Big Agnes Blacktail 3 Tent

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A dependable all-rounder with smart updates and generous space, all at a price that’s hard to ignore.

Big Agnes says: 

Blacktail tents are a tried and true Big Agnes classic – light enough for the backcountry, and strong enough for the front country.

The Blacktail checks every box – lightweight design for backpackers who want a super comfortable tent after a long day on the trail, and excellent value for car campers looking for an easy to set up shelter with a small footprint. Burly recycled fabric means that you won’t have to sacrifice durability for weight savings or sustainability – you get it all! Spacious sleeping areas and easy access through two side-entry doors and vestibules make early morning entry and exit with a tentmate a breeze when nature calls.

No matter where your adventure takes you, camp comfy in a Blacktail!

Our Verdict

I’m genuinely impressed by how much the Blacktail 3 delivers for the weight and price—it’s a refreshingly practical tent that does the essentials well—a dependable shelter with space to stretch out, not just survive the night.

At just over 2.5kg (excluding pegs and bags), the Blacktail 3 isn’t aiming for the ultralight crowd, but it more than earns its keep on longer walks or basecamps where comfort matters. It’s quick to pitch thanks to the symmetrical pole design and updated TipLok buckles, and there’s plenty of headroom to sit up without brushing the roof. The two doors and vestibules keep things civil when sharing with mates, and the airflow is decent, with roof vents and low-level options, and both work well.

Interior storage is generous with two side pockets, two ceiling pockets and a few extra loops for hanging gear or lights—small details that make a difference after a few days out. The recycled fabric feels tough and has shrugged off rain without issue so far. It’s not the most compact tent to pack, but it feels genuinely spacious for three people rather than just bearable.

A well-built, no-fuss tent that balances weight, space and value with typical Big Agnes reliability.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Two doors and two vestibules
• Durable, lightweight aluminum poleset with prebends and high-volume cross pole makes for spacious interior
• Symmetrical pole structure along with color-coded webbing and
  buckles make set up quick and easy
• Proprietary TipLok™ Tent Buckle streamlines tent set up by combining three functions: secure pole-tip capture, rainfly
  attachment and tensioner, and stake-out loop
• Two supported roof vents increase air circulation
• Low Vent feature on the vestibule doors increases air flow while still providing vestibule coverage
• Dual-zipper doors with easy-grip zipper pulls. Use only one zipper for quick, reach-through access
• Quick Stash door keeper on tent body makes stowing unzipped door quick and easy
• Interior storage includes side pockets, ceiling pockets, and media pockets
• Multiple interior loops for attaching accessorie
• Ready to pitch; with pre-cut guylines and tensioners attached to fly
• Reflective guy lines and webbing on tent corners

Specifications

UOG Specs:

• Inner tent weighs: 978g
• Flysheet weighs: 874g
• Poleset weighs: 665g
• Total weight: 2517g (excludes pegs and bags)
• 8 x pegs supplied weigh:113g 

Big Agnes Specs:

• Trail weight (excludes pegs): 2.55kg
• Packed weight: 2.78kg
• Fast fly weight: 1.81kg
• Packed size: 53 x 18cm
• Floor size: 4.1m²
• Floor length: 229cm
• Floor width: 178cm
• Head height: 112cm
• Vestibule area: .8m² + .8m²
• Pole Set Type: Aluminum Pressfit
• Pole Diameter: 9.5mm 

Material & Construction

• Fabric
  • Rainfly: Recycled 75D polyester taffeta with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating and PFAS-free water-repellent finish
  • Tent body: Recycled breathable 75D polyester taffeta and polyester mesh
  • Floor: Recycled 75D polyester taffeta with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating and PFAS-free water-repellent finish
  • Footprint: Recycled 75D polyester taffeta with 1500mm water proof polyurethane coating and PFAS-free water-repellent finish
  • All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape

• Poles/Buckles
  • Lightweight aluminum poleset with prebends
  • Plastic clips attach tent body to pole frame

• Stakes & Storage
  • 2 side pockets, 2 ceiling pockets & 8 x 6.75” Big Agnes Dirt
  Dagger™ UL stakes

Help & advice:

• Big Agnes Tent Guide
• Bikepacking Advice Page
• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?
• About Big Agnes
• Solution-Dyed Fabrics