Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint
Best for: Versatile car camping and backpacking.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Best for: Backpacking and camping with extra gear.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint is a backpacking and the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
It also adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.
Both score 8.3 overall, though the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint wins more individual scoring categories.
The main tradeoff: the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 leads on space and comfort despite trailing overall.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint
- Excellent value including the footprint
- Spacious layout with vertical walls
- Pre-bent poles for easy setup
- Low ceiling height limits headroom
- Stakes for guylines not included
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
- Massive gear-storage vestibule
- Simple freestanding setup
- Durable recycled polyester materials
- Heavy for backpacking
- Long tent poles
Full Specs
| Spec | Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint | Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Dome | Dome, Motorcycle, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 2 people | 2 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $400 | $400 |
| Weight | 7.9 Lbs | 6 Lbs. 14 Oz. |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 6 Lbs. 5 Oz. |
| Floor Area | 42.5 ft² | 44.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 20.9 Sq Ft | 28 + 9 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 48 | 44 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 90 X 68 In | 90 X 70 Inches |
| Pole Material | Aluminum | Aluminum Pressfit |
| Floor Fabric | 68D 210T Ripstop Polyester (1,500mm) | Polyester With 1,500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Rainfly Fabric | 68D 210T Ripstop Polyester 1500mm PU 100% Polyester | Polyester With 1,500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 10 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Made In | Imported | USA |
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