Big Agnes Tiger Wall Backpacking Tent Review
Updated lightweight luxury with new Hyperbead Waterproof Material
May 26th, 2025
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Our verdict
It is hard to beat the packability and quality of this lightweight semi-freestanding tent! The Tiger Wall UL is designed to shave weight in the shape (evident in its tapered design), while still offering things like a traditional pole system, good head height, staked out corners and structured walls, and even a lighter Fast Fly (rainfly with footprint) setup option. It also has tons of storage pockets within the tent. For years, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall has been a competitive ultralight option…but could it improve in terms of stability, waterproofing, and durability? Well, it did for 2025!
Overall, there have been a few key changes to the 2025 Tiger Wall ultralight tent for quality and durability—namely, the new Hyperbead fabric that is stronger, lighter, and more waterproof—that make this already great tent better!
Read on for our full review, and to read about the new Hyperbead fabric used on the tent fly and floor.
2-person
1-person
Specs
Season: 3-season
Design: Semi-freestanding
Weight: 2 lb 2 oz (total), 1 lb 14 oz (trail), 1 lb 7 oz (fast fly setup)
Packed size: 18" x 5"
Floor area: 20 ft²
Vestibule area: 8 ft² + 8 ft²
Head height: 39"
Poles: DAC Featherlite NFL pole
Rainfly/floor: HyperBead™ recycled 15D nylon ripstop with 1500mm waterproof coating (PFAS-free), with waterproof and solvent-free taped seams
Comparison table
| BACKPACKING TENT | FREESTAND | WALLS | PEOPLE | DOORS | VESTIBULES | WEIGHT (oz) | LENGTH (inches) | WIDTH (inches) | HEIGHT (inches) | FLOOR SPACE (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 UL | Semi-freestanding | Double | 2 | 2 | 2 | 40.00 | 88 | 42-52 | 39.0 | 28.0 |
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall 1 UL | Semi-freestanding | Double | 1 | 1 | 1 | 29.00 | 86 | 28-38 | 39.0 | 19.0 |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 | Yes | Double | 2 | 2 | 2 | 48.00 | 88 | 42-52 | 40.0 | 29.0 |
| Gossamer Gear The One | No | Single | 2 | 2 | 2 | 17.70 | 84 | 21-33 | 45.0 | 15.8 |
| Durston XMid 1 | No | Hybrid | 1 | 2 | 2 | 28.50 | 93 | 33 | 47.0 | 21.3 |
Who is it for?
Ultralight thru-hikers/backpackers/bikepackers
Those who prefer a traditional pole tent to trekking pole setups or tarps
Backpackers who want versatility and capability across 3-seasons
Backpackers and campers who don’t often encounter hard, rocky terrain (this semi-freestanding tent requires staking out)
How we tested
For testing the 3-season Tiger Wall UL tent, Mary focused on fast and light overnight backpacking trips, including one jaunt along the Colorado Trail. She tested the tent on backcountry missions in Golden Gate Canyon State Park (in a snowstorm!), and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. She tested the tent in everything from sunny and temperate, to windy and chilly weather.
Mary has used several tents in the Big Agnes line and specifically the Tiger Wall UL2 previously (her solution-dyed Tiger Wall is still going strong after three years). This made her a great tester as she was familiar with former iterations of the tent.
Note: while the Tiger Wall UL2 is a very popular tent, we tested the 1-person version. Our tester was more capable testing in a variety of places and trails across several solo backpacking trips. But she’s also used the prior Tiger Wall UL version (in both 1-person and 2-person). The 1-person tested here uses all the same Hyperbead fabrics in the Tiger Wall UL 2-person (and 3-person) versions.
What we liked
Overall performance in weather, precipitation, and all conditions
Roomy interior, and pocket storage
Guy lines and setup is intuitive
Injection-molded crosspole attachments for rainfly updated on this model (improved performance)
Updated Hyperbead fabric is more stretch resistant, provides more structure and stability, and made the thin 15d fly fabric seem more durable against wind and rain worked
What could be better
One-handed zipper operation could still see improvement
Wish the footprint was included for the price—it’s a must have with this tent
Features
Semi-freestanding, high-volume design
This tent is really lightweight, and with a trail weight of under 2 lbs makes it a great ultralight option. Obviously, its semi-freestanding nature requires you to stake it out—making it not a great choice for rocky terrain or high alpine camps. I’d gravitate towards this tent if I was going to be places I knew I could find flatter and even areas for setup, too. But for nearly any other type of camp or trail conditions this tent works beautifully—it’s ultralight, doesn’t take up much space, and protects really well against moisture, wind, and rain.
