Big Agnes Introduces All-New Ultralight VST Series Tents

March 11, 2026

Hybrid construction, HyperBead™ fabric, and innovative user-first design deliver maximum usable space without added weight

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (March 11, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Big Agnes is celebrating 25 years of innovation and backcountry inspiration by announcing its revolutionary new VST tent series, a purpose-built family of ultralight shelters designed to meet the needs of fast-moving backpackers and thru-hikers who demand durability, efficiency and livability on the trail. Inspired by direct feedback from the thru-hiking community, the VST series rethinks ultralight shelter design, delivering the lightest, most spacious, most well-ventilated and most durable tents Big Agnes has ever made.

“The goal was to design a shelter that met the demands of thru-hikers without compromise,” said Michael Thompson, Head of Design and Development at Big Agnes. “Every design decision was driven by real feedback and the need to balance weight, durability, and usable space.”

Maximum Velocity, Zero Compromise

A play on the basic formula for velocity (V=S/T), Big Agnes’ VST tents are engineered to help backpackers maximize speed on the trail, cutting weight without cutting corners. Every tent in the line is built with recycled 20D HyperBead™ solution-dyed ripstop fabric, boasting a 4000mm waterproof rating without intentionally added PFAS. This fabric delivers on Big Agnes’ reputation for dimensional stability, exceptional weather resistance, and long-term durability while maintaining the brand’s commitment to sustainable, lightweight materials. The hybrid single/double wall architecture with integrated venting also offers superior ventilation, reducing condensation and improving airflow.

Space That Works – Real Gear Room and Livability

Ultralight tents traditionally force tradeoffs between weight and usable space. The VST series shifts that narrative through efficient, practical design, featuring a unique footprint and strategic geometry which transform typically unused dead space into functional gear storage, while also accommodating 25” rectangular pads.

For hikers who prefer extra space for gear storage or a furry companion, the “.5 sizing” (available on the String Ridge and Pitchpine VST models) provides dedicated additional interior space.

Commitment to Continuous Innovation

This launch underscores Big Agnes’ ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of outdoor equipment design and innovation. By prioritizing performance, weight reduction, and environmental responsibility, the brand continues to empower adventurers to explore further, lighter and more sustainably.

“For us, innovation is about creatively refining the details that actually matter on the trail,” continued Thompson. “With VST, every gram we saved and inch of space we gained was a result of intentional design choices learned from firsthand experience.”

The VST Lineup

• String Ridge VST (1.5 and 2.5 person)
  • Trekking pole-supported, minimalist design built for fast-and-light travel. The String Ridge VST provides the best of both worlds: weight only attainable through a trekking pole shelter, combined with a stable, reliable structure.
  • 1.5: $549.95 | 19 oz trail weight
  • 2.5: $679.95 | 30 oz trail weight
• Pitchpine VST (1.5 person)
  • Non-freestanding, single-pole shelter offering exceptional interior volume, rapid setup and impressive weight savings.
  • $649.95 | 27.1 oz trail weight
• Sarvis VST (2 and 3 person)
  • Freestanding, ultralight, full-pole design offering maximum stability, comfort and protection. Dual doors, generous vestibule volume and cavernous interior space make it the most spacious tent in the VST line.
  • 2: $749.95 | 2 lb 8 oz trail weight
  • 3: $849.95 | 3 lb trail weight

The VST Series is available at bigagnes.com.

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and was founded there in 2001. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

For more information, contact:

Calvin Bond
Calvin.bond@backbone.media