6 Best Big Agnes Tents — Are They Any Good?

Welcome to this review of the 6 Best Big Agnes tents.

And after the dust settled, our Top Pick was…

The Copper Spur HV UL2 tent.

As outdoor lovers, most of us have heard about Big Agnes tents. But perhaps you just can’t figure out the best options from their huge collection.

We are here to help you out with our reviews. After a lot of discussions and debates, our technical team has marked the best choices for different categories.

Are Big Agnes tents any good? 

Big Agnes tents are some of the best ones out there. With multiple advanced technologies and extensive field tests, they design products that are built for the outdoors. Besides, Big Agnes also ensures that every step taken by them is environmentally sustainable. That being said, they aren’t the best for tackling rough weather or if you are on a budget.

In the top spot stands the Copper Spur HV UL2. One of the best sellers from Big Agnes, the latest version of Copper Spur comes with top-quality materials and an easy-to-pitch design. With the perfect balance between space and weight, it’s a delight for backpackers of all levels.

The Bunk House Deluxe is another well-designed tent that’s versatile enough for family camping trips as well as other outdoor sports expeditions. Quite simply, this is a dependable tent that will offer the right support for years without fail.

The Blacktail hotel 2 is our choice for budget buyers. The roomy design comes without any bells and whistles but has the right features to make your outings comfortable. For entry or mid-level backpackers, it offers a winning combination of lightweight comfort and affordability.

Top Recommendations

Take a look at the top Big Agnes tents that we recommend.

Best overall: Big Agnes Copper Spur – A lightweight tent with great storage space and 3-season weather resistance.

Best Outdoor Sports Tent: Bunk House Deluxe Camping Tent- A superbly designed tent that offers great versatility and premium features.

Best Backpacking Tent: Tiger Wall UL2 Carbon – A reliable performer that’s perfect for casual backpacking trips.

Best Value Choice: Blacktail hotel 2 – An entry-level tent that’s packed with all the necessary features.

Best Ultralight Tent: Fly Creek HV UL2– Excellent portability and good waterproofing at a reasonable price.

Best Emergency Shelter:  Scout 2 Platinum– For hardcore adventurers looking for something more reliable than a bivy sack.

What’s Unique about Big Agnes Tents

Big Agnes started 20 years ago with one goal- to provide simple but quality gear that allows users to spend a comfortable night in the backcountry. Over the years, they have developed a solid reputation with their products.

We appreciate the fact that Big Agnes is committed not just to quality but also to protecting the environment. Every step of their manufacturing and sourcing process is supported by sustainable practices.

Another thing that stands out is their effort towards innovative product design and the right attention to the details. As a result, they have done a great job with ultralight tent designs.

Just think about it.

Not many brands deliver the right mix of quality and durability in the ultralight segment as Big Agnes.

Here’s a quick look at some of the technical features that set their products apart.

• They introduced solution-dyed fabrics for the tent body and fly that significantly reduce energy and water consumption during manufacturing. At the same time, it provides great durability and UV resistance.
• Like a few other top brands, they use DAC tent poles that offer excellent strength to weight ratio. Other features include Pressfit connectors that reduce pole failures and a special Reverse Combi architecture that increases headspace in a tent.
• They have started using Dominico textiles in some of their tents for a better balance of strength and weight. This fabric is mainly used in parachutes and paragliders.
• Big Agnes has developed the innovative mtnGLO Tent Light technology to light up the tent interior with an in-built LED light strand. The flexible and durable design comes with a push-button controller that can be packed and carried with the tent.
• They have designed special Dirt Dagger tent stakes for better durability and strength for all their 2021 tents.

But What Are the Downsides?

Like everything else, Big Agnes tents aren’t perfect. Firstly, the overall waterproofing and the fly design of some of the Big Agnes tents could be better. When it comes to tackling rough weather, we will still prefer an MSR tent. 

Also, when it comes to the best combination of performance and price, Big Agnes can’t beat the likes of the REI Half Dome. At the end of the day, we wouldn’t mark Big Agnes tents for backpackers for whom price matters more than ounces.

Still, when it comes to little details in a tent that matters in the long run, Big Agnes has some of the best products out there.

