Big Agnes - Copper Spur HV UL2

Copper spur hv ul2 right where it should be. Surprised Nemo doesn't appear more. Neat chart.

If you can stretch the budget just a llittle or do some sales hunting, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 OR MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 OR Durston X-Mid 2. [11 Best 2-Persons Tent for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) can help with the others. They’re are all 3-season tents with better fabrics, stronger pole architecture, roomier vestibules and more thoughtful details (doors, vents, zips) than budget models. They’ll be heavier and cost more than the Cloud-Up versions but they’re way more durable and comfortable long term, take it from me, I’ve gone on countless trips with various types of tents so yeah! If $300 is a hard cap, watch for sales or used tents online, you’ll find something!

Great tent. But make sure your pads fit width wise. It’s pretty uncomfortable if you have pads overlapping.

I just bought this tent online for 284.99 which included tax. That's us dollars though.

I thought so too. I received it. Has tags. The credit card charge shows as Cao Ky Duyen and not Simolary(business name). I wish the tag specifically said copper spur hv ul 2. Instead it says copper spur hv ul Then the various options they offer with a check mark next to 2 person and a check mark next to orange. I'm going to set it up now in the kitchen to verify it's the right one!

I've been using a Copper Spur HV UL2 since 2018, but as a solo tent. But I'm 6' tall and 230 pounds.

The wife and I have had a Copper Spur HV UL2 for several years and it is frankly an amazing piece of gear for it's weight. It has made a full AT through hike + probably close to another thousand miles so we've gotten our money's worth. I took it for an overnight last weekend actually. All of those miles backpacking and the only damage it has seen was when I snagged the netting but it has been fine with a netting patch on it.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

I thought about the UL3, but I'm always alone, so the 2 was fine for me. A big one person tent, then. Plenty of room for just one. And, you're right. They aren't cheap. I got mine on a light sale for $469.95 from $529.95. The best gear never is cheap, but I'm at the age (51) where I can buy the best of the best. So, I do. I don't buy new cars, though I could, or waste money on anything else, but I buy the best gear. That's what I spend my money on. The rest I save so when I hit retirement age, I'll just travel, hike, pack, climb, paddle, ski, bike, kite surf (something new I'm picking up), and whatever else I want without much concern because I'll be geared up for it. I went through enough cheap stuff in my 20's and 30's. I'm good with that.

Wickiup 3 is an awesome tent for 2 adults and a kid, so it should also work for 1 adult and 2 teenagers.. not ultralight but stormproof and plenty of room to sit or half stand in it. You can also get a half inner for it or just use the fly alone. Plus you can pitch it in less than 3 minutes, just put in the 6 pegs, insert the main pole and its ready, inner can bet kept attached to the fly and if you do not expect any storms or heavy rain no more guylines are needed. Only downside is, it's not freestanding, on wood platforms or rocky terrain I grab my big agnes copper spur 2 hv (if we are only two, for 3 its too small)

I have a ba HV UL 2 long and love the thing. It’s my goto freestanding at the moment.

I own a copper spur hvul2 long and love it. It’s my goto freestanding.

I use a free standing because I normally need my hands free for kiddos (or even when I camp with the Boy Scouts) so no poles I like my BA copper spur

I have a Big Agnes copper spur hv ul2 tent. I think it's right around 3lbs total and is fairly small; I just strap it on my rear rack although in the future I may try to pack it in a waterproof bag and tie the poles to the top-tube. I was also really tempted by the even smaller Nemo dragonfly bikepack, which is super compact and has some nicer features, including a great waterproof bag that is built to fit between drop bars, but it was almost $200 more. I'm also trying to get a smaller sleeping bag. I just bought a synthetic-fill bag, but it doesn't compress as much as I'd prefer and I was still cold in 45-degree (Fahrenheit) weather, which according to the rating it should be very comfortable in. So I may look at down bags, which supposedly can pack very small, but are expensive.

I have that tent and it’s great for one person but a bit cramped for two. It will fit two but I hope you’re very good friends, which apparently you are. The only downside is the zippers are very easy to get caught, at least on the older models. Still, a great tent. Spend the extra bucks and get the foot print so you can pitch it only using the fly. Nice option when conditions warrant it.

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 UL HV. Go with the footprint option. It allows you to set up the fly without the canopy when conditions warrant. On sale at REI right now.

Big Agnes’s Copper Spur HV UL. Great tent. The foot print is extra but is really nice as it allows you to set up the fly without the tent canopy. Then it serves more like a tarp when appropriate and saves you weight. Nice option. You can find them in the upper end of your price range if you watch the sales.

Big Agnes copper spur HVUL2. My wife and I have hiked well over 3,000 miles in this tent and still happily married.

I’m just going to chime back in since a few people have recommended a 3p tent. We actually bought the BA copper spur HVUL3 at first and returned after our first trip it as it was too big for us as a backpacking tent. We downgraded to the HVUL2 and with each of us having our own door and vestibule it’s plenty big enough. If you are looking for a 3p tent then go for it. It’s big.

I have the XMid Pro 2 and backpack with one of our huskies almost every trip. Mika is 45lbs, Max is 50lbs. Just one dog and me fit easily with extra room for gear. Two people and one of our dogs would work but be tight. (replaced a Strat Li but below applies to both tents) To protect the floor, I bring a full size z-fold pad (generic z-lite). I cut it into two pieces - about 1/3 and 2/3rds. I place them together to put where the dog will be sleeping. I cut it into two pieces so that I can use the 2/3rd piece under my pad in the event I get cold. They can still use the 1/3rd. I lay a costco quilt over the top of the pad. The like to "dig" sometimes. Between the pad and quilt, it protects the floor long enough until I can tell them to stop. For just casual walking in and out of the tent, laying down etc, there would be no need to protect the floor. Kneeling on a sharp rock or stick would probably do more damage than a dog stepping on the floor. We also have a Big Agnes UL2 and UL3 we've used for people and dogs. Only damage to any of the tents (first time out in a brand new UL3) was when I walked away with the dog in the tent and she paw'd at the screen and ripped it. Luckily, she hit the pocket so it didn't affect the door.

I backpack with one of our Siberian Huskies (one is 45lbs, other is 55lbs) using either and XMid Pro 2 or Copper Spur HV UL2. I'm about 5'10". I like having some room in the tent for stuff or just hanging out. Both of the above tents work great for this.

I bought a used one probably 8 years ago and the Big Agnes is still going strong. Perfect for one person, I seriously can’t imagine two people squeezed in there!

Rei has the [Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2](https://www.rei.com/product/164193/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-tent) on sale right now for 370$ down from 530$. Went in store and picked mine up yesterday. The deal was too good to pass up. I grabbed a footprint off amazon for it since REI doesn't have them for sale anymore, but they do sell the bikepacking footprint (footprint for the bikepacking just reaches out further to cover under the vestibules). They also have the long version and [it's also on sale for 405$ down from 579$.](https://www.rei.com/product/204104/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-tent-long) I suspect these will go quick as just yesterday they had the UL1 listed for sale but it's gone today. With the year long return policy as a member this is probably the best deal you will find at the moment.

HV UL2 is on sale at REI right now for 370$

Me and my girlfriend both have a copper spur hv ul 2. Absolutely great tents but I would definitely not consider them the most durable. We both use a ground cloth and have had no issues, but it is “ultralight” material.

Comparing the Copper Spur HV UL2 to UL3: a 3 person tent will be about 25% heavier (12 oz, 35g), only marginally more expensive, and the extra space will help with keeping your bags inside. To me, the worst part is the extra weight, and the extra size of the tent would prevent it from fitting in the side pouch on my bag. But if you're strapping it underneath anyway, and you're not weight-constrained, maybe it's fine. I went with the UL2 because I think it's fine to leave my pack in the vestibule of the tent, only taking the essentials inside. You can possibly find space for it near your feet if you're not big people. After all, when you're at camp, all the bulky things aren't in the pack any more! I like my tent, but there are lots of good brands out there. You might find a better deal online, but check your local outdoor store to get a feel for how big/heavy they are. If feasible, buy it there, too! I liked my REI Half Dome tent but it was so much larger and heavier than the Copper Spur, and I'm glad I replaced it.

It’s a great option for a double walled, free standing tent. The 2 person version of this tent is snug (width) - not sure if that is an issue being light sleepers.

That is a very good tent. I had one. It's just me, but I like the extra room. Since you need a 2P tent, what you have is one of the best choices out there, and the weight isn't bad. The only reason I got rid of my UL2 was because the X-Dome 1+ came out. I'm still awaiting mine in April. Both tents are freestanding, which I wanted. The X-Dome 1+ is smaller and lighter, but it has more room than most one person tents. The extra room is why I've always use a 2P tent.

Depending on budget, there are several 2-person tents, many good ones already mentioned. For an inexpensive treking pole tent, look at Lanshan. I had a BA Copper Spur HV UL2. A very nice tent, and if you can get it on sale, not so expensive. I went with this tent because it was freestanding. I had treking pole tents, but they didn't always work where I wanted to setup. I just put in an order for a Durston X-Dome 1+, which is in between 1 and 2 person tents. I won't get mine until the second batch in April, but the reviews look good, and the price of $369 seems reasonable for what it is. The X-Dome 1+ is freestanding, unlike the X-Mid.

I have a kelty 4p tent that is too heavy to backpack with, I love the tent, for car camping. I just bought myself the big Agnes cooper spur hv ul 2 for my dog and I. With the foot print it weighs in at 3lbs and packs down really small. My kelty doesn’t.

Why not consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2? This will fit you comfortably, is double walled, and is super durable. 2lb 11oz (2 oz less than the Lanshan 2) and frequently falls below $250. Wife and I are 6’ and 6’3” and we fit fine. Edit- just saw copper spur was already recommended.

Love my copper spur for sure but my vote would be for the Xmid.  The 2p Xmid is lighter than most 1p freestanding tents. It can do double duty. I use it as my solo tent.  Got it cuz it’s affordable and easier to justify if you’re doubling up on a 2p system.  I do think you could carry the copper spur - I did that before I snagged a Xmid. It’s totally doable if you’re used to it and in good shape. But if you want peace of mind, the Xmid is a great option and a fraction of the price of a zpacks ETA - I use my Xmid in the mountains or for 1p adventures. I use my trusty copper spur(s) in rugged desert environments where pitching is tougher (not skilled enough with the Xmid yet and the low bathtub kicks a lot of sand into the tent) or if I’m out with my toddler. 

I know I’ll get downvoted but I tend to agree with this. I own an x-mid so don’t at me universe. But I think durston is a bit over-hyped. There are lots of quality issues - especially with the x dome series - just peep the gear heads sub.  Durston makes good tents imo, not great ones. They seem to do a lot of r&d with paying customers which I’m not a huge fan of - especially if you’re paying tariffs.  My x mid is fine - suitable for certain trips, while my freestanding tent (big Agnes) is great. Both have great customer service imo. But I’ll take the Xmid when I really have to count ounces and I’ll take my big Agnes into the desert where a trekking pole tent would just be a nightmare to fiddle with - weight penalty be damned. 

Check out the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 - it's got extra headroom and length for tall dudes and packs down super small for backpacking.

The 2P is perfect for one person with a little bit of space along the side. I use the 2P and am 6’2” without it being too short. Able to keep my backpack in the tent too which was important for me

I did use a Big Agnes Copper 2-person HV UL2 and it was great, quite roomy for me and my gear, doesn’t take much space or weight.

I agree. I use it as a solo hiker and my 2 dogs. Have shared with another person once and it was really tight.

I have that tent. It is solid. You can fit 2 people if you are exhausted and just going to crash, but it's comfortable for 1 person. Especially if you need to pull some gear inside with you.

Have had copper spur hv ul2 for a few years and love it. So much so I just bought the 3 person version. The 2 is great for 1 person and gear. Me and my wife have used the 2 person and it works, but not a ton of extra room. This is why I got the 3 person. Fabric on all light weight tent seems then, my 2 person has 25 or so nights and shows very little wear.

Yeah, got it in June of last year on the deal posted somewhere here. I also just picked up a Copper Spur HV UL2 for $210 this weekend from sams. They seem very similar and I love free standing tents. Plan is to use ul2 for solo or aspect 3 with wife/kid(s).

I've had a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 MtnGLO for about 8 years (i did NOT pay full price), never used a footprint for it in the High Sierra, nice and lightweight but good material, easy setup, no issues with the tent itself at all although i opened it up in the wilderness last weekend and found the shock cording had hardened and yellowed. I got it to work but just contacted BA this morning and within minutes they replied and they'll restring it for free. So BA stands behind their product. Take a look at their cheaper tents if you need to like the Blacktail, etc. I just tried my first generation Durston X-Mid 1 on the same trip, which i bought new years ago... i'm pretty impressed and it worked great though i think the 1-person is too small for my wishes; i already have plans to get an X-Mid 2. You can use trekking poles or buy separate carbon fiber poles. It's double wall unlike most ultra lightweight tents and the material seems tough enough for me with 15D polyester. The thing is it's not that expensive! and for what you mentioned, its design addresses high winds and snow. we're talking $289 new. How crazy is that? I read how some people had issues with setup but it's really easy. I had no trouble on the first test run in my backyard. I also have a Nemo 3-person tent but haven't used it in years, the quality is good but it was NOT a backpacking tent. They might offer something you'd prefer. Otherwise you can check out REI's used gear/returns selection, as well as the sub here for used gear.

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 can only recommend what I’ve got, which is a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3. Mine is extra long. I love it! I’ve also got the 2P variant, which can fit 2 comfortably, if slightly snugly, though I am 193 cm.

As someone who is 6’ 10”. I have the Xmid pro 2 and it’s a game changer. I finally can fit without needing to curl up. I had the BA copper spur UL2 prior and it was ok but the xmid is another level.

First, a question to consider: do you need a backpacking tent, or are you looking for something for car camping? If your primary use is car camping, you might want to explore other tent options better suited for comfort and space, as backpacking tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur are designed with weight savings in mind, which often comes at the expense of interior space and durability for larger groups. # Regarding the Big Agnes Copper Spur: I have experience with the Copper Spur UL1, UL2, and UL3. In my opinion, the Copper Spur’s design becomes less stable as it scales up in size, particularly in windy conditions. While this isn’t backed by concrete evidence, it’s based on my personal experience with those tents. For example, the UL1 is quite wind-resistant when staked and guyed out properly, but I wouldn’t expect the UL5 to handle adverse weather with the same performance. # About the UL5 Tent: The UL5 tent is small for five people, even by backpacking tent standards. According to the [Big Agnes specs](https://www.bigagnes.com/collections/ultralight-tents/products/copper-spur-hv-ul5), the floor dimensions are 108" x 86". While the width is technically listed as 108", it’s not entirely usable due to the sloping walls, and fitting five standard 20" sleeping pads would take up every bit of floor space. Additionally, Big Agnes shows an example of five people using this tent, with everyone alternating head-to-feet—a less-than-ideal arrangement for comfort, especially with kids or restless sleepers. # Flexibility with Two Tents: Using two 3-person tents could provide much more flexibility and practicality. For one, you’ll have more overall floor space and privacy. If the weather is poor, you can pitch the tents close together and set up a tarp or canopy between them to create a shared sheltered area. This arrangement also allows for better organization, as you can divide gear or sleepers more easily. For instance: * One tent could house adults, while the other could accommodate kids. * If one person gets up early or stays up late, they won’t disturb the others. When my family first started camping, my children were 2, 4, and 16. We used two 3-person tents pitched close together and added a canopy between them. This setup worked well for us at the time. Now that the kids are older, we’ve transitioned to each carrying their own one-person backpacking tents. # Other Considerations: 1. **Weight and Portability:** Two smaller tents are often easier to split among group members for backpacking. The Copper Spur UL5 is lightweight for its size, but it may still be cumbersome if carried by one person, especially if it’s combined with other group gear. 2. **Future Use Cases:** Consider your long-term needs. If your family enjoys camping regularly, having two tents could adapt better to different situations, like trips where not everyone joins, or if your kids eventually want their own space. 3. **Cost:** While two tents will cost more upfront, they offer more versatility and can be used independently on smaller trips. # Final Thoughts: If your focus is backpacking, I’d lean toward two 3-person tents for the flexibility, space, and weight distribution. However, if car camping is your primary goal, you might be better off exploring family camping tents that prioritize space and comfort over weight savings. Either way, think about your family’s specific needs and camping style to make the best choice.

Ditto on the BA Copper Spur UL 2. Purchased mine in '18 for the JMT. Tried to go UL, but have gone full circle back to this tent. Took it on the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah this past August, where the afternoon hailstorms were mind blowing. This tent is a freaking bomb shelter.

I’m your height, solo woman doing a NOBO LASH in April. I just got the Durston XDome +1. It’s 35 oz and has enough room for my pack/gear in rainy weather. My usual tent is a BA Copper Spur UL2 at a little over 3 lbs and it’s great but has a larger footprint and is bulkier than what I want for 5-6 weeks on trail. People get hung up on UL but hike your own hike and if you like your tent, take it!

I’ve started camping often in NC for whitewater trips and it rains more often than not. My tents are UL backpacking (Durston XDome and BA Copper). The BA wets out too easily and I need more room for gear than the Durston provides. I’m looking for something more rugged and impervious to heavy downpours. Doesn’t matter how heavy since I’m car camping. I’m thinking of the Coleman Sundome 2 person bc of the bathtub floor, but else? I don’t have much experience car camping. TIA.

It’s the floor that starts to wet out- it doesn’t become completely wet, but if there’s a hard rain, patches of the floor will start to darken and become damp bc water is underneath. I have the BA footprint for this tent and I’m setting it up properly to avoid rain getting trapped, so I’m stumped.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 or UL2, or Copper Spur UL1 or Copper Spur UL2.

Perfect middle ground here is going to be a Big Agnes Copper Spur. Its freestanding, not crazy expensive (when compared to UL tents) and pretty damn light for what you get. I just switched to a Copper Spur UL2 for my fiancee and I and we love it.

Fair enough! Its definitely not cheap, but its a great tent that will last forever if you take care of it.

Perfect middle ground here is going to be a Big Agnes Copper Spur. Its freestanding, not crazy expensive (when compared to UL tents) and pretty damn light for what you get. I just switched to a Copper Spur UL2 for my fiancee and I and we love it.

I have the tarptent you are looking at, plus ba copper spur ul 2 and 3, plus a fly creek 2. The double rainbow dw is roughly the weight of the fly creek with superior capabilities to the copper spur 2.

Yep. My wife and I have been backpacking with a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 for 5 years now, and it is great. Before that, I camped and backpacked out of the original Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 for a decade, and it was light, portable, and stood up to a windstorm or two, and a snowstorm that collapsed several of the other tents in my group. Either tent would work well for OP, I think.

I got a Copper Spur UL2, and took it for a test night. LOVED IT!

Big agnus, copper spur HV UL 1 or 2 person tent, pair it with a NeoAir pad, get the wide size

Big agnus, copper spur HV UL 1 or 2 person tent, pair it with a NeoAir pad, get the wide size

Another vote for the BA Copper Spur UL line!! We have the 2 person and now as a family of 3 plus two mini Aussies we have the 4P. Love these tents, so spacious!!

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.

I’ve camped for years with my 3 boys in a Big Agnes Copper Hotel with an Exped Mega Duo(?) covering the floor. The reason y’all don’t fit in a 4 person tent is probably b/c of all the wasted space from sleeping pads. Since you have a few more years of Cub camping to go, a 4-6 person with large vestibules will likely work if you get a big enough sleeping pad everyone can share. It’ll also be quicker to set up.

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.

That looks more like SE Ok. I think your GPS is off by 4 hrs. Haha If I may - you want a 3 season tent that breathes so you can use it in the hot spring and late summer. Go to REI and learn about them, then buy on EBay. A 4 season tent will not breathe so well. Keep the vent open at night so condensation from your breath doesn’t collect or your tent will be soaked on the inside at sunrise. Warmth comes from your sleep system. Buy a decent air mattress (klymite? $90-100) and a sleep bag for 20-30f temps. I always use a cheap bag liner (keeps the bag from collecting body oils and adds 3-6 degrees of warmth, easily washable). Always go to bed with dry feet and loose; wool socks and loose base layer - think layers. And neck gator is a must if cold. If you afford a better sleeping bag, awesome. Most can’t. Also, the smaller the tent, the warmer. I have an REI one man quarterdome and love it. I also have a Big Agnes Spur (?) 2 man for me and my dog or wife and it is great. Maybe a bit too roomy. Bought both used. If you can afford new - go for it. [good website to learn about gear](https://www.cleverhiker.com/) Don’t over think it and just do it, then adjust. You can hike up the west side of that stream, climb over the ridge and backpack camp on /near the top. Park at the bridge, go upstream with the river on your right, it’s only about a half mile, maybe 3/4. Or for your first time, camp near your car. Good luck

● Recommended * Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2-3. One of the most commonly used tents for the AT, CDT, and PCT. * Durston X-Dome 2. Most likely to receive the 2025 tent of the year award. ● Not recommended * MSR tents. There's better stuff out there for the money. They've become the Chipotle of tents. * Nemo tents. These are middle-premium tents. They're relatively expensive, and the quality is high. However, they make glorified sizes. You basically have to go one-size up for space, and they don't place much importance on headroom or stow pocket real estate.

That’s an easy one. Get the Big Agnus Copper Spur two person tent. It’s not cheap. Going to run you $500. It is as light as they come for a two person backpack tent. I recently used mine while summiting Mt Adams. https://preview.redd.it/69w2unzvg6uf1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e882044157945db76c6ae2eb5d72bc63a27d6e13

Not saying this is you OP but make sure that you know how to properly site select and set the tent up properly. I have had plenty of friends who had bad experiences because of poor site selection and not knowing how to stake out and/or guyline a tent out properly. Also a properly fitting ground tarp/ footprint can go a long way in helping with moisture too. Something else to consider too is how well the tent is set up for ventilation. I have been rained on inside of my tent before because I did not have enough airflow to help prevent moisture accumulation on the inside of the rainfly from condensation over night.. In your search make sure you check to see if the maker has a long version of the tent or not. Some do. I think that might really on apply to the smaller backpack size tents though. I wish I knew about the long version before I bought my 2p BA Copper Spur. But I did get my tent for a killer deal so there is that. The REI Wonderland might be a good set up for you. I think there is a sale on them right now bringing both the 4 and 6 person versions under your budget

I just got the copper spur today and was disappointed to see how thin it is, especially on the bottom. I was thinking of returning it bc I’m fearful it will rip while I’m out on a 500 mile thru hike. Has yours ripped?

I’d say so, although the deal on the 2p is better. These are very nice lightweight tents. FWIW the 2p Copper Spur isn’t really going to sleep 2 people, it’s more of a 1 person tent with a little more room. I’ve owned two in the last 10 years. The other thing I’ll say about Big Agnes is their post-purchase service has been incredible, I’ve called about a chair and a sleeping pad long after purchase and they have always taken care of me.

I haven’t handled the 1P, so can’t really compare. I usually strap the 2p to the outside of my bag. The 2p floor is only 14 inches wider, but 10oz heavier.

I have the 2 person and have used it 5 times so far. I am hoping this is a wear in thing, but it sounds like a present being unwrapped when you move in it.

It is that loud even with no footprint

That is what i would buy as well. The double side doors are really nice.

I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person tent that I really like - if you find it onsale you can get it under $500. But as another poster said, the Durston 2 person tent is the favorite among those who have it - since my tent is working fine I haven't needed to make a change.

Big Agnus UL2 is a nice tent. Easy to set up. Not as light as some but very sturdy and roomy.

I was in the same boat- and I found a great deal on the Big Agnes CopperSpur. If you are in the US they still have one for $354- it’s a $950 tent. https://a.co/d/313YPa2 You can almost stand up inside- it’s huge!

How close are you to a REI or two? Lots of used-once/light-use summer gear being returned right now, to be in each store's ReSupply section soon. I processed a 2P Copper Spur for ours just tonight, but that probably wouldn't help you -- we're in the most NW of the PNW.

This is the problem. The copper spur seems very susceptible to it for some reason. Both my 4p and 2p do this more than any other tent I've ever had. They're still my favorite tents though.

Big Agnes ultra light 2 person tent.

Great tent. Would jump on it if you don’t have any other preferences. We push the shoulder seasons in the Rockies with a Big Agnes.

I had a great experience with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL tent. It has a vestibule for storge and fits 2 - 3 people well. You can checck it out.

Excellent tent and an excellent deal. I'm an Eagle Scout and I would have flipped out if my mom had ever bought me camping gear this nice. I will say, it is a "2" person tent but like most it is tight with 2 people. One person and their gear inside the tent will fit fine. For me, I much prefer ultralight tents nowadays like the Durston Xmid style, which really are around the same price and quite a lot lighter. But. For short scout trips and for a free stranding tent this cannot be beat. It's worth the $500 retail and at less than $300 it's an absolute steal. Also I'm 6'4" so the "long" version would be appreciated. What I'm trying to get at is... I'm 38 yrs old but will you adopt me and get me one too?

