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)
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!
Since you've had a great run with the Hubba Hubba, the HD is a solid safe bet, but check out the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. It’s incredibly popular for a reason, it’s lighter than the MSR and handles wind surprisingly well in my experience.
A lot of "four season" tents are really just beefed up 3-season tents with fewer mesh panels and more solid wall fabric, so they don't ventilate as well. There are a few tents out there with zip-on covers for more mesh, but nothing perfect. I use a Big Agnes Copper Spur and just bring an extra liner for cold nights.
I've used the Copper Spur HV UL2 for quite a few years. Unless they updated it, it does require re-waterproofing every year or two. There are tents with better materials that have essentially permanent waterproofing. The tent setup is fairly straightforward, no complaints. It's not the fastest to set up but there's nothing particularly annoying about it. You could probably find a lighter weight tent as well. I like the space of the UL2 compared to the UL1, but I do sometimes wish I had a lighter tent overall. You will want to most likely buy a ground sheet. I've used DUCK brand "MAX Insulating Film" for mine, cut to shape, though whenever I buy another one I'm probably going with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K9XZ1JT?smid=AP1AW6G204RCT&th=1 . Big Agnes sells a fitted one I think, but last I checked it was needlessly expensive.
So overall, it's a good tent, has got the job done for 5-6 years now, but I don't particularly love it or anything to completely recommend it above others.
I have no idea about the SlingFin ones. My brother has used a Durston tent that uses trekking poles for the frame, and that style has become increasingly popular. The weight savings seems nice, but I'm not sure if I'd use it with carbon fiber trekking poles in higher winds.
When pitched properly, it's fine for most weather. I wouldn't use it in super high winds though. I didn't have any problems in Patagonia with it but I also didn't run into incredibly windy weather at any campsites. The windiest campsites I was at also had windbreaks. I've used it in other moderately high winds without issues, just have to take the extra steps to put extra stakes in.
I haven't had any problems with rain. I did have to reapply waterproofing, but I had a lot of warning before it would've become an issue. You see the outer shell fabric start holding more water than it should.
Again, it's not a tent that I consider to be so great that you should immediately buy it, it's just *fine*. I haven't had any real problems with it. The other ones you're considering might simply be better, but I haven't used them. I don't think you'll regret buying it, but you might not love it.
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Alaskanarrowusa
