Is it Worth Buying a Big Agnes Tent?

August 06, 2017 19 Comments

Big Agnes is an established company. Their tents are time tested. It’s not even a question whether their tents are good. They are amazing. Their build quality, iconic designs, and ability to stand behind their products is remarkable. Considering the characteristics of Big Agnes tents, there is always one obstacle in the way: the price!

Tent Set Up Video

For a average camper, buying a Big Agnes tent would be an overkill. Featherlight poles, waterproof polyurethane coating, high tenacity and high filament count material seems a bit too much for someone that will go camping 4-5 times during the summer. The tent doesn’t need to be ultralight and resistant against every possible storm. After all, the tent will simply be transported in a car and most of the camping will be done during the summer when the weather is ideal. Even if someone does like all the unique features of the tent, the price tag will always will scare them away. When the starting price is $300-400, an average camper will simply buy an Ozark Trail or Coleman tent for a fraction of that price.  

For a backpacker, every single ounce matters. All the gear has to be ultralight and easy to pack. Paying $300-400 for a tent might seem insane, but that is a couple pounds shaved off of the backpack. After hiking through miles and miles of switchbacks, that insignificant difference in weight becomes huge. Every ounce becomes significant. For a regular camper, the key features of a Big Agnes might seem like small perks. But for a backpacker, all the features are a delight. For example, I have the Copper Spur UL2 tent. The featherlight pole system in that tent is very easy to set up and extremely light. The pole system also allows almost vertical walls, thus preventing wasted space. Condensation is almost completed eradicated thanks to good air flow, even with the rainfly installed. The tent material is very thin yet extremely durable. Considering just a few the features previously mentioned, the seemingly hefty price is justified.  

Tent Without Rain Fly

Is it worth buying a Big Agnes tent? There are two different answers. For a average person that goes camping a few times in the summer, of course not. It is a big waste of money. There are cheaper tents that do the job “just fine”. But if a tent is needed for specialized use: such as backpacking, the price is very well justified. All the unique features of a Big Agnes tent will making any adventure more enjoyable!

Tent With Rain Fly

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