Fishing the Backcountry? Big Agnes Tent Serves Well

Big Agnes UL3

If you haven’t been up in the high country, or far back on a trout stream this summer, you’re running out of time. Realize, some of the best fishing experiences aren’t found while riding down one of the major rivers in the bow of a drift boat. Instead, there are nearly untouched waters and good size trout to be had, plus some great memories, if you venture off the beaten path. If you’re going to do just that, you’ll need good gear to get you in and out of the sticks. Over the next few days we’ll posts reviews of gear that will serve you well when camping and fishing this summer and fall. No affiliate links, so these reviews are not influenced by the allmighty dollar. If you get into the backcountry, send AT some photos and we’ll post the best.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent

There are better lightweight options than Big Agnes’ Copper Spur UL3, but you’re going to pay heavily to shed those ounces and you may not end up with all the tent you need. I mean, we’re into roughing it and can handle a bivy, but part of the fun of hiking in and fishing is hanging with your buds at camp and having enough space to fit in a tent without having to count each other’s nose hairs before falling asleep. The Copper Spur offers two vestibules (almost 10 square feet) for gear storage, which keeps your packs and boots and other gear outside the tent, yet protected, leaving room for you to be comfortable insidethe tent. The Copper Spur easily sleeps three people and is downright spacious for two, even

Wilderness bull trout

if you bring a dog and let it sleep in the tent with you. Don’t want that dog mucking up the sleeping pads and bags? It can curl up and keep guard in the zipped-in and enclosed vestibule.

Ok, for some, the Copper Spur 3’s weight—3 pounds 7 ounces—may be too much in comparison to the Copper Spur 1—2 pounds 2 ounces—but we’ll trade that weight for comfort, especially when two or three people are involved and all gear/weight can be divided between packs. And think about it—when you hike into the mountains you take a chance on the weather. Do you want to be elbow to elbow with other people for three days while you wait out a storm, or a bit more comfortable with the cost being just a pound more to carry in? The Copper Spur easily sets up with color coded clips, offers an effective rainfly and multiple tie-downs, and has storage pockets for items you might need in the night. You can buy a footprint for the tent, which keeps water from soaking into sleeping bags . . . if/when it rains or snows. All the three-season tent you need for the high mountains . . . or camping next to the truck.

Ok, so you still think the tent is too heavy? If that’s the case go this route—you can simply carry in the rainfly, the tent poles and the footprint (sold separately) for an ultralight option when the weather is favorable. But remember, you’ll need more bug spray and that adds weight, too. $499.95

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