Copper Spur UL1 Footprint: Fit and Protection Guide
By Sleeping Bags, Tents, Pads & Outdoor Gear | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how the Copper Spur UL1 Footprint protects your tent floor and enables a Fast Fly setup. Get fit guidance and decide if it's right for your trips.
Quick answer
The Copper Spur UL1 Footprint is a custom-fit ground cloth that protects your tent floor from abrasion and moisture, and it also lets you pitch a lightweight Fast Fly shelter using only the fly, poles, and stakes.
Why a custom footprint matters for the Copper Spur UL1
A generic ground cloth can shift under the tent or leave edges exposed to rain and dirt. The Copper Spur UL1 Footprint is cut to match the exact floor shape, so it stays in place and provides full coverage without adding bulk or weight.
Because it clips to the pole corners, the footprint also acts as the base for a Fast Fly pitch. This setup leaves the tent body at home, saving significant weight and pack volume on fair-weather trips.
Trade-offs to consider
The footprint adds about 4 ounces to your base weight. For ultralight hikers who already use a polycryo sheet, the extra weight may not be worth it unless you plan to use the Fast Fly mode.
If you only camp on soft grass or established sites, a simple poly sheet can work for less money. But the Big Agnes footprint is more durable and integrates with the tent's pole system, which reduces setup time and improves stability in wind.
Decision rules for the Copper Spur UL1 Footprint
- Buy if you want a precise fit: The footprint is shaped to match the Copper Spur UL1 floor exactly, so it won't slide out or leave gaps. It also has grommets that align with the pole clips for a secure attachment.
- Buy if you plan to use Fast Fly mode: The footprint is required for the Fast Fly setup. Without it, you cannot pitch the fly as a standalone shelter. This is the main reason to choose the official footprint over a generic ground cloth.
- Skip if weight is your only concern: At 4 ounces, the footprint is heavier than a polycryo sheet. If you never use Fast Fly and always carry the full tent, a lighter alternative may suit you better.
Product facts
- Copper Spur UL1 Footprint: Protect the bottom of your tent and add an extra waterproof layer with a tent footprint. The Big Agnes footprint also enables you to pitch a lightweight, Fast Fly shelter while leaving the tent body behind. You get floor protection plus the option to go ultralight by using only the fly, poles, and footprint on dry nights.
Copper Spur UL1 Footprint
Who should buy the Copper Spur UL1 Footprint?
Best for
- Copper Spur UL1 owners who want a precise, integrated ground cloth that won't shift
- Hikers who plan to use the Fast Fly setup to save weight on dry trips
Not for
- Ultralight purists who prefer a polycryo sheet to save every gram
- Campers who only pitch on soft, even ground and don't need Fast Fly capability
