How to Set Up the Copper Spur UL4 Footprint

By Sleeping Bags, Tents, Pads & Outdoor Gear | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct way to install your Copper Spur UL4 footprint, including orientation, staking, and Fast Fly setup, to protect your tent floor and extend its life.

Quick Answer

Set up your Copper Spur UL4 footprint by laying it flat on clean ground, orienting the grommets to match the tent corners, and staking it down before pitching the tent. This simple step protects your floor and enables the Fast Fly option.

Why Use a Footprint at All?

A footprint is a ground cloth that sits between your tent floor and the ground. It prevents abrasion, punctures, and moisture from wearing out the floor fabric. Over time, this can significantly extend the life of your tent.

The Copper Spur UL4 footprint is custom-cut to match the tent's dimensions, so it won't bunch up or leave gaps. It also includes grommets that align with the tent's pole clips, making setup quick and foolproof.

Fast Fly Setup: When You Want to Go Light

One of the biggest advantages of the Copper Spur UL4 footprint is that it enables a Fast Fly configuration. This lets you pitch just the fly, footprint, poles, and stakes—leaving the tent body behind. It's ideal for stormy nights or when you want to cut weight.

For Fast Fly, the footprint must be staked securely at all corners because it acts as the floor of the shelter. Make sure the footprint is taut before attaching the poles and fly.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Choose a flat, clean spot: Clear the area of sharp rocks, sticks, and debris. Lay the footprint flat with the grommeted corners facing up. Avoid areas with excessive slope or roots that could puncture the fabric. Check the ground for hidden objects after laying the footprint.
Orient the footprint to match your tent: Align the footprint so that the grommets correspond to the corners of the Copper Spur UL4. The footprint is rectangular, but the tent has a specific front and back—make sure the wider end matches the tent's head end. If the grommets don't line up with the tent's pole clips, you likely have the footprint rotated 180 degrees.
Stake down the corners: Insert stakes through the grommets at each corner, angling them outward at about 45 degrees. Pull the fabric taut before staking to prevent wrinkles and ensure a snug fit under the tent. A taut footprint prevents water pooling and reduces wear from movement.
Pitch your tent on top: Place the tent body over the footprint, ensuring the tent's corners align with the staked grommets. Attach the poles as you normally would, then adjust the footprint if needed so it sits just inside the tent's edges. The footprint should not extend beyond the tent floor—if it does, moisture can collect between the two layers.
For Fast Fly: use the footprint as the floor: If you're doing a Fast Fly setup, stake the footprint securely at all corners and then attach the poles and fly. Make sure the footprint is pulled tight so it doesn't flap or sag. In Fast Fly mode, the footprint is your only floor—double-check the stakes are secure.

Product Fact

Copper Spur UL4 Footprint: The Big Agnes footprint is designed to extend the life of your tent floor and also enables a lightweight Fast Fly shelter by using the footprint, tent fly, poles, and stakes. This means you can use the same footprint for both standard and Fast Fly setups, giving you flexibility without needing extra gear.
Copper Spur UL4 Footprint