Big Agnes VST Range
May 01, 2026
Big Agnes VST Tent Range
Big Agnes VST tents combine innovative materials with user-first design to create the ideal ultralight shelter. Engineered to provide maximum usable space for individuals and their gear, these tents are ultralight, durable, and reliable. The Hyperbead™ fabric, along with Hybrid Single/Double Wall construction and an integrated ventilation system, promotes airflow while reducing condensation.
Cut weight without cutting corners with the VST series.
What's In A Name?
Velocity (V) = Distance (S) / Time (T). VST tents are designed to help you reach your maximum velocity on the trail.
Big Agnes VST Range Compared
● Weighs 555g (ex. pegs/bags)
● HyperBead™ fabric technology
● Hybrid Single/Double Wall design
● Extra 0.5 sizing extra room
● Trekking pole architecture – Requires 2 poles
● Fits a 25" wide sleeping pad.
Rainfly: HyperBead™ fabric; 20D recycled solution-dyed polyester with 20D high-tenacity ripstop fabric and 4000mm waterproof rating.
Floor: HyperBead™ fabric; recycled 15D nylon ripstop with 1500mm waterproof rating.
● Weighs 775g (ex. pegs/bags)
● HyperBead™ fabric technology
● Hybrid Single/Double Wall design
● Extra 0.5 sizing provides extra room
● Single pole architecture
● Fits a 25" wide sleeping pad.
Rainfly: HyperBead™ fabric; 20D recycled solution-dyed polyester with 20D high-tenacity ripstop fabric and 4000mm waterproof rating.
Floor: HyperBead™ fabric technology; recycled 15D nylon ripstop with 1500mm waterproof rating.
● Weighs 1153g (ex. pegs/bags)
● HyperBead™ fabric technology
● Hybrid Single/Double Wall design
● Freestanding architecture
● Spacious design with two doors and vestibules
Rainfly: HyperBead™ fabric; 20D recycled solution-dyed polyester with 20D high-tenacity ripstop fabric and 4000mm waterproof rating.
Floor: HyperBead™ fabric technology; recycled 15D nylon ripstop with 1500mm waterproof rating.
String Ridge VST
String Ridge is an area northeast of the town of Hahns Peak, specifically where J.W. Farwell of the Purdy Mining Company spent several seasons starting in 1875 mining, sifting, and sluicing for gold.
"The String Ridge VST gives you the best of both worlds: weight stats you can only get with a trekking pole shelter, combined with a stable, reliable design. Extra 0.5 sizing creates dedicated protected space for your gear, or a four legged friend. Innovative, externally supported asymmetrical architecture makes for a spacious shelter with plenty of room to lay out your gear and get ready for the next day's adventure."
The String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent is a clear shift in direction 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 its enormous headroom, generous vestibule, and open internal feel, I really appreciate how much room it offers for one person.
With 2 m² of floor space and a peak height of 119 cm, there is a vast amount of usable space for a solo camper. It feels noticeably larger than many one-person tents, with enough room to keep more gear inside rather than relying entirely on the vestibule.
The ventilation wing is the standout feature. Single skin shelters are prone to condensation, and this large integrated vent helps promote airflow. Combined with the mesh inner sections, it creates a more open feel and should help manage moisture in humid conditions.
At 555g excluding pegs and bags, the weight is very competitive for the space provided. The HyperBead fabric feels crisp and holds tension well once pitched, maintaining a neat structure. I also appreciate the smaller details, such as the magnetic door clips, which work well in the dark or when wearing gloves and make daily use easier.
The tent could benefit from a few more guy-out points for an optimal pitch. I would attach a couple of Gram-counter Gear Grip Clips to better tension the side panels. That would improve liveable space and add stability in stronger winds. I would have liked to see a couple more pegs included, as you need at least two additional stakes to pitch it optimally.
Even so, for those who value headroom, internal space, and trekking pole efficiency, the String Ridge VST 1.5 offers a spacious, thoughtfully designed take on the trekking pole tent.
Pitchpine VST
Pitchpine Trailhead is a portal to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness from the east, accessing classic peaks like Lost Ranger and Mount Ethel. Located just north of Big Agnes HQ, it's one of the more remote ways to access the mountains in our backyard.
"No need for trekking poles – the Pitchpine VST utilises a simple design to create an extremely spacious shelter that sets up quickly and easily. Extra 0.5 sizing creates a dedicated protected space for your gear or a four-legged friend. DAC Featherlite pole technology and ultralight Hyperbead™ fabric combine for compromise-free weight savings and protection from the elements."
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.
The pitch relies on good tension throughout, and that does take a little getting used to on the first setup. Once you understand how the tent needs to be tensioned, it becomes straightforward and quick to pitch. It is not freestanding, so careful staking is important, particularly on firmer ground.
For one person, there is plenty of room. The 1.5 sizing makes a real difference, giving space to keep gear inside without feeling cramped. Headroom is generous for a single pole design, and the layout feels practical rather than restrictive.
The innovative vent design stands out. Single-skin tents can be prone to condensation, and the integrated ventilation system goes a long way towards promoting airflow and reducing moisture buildup. Combined with mesh panels, it creates a shelter that feels open and well-ventilated.
This is not a high mountain shelter. It is better suited to campsite hopping and lower-level use, where weight, simplicity, and livable space matter most.
I also appreciate the smaller details, such as the magnetic door ties, which are easy to use in low light or with cold hands. Taken as a whole, the Pitchpine VST 1.5 offers a well-considered balance of low weight, internal space and practical three-season ventilation.
Sarvis VST
The Sarvis Creek Wilderness lies on the eastern edge of Stagecoach Reservoir. Beginning deep in the backcountry near Gore Mountain, this refuge is a hotbed of fly fishing activity and a popular hiking area.
"Featuring freestanding DAC Featherlite pole architecture, the Sarvis VST is a fresh take on tried and true design principles. With two doors, generously sized vestibules, and integrated pole-supported vents, this sturdy ultralight shelter offers plenty of space for wide sleeping pads, without taking up extra space in your pack."
The Sarvis VST 2 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.
Inside, the 3 m² floor area is properly usable. Two wide sleeping pads fit side by side without overlap, so this is a true two-person tent. A head height of 102 cm provides enough space to sit up comfortably, and the near-vertical walls help maximise that volume.
Ventilation is one of its strongest features. The hybrid construction works well, and the integrated vents are perhaps the tent's strongest feature. Airflow across the top of the tent is constant, and additional mesh around the lower interior further maximises airflow and helps minimise condensation.
At 1153g, excluding pegs and bags, the weight is competitive for a freestanding shelter with two doors and two vestibules. The HyperBead fabric feels crisp and well-tensioned, and the DAC Featherlite poles provide a solid structure.
My only real criticism is that too few pegs are supplied to fully secure every guy point and vestibule in exposed conditions, so you need to bring two more. Aside from that, the Sarvis VST 2 delivers impressive space, strong ventilation, and a practical pitch in a lightweight, well-considered design.
Big Agnes VST tents combine innovative materials with user-first design to create the ideal ultralight shelter. Engineered to provide maximum usable space for individuals and their gear, these tents are ultralight, durable, and reliable. The Hyperbead™ fabric, along with Hybrid Single/Double Wall construction and an integrated ventilation system, promotes airflow while reducing condensation.