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A back-to-basics tent with lots of headroom, liveable space, and plenty of room for gear; if you love camping but don’t like the confinement of a “regular” tent, this could be a game changer for you. A light and airy “base camp” that you can take on your backpacking adventures, it’s easy and quick to set up, and if you are spreading the weight between a group, you could be carrying less than a traditional shelter.
Big Agnes says:
Tarp Description: For fast and light adventures with the whole gang, the Gold Camp 5 Tarp stands above the rest. The single pole design makes setup simple, even after a long day on the trail. Inside you'll find plenty of room to stand up and change, and to sleep up to three comfortably. Add the optional Footprint and Mesh Inner for extra protection from the elements, and sleep soundly for tomorrow's adventures!
Mesh Inner Description: For bug protection and increased stability when using your Gold Camp UL5 Tarp, without extra weight and bulk, bring along the Gold Camp UL5 Mesh Inner. Simply attach the exterior toggles to the matching loops on your Tarp - you'll be set for any situation with plenty of breathability and a spacious vestibule for gear storage.
Our Verdict
When I first got into backpacking and did my first long-distance tip, I used a pyramid tent, so I admit I have a soft spot for them; they have fallen out of favour somewhat over recent years, so I was pleased to see Big Agnes bring them back.
The beauty of pyramid tents is that they are so simple and fast to pitch; stake out the four corners, the tarp and the mesh inner use the same stake-out points, and once they have been connected, they go up at the same time, then insert the pole and adjust to the correct height of 183cm, you can then stake out the rest of the tent and adjust to get your ideal pitch, very simple on your own, but if you are doing it in a group, with practise you can get the Gold Camp UL 5 up in minutes.
Once the tent is up, you get a very airy, open tent with two doors, a single zip “front door”, and a rear door that, with the addition of two trekking poles, can be used as an awning. The internal space is ample, and the inner mesh is square-shaped, with one corner cut off; this creates the internal vestibule, a large space perfect for keeping muddy boots. Multiple internal loops are attached to the mesh, so you can hang gear up to dry or attach a lantern to give some light. The whole thing creates a nice liveable space that, on hot days, is incredibly well-ventilated, but if you are confined to the tent due to bad weather, it’s a place you can still sit up, and hang out, even have a game of cards and not feel confined.
I will say that the ul5 is a little optimistic; this tent will work well for a family with three kids, but if you are using this as a back backing tent with five adults, you will find it a little cramped, if not wholly unworkable, four adults could use this tent at a push for a single night away, but three would be ideal, especially if it were for a multi-day trip. The pole should also be taken into consideration, I initially set off with the intention of using a double matt for myself and my partner, but the pole makes this unworkable.
The tent has high sides, which can catch the wind; however, the very rigid pole and the extra guy outpoint make pyramid tents very strong in the wind. I wouldn’t advise using this tent on top of a mountain, but for all other 3 season activities, this is an excellent tent, a perfect basecamp, but if you spread the weight between two or three, this is an ideal backpacking tent as well.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Tarp Features
- Pyramid architecture is fast-pitching and lightweight
- Square-shaped structure base
- Single door tent with low vent technology
- Storm flaps on door zippers
- Structure can be supported with adjustable center pole or hung with exterior peak loop
- One supported upper vent with mesh lining
- Reinforced apex for lasting durability
- Four reflective mid-body guyout points enhance structural stability
- Multiple interior loops for attaching gear lofts, accessories and mtnGLO® Tent & Camp Lights
- Interior loop system for compatibility with Gold Camp Mesh Inner
- Adjustable stakeout loops for easier pitching
- Footprint with reinforced center pole pocket
Mesh Inner Features
- Pair with the Gold Camp UL5 Tarp for a versatile, ultralight setup for any situation
- Pyramid architecture is fast-pitching, spacious, and lightweight
- Square-shaped structure base with cut off corner creates vestibule when paired with Gold Camp Tarp
- Single dual-zipper doors with with easy-grip zipper pulls - use only one zipper for quick, reach-through access
- Quick Stash door keeper on tent body for when you want to keep your doors wide open and out of the way
- Structure can be suspended with peak loop or supported by center pole for a breezy bug-free shelter
- Reinforced apex and floor center pole pocket for lasting durability
- Toggles on outside of mesh inner for seamless integration with Gold Camp Tarp
- Attaching mesh inner to Gold Camp Tarp creates more interior space and stability
- Multiple interior loops for attaching gear lofts, accessories and mtnGLO® Tent & Camp Lights
- Footprint with reinforced center pole pocket
Tarp Specifications
- Tarp Weight: 1535g
- Pole Weight: 482g
- Tarp and Pole Weight: 2017g (excluding pegs & bags)
- Pegs x12: 170g
- Packed size: 20 x 20 x 53cm
- Floor size: 8.27m²
- Floor Lenth and Width: 279cm
- Height: 168 - 203cm
Mesh Inner Specifications
- Weight: 1038g (excluding bag)
- Packed size: 15 x 20 x 51cm
- Floor size: 4.18m²
- Floor Lenth and Width: 221cm
- Hight: 183cm
Poles & Stakes
- 1 x adjustable 6061 aluminum pole
- Length: adjustable 66”-80” / 167cm-203cm
- Pole diameter: 14.5mm-17.5mm
- Packed size: 5” x 22” / 12 x 56cm
- 6” Dirt Dagger UL x 12
Total Tarp & Inner set weighs: 3055g (excluding pegs and bags)
Material & Construction
- Tarp: 20D polyester ripstop, 1500mm polyurethane coatin
- Mesh: 20D Polyester
- Floor: Polyester Ripstop with a 1500mm polyurethane coating