Proprietary HyperBead fabric
For 2025, Big Agnes upgraded all of their ultralight tents with its new proprietary Hyperbead fabric, tested to be lighter, stronger, and better than ever. The Proprietary HyperBead fabric is “6% lighter, 25% more waterproof and 50% stronger” than traditional fabrics—and Big Agnes achieved this without added water repellent chemicals!
I used the former model of the Tiger Wall UL2 when I section-hiked on the Appalachian Trail—and got rained on nearly the whole time while out there. (Not a fan, but we’ve all packed up a wet tent or two in our lives!) I have many nights backpacking and sleeping in the previous iteration of this tent to help me compare to the new Tiger Wall UL with Hyperbead fabric.
We were impressed by the quality of the new Hyperbead fabric and ability to hold up in sun, wind, snow, mist, and rain. We tested both outside in a snowstorm and in a simulated rain test in full/partial sun with simulated rain. The fly performed impeccably well, and the Hyperbead also seems much more stretch resistant, so the rainfly stayed taut once staked out and tensioned, even in our simulated heavy “rainstorm” and in winds up to 18mph.
Dual vestibules and side entry
The 2-person Tiger Wall UL has two vestibules. (The 1-person tent has one door/vestibule area.) The vestibule space provided with the Tiger Wall is generously-sized for an ultralight tent. There’s enough space for my chair or sit pad, trail shoes, and for a 40-50L pack to stay covered—leaving more room for me to spread out inside the tent without having to worry about storing my pack inside. The side entry door design has two zipper sliders so you can open it part way from the bottom to tie back or let in air, all the way to zip open the door, or slide to vent at the top.
Note: The zippers on the previous Tiger Wall were notoriously hard to operate one-handed and would often catch on the fly material. The zippers could still see an improvement here, but the zipper operation on the new Tiger Wall UL does seem better. Looking at both my older Tiger Wall and the new with Hyperbead side by side, it appears to be the same zipper sliders used. This would be my only point of general improvement I’d still like to see with this tent.
Ventilation and moisture management
I am pretty comfortable camping in single digits and even negative temps. With this 1-person ultralight tent, I didn’t notice any major areas of condensation while sleeping inside during cold weather (note that I camped in this tent in the middle of a spring snowstorm that ended in 6 inches of snow!). Moisture management and protection with the footprint, and Hyperbead fabric on the fly and floor was superb.
The tent has plenty of vents and ways to provide ventilation, and the rain fly (even though a thin denier fabric and a lighter material), does well to provide some UV protection and shade in warmer weather. There’s no humidity in Colorado, but my several tests in rain and snow definitely sufficed to test this tent against moisture!
TipLok Tent Buckles and easy setup
These clips are the same TipLok buckles as on the Tiger Wall before the Hyperbead fabric upgrade. They work well, and are color-coded just like the pole ends and the tent corners to make setup as easy as possible. I’ve never had issues with the buckles. Occasionally, very fine gravel can get stuck in the female end, but this is easy to fix by clearing/shaking out before clipping the fly in. The rainfly integration with the clips and tent corners is seamless, and I love that you have the ability to tension them down after the fly is set up. The “I” stakes that come with this tent are some of my favorites to use for backpacking, and there are reflective touchpoints all over the tent and guylines.
Interior storage and livability
What can I say: this is an ultralight tent that tapers in and saves weight…and still manages to feel comfortable. (I saw this as a thinner person under 6 feet tall.) However, I am also a side-sleeper usually, and found the width of this tent slightly narrow but very comfortable for sleeping.
Note: I tested this tent with a couple different sleeping pads (it only fits one at a time). I tried with a 22-inch width and 23-inch width sleeping pad, and once with a 20-inch Z lite pad. The length of the 86 inches of the tent can handle a long 76" sleeping pad without issues. Interior storage includes two mesh side pockets and the overhead 3D gear storage loft.
