Big Agnes Blacktail 3 Person Tent

2023-08-08T20:00:00

I bought 4 of these tents to use for group backpacking trips. They are excellent for 2 people, tall people included. I love the dual door and vestibule for group use. They aren't the lightest, but they are durable which is one reason we bought them. They've lasted us over 5 years. It is a very snug fit for 3 people, which is expected from a backpacking tent. If you want a roomy 2 person tent, this will do the job. I sleep 3 deep in this tent multiple times a year. We stay warm!

Tori

2023-05-27T20:00:00

Backpacking/canoe camping with my son and wife if my main use of this tent. I got it to replace an older Big Agnes (model no longer made) and this one is just a bit smaller to the point where it's really tight - and all 3 of us are under 5'7" and 150 lbs so not a 'big' family. For two of us it is perfect though.

Tim C.

2022-08-21T20:00:00

We backpacked part of the Continental Divide and this tent was great. It held up through a hail storm.

Stephanie

2022-08-09T20:00:00

Did a walk through set up in the yard and I love the way the tent and footprint are built. Planning to use it on a motorcycle trip in October.

Guest

2022-07-28T20:00:00

This is my favorite shape for a backcountry tent but its just too heavy. Really, it's the poles. What would be great is if BA offered pole upgrades. The tent is fine, a bit bulky, but when two people and a dog go it fits you fine. I would love it if I could pay an extra hundred or so now to shave off 75% of the weight of the poles- which are outrageously heavy! Maybe I am spoiled, I had the jack rabbit 3 for years (back when it was free standing and still only 3 lbs). This thing is twice as heavy and a little less space. It's pretty cheap - clearances for around $200 (compared to the jack rabbit at $600). Anyway, now that i have it, i have it, so rather than sell it for nothing I would love to buy some ultra light poles - hope you read this big agnes!

steve

2022-05-03T20:00:00

Has potential. Bought for Boy Scout. Allows cot inside plus room for gear. Awning is nice to provide some room outside tent for boots and gear, while keeping it covered. Does make it a bit awkward to get in and out of tent. Used once and grommet used to secure support post failed. Logged issue with Big Agnes 3 business days ago and awaiting response.

twilli7936

2021-09-10T20:00:00

We really like our blacktail 3 tent, except that two of the tent pole support aluminum grommets have come apart and need replacing. I have contacted BA and look forward to their support in fixing this issue. the quality of the the tent otherwise is really good. this tent replaced a REI Hoodoo 3 and the Blacktail 3 is a superior tent except for the weak aluminum grommets.

Dean

2020-09-02T20:00:00

The Blacktail3 is basically a more robust copper spur hvul3 (CS3), with a ~1.5lb weight gain, and a ~60% price reduction. The Blacktail3 is 3sqft larger thanks to its non-trapezoid shape, and one inch taller than the CS3. It uses two individual poles, rather than the fancy hubbed single pole of the CS3. And, the cross pole slides into simple webbing sleeves rather than that clever ball/socket plastic piece on the CS3. The fly of the Blacktail3 does not attach to the poles at the guyout points via velcro like the CS3. This lack of pole/fly attachment reduces the inherent strength of the design compared to the CS3. The dual fly vents on the Blacktail3 are a plus. Nearly everything else is identical - dimensions features, layout, etc. Fly/floor/footprint are PU coated and sturdy. All seams are taped from the factory. Mesh is far less ephemeral than the CS3. The footprint of the Blacktail3 and Blacktail3Hotel (2020 versions) are interchangeable. Only grumble is that the stuff sack is a bit tight when you try to cram in tent, fly, stakes, poles, and footprint. Packed size of the Blacktail3 is ~2inches longer and wider than the more svelte CS3. This is a great first tent for backpacking or folks who tend to car camp. Because of its more robust construction, the Blacktail3 will be more forgiving than the CS3 for those with less experience caring for and pitching a tent.

Andy

2020-08-15T20:00:00

The Blacktail 3 is simple to set up and very spacious for 2-3 people!

Marc