We’re a big outdoor-loving family, always on the lookout for gear that makes our adventures easier with our kids. Our journey with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL5 Tent began when we realized we needed a more spacious and reliable shelter for our backpacking trips.
With four young children, ages 2 to 7, finding a tent large enough to keep us all together and easy to set up is crucial, especially since I often go solo backpacking with my four kids. We’ve taken this tent on several solo parent trips and one memorable family backpacking adventure with all six of us.
It’s become a favorite for our family, and we’re excited for many more years of adventures with it.
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Big Agnus Copper Spur HV UL5 Tent Review
This tent stands out as the largest ultralight model currently available on the market. While many groups opt for two smaller tents, parents with young children may prioritize the safety and convenience of having all their kids under one roof.
The Copper Spur UL5 excels in providing ample space without sacrificing weight, thanks to advanced materials that enhance both durability and lightweight performance. Designed for three-season use and featuring a freestanding structure, it simplifies setup and offers added stability—perfect for families with active toddlers or energetic kids who like to WWE-style wrestle in the tent.
Specs
- Price: $899.95
- Trail Weight: 6lbs 14oz
- Total Weight: 7lbs 5oz
- Packed Size: 24.5″ x 9″
- Floor Area: 65ft²
- Vestibule Area: 17ft² + 17ft²
- Head Height: 60″
- Fast Fly / Shelter Mode Weight: 5lbs 9oz
- Footprint Weight: 12oz
Who Needs an Ultralight Tent?
Ultralight backpacking tents generally come at a higher cost compared to typical car camping tents. So, why opt for a backpacking tent? When hiking into remote backcountry campsites, every ounce counts.
Backpacking tents are significantly lighter and more compact, making them far easier to transport into the wilderness. Make sure you have all the necessary backpacking gear if you choose to go this route.
Features We Loved
Color Coded Set Up
We were particularly impressed by the color-coded poles, which made setup a breeze even when our adorable but not always helpful assistants joined in to help us pitch the tent.
Setting up this tent by myself can be tough, but even my four-year-old can pitch in by holding one pole steady while I handle the other. It’s a fun way to involve them in our camping trips and make sure our tent goes up smoothly.
Absolutetly Free Standing
We absolutely love the sturdy freestanding design. Recently on a backpacking trip, my 7-year-old and I easily carried our tent while fully assembled down to the waterfront, allowing our two-year-old to nap peacefully while our older children played in the lake.
We wouldn’t have had that freedom if our tent relied on guylines. With no need for guylines, my kids are less likely to trip and accidentally knock down a tent wall, allowing us to enjoy our camping trips with fewer worries about setup and safety.
Lots of Head Room
This tent has the highest ceiling I’ve ever seen in a backpacking tent. No more hitting my head on a wet condensation ceiling when my kids need something at night.
Plus there’s plenty of space to stand, change, and move around, which makes it much easier to stay comfortable inside during bad weather.
Lots of Space for Big Families
This is the perfect backpacking tent for our crew—it’s the only one on the market that fits all of us comfortably even when Dad is able to make it. As a teacher enjoying summers off, I often adventure solo while my husband works.
With four young kids in tow, having everyone close and safe at night is essential for more enjoyable backpacking experiences.
Features We Didn’t Love
The only downside we found was the thin and flimsy feel of the tent material at the bottom, which made us uneasy, especially since finding perfectly smooth tent spots is often a challenge.
Although we tried to make holes less likely by purchasing the separate footprint, it was an additional expense we hadn’t planned for but felt was necessary.
Is the Copper Spur Hv UL5 Right for Your Family?
Finding the perfect tent for your family can be challenging, especially since it depends on your specific needs. For families who backpack several times a year and have younger children close in age that they prefer to keep together, I highly recommend this tent.
Check out our family tent guide to help you make the best decision for your crew.
Where to Purchase
You can purchase directly from Big Agnes or available at a variety of retailers like:
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Big Agnus Copper Spur HV UL5 Tent Review
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