Since then, the brand’s collection has expanded considerably and now ranges from backpacking and mountaineering tents to trekking poles, portable stoves and cookware, snow tools and snowshoes, water filters, and more.Ĭompared to Big Agnes above, MSR’s designs are typically more weather-worthy with robust fabrics and very sturdy constructions. In an effort to make equipment safer and more reliable, founder and engineer Larry Penberthy collected donations from subscribers to fund field tests and new product development, which spawned the gear company that we know today. Mountain Safety Research, better known as MSR, started in 1969 as a safety-focused newsletter for avid climbers and mountaineers ( the archives are fun to peruse). What we don’t: Only one true camping option. What we like: A quality selection of highly durable and weather-worthy backpacking designs. Popular models: Hubba Hubba, Access, and Habitude Finally, we appreciate that they’re continuing to push the boundaries by incorporating solution-dyed fabrics, which drastically reduce the amount of water, energy, and chemicals required in the manufacturing process. That said, if you’re looking for the best mix of build quality, weight, usable space, and all-around performance for backpacking (they also make a couple bikepacking-focused variations of some core models), we think Big Agnes is a clear leader. Another knock on Big Agnes is they don’t stand out as much in the car camping market, with a smaller and less innovative collection than you get from alternatives like REI Co-op and Marmot. And you can spend even more with their superlight Platinum and Carbon variations, which top out at over $1,500. The biggest drawback to choosing a Big Agnes tent is cost: The aforementioned Copper Spur is a steep $550 for the two-person version, while the Tiger Wall and Fly Creek are similarly pricey at $450 and $400 respectively. All in all, if you head into the backcountry with some regularity and don’t want to sacrifice convenience with a specialized, trekking pole-supported shelter, Big Agnes’ designs hit an excellent middle ground. Their ultralight Tiger Wall and Fly Creek collections are also very competitive, with user-friendly three-season constructions at strikingly low weights. peak height), and features. And last year, Big Agnes introduced the Copper Spur HV UL2 Long, which is 6 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the standard model and a nice option for taller folks who want a bit of extra space. The latest HV UL2 model tops our list of the best backpacking tents for its impressive balance of weight (3 lbs. Their Copper Spur series has been on the market for over a decade and developed a very loyal following among weekenders and serious explorers alike. What we don’t: Most of their top models utilize thin and less durable fabrics.īased in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Big Agnes sells some of our favorite lightweight backpacking designs. What we like: Top-rated backpacking designs with great livability and overall performance. ![]() ![]() Popular models: Copper Spur, Tiger Wall, and Fly Creek For more information and our top picks in each category, see our camping gear and backpacking gear reviews. Below we break down each brand individually, including a brief history and background, their most popular models, and what sets them apart from the competition. From popular brands like REI Co-op and Big Agnes to budget options and smaller companies that cater to thru-hikers, the picks on our list represent the most well-known and respected players in the tent world. Whether you’re car camping at your local state park for the week or venturing deep into the backcountry, you’ll need a quality shelter that’s spacious enough for your group, reasonably weather-worthy for the conditions, and able to withstand regular use and abuse.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |