I agree, I don’t think a post about freestanding tents belongs on this subreddit at all. I have BA Copper Spur 2 and I would never recommend it for UL. I’m looking to upgrading to a DCF trekking pole tent soon myself.
My first backpacking tent was a half dome. Great bang for the buck buck and watch for their big sales when REI brand gear gets discounted. I have since purchased a BA Coper Spur 2 but don’t recommend that if you are looking for a bit of durability… it is light light light… but you also have to be careful with it.
Why would you carry a two person tent on the pct?
Do not underestimate the impact of carrying more weight than you need. I hiked the pct - my tent was 16 oz vs the copper super 2p at 2lb 10oz, a massive weight penalty.
Given you almost certainly will be carrying trekking poles I think you’d be insane to carry a 2 person freestanding tent.
Get a 1 person tent period. Extra space and weight is a NEGATIVE. you will want a small floor plan to fit into tight spaces. You want light weight. You will be carrying trekking poles, so make sure those poles are double duty meaning they also support your tent.
2 person tent is probably the worst ‘bang for the buck’ weight upgrade you can do on trail, unless you are literally too tall to fit into a one person tent. Sleeping in a two person tent is exactly the same thing as a one person tent. It’s not more comfortable. It’s far worse. It’s an extra pound you are carrying for 2650 miles.
If op is a big guy he should be 1) getting a long & wide sleeping bag and 2) getting a long and wide sleeping pad.
Those two things will make a huge difference in terms of comfort. A 2 person tent gives you almost zero positives unless you are literally over 6’5”
Having a larger tent gives you nothing but downside unless you physically cannot fit into a one person tent due to being 6’5” or above. I’m 6’2”. Having a roomier tent isn’t nicer in trail, it’s worse.
I’d much rather carry a 1 person tent, and put the extra weight / bulk into almost anything else except a 2 person tent. I don’t think it’s common at all for people to use 2 person tents on trail at least when I hiked the pct.
When do you hike the pct?
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.
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