Big Agnes HyperBead Tent Series
Sep 10, 2026
What is HyperBead™ Technology?
HyperBead™ is a proprietary waterproof coating currently being applied to a handful of our Ultralight tent fabrics. Its highly specialised chemistry and application process makes it the most technically advanced and effective water proofing treatment we’ve ever utilised.
6% Lighter
50-100% Stronger
25% More Waterproof
Than Traditional Tent Fabrics
Starting in our Spring 2025 product line, you can look forward to seeing HyperBead™ in our updated Copper Spur UL and XL lines as well as the Tiger Wall UL and Fly Creek UL tents. Our development and design team made an array of awesome changes to all of these styles, and HyperBead™ is at the centre of it all.
Waterproof By Design
HyperBead™ fabric technology is inherently waterproof at a molecular level, without relying on added DWR treatments or coatings.
Ultimate Durability
HyperBead™ provides water repellency that doesn't wear off over time, so no need to re-waterproof your tent!
Environmentally Safe
Superior water resistance, without intentionally added PFAS chemicals or other harmful waterproofing methods.
Stretch Resistant
Improved dimensional stability means less fabric stretching, even when wet.
HyperBead™ Fabric Development
HyperBead™ was developed out of a period of extremely close collaboration with our top fabric manufacturer. We were both motivated to create a new, innovative technology that was able to not only forego the use of forever chemicals but actually improve upon the PFAS-free alternatives currently in the market. We saw a huge opportunity to go beyond just eliminating harmful chemicals and traditional WR’s to make something new that’s stronger, lighter, and better for the consumer in every way.
Because it contains no PFAS chemicals, WR’s or C0 finishes, HyperBead™ is far more durable and more sustainable than even its C6 DWR counterparts. It won’t wash out or degrade the same way your C6 and C0 finishes will, and it won’t contribute to the buildup of forever chemicals in our bodies or the environment.
Additionally, not only is the coating itself more effective, durable and sustainable, but it actually makes the resulting fabric as a whole lighter and stronger. In many cases, additional or thicker coatings can lead to heavier, weaker fabrics, especially when they aren’t applied with fine-tuned processes and machinery. However, the makeup and processing technique used in HyperBead™ works to make the fabric stronger and more lightweight in the end.
The String Ridge VST Tent stands out within the range for Big Agnes. It leans fully into a trekking pole-supported design, focusing on maximising internal space and headroom. As someone who prefers this style of shelter for the enormous headroom, generous vestibules and open internal feel, the String Ridge builds on those strengths with even more usable space and a noticeably roomier layout.
String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent weighs: 555g (ex pegs/bags)
String Ridge VST 2.5 Tent weighs: 878g (ex pegs/bags)
The Pitchpine VST 1.5 Tent takes a different approach within the VST range. It uses a single-pole structure, which keeps overall weight down and simplifies the design. At around 845g excluding pegs and bags, it sits firmly in the lightweight category for a shelter offering 2 m² of floor area and a usable vestibule.
Pitchpine VST 1.5 Tent weighs: 775g (ex pegs/bags)
The Sarvis VST feels like a clear shift in direction for Big Agnes. The all-in-one pitch is a real strength, especially in unpredictable UK weather. Inner and fly go up together, so there is no exposed inner getting wet during setup. The pole structure is straightforward, with wide sleeves and clips that make both pitching and packing away intuitive and fast.
Sarvis VST 2 Tent weighs: 1153g (ex pegs/bags)
Sarvis VST 3 Tent weighs: 1412g (ex pegs/bags)
The Copper Spur Limited is impressively light for a freestanding, fully featured tent with dual doors and vestibules. It comes in 91g lighter than the current Copper Spur, a respectable 7% drop that feels meaningful when counting grams.
Copper Spur Limited 2P Tent & Footprint weighs: 1145g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur Limited 3P Tent & Footprint weighs: 1401g (ex pegs/bags)
Light, strong, and more waterproof than ever, the latest iteration of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL refines an already stellar ultralight backpacking tent with new material innovations and design tweaks that improve both performance and durability.
Copper Spur UL1 Tent weighs: 964g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL2 Tent weighs: 1236g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL3 Tent weighs: 1590g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL4 Tent weighs: 2361g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL5 Tent weighs: 3115g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL2 XL Tent weighs: 1344g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL3 XL Tent weighs: 1698g (ex pegs/bags)
The Tiger Wall UL has long been a go-to for solo hikers after a side-entry tent that doesn't compromise on weight or comfort—and the 2025 update builds on that reputation.
It’s light enough to satisfy even the most weight-conscious hikers, yet still feels like a proper, fully enclosed shelter.
Tiger Wall UL1 Tent weighs: 849g (ex pegs/bags)
Tiger Wall UL2 Tent weighs: 1012g (ex pegs/bags)
Tiger Wall UL3 Tent weighs: 1229g (ex pegs/bags)
If you're counting every gram but still want a fully enclosed shelter, the Fly Creek UL2 continues to hit that sweet spot. The 2025 update builds on a tried-and-tested design with lighter, stronger materials and subtle tweaks that improve durability without compromising weight. It’s squarely aimed at fastpackers and thru-hikers.
Fly Creek UL1 Tent Weighs: 781g (ex pegs/bags)
Fly Creek UL2 Tent Weighs: 886g (ex pegs/bags)
Three-season, semi-freestanding, ultralight bikepacking tent. Designed for two wheeled travel on road and trail, the Tiger Wall UL Bikepack is ready for any storm. Ultralight Hyperbead™ fabric technology combined with a specialized waterproof stuff sack means this tent is more durable and waterproof both on your bike and at camp.
Tiger Wall UL1 Bikepack Tent weighs: 925g (ex pegs/bags)
Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack Tent weighs: 1097g (ex pegs/bags)
Three-season, freestanding, ultralight bikepacking tent. Everything backpackers love about the award-winning Copper Spur UL, optimized for pedal powered backcountry adventures. Fully freestanding design provides ultimate stability and interior space, and proprietary ultralight Hyperbead™ fabric is stronger and more waterproof than ever.
Copper Spur UL1 Bikepack Tent weighs: 1050g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack Tent weighs: 1345g (ex pegs/bags)
Copper Spur UL3 Bikepack Tent weighs: 1659g (ex pegs/bags)
HyperBead™ is a proprietary waterproof coating currently being applied to a handful of our Ultralight tent fabrics. Its highly specialised chemistry and application process makes it the most technically advanced and effective water proofing treatment we’ve ever utilised. Starting in our Spring 2025 product line, you can look forward to seeing HyperBead™ in our updated Copper Spur UL and XL lines as well as the Tiger Wall UL, Tiger Wall Platinum, and Fly Creek UL tents.