Big Agnes Gold Camp UL3 Tipi - initial review

Harvey_NW

WKR
Joined
Feb 13, 2019
Messages
1,549
Location
WA
I've been making some changes and upgrading some gear, and recently purchased the Big Agnes Gold Camp UL3 tipi setup. Since I couldn't find much information besides manufacturer specs with it being so new, I figured I'd start a thread on it and try to update as I go along. I do most of my hunting earlier season based on opportunity in my state, and my wife hunts with me most of the time so I have to make sure she's comfortable. My criteria for a shelter system is obviously the most amount of space for the least weight penalty, but also has to have an insert, or floor/bug net setup. Traditional dome tents are flat out heavy, and to get into the 5lb range for a "3 person" tent, you almost need to talk to a loan officer..

This thing is definitely lightweight. The material seems well constructed for how light it actually is. It also feels well coated, and Big Agnes claims to use seam tape before stitching, so seam sealing is unnecessary unless you feel it is. It pitches pretty easily, and I think it would anchor pretty well with the guy outs staked down. It was actually pretty windy when I pitched it, but I wanted to see how well it would do without, and it stayed well put.

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The net has loops and the tarp has tabs in the same location to lock the two together, identical to the door toggles. The corners all have small gear pockets integrated. There's a small rod secured in place to prop the peak vent open as well. Otherwise, fairly simple.

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Typical "3 person" tent that will only realistically fit 2 full grown adults, but I expected as much and I think we can make decent use of the floor space and have plenty of room in the corners to toss clothing or smaller pieces of gear.

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The tarp did include all stakes for the system base and guy outs, and an adjustable pole.

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Footprint spec trail weight - 9oz, so pretty much on the money.

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Mesh inner spec packed weight - 1lb 9oz, so not far off.

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Tarp spec weight - 2lbs 11oz, honestly believe this is the first time I've seen something come in under weight.

All in all, I'm excited to use this. At sub 5lbs total split up between 2 people, It's definitely light on the pack. It also folds and rolls up easily to fit in the bags.

Hope this helps anyone interested in this setup!
 
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