Big Agnes - Copper Spur HV UL3 mtnGLO®

I got the Mtn Glo version of this tent. Absolutely love it. So easy to setup and breakdown.

We have a CS UL3 HV for us and our 40lb Heeler, with two 20" rectangular pads. The dog has a cut-down ZLite. It's just about perfect. It'd be nice to move to 25" tapered pads, not sure how that would work though, given we have a double quilt.

Agreed! But I'd recommend the hvul3. Got it last season and have loved it. Perfect for 2 people plus dog, or just 2 people. Just got back from a trip where my dad and I shared it. If only it muted snoring...

Will 2nd the 3p as well. Its tough as hell to sleep with a second person in any UL 2p. Sleep will be garbage. Extra 1lb is absolutely worth it.

25 and 30oz for a 1 person? My big Agnes cooper sour ul 3 person is 40 oz The lightest and best 1P I know of is the zpacks 1P

So I have a family of 5 and the 5 person copper spur UL. Overall it is a very tight fit for 5 people. I still use it when I just have my 2 daughters and have a lot more space, but if I could do it again I would likely buy two 3p Copper UL. Also the entry ways are great on these and I do like the Copper Spur.

Also agree, but take it up a notch to the ul3 Hotel so you have the "garage" to keep the gear in and maximize the space inside. I backpack with this tent and if it quit tomorrow I would buy another with the hotel, I love it and while a luxury for one (although I'm a big guy) it is still pretty perfect for two

Big Agnes is 100% worth it to me. They’ve replaced 2 tents for me and restrung poles for free. I currently have a Seedhouse 2 (replaced a 1 after delamination), a four season something which replaced a seedhouse 2 and a copper spur 3. Recommend them all the time.  Also the $1000 is an extreme weather tent. If your out in winter or serious elements, you don’t screw around with your shelter. 

No I don’t think so. I have the copper spur 3 and have at least 25 nights on it with 2 people in it and no holes. No groundsheet. I also have 2 other 1p UL tents, both with 40+ nights. One got a little hole in the fly area from a spark. Easily patched.

Boy howdy. I've wrestled with this nuisance a lot the past few years with two 50-80 pound dawgs with me. Given ur tent size, my Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 ULV (fully-staked taut fly) in the High Sierra would be comparable and has tolerated and removed a lot of condensation. My three other 3P-6P high-end tents do very well if just mindful to give all the vents full exposure too. In a pinch, pack some calcium chloride in a crappy sock, place in an open-ended ziploc, and pull that juice out of your tent.

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.

If you want a 3 person tent for the weight of a 2 person tent, get an ultralight tent like the big agnes cooper spur hv ul3, which has the bonus of being a tiny bit wider, longer, and taller than a typical 3 person tent, too! All for the weight of a typical decently priced 2 person tent (about four pounds).

Ultralight 3 person tents weigh about as much as a traditional 2-person tent so I agree this can be an excellent option. On my last trip we used our Big Agnes Copper Spur 3UL and with just two people it felt like a palace. I acknowledge it's a really pricey tent, but compared to the 2XL it's only slightly heavier/pricier and much more useful for situations where you actually need to shelter three people, or maybe 2 people plus a dog.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is the QUEEN of 3person tents. It *will* get a bit cramped once you have two adult-sized boys, but it’s still doable. But at that point, you’ll be at the end of that tent’s lifespan (newer tents will be much lighter) and/or the boys are gonna want to sleep alone in their own tent. For an even lighter option, the Tarptent Triple Rainbow, Hogback, or Cloudburst 3 person tents are all great choices. One thing to consider: double doors are more pleasant with two people … but with 3, you may want a front-opening single-door tent like the Cloudburst. That way, nobody needs to climb over anyone else for the bathroom. The Cloudburst also won’t feel too tight with an adult and two adult-size kids. It has TWO openings/vestibules but they’re positioned at the head and foot, so no climbing over your friends.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is what my husband and I use for most longer trips as a couple (extra space really helps when on the road for weeks or months), and with a kid along I think it would be a good balance of space to weight especially for shorter trips. It's not cheap but I've seen a few good holiday sales recently. We love how easy it is to set up, roomy inside, and quite light for the features it has.

