Copper Spur 3 or Mountain Star 3

[TheCougar]

I need a new tent after my MSR Hubba Hubba had an uncontrolled thermal event. We spent some time in a Mountain Star 2p tent this year: it was fine once I figured how to pitch it, but too small. I want a 3 person for me and one other and the BA and Kuiu tents seems to be the best of the bunch. I have no experience with the BA tents, but they seem to be lighter duty 3 season and less durable, probably similar to my MSR. There seem to be some mixed reviews on the Kuiu MS3 based on door and vestibule design.

The Kuiu is made of 15D fly and 40D floor with aluminum poles and weighs around 5lbs and I’m guessing is measurably more robust for winds and weather. The BA is made of 10D fly and 20D floor and weighs right around 4lbs. Right now the MS3 is on sale for $520 and I can get the BA CS3 for $370. The only other thing I found which might move the needle is the “garage/hotel” extension for the BA CS series, which pushes the vestibule into a floorless garage and probably gives the option to use a stove, though I’m not sure if anyone has tried this yet. I’m looking for any thoughts from guys who have used one or either and your positive/negative opinions. I’ve got to buy NLT Tuesday to take advantage of the Kuiu sale, if that’s the way I go. TiA

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’ve been running three variants of CS for last 5 years. I’m a fan.

And there’s a good chance you can still get a discount thru them (if not reach out and I can see if I can get a F&F one for you based on your background).

This ones my current go to. It’s a 2p but with a massive vestibule that makes it much more functional for 2.

Big Agnes Copper Hotel HV UL 2 Person Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Hotel HV UL Tent: Lightweight, spacious, and ideal for two-person backpacking trips. Enjoy comfort and durability in any weather.

www.blackovis.com

 

[Jbehredt]

I’ve got a CS HVUL3. Love it. Haven’t touched my floorless shelters since acquiring. That 20d floor you noted means you’ll want to add a footprint to the weight and cost.

 

[TheCougar]

I’ll check that one out. I’m still leaning towards the 3p though.

 

[Idaboy]

Run a BA CS 3man long for 2 of us....run a regular BA-CS 2P for solo, unless winter/snow loads, it's been a great system...if you think you want a hot tent then look elsewhere

 

[Coopsdaddy]

While light the copper spur is way to fragile.
Backpacking is one thing but needs are different for hunting.
I sold my copper spurs2&3 after the first trip.Used the 2 and got a deal on a 3 so picked it up to.No difference than most other backpacking tents.

 

[peaceman]

ive use the CS3 for the last 5 years with no failures. it is an airy tent so its not warm and i haven't experienced any really strong winds with it, but I was in sideways rain and it did fine. I use a footprint. I have never used a Kuiu storm star tent but a friend has one and seems to like it. I just picked up a CS4 so we'll see how that one works out.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've had the original CS UL2, 3, and 4. I sold the UL2 but still have the UL3 and UL4. I really like them. Easy and quick to set up and I've had the UL4 in strong winds above timberline without issue. They've been in light snow, but never used them in heavy snow.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I’m in the too fragile crowd for the CS. I put my hands on one while looking at new tents and decided on the Nemo Dagger 3p tad bit heavier but also sturdier fabric. I’ve been very happy with it. I was able to get me, wife and kid in it for a backpacking hiking trip and we slept comfortably.

The mountain star I have no experience with unfortunately but that was the tent I intended to buy originally. When I was ready to purchase they were out of stock and the timeline I needed it didn’t line up with estimated time of restock. That’s how I ended up with the Nemo.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Too fragile folks appears to have never used the CS (or for one night only). I have probably 20-30 nights on two of mine. Winds above 30mph, snow up to 6” (outside…it all rolled off the tent), never had an issue. No holes, broken poles, or anything. The CS are known for being durable tents although I agree the materials are thin.

Tough to judge a tent just by materials when many say they work without issue.

Edit: I do think the kuiu would be stronger, but unless your headed to AK, not sure it’s needed outside of piece of mind…which comes at a 40% weight cost.

 

[Stache Attack]

I own a cs. Friends have owned multiple cs’s over past 8 years aswell. Go with the Mountian star if your looking for continued durable use. If occasional normal use go cs. You can tell the difference spending a few nights in each in wind or snow load

 

[Coopsdaddy]

I have used them and it’s not close to a m star or xmid.
They are popular because they are light.They are nice tents for hiking in decent weather and rain.
They are really no better than almost all other brands that are much cheaper.
I have two msr hubba 1 now that I’m going sale because I no longer use and the msr is a built tougher.Not a lot but enough to make a difference.
The zipper are definitely a weak point.You have to baby them.
They are all good for certain purposes but that’s up to the user.

 

[2buffalo]

MS3 is way more durable than a CS. I have used both and still have the MS3.

 

[Speaks]

I have a copper spur 3 person and its been a tank. I tend to take my nemo hornet to save weight but have had no issue with the CS even for winter camping. I have not tried the other one you are looking at.

 

[wllunceford]

I have the MS3 and it has been great. Highly recommend.

 

[TheCougar]

Clear as mud! It’s about an even split.

 

[peaceman]

BA is now making a 4 season expedition model copper spur that has beefier poles and zip in panels for warmth. Less than 6#s for the 3 man. saw them on sale for sub $400.

 

[Elkfitness]

I used a version of this for a few years and then when back to the base model for a little weight savings and better ventilation.


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