Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3

G GearLab Zach Lovell · reviewer · Jun 2026

The Copper Spur UL3 is the best 3-person backpacking tent on the market, full stop. It's as spacious as tents that weigh twice as much, and given its lightweight design, there's really no reason not to pack a 3-person tent for a party of two. It's understandable that such a high-performance tent comes with a high price tag.

B BikeHikeSafari Article · May 2026

The newly updated Copper Spur UL3 is a bigger version of that tent with upgraded and improved fabric and a better vestibule system. It is the lightweight freestanding family / couple tent I keep coming back to for non-Dyneema budgets.

G GearLab Zach Lovell · reviewer · Jun 2026

This tent falls within a Goldilocks zone that's perfectly tailored for backpacking trips of any length, but all of that performance comes at a premium. Experienced backpackers – whether going solo or as a pair – heading out for weekslong trips may want to consider the lighter, more packable Copper Spur UL2 . But casual backpackers, and even ones who regularly go out for one or two nights, may find

B Backpacker Will McGough · reviewer · Apr 2026

June 2026: Our pick for best backpacking tent overall is the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 for its low weight, weatherproofing, and the ability to pack in kids or pets without compromise. Our top budget pick is the The North Face Trail Lite 2 , which offers stormworthiness far beyond its price point.

A Adventure Alan Jaeger Shaw · reviewer · May 2026

This one is just too heavy for 2p use and too small for 3P use, making it a jack of all trades that can do both, but does neither well.