Hello All:

Going on an October trip this year and am re thinking my tent. I have been looking at the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition. I really like the Big Agnes stuff and want a tent that is more stable. I currently have a 3 person Big Agnes Mountain glow that I love. I am just concerned about the cool temps and the open rain fly sides..

Thanks all.
Ardwich

If you want to pay for a four season tent that's really four season capable (and not just a winter tent) then buy once, cry once and get a Hilleberg. They're amazing but expensive.

If you just want a winter tent there are plenty of cheaper, lighter options. But they'll all be hot and wet in October, in my opinion.

In October in the BWCA a normal three season tent should be fine with a good sleeping bag and pad (which you need regardless).

Will you use a 4 season tent?
If yes then the weight and more closed all fabric inner makes sense. If not so much then you can get by well with what you have.
I do use my tents in winter and windy conditions and have 2 4 season tents currently. A solo Big Sky Chinook and a Alps Extreme3 outfitter. Sold my Walrus Hurricane Hole a while back. I would not consider a 2 pole (with spreader cross pole) 4 season capable, but it may work well in less windy conditions. Have been inside Hilleburgs and Exped 4 season tents and they are impressive, I'm too cheap to spend that though. For the price the Extreme is quite capable, roomy, all fabric inner, strong well supported 3 pole frame, and very deep vestibules. It sheds wind like a low blister! Any time I even consider another 4 season tent the first place I'll look is on Ebay, that is where I found the Walrus and the Exreme at very good prices. You can almost always find some VE 24/25's and Trango's there.

butthead

+1 on Hilleberg. I bought an Akto for my fall solo trip last year(Sept 17-Oct 13) and it was a good thing I did. A lot of freezing rain and snow in early October last year. I'd get an inch or two of freezing rain in the night and I just gave the tent a shake and it rolled right off and the tent was virtually dry after. The snow was the same way. I also liked how Hilleberg designed it so that the tent is connected to the rain fly so you set it up as one which works great when it's raining. 4 season tents, Akto no exception, tend to have condensation issues, which I solved by setting up my 8x10 CCS tarp over the vestibule and kept the vestibule fly open. This worked awesome giving me a dry porch to get out of my wet stuff before getting in the tent and keeping my gear dry and handy. I think spending the extra money was worth every penny. I don't think you can beat Hilleberg for 4 season tents that tough and still light weight.

I've used nothing but 4 season (mountaineering) tents for all my backpacking, canoeing and skiing over the last 40 years, although I do have a new 2 pound Big Agnes solo tent now. Aside from weight, I've never seen the limitations people speak of, and the tents are sturdy, keep wind and sand out, and can be relied on in severe weather. Condensation has very rarely been of concern. For me, tents are havens for the weather--I don't want uncontrollable drafts while I'm trying to warm up.

Hilleberg is probably the most respected company for extreme conditions out there, but there are numerous other brands and tents that will suffice for less money and that have been well tested. Mountain Hardwear Trangos, North Face VE25 or Mountain are staples for Alaska mountaineering. I take my Trango to the Barrens of northern Canada, where the exposure to weather is complete (partners used Hilleberg and NF Mountain). There are some 4 season tents that appear to be sacrificing durability for weight saving: Nemo, BA, and others (at least from my perspective, and from the reviews I've read). I have a NF mountaineering tent I bought in 1984 that is still solid--I don't trust it for remote trips just due to its age, but it is still waterproof, doesn't have any rips/tears, etc. I've tugged on it thinking the fabric might be compromised, but it still hangs in there.

After weathering some impressive storms, one thing I've found is that even if the tent holds up, it may be noisy enough in high winds where it's difficult to sleep. Large, unsupported flat panels make the tent noisy and weak. True dome tents (e.g. Trango, NF) seem to provide more support and less noise from my experience.

Depending on the distance you will travel I would look at real 4 season tents and ones that can handle a stove.

Seekoutside

I use a Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 in the colder weather. Warm and bombproof.

Hilleburg is usually a top choice for mountaineering. The lightweight alternative, almost as expensive, is Stephensons Warmlite. NF VE25s are bomber but really heavy - sold mine some years ago.

As 7of9 mentioned, Seekoutside is a great option in the teepee design instead of tunnel, especially if you are looking to go the 'hot-tent' route.