I have this tent as well great tent, personally I would prefer to buy from Backcountry or Public Lands or REI instead of Amazon, get the footprint as well which would be a separate purchase

I have this and while I like it I kind of wish I got an MSR instead. Nicer for the same weight

It held up getting clipped by a typhoon camped on the side of a mountain. The winds were intense enough that the crosspole very occasionally dipped down and touched me but it was otherwise very good. Many other tents collapsed, etc., but it was at a music festival so you can bet it was some of their first times camping. But yeah, that was the one and only time that's ever come close to happening so I would take that more as a positive. Anyway, the walls of the tent are solid at the bottom and that's enough to keep any wind off of you while lying down.

Excellent purchase. That tent has been good to me over the years.

I’ve got this exact tent and paid twice as much. I think the long is overkill for your use case. I’m almost 7’ and have a little extra length. If he’s 6’ he’ll have 14”-16” of extra length. As for the tent itself it’s fantastic, easy to setup, great in strong wind & rain, versatile. I’d definitely recommend it. Also get the footprint for the tent, will help preserve the floor, and acts as a moisture barrier.

We really love our big agnes. It's durable, huge and comfy without being too heavy. it's about 4lbs so my husband and I split the weight. It's really thoughtfully desiged, and has so many pockets to stash stuff. super roomy footprint. It's like the Taj Mahal of tents

I got my wife into camping and backpacking, but I screwed up initially on the backpacking and am really lucky she’ll do it with me—I chose a trail I hadn’t done before and it turned out to be steep, crowded, hot, and covered with horse poop. Also, I brought the wrong fuel bottle for our camp stove and so there was no hot dinner once we got to (an admittedly pretty lovely) campsite by the lake. That meant I had to improvise a mini fire, which ruined her camp pots. We both still laugh at the pic I snapped of her at the top of the pass on that first trip, sweaty and dirty and panting and furious. Don’t be like me. ;) I did better getting her into cool weather camping and kayak camping—invested in good equipment, a nice thick comfy exped camp mat, zero degree down bag that zips to mine, silk sleeping bag liner, battery-heated vest, good food that we often make ahead and enjoy at camp, and an excellent pair of tents (large family-style marmot for car camping, and a Big Agnes for backpacking). I also try to bring along fancy chocolates and bust them out around the fire with a nice hot beverage. In short: take her comfort and safety seriously. Turns out all that makes my camping experience better, too.

I love my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL tent — I have the single person, but imagine the double is also great! It’s a little pricier than your budget but you could wait for a sale. The REI brand tents are heavier but cheaper and they tend to let you return if you try it and don’t like it (but double check to make sure!). 

Personally, I carry an ultralight 2 person tent when I’m solo. I like having the extra room, and I’m pretty tall with wide shoulders so I take up a good amount of it. A few years ago I found a like new big Agnes copper spur UL on a used gear website for like $220.

I have a one year old big Agnes copper spur UL and it kept me dry when it was absolutely pissing down. Maybe your bathtub isn’t high enough. A design flaw on your particular tent?

We each have our own hammock... Def my preference! We have a 2 person Big Agnes that we put our packs in or use if the weather is really bad (even tho I have a rain fly for my hammock now!)

Right now REI is clearing out excellent Big Agnes 2P tents. They’re the best for the price. Light, tough, freestanding. Easy setup. No gimmicks.

I have a 1p REI tent and a 2p Big Agnes. I use the smaller one in colder conditions because it takes less space in my pack, which makes more room for extra insulation. When it’s warmer, I don’t need all the extra warmth at night so I can bring the bigger tent. My typical camping trip is 1-2 nights, and I try to keep my pack weight low, but I will always pack the bigger tent when I can.

Copper Spur for the win!

There’s a balance of not spending too much your first time and getting quality stuff that will last for years. The big 4 that will all last a long time A good backpack should be a priority as you will be carrying it on your hips (or shoulders if it isn’t sized right). Then tent/pad. Big Agnus Copper Spur seems to be at the top of most people’s list and while not cheap it isn’t crazy expensive. Great if you can find on sale. Get a 2 person even if going solo most of the time as you can have a roomier tent w your pack inside when solo or use as a 2P tent when you go w a friend Pads depend on if you are a back or side sleeper (need a thicker pad like Sea 2 Summit or Nemo). Tons of choices and some budget options. A sleeping bag is critical but can become your most expensive item. I would start with a $200-300 one if you can that has a ISO Limit rating in the 20s if you plan on 3 seasons at altitude. If not then one with and ISO Limit rating in the 30s. Down will be lighter and pack smalller but if on a budget a synthetic bag will likely be cheaper. Good news is your bag will probably last you 20 years. You can use it car camping, rustic cabin camping or backpacking. Water filter is an easy choice these days with a cheap but super dependable and quality Sawyer Squeeze. Lots of stove options. Not the lightest but I like the Jet Boil for its simplicity and speed of heating up water and that it has the pot as part of it. I don’t carry any other pot. Just a spoon and mug. Hiking poles if doing uneven terrain and or ups and downs Hiking shoes/boots is a whole other discussion. Most go with low top trail runners vs boots. A super useful web site is Halfway Anywhere. With one big caveat. These surveys are for longer through hikes where generally weight/quality is prioritized over cost. But you get to see a big list of what people used and their ratings. I have the below link set to the JMT (vs much longer AT or PCT) as the JMP is a little more geared toward typical [gear survey](https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/john-muir-trail-survey/) backpacking.

The BA Copper Spur is available in 3, 4, & 5 person sizes. note that the regular 3P is tapered and will only fit (3) 20" or mummy pads. There is a 3XL that will fit (3) 25" pads. I have the 3 MTN Glow which has built in lights. Highly recommend the entire series

I’ve got several tents and the one in your picture is one of them. Blackmail 3P I think. I’ve also got the copper spur. The black tail is a tank. I only use it for trips where there’s support, like ragbrai. I use the copper spur for overnight/easier riding trips. For actual bike packing / serious miles, I go with an ultra lite HMG mid-1. The black tail is cool and giant, but it’s a big heavy load too.

My go to two person tent is a three person. I highly recommend Big Agnes tigerwall or copper spur. Kinda pricy but sometimes they go on sale.

I have the same two tents and I totally agree. I only keep my Copper Spur as a backup.