The vestibule is about 2 feet in width out from the tent, so there’s a decent amount of room there for any size pack. I did several testing excursions with this tent in everything from a 30L fastpack to a 50L overnight backpack. I had my partner try the tent as well and he said it was comfortable for his size. If you are a solo backpacker who’s larger or taller, you may want to skip the narrower Tiger Wall 1P and try the Tiger Wall 2P, which would offer extra width/storage and a second vestibule,
Alternatively, consider the ultralight freestanding Copper Spur tent in a 2P (2 extra inches in length compared to the Tiger Wall and more exterior livability) or the 2XL (extra length and width).
Extra highlights
Reflective guy lines and webbing for nighttime visibility.
I’ve used several non-reflective “dark” tents before (camping and backpacking), and let’s just say tripping over a guy line or stake is never fun. Reflective touches should be on at least stake out points for any tent, in my opinion. The Tiger Wall UL shines with really nice and ample reflective detailing on the stake out loops, guylines, and webbing points.
Quick Stash door keeper for easy door management.
Especially when backpacking in nicer weather, I like to tie the doors back all the time. The door ties and stash loops on the Tiger Wall UL open up the interior and increase living space inside the tent/vestibule area. Especially for this tapered tent design that shaves weight in some places, this is a nice feature to still have, and improves liveability on trail.
Compatible with mtnGLO lights and Big Agnes gear lofts.
I have one set of mtnGLO lights I use in my Tiger Wall UL2, and a couple other tents with varying success. This is not a required feature, but the loops that can accommodate lights or extra storage options for people who are on trail for a long thru-hike, or on trail often, are really nice. The Big Agnes gear lofts are sold separately—the Tiger Wall UL already has one extra-large ceiling pocket for storage.
Performance in the field
I had just hiked 5-ish miles up to Windy Peak, passing no one, not even footsteps or deer on the way. (Likely, this was due to the snow blowing in.) I grinned, donned a Buff around my neck, and continued on with my ultralight kit and trekking poles. Camp might have a dusting of snow, but I was sure the Tiger Wall could handle it. There was no turning back now.
Comfort
This tent’s trail weight of under 2 lbs makes it a great ultralight option. Obviously, its semi-freestanding nature requires you to stake it out—making it not a great choice for rocky terrain or high alpine camps. But for nearly any other type of camp or trail conditions this tent works beautifully— it’s ultralight, doesn’t take up much space, and protects really well against moisture, wind, and rain. The “I” stakes are some of my favorites to use, and there are reflective touchpoints and attached tensioners all over the tent and guy lines.
I used the former model of the Tiger Wall UL2 when I section-hiked on the AT— and definitely got rained on while out there. I have many nights backpacking and sleeping in the previous iteration of this tent to help me compare to the new Tiger Wall UL with Hyperbead fabric. This tent is sturdy and durable, while being as minimal as possible (for me personally). It’s light and thin, but I have grown to trust this little tent. Plus, it doesn’t feel too narrow or small—the tent interior is comfortable for me as a 5’8”-tall side-sleeper.
Weather protection
I tested this tent in gusts up to 12 mph, in temps below 20 degrees, and in several inches of precipitation, including some snow (6+ inches!). I hiked around Colorado and backpacked around a couple different National Forests in order to camp and test this tent in all kinds of weather.
I also own this exact tent in the prior version without HyperBead, and was able to notice a few differences, changes in the fabric, and improvements in water and weatherproofing (25% more waterproof is Big Agnes’ claim). The material in-hand feels a little different, and compared to my used older Tiger Wall tent that has probably 50-100 nights out, it definitely beads water better as well.
Note that we are comparing a used tent to a new tent, of course. With that in mind, I do still think there is a notable difference with the HyperBead fabric. The best way to describe the material upgrade is fortified— it’s not flimsy, but still thin.
Ventilation
I had no problems in terms of being able to get ventilation through this tent when set up with the fly, with various temperature swings inside/outside. There are two vents with Velcro stays that prop open on the outside for even more ventilation. I didn’t notice any major areas of condensation while sleeping inside during cold, very snowy weather. The tent has plenty of vents and ways to provide ventilation, and the mesh is airy and breathable as well.
Setup
The ease of setup of this tent remains great overall (like the original Tiger Wall Solution-Dyed UL). It’s intuitive, the poles are designed well to pack down, and the changes to the rain fly crosspole attachments are easier to use. This new part seems to require less components than the fabric patch and webbing components attached to the previous version of the fly. The new injection-molded plastic lines up exactly with the crosspole and snaps firmly into place.
