Big Agnes’s HyperBead waterproof coating won’t wash out or degrade over time.

Big Agnes has developed a proprietary waterproofing technology for its tents that improves performance while eliminating harmful chemicals. 

Unlike traditional waterproof ratings, which use chemical treatments that wear off over time, HyperBead bonds at a molecular level to create an inherently waterproof fabric. It requires no added coatings or durable water repellent (DWR) finishes, which can degrade and wash out over time. By removing these treatments entirely, Big Agnes has produced a lighter, stronger fabric that remains waterproof season after season.

The technology also addresses one of the outdoor industry’s pressing challenges: PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals’. HyperBead is completely free of intentionally added PFAS, making it safer for people and the environment without sacrificing performance. In fact, Big Agnes reports that fabrics treated with HyperBead are more durable than those finished with conventional coatings. The result is less stretching when wet, stronger overall construction, and consistent protection in harsh backcountry conditions.

The innovation will feature first in several of Big Agnes’s most popular ultralight tents: the Copper Spur UL and XL, Tiger Wall UL, Tiger Wall Platinum and Fly Creek UL. These tents have also received broader updates for 2025, but HyperBead is at the core of the redesign.

For Big Agnes, HyperBead continues a long tradition of pushing tent technology toward lighter, stronger and more efficient designs. It not only redefines what waterproofing can achieve but also represents a step toward more sustainable outdoor equipment. The company anticipates expanding the technology to additional product categories in the future.

With HyperBead, Big Agnes is aiming to set a new benchmark in ultralight waterproof performance – one that doesn’t compromise on durability, weight or environmental responsibility.

View the full range of Big Agnes tents at www.bigagnes.co.nz