Big Agnes - Copper Spur 2 Platinum

My wife and I started backpacking with two Copper Spur 2 tents when our kids were toddlers: one adult & one child per tent. The Copper Spur 2 is the perfect size tent for this…not big enough to comfortably sleep two full grown adults in my opinion It’s much easier in this arrangement when you have to get up in the middle of the night with one child for whatever reason without waking the other one. A huge tent also limits site selection. Our kids are 8 & 10 now, and the tents are still going strong (probably 20-30 nights in them per year).

I always loved my Copper Spur 2. But since getting both a double wall and single wall 1P trekking pole tent, there's never been a situation where I've gone out with the Copper Spur. Just don't need it.

I really like my big Agnes cooper spur 2, a little more $$

I have a copper spur 2 person that I’ve taken both my kids in on separate occasions. I didn’t want anything too fragile so stayed away from the platinum models. I’ve since picked up a xmid 1p and obviously use that for solo outings. We are now at the point where we need two 2p shelters and I’m looking to add a xmid 2p+ at some point. We have a 4 person big Agnes tent but it’s a bit heavy and 4 people in a 4 person tent is a little rough when they get older. The best part of the copper spur is pairing it with a two person pad and two person quilt. The entire floor becomes a bed and is very comfortable. The two person quilt keeps the jimmy legs in without having to carry two sleeping bags, so for the person carrying it saves a good bit of weight. If I had to start over I’d probably make the same decisions. A freestanding tent is a bit easier if you aren’t used to trekking pole tents. My first outing with my xmid was on hard packed ground in the desert where it was really difficult to get stakes in the ground. The tent blew over during a thunderstorm that evening. If I were going on the same trip again I’d probably just take the copper spur. So for me it was about having some flexibility and diversity of functions when building out my gear closet.

I found a screaming deal (so I thought) for the Big Agnes Big House 6 at Campsaver last week for $360. Either price is an awesome markdown from the $599 they still get for same tent in the green color. I've had their Copper Spur 2 UL for years and love the BA quality. I've read (here) the orange fly may attract wasps (thus their surplus and discontinued color) but I've never experienced that with my Copper Spur (same color) in the High Sierra. Besides, I only attach the fly when I NEED to (1:6 trips). Best of luck!

I have never owned a trekking pole or non free standing tent, so I can't totally comment on a comparison, but here's what we use as a family: We have one child and two small dogs and we have the Big Agnes UL Copper Spur 4 person and love it. I prefer having a tent with poles because it's easy to set up and sturdy and no fuss and still pretty damn light! Prior to that we had two ultralight 2 person tents (both with poles -I had the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2UL). When we started out, my husband had the dogs in his 2P tent and I had my son in mine. Now that we have the bigger tent, we use our old tents to loan out friends! We like all being together.

I use a big Agnes copper spur 2. I'm 6 foot 3 and fit comfortably with my gear. I've also used it for two people before and was still comfortable

You will probably end up hearing the Big Agnes copper spur 2 person tent. It's a very popular backpacking tent and is great. I've had mine for over ten years and still use it. It's a bit out of budget. Currently on Sale for 370 on their website but it's worth it

MSR Hubba Hubba 2LT Freestanding Packaged Weight: 3.375 lb (1.54 kg) $549.95 Durston X-Mid 2 Trekking Pole tent Typical Setup (Tent, Sack, 6 Stakes) 2.125 lb / 965 g $289 USD ($299 with stakes) If you use trekking poles, I think the Durston tent is the way to go. If you prefer freestanding, the MSR tent is obviously a good choice. If you like freestanding tents, the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 is similar price to the MSR tent and slightly lighter so may be worth your consideration. These are all good choices but weight is a concern for me so I go with the lightest option I feel safe and comfortable in.

A lot of good 2 person tents have reasonable size vestibules that allow you to store packs just outside, but covered under the rainfly. Some are good for 2, some are better for 1. I like a 2, It's great if it's *just me*, and if it's my partner, I tend to open sleeping bags so we're usually close by anyhow. My partner likes a 3 person, but it's because they'd rather have a little more space for putting stuff inside. With normal width camping mattress + average size, a Nemo Osmo Dagger 2 is pretty reasonable, Copper Spur 2 by Big Agnes, Most of the REI ones are alright, same with North Face & MSR. There's a few that have wonky vestibules, but it's easy to sus out.

Keep your eyes on sites like Geartrade and Steep & Cheap or even FB Marketplace. I bought a BA Copper Spur 2L about four years ago. Best piece of camping/backpacking equipment I ever purchased.