In 2026, the Colorado-based company marks 25 years in business. A quarter of a century is long enough to see trends come and go, materials rise and fall out of favour, and entire segments of the outdoor industry reinvent themselves more than once. Through that, Big Agnes has remained anchored to a relatively simple idea: sleep matters, and it can be improved.

The company was founded in 2001 in Steamboat Springs, a small mountain town that still shapes how the brand operates. What began as a rough concept for a sleeping system—reportedly sketched out long before it became a product—has grown into a broad catalogue covering tents, mats, camp furniture, packs and clothing. The common thread has been consistency rather than reinvention for its own sake.

Bill Gamber, co-founder and still closely associated with the direction of the company, has often framed it in practical terms. Listen to the people using the gear. Adjust. Refine. Repeat. It is not a particularly glamorous philosophy, but it is one that tends to survive contact with real-world use.

That approach is reflected in how Big Agnes has expanded. Products are not developed in isolation or in idealised conditions, but tested in the same mountains and trails that sit on the company’s doorstep. Over time, that has built a reputation not through marketing claims, but through familiarity. Gear that works, and continues to work.

Earlier this year, the company introduced its VST tent series, aimed at lightweight backpackers and long-distance hikers. The brief is straightforward: reduce weight, improve durability, and retain a level of comfort that makes extended time outdoors sustainable rather than punishing. It is not a radical departure from what has come before, but an iteration of it … something Big Agnes has become known for.

To mark the anniversary, the company is releasing a limited “EST. 2001” collection. It brings together a selection of existing products—sleeping mats, bags, camp furniture and accessories—finished with a design inspired by the alpenglow seen in the nearby Zirkel Wilderness. There is also a small range of apparel and everyday items carrying the same motif.

The collection itself is not the story. It is a marker.

What sits behind it is a company that has grown without losing sight of where its equipment is used. Big Agnes still operates from a small town, but its reach is now global. That brings a different set of responsibilities, particularly around materials, manufacturing and the environments its customers depend on. In recent years, the brand has put increasing weight behind more sustainable production methods and support for conservation and public land initiatives … again, not as a headline, but as a gradual shift in how things are done.

There is a useful moment in Episode 14 of the OverlandEurope podcast, where Bill Gamber talks about the early days of the company and the people behind it. What comes through is not a story of rapid growth or aggressive expansion, but of a team building something they believed in, and then staying close to it as it developed. It explains, perhaps better than any product release, why the brand still feels grounded despite its scale.

Twenty-five years is enough time to establish a reputation. It is also long enough to drift away from it. Big Agnes, for now, appears to have avoided that second part.

And if the past is any indication, the next phase will not be defined by sudden changes, but by the same steady process that got them here in the first place.

The post Big Agnes at 25 Years: Small-Town Roots, Sleeping Systems and Measured Progress appeared first on overland-europe.

The latest Copper Spur UL Bikepack and Tiger Wall UL Bikepack take everything that made the originals so good — low weight, smart design, and durability — and sharpen it further. Stronger materials, smarter storage, improved poles, and a pack system that’s built specifically for the realities of bike travel.

Both tents remain fully freestanding — a rare luxury in the ultralight world — offering solid stability even on uneven or rocky ground. Inside, the familiar roomy layout remains, but with better use of every inch. 3D storage compartments, helmet pockets, and oversized vestibules turn dead space into usable room.

At the heart of the redesign is Hyperbead™ fabric — a Big Agnes exclusive that’s 50% stronger, 25% more waterproof, and 6% lighter than the materials it replaces. It’s a small percentage on paper, but in the field, it means a tent that shrugs off storm abuse, dries faster, and packs smaller.

And speaking of pack size — both tents now feature the ShortStik™ pole set, breaking down to just 30 cm in length. That means they’ll fit across handlebars, in frame bags, or inside a rucksack without awkward bulges or dangling straps.

Every detail has been thought through. The new waterproof drybag-style stuff sack comes fitted with Big Hitch™ straps, allowing direct attachment to the bike frame or panniers — no extra bungees required. It’s the kind of no-nonsense practicality that makes sense when you’re cold, wet, and tired at the end of a 120 km gravel day.

And for those who care about what their gear leaves behind — both tents are made using PFAS-free, solvent-free, PVC- and VOC-free materials. The only footprint left behind is your own.

Copper Spur UL Bikepack

Available as a 1-, 2-, or 3-person tent, the Copper Spur UL Bikepack sits at the top of Big Agnes’s bikepacking line. It’s a fully freestanding design that delivers excellent headroom, proper weather protection, and a surprisingly generous floorplan for its weight.

Compared to the Tiger Wall, the Copper Spur is slightly heavier but also roomier — ideal for riders who like to spread out, stash their gear inside, or just value a bit more living space.

Quick highlights:

• Compact 30 cm ShortStik™ pole system fits perfectly across bars, frames, or panniers
• HyperBead™ fabric — 50% stronger, 25% more waterproof, 6% lighter
• Drybag-style stuff sack with Big Hitch™ straps for direct bike attachment
• Spacious interior with 3D foot pockets, helmet sleeve, Daisy Chains, and multiple mesh organisers
• Fully freestanding with excellent ventilation and quick setup
• PFAS-free and eco-friendly materials — no solvents, PVC, or VOC coatings

Technical specs and prices:

Tiger Wall UL Bikepack

Available in 1- and 2-person versions, the Tiger Wall UL Bikepack shares much of the same DNA but trims a little weight and complexity. The single-pole design keeps setup time minimal, and colour-coded buckles mean even in fading light, it’s obvious what clips to what.

