Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

It seems like backpacking tents get lighter and pack smaller every single season. Back in the day, we’d all have to split the canopy, poles, and rain fly just so the tent would fit in our packs. And our tents would take up so much space in our backpacks that we wouldn’t have room to bring beers or other campsite comforts.

Nowadays, with MSR and Big Agnes tents, you get lightweight backpacking gear with intelligent upgrades like DAC aluminum poles and ultralight, solution dyed fabrics. Both the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3 and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL prove that a 3-person tent no longer means hauling around a small circus tent. 

Quick Answer: The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3 and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL are two of the roomiest ultralight 3-person backpacking tents on the market. The Copper Spur UL3 XL is lighter and has more documented storage and weatherproofing, while the Hubba Hubba LT 3 packs down smaller and pairs micromesh venting with proven MSR pole and stake hardware. Neither tent lists a clear price advantage, so the right pick comes down to whether shaving ounces or shaving inches off your pack matters more to you.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL

We think the Hubba Hubba LT 3 and Copper Spur UL3 XL are both excellent options for taking the load off our backs so we can enjoy our time on the trail. But if we had to choose only one, which would we suggest? We stacked the two against each other to help you decide which of these 3-person tents is best suited to your needs.

At A Glance

Spec	MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3	Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL
Capacity	3 Person	3 Person
Trail Weight	4 lbs 6 oz	3 lbs 9 oz
Packed Weight	4 lbs 13 oz	4 lb
Packed Size	20 x 6.5 in dia	22 x 6.5 in
Floor Area	47 sq ft	48 sq ft (96 x 72 in)
Interior Height	42 in	45 in
Doors / Vestibules	2 / 2	2 / 2 (9 sq ft + 9 sq ft)
Poles	DAC NFL Aluminum	1 DAC NFL (8.7mm)

Weight

Let’s dive straight into what’s most important for gram-counting backpackers. Weight is arguably the most important consideration for many backpackers after all and is certainly a consideration in the design of both the MSR and Big Agnes 3-person tents.

The Copper Spur UL3 XL comes in at 3 lbs 9 oz, close to a full pound lighter than the Hubba Hubba LT 3’s 4 lbs 6 oz trail weight. That’s a meaningful difference to shoulder over a multi-day thru-hike, especially once you factor in the Hubba Hubba’s 4 lbs 13 oz packed weight with stakes and stuff sacks included.

The Copper Spur UL3 XL’s single-pole, dry-entry door design keeps the weight down without giving up the dual vestibules most 3-person groups want. Campman’s product page for the Hubba Hubba LT 3 doesn’t list a comparable fast-fly or minimalist setup weight, so we can’t make an apples-to-apples comparison there.

Advantage: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL

Packed Size

Just like weight, a tent’s packed size can make or break any backpacking trip. You don’t want to be weighed down, and you also want enough space in your pack for all of your essentials plus some extra layers and snacks — just in case. The Hubba Hubba LT 3, with a packed size of 20 x 6.5” diameter, edges out the Copper Spur UL3 XL, with a packed size of 22 x 6.5”.

Two inches shorter in the stuff sack doesn’t sound like much, but it can be the difference between the tent sliding neatly into a pack’s main compartment or riding on top strapped under the lid.

Advantage: MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3

Internal Space

Both tents land within a square foot of each other on total floor area, with the Copper Spur UL3 XL at 48 sq ft (96” x 72”) and the Hubba Hubba LT 3 at 47 sq ft. The Copper Spur UL3 XL is built specifically for taller campers who need extra stretch-out length, while Campman’s listing for the Hubba Hubba LT 3 highlights its rectangular floorplan and extra head room rather than exact length and width figures.

The Hubba Hubba LT 3 does list a confirmed 42” interior height, giving campers a solid benchmark for headroom. Campman’s Copper Spur UL3 XL has a 45" interior height figure, and an extra 3 inches goes a long way for taller trekkers.

Advantage: Draw

Storage

The Copper Spur UL3 XL comes with clearly documented storage specs: two 9 sq ft vestibules, two 11 sq ft awnings, a 3D bin pocket, two side pockets, and a ceiling pocket, plus loop attachments for Big Agnes accessories like the Gear Loft (sold separately).

The Hubba Hubba LT 3 also has dual doors and dual vestibules along with pockets designed for stashing tech, but Campman’s current listing doesn’t break out vestibule square footage or a pocket count the way the Copper Spur’s does. Based on what’s documented, the Copper Spur UL3 XL gives backpackers a clearer picture of exactly how much gear they can stow.

Advantage: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL

Weather Protection

The Copper Spur UL3 XL uses Big Agnes’ HyperBead fly and floor fabric, rated 1500mm waterproof and built without intentionally added PFAS, and Campman’s listing states it’s 25% more waterproof than traditional tent materials. The vestibule also includes a low vent to help manage condensation and airflow in wet weather.

The Hubba Hubba LT 3’s listing highlights solution dyed fabrics and a micromesh body for airflow on muggy nights, along with a full set of Ground Hog stakes for a tenacious hold in soft ground, but Campman’s current product page doesn’t list a specific waterproof coating rating for the LT 3 the way it does for the Copper Spur. Until that spec is confirmed, we’re giving the edge to the tent with the documented number.