Big Agnes specs 53oz for the copper spur ul3 at trail weight. The copper spur 1p is 32oz. Durston really shines with it's space for value, the xmid 1 has the same footprint as many lightweight 2 person shelters. Which is good and bad. You'd be hard pressed to find a comparable combination of weight/price/living space.

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Weight: ~3 lbs 14 oz (trail weight) Price: ~$650 Pros: Freestanding with excellent interior volume Two doors and two large vestibules High-quality materials and DAC poles Good for long trips and moderate weather Cons: Expensive Thin fabric requires some care 2. MSR Hubba Hubba 3P Weight: ~3 lbs 12 oz (trail weight) Price: ~$600 Pros: Excellent balance of weight and durability Symmetrical design, spacious for two or cozy for three Great ventilation and weather resistance Cons: Slightly tighter vestibule space than Copper Spur

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.

This is my choice also. Occasionally on sale but get the UL3. And if not on sale may stretch the budget.

The Copper Spur UL 3 Hotel is really livable and enjoyable to use. The massive Hotel vestibule makes a big difference practically and psychologically. For wind, i add more guylines and stakes and it has been OK. Including those extras it's 2.1kg.

Yes, how a tent feels is very hard to gauge on paper. I often spurn the CS Hotel because you could go lighter (and for that I have the wonderful Tarptent Dipole-2-dw). But... I keep going back to the CS Hotel because of that fabulous vestibule. You can sit on a chair inside it. You can scatter your gear around. You can leave it open as a welcoming large entrance.

I have the same tent and agree it was worth the investment especially for frequent backpackers.

I definitely recommend contacting them. I have the same tent and love it. I have another older big Agnus that's needed zipper repairs and they've been so helpful.

I invested in a Big Agnus ultra light 3 person tent for when my partner and I go camping. It has some extra room for gear and our dogs. It's very light. I've been using Big Agnus tents for a decade and love them. Their customer service is awesome if you ever need repairs.

I have a copper spur UL3. It’s an absolute palace for two people, and it’s light enough that I can carry it comfortably by myself. I do at times find the rain fly a little awkward, just because of the way the zippers work for the awning, which I don’t really use much. But otherwise I’m very happy with it.

How tall are you? I tried lying down in last year‘s hubba hubba two person, and it was too small for me to lie straight across. I’m 6 foot four. I could go on a diagonal if I was by myself, but I wanted to be with a friend. Ended up getting a three person copper spur.

I was disappointed with our Copper Spur. The floor got tons of tiny holes in it after one use, on clear, soft ground. We barely used it and it didn’t hold up. Maybe the nature of ultralight though 

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.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3, lighter than you can imagine, made with high-quality materials, capable of perfectly handling harsh weather, the only problem is that its around $500 ....

Had a similar experience with mine. Use a Big Agnes footprint and still got holes after 10 or so nights. They don’t seem to matter at all and I LOVE the tent so I keep using it. Just a little disappointed.

I did a 3 night backpacking trip in Havasupai. I got the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 UL. They also sell a 2 person one, but the 3 person one will give you a little extra room. In reality, 2 person tents are really 1 person tents unless you’re basically sleeping on each other lol. It’s a great tent. I just have to patch it up because a squirrel or mouse chewed through it on the last night because I forgot tortillas inside the inner pocket ugh!!

I have a Big Agnes copper spur UL3 (3 person) that I love for backpacking. It’s a little heavy solo, but I love having the extra space. I hate feeling claustrophobic in a tent, so it’s worth the weight expense over the 2p for me. Based on the height of your boyfriend, the larger space might suit him better too.

Seconding that the Copper Spur is an awesome tent. I love how easy it is to set up and how it is essentially bomb proof. I use a 3 person version for trips with my wife and big dog. For solo trips, I think trying out one of the lighter trekking pole tents (you can use a substitute pole that is NOT a trekking pole too) is the way to go. There are tons of options nowadays so you can pretty much get whatever thing you want between a tarp and a full on tent.

I’m a big fan of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HVUL3 for your use case. Super durable, essentially bomb proof, and plenty roomy for two and a dog.

