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Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

★ 8.1 Backpacking
Sleeps 3 Seasons 3-season Weight 8.25 lbs Est. Price $400

Best for: Spacious, budget-friendly car or backcountry camping.

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

★ 7.8 Dome
Sleeps 3 Seasons 3-season Weight 4 lbs. 12 oz. Est. Price $400

Best for: Three-season backpacking and wild camping.

Our Take

Worth flagging before you compare: the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 is a backpacking and the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 is noticeably taller inside (4'2" peak height versus 3'8"), giving you more headroom to move around.

Floor space is also wider — 60 sq ft versus 39 sq ft for the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3.

On scores, the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 edges ahead — 8.1 overall versus 7.8.

The biggest gap is space and comfort, where the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 holds a clear advantage.

For most buyers, the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 is the stronger all-round pick — but check the full specs below before deciding.

🏆 Our pick: The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 scores higher overall.

Still deciding between these two?

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Score Comparison

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4
Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3
Overall Score
8.1
7.8
Space & Comfort
9.0
7.0
Quality & Durability
8.0
8.0
Weather Resistance
8.0
8.0
Value for Money
7.0
7.0
Ease of Use
7.5
8.0
Intangibles
8.0
7.0

Pros & Cons

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

  • Huge 60 square foot floor
  • Easy pitch with TipLok buckles
  • Dual doors and twin vestibules
  • Too heavy for solo backpacking
  • Ventilation struggles with interior condensation

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

  • Quick swivel hub setup
  • Dual 9.2-sqft vestibules
  • Recycled ripstop nylon fabric
  • Cramped interior space
  • Limited wind stability

Full Specs

SpecBig Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3
Tent Type Backpacking, Dome Dome, Backpacking
Capacity 3 people 3 people
Seasons 3 Season 3 Season
Est. Price $400 $400
Weight 8.25 Lbs 4 Lbs. 12 Oz.
Min Trail Weight — 4 Lbs. 4 Oz.
Floor Area 60.0 ft² 38.5 ft²
Vestibule Area 11 + 11 Sq Ft 18.4 Sq Ft
Peak Height 50 44
Doors 2 2
Floor Dimensions 96 X 90 In 88 X 66 X 60 Inches
Pole Material Aluminum 7000 Series Aluminum
Floor Fabric Recycled 75 Denier Polyester With 1,500 Mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating High Tenacity, GRS Certified Recycled Mipan Regen Robic Double Ripstop Nylon
Rainfly Fabric Recycled 75D Polyester Taffeta High Tenacity, GRS Certified Recycled Mipan Regen Robic Double Ripstop Nylon
Setup Time 5 Mins 8 Mins
Warranty Lifetime Limited Lifetime
Made In Imported USA

Ready to Buy?

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

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