Advantage: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL

Durability

As ultralight backpacking tents, the Hubba Hubba LT 3 and Copper Spur UL3 XL both trade some durability for reduced weight, but each has notable strengths.

Big Agnes says its HyperBead fabric on the Copper Spur UL3 XL is 65% tougher than traditional tent materials, and both tents rely on DAC aluminum pole systems known for standing up to years of hard use. The Hubba Hubba LT 3 adds metal corner hardware built to withstand repeated setup and teardown, which is a durability detail Campman doesn’t call out on the Copper Spur UL3 XL listing.

Advantage: Draw

Creature Comforts

This category includes all the extra features that aren’t necessary for backpacking but add a bit of convenience to the campsite. The Copper Spur UL3 XL is equipped with Quick Stash loops that hold the dry-entry door open for extra venting, dual door zippers, an oversized 3D bin pocket, and internal loops for Big Agnes accessories like mtnGLO camp lights (sold separately).

The Hubba Hubba LT 3, while comfortable and user-friendly with its rectangular floorplan and tech-focused pockets, sticks to a more standard design without the extra accessory compatibility Big Agnes builds into the Copper Spur line.

Advantage: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL

Conclusion

Tallied up, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL takes the edge in most categories thanks to its lighter weight, documented storage specs, and confirmed waterproof rating, while the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3 wins out on packed size and offers a few durability details the Copper Spur listing doesn’t match. Both are excellent options and picking the right one still comes down to the type of backpacker you are.

Regardless of which tent you choose, either of these options will serve you well on your backcountry adventures. And if you don’t quite see what you’re looking for here, rest assured that there are plenty of other Big Agnes tents to choose from, including the full range of Copper Spur variants below.

Standard Ultralight

Copper Spur UL1 1 Person Trail 2 lb 2 oz Packed Size 17.5 x 5.5 in Floor 20 sq ft

Copper Spur UL2 2 Person Trail 2 lb 10 oz Packed Size 19.5 x 6 in Floor 29 sq ft

Copper Spur UL3 3 Person Trail 3 lb 8 oz Packed Size 21 x 6 in Floor 41 sq ft

Copper Spur UL4 4 Person Trail 5 lb 4 oz Packed Size 22 x 7 in Floor 57 sq ft

Copper Spur UL5 5 Person Trail 5 lb 4 oz Packed Size 22 x 7 in Floor 57 sq ft

Also in the standard ultralight family: the extended-length Copper Spur UL2 XL (2 Person, Trail 2 lb 14 oz, Packed Size 22 x 6 in, Floor 36 sq ft) and the Copper Spur UL3 XL featured above, both built for taller campers who need extra stretch-out room.

Bikepack

Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack 2 Person Weight 3 lb 11 oz (Trail 2 lb 15 oz) Packed Size 16 x 5.5 in 12in Shortstik poleset with Big Hitch mounting straps

Copper Spur UL3 Bikepack 3 Person Weight 4 lb 5 oz (Trail 3 lb 10 oz) Packed Size 16.5 x 6 in 12in Shortstik poleset with Big Hitch mounting straps

Both Bikepack versions swap in a shortened 12in Shortstik poleset and a waterproof dry bag stuff sack with integrated Big Hitch straps, so the tent mounts securely to handlebars, frame, or panniers instead of riding inside a pack.

mtnGLO

Copper Spur UL2 mtnGLO 2 Person Trail 2 lb 12 oz Packed Size 19.5 x 5 in Floor 29 sq ft Integrated mtnGLO overhead light system

Copper Spur UL3 mtnGLO 3 Person Trail 3 lb 8 oz Packed Size 21 x 5 in Floor 41 sq ft Integrated mtnGLO overhead light system

The mtnGLO versions carry the same HyperBead fabric and freestanding architecture as the standard ultralight line, with an integrated overhead light system built in so there’s no fumbling for a headlamp once the sun goes down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is lighter, the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3 or the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL?

The Copper Spur UL3 XL is lighter. It weighs 3 lbs 9 oz compared to the Hubba Hubba LT 3’s 4 lbs 6 oz trail weight.

Which tent packs down smaller?

The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 3 packs smaller. Its 20 x 6.5 in packed size is about two inches shorter than the Copper Spur UL3 XL’s 22 x 6.5 in.

How many people fit in these tents?

Both are 3-person tents, and the Copper Spur line also comes in 1, 2, 4, and 5-person capacities.

What’s the difference between the Copper Spur UL, Bikepack, and mtnGLO versions?

The standard UL line is built for backpacking, the Bikepack versions use a shortened poleset and mounting straps for cyclists, and the mtnGLO versions add an integrated overhead light system. All three share the same HyperBead fabric platform.

Does the Copper Spur UL3 XL work for tall campers?

Yes. The XL versions of the Copper Spur are sized specifically for taller campers who need extra stretch-out length without giving up an ultralight pack weight.

Do these tents come with a footprint?

Footprints are sold separately for the Copper Spur line. Check the individual Campman product page for footprint compatibility and weight.

What poles do the Hubba Hubba LT 3 and Copper Spur UL3 XL use?

Both use DAC aluminum poles. The Hubba Hubba LT 3 uses DAC NFL aluminum poles, and the Copper Spur UL3 XL uses a single DAC NFL pole (8.7mm).

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he's traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn't a man about camp, he's working in Campman's content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he's used personally. He's climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.