To sum up, if you want to sleep comfortably under the stars, Big Agnes is a brand that offers the right range of high-quality tents.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV

The Copper Spur series of tents was introduced by Big Agnes back in 2008. Even in 2020, it has received some major updates and remains one of the best backpacking tents in the market.

Impressive, isn’t it?

With 29 square feet of floor area, this tent is cozy enough for two people. Solo users will find it luxurious.

The 40-inch head height is respectable too. In addition, you get two vestibules of 9 square feet each. Users found them great for storing packs, wet clothes, and shoes.

Beyond that, there are two massive overhead pockets in the head end and foot end, along with additional side pockets.  We have to admit, storage options in the Copper Spur are the best in class.

Pitching the tent is simple enough. The freestanding design and the color-coded, interconnected pole structure allow solo pitchers to manage it within a few minutes. Taking it down is equally easy.

Initially, the lightweight design made us doubt its durability. But the Big Agnes team has done a solid job here. The body and fly are made from proprietary material which is double rip-stop mixed denier nylon. Beyond that, the fly and floor material are silicone treated.

Even though the material isn’t thick, users liked the quality feel. Veteran backpackers found the overall durability good but not as great as the MSR Hubba Hubba NX. That said, the Copper Spur is lighter than the Hubba Hubba.

Additionally, the DAC pole structure is durable and flexible. That allows the tent to withstand rough weather and strong winds with ease.  Big Agnes mentions the pre-bent poles come with a hub design that maximizes interior space and sheds off rain and snow.

Users noted that the rainfly kept them dry during persistent rains. There are extra guyout points for adding strength to the structure to withstand storms. Keep in mind, you’ll need to carry extra stakes for them.

Still, this isn’t the tent that’s good enough for storms and heavy snow.

A big advantage of ultralight materials is the small, packed size. With a 20″ x 6″ packed size and a weight of 2lb 13oz, this is a great tent for multi-day backpacking trips.

One more thing…

Users loved the ventilation the tent offered. The tent body has plenty of mesh and there’s a sufficient gap between it and the rainfly. This keeps the airflow steady. To minimize condensation, the rainfly comes with vents.

In case you want to make things airier, use the trekking poles to open the dual doors like an awning.

The Copper Spur isn’t cheap, but it offers great value for regular backpackers. Overall, it’s a well-rounded tent that perfectly fills the gap between the lightweight and ultralight categories. We had no second thoughts about marking it as the top pick.

Pros

• TipLok tent buckles for easy setup
• Seams taped with waterproof polyurethane tape
• Integrated mtnGLO tent light technology available
•  High-quality dual zippers on doors
•  Reflective guylines and webbings for safety

Cons

• Not the most durable in this category
•  It’s expensive

Bunk House 4 Tent

The Bunk House 4 is exactly what it sounds like- a large camping tent that’s perfect for family vacations or hunting expeditions.

To start with, it’s a 4-person tent with a floor area of 58 square feet. In addition, there are 33 square feet and 14 square feet of front and rear vestibule space. Not to forget, you get a good head height at 70 inches.

Overall, it’s spacious enough for a family of two adults and two kids. A team of 3 adults will find it comfortable. 

Users loved the bright rust orange color that gives the tent interiors a warm feel. What stands out is the special “high volume architecture” with steep walls that maximize the interior space.

When it comes to setup, the Bunk House Deluxe can be easily managed by a single person. The crisscross pole design is simple and the color-coded poles and webbings make the task easier

Next, reviewers were impressed with the material and build quality of the tent. The fly and the floor are made from polyester with a 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating. The material is thick enough to prevent punctures and tears. 

The beefy design also ensures solid protection from the elements. The users were satisfied with the waterproofing.

However, the boxy shape can be an issue in stormy weather. Make sure to secure the tent with all the guy lines during rough weather.

At 14lb 4oz, this isn’t the lightest 4-person tent out there. But the packability is top-notch. Another feature we loved is the shelter mode. That allows you to set up the fly without the inner tent. Works great as an open-air rain shelter or sunshade.

The Big House deluxe is a premium-grade tent that is worth the high price tag. If you enjoy frequent camping trips with friends or family, this is a good investment.