Yeah that seems wild, my copper spur is 11 years old and it’s 100% still fine

Yeah that seems wild, my copper spur is 11 years old and it’s 100% still fine

The main tent that comes to mind as stronger, cheaper, and lighter that doesn't make large compromises to usability is the durston x-mid. And it still makes some compromises in that it isn't freestanding. For 3 season backpacking in Colorado/rocky mountain US the copper.spur is solid.

I own a Copper Spur and the fabrics feel quite delicate, IMO. Granted, it is on the lighter side of free standing tents (for the size). Any further weight losses in this category are usually done in poles department (like Durston did with carbon fiber poles).

I agree, I haven’t yet had a problem too. My point was that while it may check a box for structural integrity due to the free standing hub design, it uses pretty much the same ultra light types of fabrics as those UL tents that OP wants to avoid

Tiger wall is semi free standing IIRC. Not sure if that matters to you, but worth noting. I have the copper spur and it's incredible. None of these are bad options though

I read about the first third of comments, so I may be repeating some of this. Whatever you do, use two separate mats. The motion transfer on an inflatable mat is unbearable, to me, though some don't seem to mind. You can use one of the various products available to lash them together. The Zenvivy Light Double Bed will take care of that part for you, and you should seriously consider it for your sleep system, if you're looking for that close cuddly sleep style. Sharing the weight of a tent you can get more space per pound than a solo hiker. A 2 person tent is not enough for two people in my opinion. If you want a big roomy tent that's light (and you don't want a DCF or pyramid style tent), you have basically 3 options. The MSR Hubba Hubba LT3, the Big Agnes Copper Spur, and the Tarptent Hogback. All will get you around 2lbs per person, but the MSR is a half pound heavier. The Tarptent Hogback will be the most stormworthy and is the only one that can be set up in the rain while keeping the inner tent dry, though the Big Agnes can do this with the extra weight and expense of the footprint. The Hogback is not a freestanding tent, it's a semi-freestanding tent. The MSR gives you more room at your sides, the Big Agness gives you more room at your head and foot, and the Hogback is square so you have the most side room and the least extra head-to-foot room.

BIG LOVER of the big agnes copper spur’s!

My favorite car camp tent is the REI half dome. It’s actually comfortable. If you want a cheaper option, the Ozark Trail tent from Walmart is pretty decent, but doesn’t have aluminum poles. The half dome can do backpacking, but it is on the heavy side. When I care about weight, I bring my Fly Creek from Big Agnes. Copper Spur and Nemo Hornet are also great options. The fly creek is crazy light, but you really have to like the second person if you’re going to fit two.

Could be, probably depends on what is important to you. A higher quality tent has higher end fabrics and poles and probably less weight for the size. If that is important, you will probably pay more. Does that mean the 35.00 Coleman Sundome is junk, not really, it just means it is probably less rugged (fiberglass pole set) and definitely heavier. Will it work in a rainstorm, in my experience, mostly. Will it stand up to wind like a BA Copper Spur, nope. Horses for courses. Light, durable, cheaper: pick two. Look at REI brand tents for a decent balance of price and quality, but, they will be heavier than a similar tent for a more premium brand. My backpacking buddy has used his ALPs Mountaineering tent everywhere I have used my more expensive Big Agnes tent and has been perfectly happy with it.

Me too, I have the half dome plus for trips where packing volume matters but weight is not an issue and also because it is more roomy and made of more robust fabrics. I do a fair amount of trips that start with a flight so a lighter tent that takes up less room is a must. Copper Spur is perfect though I have also used a 20+ pound REI Kingdome when space was less of an issue.

Marmot Tungsten, Naturehike Mongar 2p, Big Agnes Copper Spur, Durston X-Dome... Lots of great options out there. Get a tent with a mesh body, not a solid body, for summer. The Sundomes is a good tent but gets hot and doesn't air out as well as a higher grade shelter since it has mostly solid walls.

Also thumbs up on copper spur. Have 1P - Long enough to my 6'5" frame and can sit up in it. Paks nicely onto bike. Pricey though

I second the big agnes copper spur

Yea copper spur is top dog here

I use a one person tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur) but I still always leave my pack outside. Once my tent is up, my sleep set up is inside, and my bear bag is hung there isn't really anything in my pack. I just cinch my rain cover down over my pack and lean it against a tree close to my tent, with maybe my water bottles, filter (if it's not cold) and fuel. I've been doing it that way for 50 years and never had a problem, but like anything else, it's not a problem until it is.

My only note about CS- the floor is tapered, not square. So are you sharing it and what shape/size are your sleeping mats?

WTH I’ve had mine for 5 years and zero holes

Big Agnes Copper Spur. I’m 6’4 240 and I use the 3 man for backpacking with 1 other person and a dog and it’s great. The 2 man is a single or 1 person + 1 dog. If you’re going to use on a moto with any regularity get the bike packing one. It’s the same as the other except the poles are shorter and fit in panniers better.

Copper spur is fantastic. If you want to go to the next level (with a corresponding jump in price) go with a Durston

Big agness copper spur is a great tent that has served me well. I like the looks of the durston x dome but haven’t tried one.

I don't know how any of those name-brand tents made it into a "budget" list. You may be able to find older models of the BA tents on clearance right now, in which case they do actually approach "budget" status. From those, I would choose the Copper Spur for livability, but everyone's different. If you are open to trekking pole tents, look at the Lanshan tents. Lightweight, proven and actually a budget friendly option. Even some of the Amazon knockoffs can be okay for the price (and I'm not one to usually utter that sentence) - I have a $100 knockoff from a nothing brand on Amazon that I've actually gotten so much more than my money's worth out of over the years. Weighs a kilo. It's a gamble, though. With big brands at least you get warranty support.

Big Agnes Copper Spur is my choice. And I’m a Mountain Hardware fan but for tents I swear by Big Agnes’s, seam sealed from the factory and always kept me safe from the rain. I also don’t see any guy-outs on the ends of the MK3, I can imagine that might lead to some poor ventilation and sticker living. The half-dome is basically a heavier copy of the copper spur so of the two options go with half dome.

I use a 3-person tent by myself. I use it for car camping, but the ultimate goal for that tent is to backpack and share with my son. So if I carry the weight it will be for 2 people. I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur.

Used Big Agnes copper spur.