I’ve got to say that while this tent is semi-freestanding, it is nearly there in terms of being able to stake out on its own, at the two corners on the wider end of the tent, the center loop at the other end, and the clips on each corner that then tension out and attach to the fly. If you are encountering fair weather and not much wind, you could definitely get away with the Fast Fly setup (no tent), or a few less stakes. That being said, this tent is a nice home on-trail when used as a whole (total weight 2 lb 2 oz). This tent is a lightweight beauty, and after 2 days of snow and precipitation in testing, I still enjoyed a dry floor and a decent night’s sleep!
Results from Simulated Rain Test
Our tester lives in Colorado, which boasts over 300 days of sunshine and not much humidity. Unfortunately, for this tent testing, that meant she had to get creative—venturing higher in elevation to get more cold and wet conditions, and even going backpacking in the middle of a late spring snowstorm. Our tester wanted to test the tent body, floor, and fly against all conditions, but with Hyperbead fabric’s new advertised “25% more waterproof” claim, she especially wanted to perform a standard, baseline test against water and moisture, in addition to real-world backpacking testing.
Enter our simulated rain test!
We tested both the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent with Hyperbead fabric and the Tiger Wall tent with Hyperbead fabric outside, in full/partial sun with simulated rain. We ran two different rain tests on each tent: a light mist (to simulate light rain, dew, frost, and general moisture), and a steady, direct rain shower for 15 minutes. We ran a timer for both the mist/rain, then waited 2 hours. At the 30-minute and 1-hour marks, we checked the tent to see how the fabric was responding and how well the moisture was beading. We collected photos throughout the test.
We also carefully crawled under the fly vestibule to check for moisture around the zippers and the inside. Afterward, we compared our notes to the same simulated rain test we did on an older Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent without Hyperbead fabric.
I definitely noticed an improvement when it comes to waterproofing and overall repelling of moisture. Yes, there is an element of use here comparing a well-used, year old tent to a brand new one…however, the feel and visible beading of the waterproofing still was noticeable. I was also able to compare the beading to a new Nemo Dagger Osmo (also PFAS-free, see our tent comparison below)—and the Hyperbead kept water off/out extremely well. Note on the rainfly: the seams are all taped (both previous and new version).
The fly performed impeccably well, and the Hyperbead also seems much more stretch resistant, so the rain fly stayed taut once staked out and tensioned, even in our simulated heavy “rainstorm.” The inside was dry, and there are several ways to vent (depending on temperature and conditions).
Again, the zippers are difficult to slide one handed, but otherwise, venting is simple and easy. The fly vents provide very good ventilation, and the stake out points on the fly are very well positioned to divert water.
Sustainability
Big Agnes as a brand and the Tiger Wall tent has the following sustainable components:
Uses some recycled materials
Uses PFAS-free coatings, and no PVC or VOCs in solvent-free taped seams.
Uses no fire retardants in the mesh/fabrics.
In 2021, Big Agnes introduced solution-dyed fabric to conserve water (lowers water use by 50%!) and reduce emissions. (The solution-dyed application is in: the Tiger Wall UL Bikepack and Copper Spur Bikepack tents, and the new Copper Spur Limited solution-dyed with Hyperbead fabric, but not this updated Tiger Wall UL. It comes in one color.)
Updates on the Big Agnes Tiger Wall
We noticed two cons about previous iterations of this tent. First, the material was really lightweight and thin, so it required some extra care. I used it once without a footprint and regretted that decision. And, I got a small rip in the fabric of the tent bag early on. Second, I’ve definitely had my older Tiger Wall struggle to keep up/keep off water in really heavy rain (it sagged in places even when staked out). That is one big improvement in the new model. The previous model of this tent had a 1200mm waterproof coating and it now has a 1500 mm waterproof coating.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall vs. similar tents
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall is comparable in many ways to a few other ultralight tents on market, and many lightweight backpacking tents. Yet, when it comes to all the specs–weather and waterproofing, performance, light weight, square footage and vestibule area, and extra features like reflective guy lines and stakes, gear lofts and internal storage pockets, and fly vents–it really shines. For most people, if you are used to freestanding camping or backpacking tents but want something even lighter without sacrificing room/comfort and performance, the Tiger Wall is a great option.
