I have the HVUL1 for mainly canoe camping in Ontario and backcountry hiking. I use the included footprint most of the time but even without, I’ve not had any durability concerns. Obviously check the group for sharp rocks and stuff before you pitch.
I’ve had to tape the bug netting because my eyeglasses have a sharp corner that caught and ripped it. I’ve broken a zipper before pulling way too hard on the main rain fly zip. That said, it’s ideal for me and I don’t have any concerns about durability. It’s a tool that will experience regular wear and tear. I like double wall and don’t have the budget yet for dyneema.
One note- if you can get an old model of the copper spur, before the new HyperBead fabric, I’d try for that. Anecdotes say the removal of PFAS makes the new material less effective, but I’m unsure myself.
I have the 1-person copper spur and love it. It’s just so simple and so reliable. The shorter “bikepacking” poles may seem silly but it makes the tent very Packable. I’ve ditched the over-engineered stuff sack it came in though, takes up unnecessary space and weight.
I also own a larger MSR tent in the hubba line and they are honestly also great and pretty equivalent in terms of ease and quality (can’t speak to the new bike pack version)
Tents I have used -
REI Half Dome 1p - Fine, decent quality for the price but kind of heavy and bulky and the poles are long. It almost always kept me dry though.
Big Agnes Cooper Spur 1p - The bikepacking version with short poles. A nice tent but quite expensive. Better than the REI tent in every way but still kind of bulky. Very roomy inside with a big vestibule.
Durston X-mid 1 - Excellent tent! I like everything about it. Very usable for how light and small it is and it stood up to heavy weather in Scotland, Wales, etc with no problems. I have the early version which requires stakes, if I were buying one now I would get the free-standing version for more versatility.
Oh, I am 6'1" and had enough room in all these tents. Though the Durston got a little snug at times with the diagonal layout I still prefer it.
We've been using the Copper Spurs going back to when they were introduced in 2008. We currently have the 1P and 2P at our house. We've used them in all sorts of weather here in the central Rockies. No problems.
Yup, there were certainly places where I could put my one person Copper Spur in where a 2p couldn't.
I should add, given your comment, if you like some solo time, a 1p tent that you can tuck in a stealth spot is pretty nice.
MarsupialWalrus