If you want freestanding, the Big Agnes line is well loved. Sold my Tigerwall UL2 this year for $250 with groundsheet (semi freestanding). The copper spur is also well loved and is freestanding. I just got the X-mid 1 pro and slept in it for the first time Sunday night. Dan put so much thought into the little details. Friday is a 3 day trip to Grayson Highlands where I'm expecting weather and will put it to the real test. Regarding your pup, if you put him inside you might want to look into a tyvek sheet to put on the inside for them, depending on how long/sharp their nails are. Or, maybe you already have booties for them.

Short answer, yes. Most of that list is geared toward backpacking and are made with expensive, ultralight materials. Your $70 amazon tent will be heavier or maybe somewhat light but with low durability. I have a copper spur, which is on that list. It has lasted me 7 years of backpacking trips with no issues except a broken pole section that Big Agnes replaced for free. My buddy came on one of my trips and bought a cheap “backpacking” tent from Walmart. I guess it got the job done, but it was a couple pounds heavier than mine, leaked in the rain, and the mesh door ripped when closing the zipper one night. You have to find the line between not paying up for name brands and “you get what you pay for.”

I've really like mine so far, but yes I don't think I'd trust it long term without a groundsheet of some short - even just a piece of plastic if not the official groundsheet.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur is the best lightweight tent I’ve ever had by a country mile. It’s still better to stake it since the vestibule doors need to stay away from the body of the tent for full rain protection, but I’ve had that thing all over the most remote parts of the Colorado Rockies and it has always performed perfectly. I usually only bring two stakes for the vestibule doors on either side.

MSR Hubba Hubba is really solid, tough and light.  Big Agnes Copper Spur is a pound lighter, just not as sturdy.  Both about $600.

The Big Agnes Fly Creek uses the same material and was the highest rated tent on several of those Halfway Anywhere PCT surveys for a few years, it was my primary pre-UL tent and survives to this day like 8 years later as my loner, and it's the tent used by the professional guides at the local outdoor shop. It's plenty durably. The Copper Spur is similarly rated on those surveys. They're both covered by Big Agnes warranty. Yes, they're very durable. You would, however, save over a pound by switching to the TarpTent Hogback. When the Copper Creek isn't on sale, you'd also be saving literally hundreds of dollars with the Hogback, too ... which is nice.

I have the Xmid2 (cheapest one) and it's SO easy and fits both me and my husband great. I actually picked up a Copper Spur for another trip where I was afraid my XMid would be too big and found it such a pain to set up compared to the XMid.

After months of research, I chose the BA Copper Spur and went up a size. The extra weight will mean zero, and the extra space will mean so much as you move through various conditions and needs.

The extra space allows you to bring all or most of your gear inside, with an area for boots/shoes etc. The tent is very well constructed and quite robust, with high-end materials. Construction quality has been much better than expected

I have and it managed pouring rain and high winds without issue. The key is workarounds with wind direction and staking

Please remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. If you want a high-quality durable tent, don't cheap out. I've had a few Walmart tents that didn't last long at all. And so far I've had TWO Big Agnes ultralight tents. 1 of them lasted under 2 years with CONSTANT HEAVY USE, until the rain fly started leaking a lot and the zippers broke. I plan to have it repaired (or replaced with another Big Agnes tent), but i still have the other tent for now. Please treat the interior and exterior of your INNER tent/ tent body with permethrin to keep ants from chewing holes into your tent if they sense an attractive odor from within your tent (and kill disease-spreading ticks, mosquitoes, etc. that happen to enter your tent.) DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU PLAN TO TAKE YOUR CAT INTO THE TENT WITH YOU. DO NOT treat the rain fly as permethrin can affect the waterproof seals, and will kill pollinators that land on your rain fly. (When I first permethrin sprayed the interior of my tent body, the rain fly was on and some of the permethrin got sprayed onto the underside of my rain fly. Less than 2 years later, my rain fly leaks a lot and the waterproof seals appear all chewed up.) One more tip: Unless you plan on doing a lot of long-range backpacking, do not buy an ultralight tent. Ultralight materials are very light, yes, but they are very delicate and tear and/or get holes easily. Ask me how I know... Read below. And please use a small portable rake to rake the ground where you will pitch your tent. There can be a lot of invisible sharp rocks, twigs, roots, etc. buried just under the soil surface. The optional footprint and the tent body floor for my tent now have a few holes before I started doing this. Good luck. Let us know which tent you end up getting. [EDITED: Also, do you plan on camping during the wintertime when it's really cold and snowy? If so, this will change your buying decisions greatly.]

I have a Big Agnes. Love the tent and love the brand.

Big Agnes, MSR, and Nemo are 3 of the best tent brands available. I ran the warranty desk for an outdoor gear company, and saw the least amount of warranty issues with those brands. They’re not inexpensive, but, you get what you pay for. I have a Big Agnes tent that’s at least 10 years old, we use it regularly and only have to hose the dirt off. It’s amazing. Nemo is awesome too, I know a lot of people with Nemo tents and they love them. I just got an MSR 3 person tent and absolutely love it. Definitely get a 2 person tent. The general rule is to take however many people will be sleeping in the tent, and add 1. So 1 person = 2 person tent, 2 ppl = 3 person tent and so on. A 2 person tent is more comfortable for having your gear inside the tent, changing your clothes, etc. If you don’t plan to go backpacking with it, I’d get a 3-4 person tent just for the space.

After dealing with a warranty issue with Durston I would rather deal with Big Agnes

Big Agnes warranty and customer service help is top-notch. I sent them an email earlier this week and they responded within minutes with a fix that allowed me not to send the tent in and repair it myself.

Try the REI re/supply. I got a Big Agnes tent that retails for $499 for $134. Also, REI sale is coming up in a few weeks and there will probably be a good deal on their own brand tents and others.

https://geartrade.ca/ they stock a bit of budget gear and they are not amazon. Also try thelasthunt.com, and https://www.sportchek.ca/en.html they can have some good gear in clearance. I really enjoy my big agnes tent and they are available in long, but they are pricy when not on sale.

Ive had my big agnes longer than any other tent ive owned so far! I think its at least ten years old.

Paria is a glorified dropshipping company. Durston and Big Agnes are good options, you don't need anything more niche honestly

Big Agnes ,Big house is comfy

I’ve had trouble with zippers on Big Agnes tents, but I’am in the sand often.