Pros

• 8 interior pockets for ample storage space
• Top-quality workmanship
• Cabin-type design with vertical walls provide maximum space and comfort 
• Well-designed carry bag
• Reflective guylines and webbing
• Offers good value as a car camping tent

Cons

• It’s not for budget campers
• Some users felt the welcome mat should be removable
• Comes without a footprin

Tiger Wall UL2 Carbon

If you’re looking for ultralight shelters for the next hiking trip, the Tiger Wall 2-person tent deserves a closer inspection.

What most users liked is the cross pole structure that increases the space in the upper sections of the tent. That allows two users to sit comfortably. 

The floor area is 27 square feet with an additional 8 square feet of vestibule space at each end. That’s in line with the competition in this segment.

Users also appreciated dual doors at both ends. That makes it easy to move in and out of the tent without disturbing your partner.

Keep in mind this is a semi-freestanding tent. So you’ll need to stake it during pitching. Still, with the color-coded pole system, setting it up isn’t much difficult. In case you prefer the versatility of freestanding designs, look elsewhere.

Now, Big Agnes has used a nylon ripstop fabric in the tent. The fabric has good tear resistance and has a waterproof rating of 1200 mm. Also, the DAC featherlight poles are sufficiently durable. However, some users felt the plastic pole hubs can crack with rough use.

The Tiger Wall is good enough for light rains and moderate winds. On the downside, the rain fly is on the smaller side. That allows water to seep in during heavy rains. So this isn’t a choice for rough weather conditions.

Also, a few users didn’t like the translucent rainfly material of the tent. It lets in a lot of light that may wake you up early.

The inner tent is made from mesh that offers good ventilation. On warmer days, it’s best to let the vestibule doors slightly open for better airflow.

With a packed weight of 1lb 6oz, this ultralight tent can be your hiking buddy for years if you treat it with the right care.

Pros

• Storm flap on vestibule zippers
•  High-quality 6-inch stakes
•  A convenient layout for two persons
•  Large doors and good headroom
• Environment-friendly solution-dyed fabric available

Cons

• Not for comfort seekers
• Small and translucent rainfly
• Twin zipper configuration isn’t best for inclement weather

 Blacktail Hotel 2

The fact is, not all of us are pro campers. Nor do we need high-end gear that costs a ton for casual use. In that case, the Blacktail Hotel 2 is a great entry-level offering from Big Agnes that checks all the right boxes.

Most users gave this 2-person tent a thumbs up in terms of comfort. It offers 33 square feet of floor area and 44 inches of head height. The dual vestibules offer a combined area of 37 square feet. So you won’t feel the lack of space when it comes to storing gear.

In addition, the symmetrical pole structure also keeps the head area spacious enough for 2 people to sit comfortably.

Big Agnes has used polyester material in the fly and the floor. A polyurethane coating gives them a rating of 1500 mm of waterproofing. That being said, it isn’t the most durable material used in Big Agnes tents. But at this price point, we find it acceptable.

One thing the users appreciated is the excellent weather resistance the tent offers. Even in heavy rains, the insides stayed bone dry. Users also mentioned that the bathtub-style floor design keeps the seams well protected from wear and tear.

But there’s more…

The tent has a freestanding design that can be used without stakes. The symmetrical pole structure makes setting it up simple. That said, some users found connecting the rainfly difficult.

Note, the trail weight is 5lb 9oz. That doesn’t make it ultralight but it’s not too heavy either.

The ventilation is also top-notch. The breathable mesh in the inner tent and two large doors keep the airflow steady. There are additional vents of the fly and the door.

The Blacktail Hotel 2 comes at an affordable price but has quite a few features that make it stand out from the budget category. All in all, it offers excellent value for money.

Pros

• An affordable choice for casual backpackers
• Spacious design and good storage space
• Top-grade Dirt Dagger UL stakes
• 4 interior mesh pockets, 2 media pockets, and multiple hooks
• Additional webbing on exterior tent body and fly
• Rainfly offers good coverage

Cons

• Material quality isn’t the best
• Limited headroom
• Not for ultralight campers

Fly Creek HV UL2

For those looking for a simple shelter in the wilderness or a tent that won’t affect their agility, the Fly Creek HV UL2 is a good option.

