Copper Spur HV UL2

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!

Shelter - the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 paired with the Big Agnes Greystone 20°F down bag Make sure you pair that bag with a high-end insulated sleeping pad like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT to block the ground too For the rest of your kit, pack zero cotton! bring a $10 mosquito head net and keep a can of bear spray clipped to your hip at all times as well. These [30 essentials for winter](https://alaskanarrows.com/30-essential-items-for-winter-hiking-and-camping/) could come in handy for the trip as well, cheers

We have four tents: 1. UL minimalist 2P backpacking tent (Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2) for the most strenuous backpacking trips where every ounce matters 2. UL 3P backpacking tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2) our typical backpacking tent with our dog 3. Very cheap 2-3P dome tent for car camping (typical Wal-Mart tent) an extra tent for friends/family just in case 4. Large 4P stand-up tent (Eureka Copper Canyon 4P tent, with queen cot) For car camping, #4 is so, so nice. Being off the ground where both of us can be standing and getting dressed, etc. at the same time is a huge luxury compared to being on the ground. That said, we also have a towable 17ft camper that is next level across the board (queen bed, fridge, hot/cold water, toilet, shower, table, etc. We also sleep in the back of the 4Runner when we arrive at the trailhead late at night for an early morning start.

I just upgraded from my Copper Spur 2p to the same name but bike packing in the 3p. Nothing wrong with my 2p quality wise, just not enough room for me plus all my gear (motocamper so boots, jacket, pants, helmet)

LOVE my BA Copper Spur 2p

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

For southern Utah, I use my Copper Spur HV UL2 and it works well when I need to camp on slab; its been pretty storm worthy at the same time (*although I can't say its survived 75+ mp*h). It does go on sale pretty often if you look around (i.e., using a 20% off coupon from REI will drop it under $500 before tax). The footprint is a separate purchase (*definitely overpriced at $90*) and something to consider in total cost. Also, depending on if you ever plan on using it as a true 2-person tent, you may want to look at the UL2 XL version ($50 more) that isn't tapered from top to bottom and gives more length, width, and head height; as it fits two 25" pads for a few ounces more. Good luck!

For southern Utah, I use my Copper Spur HV UL2 and it works well when I need to camp on slab; its been pretty storm worthy at the same time (*although I can't say its survived 75+ mp*h). It does go on sale pretty often if you look around (i.e., using a 20% off coupon from REI will drop it under $500 before tax). The footprint is a separate purchase (*definitely overpriced at $90*) and something to consider in total cost. Also, depending on if you ever plan on using it as a true 2-person tent, you may want to look at the UL2 XL version ($50 more) that isn't tapered from top to bottom and gives more length, width, and head height; as it fits two 25" pads for a few ounces more. Good luck!