone and want even less weight, Big Agnes makes the Copper Spur HV UL1 at just over two pounds.

Car campers and casual weekenders should look elsewhere, since you're paying for weight savings you won't use.

The Bottom Line

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 scored a 8.4 by delivering what ultralight backpackers actually want: legitimate weight savings without a cramped, claustrophobic interior.

The fragile floor demands a footprint, and the price demands commitment, but for mile-counting backpackers, this tent earns its reputation.

Budget the extra $40 for the footprint and treat the zippers gently.