At 28 square feet, the interiors aren’t much in terms of comfort. You also get 7 square feet of additional vestibule space. The headspace is marked at 40 inches, which is decent.

Is it comfortable for 2 people?

Not exactly. More so, if you have a lot of gear. But for solo travelers, it’s a comfortable option.

For a semi-freestanding tent, the Fly Creek is easy to pitch. The main support is through a single aluminum pole that’s connected through clips. However, some users mentioned that staking out the fly properly needs some time.

Big Agnes uses a nylon ripstop material for the fly, and the floor is solution-dyed and silicone treated. The inner tent is a mixture of mesh and breathable ripstop nylon. The DAC Featherlite NFL poles offer dependable support.

As expected from ultralight tents, durability isn’t the best in class. That said, with the right amount of care, the Fly Creek HV will support you for years.

Most users remarked that the waterproofing is great. Even in heavy rains, the tent never leaked. At the same time, users complained about the constant flapping of the fly in windy conditions. Fact is, the tall design of the tent doesn’t make it a good choice in stormy conditions either.

When it comes to portability, the Fly Creek HV is hard to beat. At 1lb 15oz, it’s one of the lightest tents in this category and the packed size is compact.

With an ultralight double-walled design and a reasonable price tag, the Fly Creek HV will appeal to users who put portability over comfort and durability.

Pros

• A rare double-walled tent in the ultralight segment
• Decent ventilation and no condensation
•  Freestanding design with high volume structure
•  Great for stargazing
• Adjustable slide cord locks on the rainfly

Cons

• The material quality isn’t robust
• Some users found it unstable in strong crosswinds
• The vestibule area is small

Scout 2 Platinum

Frankly, the Scout 2 isn’t designed for everyone. But those with a minimalist approach will love this ultralight tent for the perfect balance between weight and space.

25 square feet of floor area makes it good enough for solo travelers. Being an A-shaped tent, it offers a generous 45 inches of headspace at the front end. The side walls are vertical, increasing the interior space. Also, it’s 7 feet in length, offering sufficient space for tall campers.

As there’s no vestibule, you don’t get additional storage space. If you’re looking for extra space for 2 people along with comfort, there are better options out there.

The tent comes with a single wall of nylon ripstop with a polyurethane coating. The material is pretty thin. So we suggest using a footprint with this tent.

Keep in mind that there are no tent poles.

Yes, it’s true!

You will have to use your trekking poles to support it from both ends. The rectangular profile makes it easy to orient.  Then insert your poles in the reinforced peaks at the front and back and stake out the corners for adding tension. Once you get used to it, the setting time is less than 5 minutes.

The overall weather resistance is average at best. This isn’t the right tent to use in adverse weather conditions. Also, the included stakes come without hooks. We wish Big Agnes had added proper hooks for fixing the guylines.

That said, users found it reliable in moderate rains and gusts. The awnings on the front doors and rear windows keep the rainwater from entering.

There are mesh windows and mesh screens to aid ventilation. But with the door closed, users noted some condensation in wet conditions.

In any case, the best part is the weight. At 1lb 1oz, the Scout will appeal to hardcore adventurers who prefer to travel light.

The reality is, the Scout 2 is an odd boy that isn’t perfect. But it offers good value as an emergency shelter.

Pros

• Quick-drying tent fabric
• Full-length wall vent pockets and gear loops
• Taped seams for added durability
• Adjustable slide cord locks on the rainfly

Cons

• The durability isn’t the best
• The fabric sacks with heavy rain or snow

Final Verdict

Let’s rewind and look back at the top Big Agnes tents we have picked.

We loved the overall performance of the Copper Spur HV tent and its lightweight design. It’s super easy to set up and offers great dollar value. Overall, a premium-grade product that emerged as the topper in our reviews.

The Bunk House Deluxe was another favorite with its intelligent design and superb craftsmanship. Even with its robust structure and large size, it’s remarkably easy to set up by a single person.

The Blacktail Hotel 2 is our choice for buyers on a budget. With good material quality and great weather resistance, this lightweight and spacious tent punches above its price category.

We have done all the hard work and marked some of the best options from the Big Agnes stable to help you choose the best tent.

It’s up to you.