"I’m someone who only buys from reputable, high quality brands. I would get rid of this thing if I were you." And you're telling them to get rid of a Fjallraven tent, that they got for $200??!! Are you dumb? These are comparable to Hilleberg, which are in the $1,000's and probably some of the highest rated tents you could buy. Not to mention a lifetime warranty. You probably don't even know what a tunnel style tent is, so just stop talking. OP, you have a fantatstic tent that will probably last you many years if you take care of it. I'm talking decades. I have gear from them that is 10 years old and still looks brand new but have also had alterations done by them for free. I have a 3lb Big Agnes for reference and is paper thin, it holds up but if I found an Abisko for $200, I'd choose that in a heartbeat.

Both me and my partner love my Durston x-mid 2. Rock solid tent, fairly light weight, wasn’t ridiculously expensive, and decently roomy! Once you get the hang of setting it up it’s super easy and quick. My partner has a big Agnes, which is great, a little lighter but super tight for both of us.

I have a Nemo tent and two big Agnes. Love them both.

Completely disagreeing with this. This is a well known influencer site and list. So, it is merely a sales pitch. Lets check out the list: North Face Stormbreak. 200$ for a polyester tent in 2025! Half of the amazon junk would be more resistant to weather, and weighs half. It is an amazing tent, but only if we are in 2000s. Kelty, is it half covered in mesh, it is horrible in summer and it cannot stand winter. Then there is Hilleberg. Top of the top winter tent. If the list contains a Hilleberg I dont think there would even be a place for MSR in the list. The list then should be dominated by other Hillebergs. Also, where is the Zpacks, or Xmids? Where is mongar, or lanshan? Those are amazing <1 kilo tents .. some of which are on amazon. I agree, Amazon has a lot of junk. But also a lot of very high quality products not paying influencers. There are many better tent makers outside of this list and for many of the items in the list, they are indeed amazing products. However, for many I dont think their brand name justifies their price in 2025 anymore.

Ok let me pitch on the list then: This is an incoherent list: contains tents with different sizes and persons count, so it is creating more confusion than being helpful. Apart from that several of the tents there have well known problems: \- Hilleberg is a winter tent; if you rely on this list and buy it for a summer holiday you will die. \- Elixir does not use seam sealing and instead use a sealing technique mostly seen in cotton fabric tents, and it is known that it leaks. So late autumn it is a dangerous tent. \- North Face Stormbreak is a very old, reliable tent, but uses polyester, so it weighs around 3 kilos. You can easily find a tent with the same specs, much better material for half the price and would weigh around 2 kilos. \- Rei and Nemo tents in the list are all dome tents, which are literally replicas of each other (i would even say knock offs of Big Agnes there with inferior build quality). Many of them are half covered with fabric instead of mesh in their inners, which is terrible for summer. Always go for as much mesh as possible for summer. For early autumn, late spring they are probably good. But definitely master of none. I dont know how they are in a "best" list \- Kelty again is an old reliable tent, but has pole sleeves, so setting it up is a chore. It is covered with fabric again, so not so good for summer, would be good for mountain weather in the summer though. Still, material is outdated and setting it up is much slower than current lines of tents. \- Hillebergs are top of the top, and big agnes clearly earns its place in the list. \- MSR tents there are both very light options, but nothing special there. Personally i would carry 500 grams more instead of paying premium to a tent design that is so common. It is a very good alternative for ultralighters. \- There are other tent types, such as inflatables, such as popup tents, such as summer tents. The list contains none. So, if you are trying to find a tent to buy .. ditch this list and check out other sources. It is incoherent, it misses out a lot of different alternatives and it doesnt factor in criteria such as who? how? where? when? how many people? duration? conditions? It is basically the sunday paper of tent recommendations. A potpourri of cool images.

Buy once - cry once Don't skimp on shelter. A good tent (like the big Agnes) will last you a lifetime. Kelty is a decent second option (but usually heavier) and Coleman is more likely to tear or break a pole (I have one for family car camping and it broke a pote...repaired the pole but still swapped for TNF Wawona 4) It only takes one failure to make you wish you'd just spent the extra $. Buy the Big Agnes and move on.

Yeah there are good tents. I’m partial to Big Agnes myself, and own a couple. If you only plan to camp a few times a year, look at the REI Co-Op options, or Sierra Designs hit a good price/quality budget, or something similar. Don’t be afraid to look at lightly used too. 

I have two Big Agnes tents and really do like them a lot. I've probably owned too many tents in my time camping, but I've been impressed with them. But you do pay a bit more for them. I've used friends REI tents and they're great for the price and a casual camper. As you said as well, TNF makes a killer tent too. Lots of good options, it's all about finding the one that fits your needs and budget.

We love everything about our Big Agnes tents.

Coleman is for very occasional car camping. If you go to rainy locations, make sure the fly is full length, not just a little umbrella over the top. Kelty is a mid level brand that has some department store type stuff and some very good products. I look to the poles to see which is which. If they are fiberglass, it is low quality, and DAC or Easton Aluminum are very good. Kelty makes both ranges. Big Agnes tends to make top tier stuff. The problem is that the occasional campers might not store it properly and any tent will mildew and disintegrate if it is put away wet. When you pay top dollar, you need to do your part and care for it.

I have a big Agnes tent and it's held for over a decade. I have no problem recommending them

Always go a size up! A '6-person' is ideal for a family of 4 to actually have space. Don't underestimate the value of good headroom and a big vestibule for shoes/gear, especially with kids. We use a Big Agnes and it's been fantastic.

Nature hike kicks ass. Had the one from 5 years ago and it had been so good that it's a high recommendation to budget traveling tent and intro to light tents. It made it through tornado weather multiple times (3 season one) This was the chosen tent until saved enough to afford that same big Agnes one you mentioned and use this one now. Was Totally worth the money for the old old one back then before investing and LOVING the lightweight and strength of big Agnes now. Waited till it went 30% off sale at REI this past year. No experience with it, and I bet the new new model of nature hike is good. It's up to you how much you can actually break the bank. Both are great depending on what you can spend. If you have the money, get big Agnes. If you're punching pennies, get nature hike and keep your eye out for sales on big Agnes or work overtime to get it.

My only comment on Big Agnes in my experience is that the tents are fragile because they are so ultralight. I’ve had my Copper Spur poles snap twice. BA is great with repairing stuff but it’s not great when you’re in the back country and you’ve got to hold everything together with duck tape just to make it through the rest of the trip. My MSR on the other hand, while a little heavier, seems a lot more substantial while still being a light weight backpacking tent.