The twin doors and dual vestibules are pure practicality — no crawling over your riding partner at 3 a.m. The Wheelie Stake Out Loops are a clever addition, allowing you to stake the tent directly to your bike when pitching on rocky ground. It’s small innovations like that that show Big Agnes still builds gear with real riders in mind.

Quick highlights:

• Compact 30 cm ShortStik™ pole system — easy fit for handlebars or frame bags
• HyperBead™ fabric for higher strength, better waterproofing, and lower weight
• Waterproof drybag stuff sack with Big Hitch™ straps for direct bike mounting
• Smart internal organisation: 3D foot pocket, helmet holder, Daisy Chains, and inner mesh compartments
• Wheelie Stake Out Loops allow staking to the bike — ideal for hard or rocky ground
• One-pole construction and colour-coded clips for fast, foolproof setup

Technical specs:

Verdict

Big Agnes didn’t reinvent the wheel with this update — they simply made it roll smoother. Lighter, stronger, smarter, and easier to live with, both tents sit exactly where they should: at the top of the bikepacking food chain.

If your adventure involves long climbs, bad weather, and rough ground, these tents will outlast your legs and probably your chain. Whether you’re pushing over the Alps or just heading out for a weekend gravel escape, the Copper Spur and Tiger Wall UL Bikepack prove once again that Big Agnes knows how to build a home that moves with you.

BIG AGNES

The post Big Agnes Levels Up: The New Copper Spur and Tiger Wall Bikepack Tents appeared first on overland-europe.

Stream the episode here, or search for @overlandeurope on your favourite podcast platform.

Not everybody in Europe is aware of Big Agnes, the outdoor specialist whose products span tents, sleeping bags and pads, furniture, backpacks, clothing and accessories.

They proudly call themselves The Mother of Comfort, with a mission to get us outside and help us share their love of the backcountry.

Based in Steamboat Springs, deep in Colorado’s Mount Zirkel Wilderness, the company takes its name from one of the area’s highest peaks—Big Agnes.

Today my guest is co-founder Bill Gamber. We discuss what drives him and his team, and how they’ve built a brand whose pioneering gear has become some of the most sought-after in its field.

Listen on your favourite platform or here.

BIG AGNES

The post Podcast #14: All About Big Agnes with co-founder Bill Gamber appeared first on overland-europe.

The Sweetwater UL series offers three sizes—28L, 43L, and 60L—each tailored to fit your adventure style. The standout feature? The flagship 28L model weighs in at a mere 850 grams, making it lighter than your average backpacking lunch. Designed with multiple torso size options in mind, these packs fit almost everyone, ensuring you get the comfort you need on all your journeys.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Sweetwater UL packs is the commitment to sustainability. Constructed from Recycled Rain™ Ocean 70D nylon ripstop—crafted from discarded fishing nets—these backpacks are made for the eco-conscious explorer. High-strength Robic yarn adds to the durability while remaining ultra-light, and the absence of intentionally added PFAS in the water-repellent coating is a feature outdoor enthusiasts can rally behind.

Comfort is not sacrificed here. Big Agnes has included a flexible harness system that hugs the hips securely, coupled with several adjustment options to cater to various torso lengths. The Load Wrangler carrying system is designed for ultimate carrying comfort, seamlessly shifting the weight through an integrated frame system, allowing you to tackle hills and valleys with ease.

Backpack Features Overview:

Sweetwater UL 60L (MD)

• Weight: 1420 g
• External Dimensions: 76 x 38 x 29 cm (H x W x D)
• Torso Length: 46-51 cm
• Description: A perfect companion for multi-day tours; its ergonomic design ensures heavy loads are evenly distributed across your body.
• Price: €299.95

Sweetwater UL 43L (MD)

• Weight: 1190 g
• External Dimensions: 71 x 30 x 24 cm
• Torso Length: 46-51 cm
• Description: Merging lightness with spacious storage, this pack is ideal for hiking and trekking, with adjustable straps that elevate comfort levels.
• Price: €249.95

Sweetwater UL 28L (M|L)

• Weight: 907 g
• External Dimensions: 51 x 28 x 18 cm
• Torso Length: 46-53 cm
• Description: A close-fitting design inspired by running vests, this model optimizes load distribution while offering breathability, perfect for those brisk ascents.
• Price: €199.95

And let’s not forget the added convenience of an integrated hydration compartment that fits a 3-liter bladder—stay hydrated without the hassle of removing your pack. Plus, with a removable rain cover crafted from lightweight, recycled materials, you’re ready to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

The Sweetwater UL series is more than just a backpack—it’s a ticket to exploration, sustainability, and comfort, now available for those of you who crave adventure. Pack up, hit the trail, and let the Sweetwater UL guide your next journey into the great outdoors!

BIG AGNES

The post From Fishing Nets to Adventure: Big Agnes Unleashes the Game-Changing Sweetwater UL Backpack Series appeared first on overland-europe.