Admittedly, I've got 3 tents (1-3 person). We are a 3p family and that's it. I've got a 3 yo. We've been camping with our kid since she was 7 weeks old. When we backpack as a family, I use a copper spur UL3 (us parents have wide pads so a regular 2p tent would never work for us). To be blunt. Toddlers are crazy AF - I'd be crushed if my kiddo ripped up a UL non-freestanding tent. They are SO pricey! Cost and durability alone is worth the extra weight for me. It's just less risky and more likely to stay standing when I turn around for 3 seconds and my ferral child decides to break the rules and jump around on the tent walls. Not to mention wandering around camp tripping on the guys, pulling out stakes, you name it. A freestanding tent is tidier. And if you haven't taken your kid out yet - 1.5 is prime to break stuff, fall, bite, chew, trip, etc. I feel like when she's much older, we may opt for a different setup as a family, but this works great for now and I know I can rely on it. Frankly, you'll be forced to carry stuffies, rocks, other random unnecessary "treasure" they insist on taking, heavier food, packing out diapers if you're using them, and of course - them. Another pound isn't going to kill me at that point. But I'm also an alpine trad climber - so heavy bags were a part of my life before a child. Just trading my rack for her stuff. We go UL with absolutely everything else. I would think about growth a little bit. Will the Durston Pro 2+ fit 3 of your pads? Your kiddo will need their own pad by next year. Are you expanding your family? That would impact my choice if that were the case. In my experience, purchasing a tent that will "do it all" did not work for us - hence why we ended up with 3.

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. 

Though the Copper Spur is truly free standing. I do like the features of the Rainbow DW though. The symmetrical shape and size is more usable than people realize.

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.

Survived in a Kelty 2p for years with a spouse , but the day I upgraded to a big Agnes copper spur hvUL3....there is no going back. About 6? Or 8? Years in. Pricey, so make sure it's a hobby you will stick with . But with the hotel fly, man there is room for packs and to take the near 5yo on his first bigger trip soon. Dog, whatever! Big Agnes has an awesome shape even in their 2p, more height with the square shape so it feels a lot less crowded. The weight/size difference between most 2 and 3p is negligible.

Big Agnes Copper spur UL3 (however, we use it for 2 people and a dog)

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.

Agree. I have a Copper Spur UL3--good for two adults, or three in pinch--and it is amazing. As light as you can get without going crazy, very durable, well designed, and easy to pitch. I have probably 100 nights on mine and it is still perfect. I say this as someone who is not a fanboy of gear but who was genuinely impressed at this tent.

Copper Spur, but get the 3man, unless you like it cosy

A 3 person big Agnes high volume is what you’re looking for

Yup. Best tent for two people is a three person ultra-light. Camp/backpack a LOT. And still like my partner. In a 3p Big Agnes.

I kinda had the same thing. We decided to get a 3p tent because our two wide pads were smacking together in the copper spur 2. The whole copper spur line is on sale rn bc of the new hyperbead copper spur. We’re also eyeing a zenbivvy double bed, but that’s very expensive and will only be a purchase I’m willing to make if we end up camping together a lot or one of my buddies takes up cuddling.

It’s lighter to carry one tent than multiple and at the point I did this more one kid was too small to carry their own. also would have been too scared to sleep on their own. used a copper spur 3p with two kids. Bit of a squeeze these days I have a handmade tent similar to a soloplex and a The One. Could take both of them with oldest kid. With youngest probably still the copper spur.

I think the 3 person big Agnes copper spur is your best bet but would admittedly be a tight squeeze depending on how big your boys are

I recommend looking for a 2 or 3 person tent for the humans with a vestibule for the dogs and gear. We have the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 person tent for the humans and the Hotel vestibule accessory for our dog.

After one trip with another backpacker in a Copper Spur 2, I bought the 3 person size for two. I have had it seven years. I took it to Philmont, NM and all over Colorado. It handled wind and thunderstorms.

The 3p allows two of us to sort backpack items inside the tent during a storm. The 2p is too small for that. It is just enough for two 6 foot tall people to sleep. Yes the bottom is super thin. I always use a Gossamer Gear plastic tarp under the copper spur bottom. I could have bought the Big Agnes foot print.

Copper Spur 3P with equipment divided between 2 people it is fairly lightweight

Big agnes 3 person with 2 vestibules. Free standing tent, not too heavy.

I would recommend checking the rei outlet. Since this is a holiday weeekend they will have a members only coupon that can be applied to outlet prices. I bought a great Big Agnes 3 man tent normal price of 300 for about 120. If you are not picky on a specific model it is a great way to get quality gear on the cheap. If you are not a member it's cheap to join and lasts a lifetime.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

"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.