Where the Tiger Wall falls a little short compared to other ultralight tents is that even though it’s nearly freestanding, it requires lots of staking out—you’d be staking out rainflys for trekking pole shelters too, sure, but those are able to shave weight and function without poles or mesh bodies.
The Tiger Wall offers a fast-fly option for setup, with just the rain fly and footprint, cutting 7 oz off the trail weight. I’ve used this setup maybe on 2–3 occasions, mostly because I personally don’t mind carrying the weight of the tent. If low weight is a top requirement for you, consider comparing the Tiger Wall to ultralight options from Gossamer Gear or Zpacks. The Tiger Wall will likely offer a bit more structure, durability, and comfort, while others may have larger vestibule areas, lower trail weight, or varying options in lower price ranges.
Should I buy the Big Agnes Tiger Wall?
Buy if: You want an ultralight tent with a roomy interior, good weather protection and ventilation, and lots of features.
Skip if: You prefer carrying less weight and like minimalist shelters. Also skip if you want to stake out fewer components (the Tiger Wall UL comes with 9 stakes, requiring at least 5 for setup without the fly).
Where to buy the Big Agnes Tiger Wall?
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall is a popular item, so you have options when it comes to retailers. However, one thing to keep in mind is there are still a lot of the older models without the Hyperbead fabric floating around out there. Below, we link to the new 2025 model. Wherever you shop, check to make sure you are getting the model that you want.
Here are some of the pros of the retailers selling the Hyperbead model:
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
REI also has the older model available, while supplies last.
Similar Tents
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 and 2 is comparable to a couple of our other favorite ultralight/ lightweight tents, including the following:
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Season: 3-season
Design: Freestanding
Weight: 2 lb 6 oz (total), 2 lb (trail), 1 lb 10 oz (fast fly)
Packed size: 18" x 4"
Floor area: 20 ft²
Vestibule area: 9 ft²
Awning coverage: 9 ft²
Head height: 38" for 1-person (40" in 2p)
Poles: DAC Featherlite NFL, NSL, and pressfit poles
Rainfly/floor material: Proprietary HyperBead™ 15D nylon solution-dyed ripstop and 20D solution dyed ripstop (floor) and 1500mm waterproof coating (PFAS-free)
The Copper Spur, same brand as the Tiger Wall, is of course very similar, with two notable differences: this tent is lightweight but truly freestanding. The Copper Spur offers more room, length, and vestibule area than the Tiger Wall, more livable space, and it also uses a slightly higher-denier fabric for better durability on trail (20d compared to the Tiger Wall’s 15d). It has tons of pockets and internal gear storage, and a huge door—the door opens up into several configurations, and into an awning format (requires trekking poles or extra guy lines to set up) for max livable space. If lightweight comfort is your jam and performance and sustainability are still front of mind, consider the Copper Spur (read our full Treeline review and see why it won our Overall Best Backpacking Tent award).
Season: 3-season
Design: Semi-freestanding
Weight: 17.70 oz
Packed size:
Floor area: 15.75 SF
Vestibule area: 10 SF
Awning coverage: None
Head height: 45
Poles: trekking poles required
Rainfly/floor material: 10D Nylon Ripstop SIL/PU fabric waterproof to at least 1800mm
The Gossamer Gear The One/Two is best for anyone who wants a slightly more durable footprint/fabric, and/or anyone who hikes with trekking poles and prefers a trekking pole shelter. If you do hike with poles, this tent is a similar alternative to the semi-freestanding Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall offers a longer length and width, while the Gossamer offers a scant 3 inches more in interior height. They are both great options for taller people—it really depends on what type of setup you prefer.
Both tents have great pockets and storage, and versatility to open up the doors and vestibules for more room. The Tiger Wall uses 15-denier fabric, while the Gossamer only uses 10-denier. And to level the playing field: they both sell the footprint separately (something I really wish was included with the Tiger Wall UL given the price). The Gossamer Gear is ultimately less expensive, so it’s a good option if the Big Agnes Tiger Wall doesn’t fit your budget.
