Head-to-head · Best Camping Tents For 4

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 vs Kelty Late Start 4

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.6). Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 is best for: Backpackers seeking maximum interior volume and minimal weight for multi-day trips. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Camping Tents For 4

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4

4.3

1 source

Gearinstitute found that the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 offers the most spacious interior environment of its category with a 67 square foot floor area, making it an impressive choice for four campers. The outlet noted that while the setup is intuitive and fabrics compress well, the tent's tall profile can bow during extreme winds and the lightweight floor is susceptible to punctures from sharp vegetation. This shelter best fits backpackers prioritizing maximum shoulder room and weight savings over absolute storm resilience in exposed environments.

Strengths

— Features an intuitive setup process that went up correctly on the first attempt without consulting directions.
— Constructed from flyweight fabrics that compress well and offer excellent packability for backpacking.
— Includes ample ventilation through significant mesh usage to manage condensation in humid conditions.

Watch-outs

— Tall profile makes it prone to bowing into the interior space during high winds.
— Floor material suffered pinhole punctures from thick, dry grass blades during field use.
— Hubbed pole section is long and can be unwieldy when erecting the tent solo.

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Ranked #4 in Best Camping Tents For 4

Kelty Late Start 4

3.6

1 source$240as of Oct 19

Gearjunkie found that Kelty’s Quick Corner technology allows the tent to pitch in under five minutes without instructions, while Mountainsforeverybody highlights a shark mouth carry bag that simplifies packing even if the tent is not folded perfectly. However, The-equipment-guide.com notes that the single door creates access issues for multiple sleepers who must climb over each other. Condensation can become problematic when the rainfly is closed due to a lack of ventilation vents, and Gearjunkie rates the interior space as tight for four adults given its 55 sq ft floor area and sloping walls. This shelter suits beginners seeking easy setup for car camping, but those needing ample headroom or dual-entry convenience should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Quick Corner technology with pre-bent aluminum poles simplifies setup to under five minutes without instructions
— Shark mouth carry bag allows packing even if the tent is not folded perfectly
— Full-coverage rainfly provides reliable waterproofing in light and moderate conditions

Watch-outs

— Single door limits access for multiple sleepers compared to two-door alternatives
— Lack of ventilation vents can cause condensation buildup when the rainfly is closed
— Interior space is tight for four adults and feels claustrophobic due to sloping walls

$240 · Buy at questoutdoors.com Full review →

How they stack up

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 is substantially lighter at 5 lbs 4 oz than the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent (8 lbs 10 oz), making it a far better choice for backpackers prioritizing weight over raw durability.

Kelty Late Start 4

The Kelty Late Start 4 offers a significantly more compact packed size (18 x 7.5 x 7.5 in) than the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent (23.5 x 7 in), making it easier to stow in tight vehicle spaces or packs. However, its single door and limited ventilation make it less convenient for groups compared to the dual-door design of the Lynx, which allows independent entry and better airflow.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4	Kelty Late Start 4
Capacity	4-Person	4-Person
Floor Area	67 sq ft	55 sq ft
Peak Height	50 in	56 in
Weight	5 lbs 4 oz	7 lbs, 3 oz
Material	Nylon / Polyester	68D Polyester
Seasonality	—	3-season
Packed Size	—	18 x 7.5 x 7.5 in
Packed Weight	—	6 lbs 15 oz / 3.2 kg

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