Season: 3-season
Design: Freestanding
Weight: 28.50 oz
Packed size: 12" x 5"
Floor area: 21.3 SF
Vestibule area: 10.2
Awning coverage: None
Head height: 47"
Poles: uses trekking poles
Rainfly/floor material: rain fly with 15D Sil/PE Polyester 3500mm hydrostatic head; floor with 15D Sil/PE Polyester 3500mm hydrostatic head
Our best ultralight tent pick for thru-hiking, the Durston X-Mid 1 is a great tent for thru-hiking or solo hiking. Again, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall is a great option at nearly the same weight (1 lb 14 oz, 2 oz heavier than the Durston) for regular trail weight, or 1 lb 7 oz (fast fly trail weight), without requiring trekking poles for setup. You do need more stakes, though, with the Durston famously only needing 4 stakes. The Durston has a large footprint compared to the rest of the tent, and a narrow sleeping area (with the inner mesh deployed).
Overall, the Tiger Wall UL seems roomier with the width of the tent and two vestibules, and still offers the simpler fly-and-footprint shelter setup if that’s what you prefer, depending on the trip. Both are great tents that get rave reviews (from our testers and online reviewers). Overall, if you are camping on rockier or uneven surfaces often and carry trekking poles, consider going with the Durston as an alternative to the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1/2.
NEMO Osmo Hornet Elite
Season: 3-season
Design: Semi-Freestanding
Weight: 2 lb 1 oz (total), 1 lb 11 oz (trail weight)
Packed size: 19" x 4.0"
Floor area: 27.2SF
Vestibule area: 6.2 ft² + 6.2 ft²
Head height: 37"
Poles: DIAPOLE™ premium anodized aluminum poles pre-bent
Rainfly/floor: OSMO ripstop rain fly with 1200 mm hydrostatic rating (PFAS-free); floor of OSMO ripstop with 1500 mm hydrostatic rating (PFAS free)
Both Big Agnes and NEMO consider sustainability when it comes to building their gear and tents. You can’t really go wrong with either tent if you are considering between the two. See more in our in-depth review of the NEMO Osmo Hornet Elite tent.
Zpacks Duplex
Season: 3-season
Design: No (but can be made freestanding with Freestanding Flex Kit)
Weight: 18.5 ounces (including stuff sack, excluding stakes)
Packed size: 13" x 7"
Floor area: 28.1SF
Vestibule area: 7.2 ft² + 7.2 ft²
Head height: 48"
Poles: Use trekking poles or freestanding flex kit
Rainfly/floor: 0.55 oz/sqyd Standard Dyneema® Composite Fabric
The Zpacks Duplex is a tent that offers an impressive amount of head height (48” at the max), length (90”), and overall space. However, the walls slope steeply and condensation can be an issue, plus, it makes noise in windy conditions. It can come with an optional Freestanding conversion kit.
Key differences: the Zpacks is not freestanding and single walled, while the Tiger Wall UL is double-walled, and semi-freestanding. The Zpacks is slightly longer than the Tiger Wall, but significantly narrower— this will feel like a narrower tent with two people. At 18.5 ounces though, the Zpacks Duplex is worth those few trade-offs if you want a lighter setup that maximizes overall (internal+vestibule) space. See more in our in-depth review of the Zpacks Duplex.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Our tester has a long career in the outdoors, with over 400 nights backpacking. Aside from backpacking trips and other adventures, she gets out as much as she can across all 4 seasons. For Mary, having a durable yet light, freestanding tent that can flex to fit multiple scenarios —especially solo trips—is a must. In early spring in Colorado, especially at or above elevation, temps were still cold and weather was still uncertain. This made a perfect environment for testing the new Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent with Hyperbead fabric. Mary was able to test this tent in sun, rain, light wind/below freezing temps (~15°F), and even snow. All her testing occurred in Colorado, above altitude between 7,000-9,500 feet.
Mary Murphy was born in South Florida, but split her time growing up between the oceans of the East coast and the mountains of Colorado. She’s section-hiked on the CDT, CT, and AT; completed the Wonderland Trail; done a self-supported, pack-paddleboard trip in remote British Columbia; and backpacked throughout the U.S., Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and Nepal. Backpacking and traveling is one of her favorite ways to experience new places and the outdoors.
Prior to working as a gear tester and editor, Mary worked for an outdoor skills camp, teaching kids the joys and essential skills for kayaking, biking, and more. You’ll likely find her somewhere along Colorado’s Front Range mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, SUPing, or scrambling up a 14er. She’s based in Golden, Colo and is a self-proclaimed gear nerd.
You can see all of Mary's stories on her author page.
