Big Agnes - Copper Spur HV UL5

Also dad of a 7 and 10 year old. The tigerwall UL 3 is a spacious tent for 2 25-inch pads and a good tent for 3 20-inch pads. It’s a snug fit, but bumping up another size incurred a size/weight penalty that wasn’t worth it to me. I also have the copper spur 5 for when mom comes.  I have 3 of the previous model insulated nemo tensor, 20-inch, rectangular. The tigerwall fits those.

Always sharing. I have a three person tiger wall for me and a kid (or both kids). I have 3 20 inch pads (last model Nemo tensors) when it’s both kids. For one kid, we use two wide REI helix pads (25 inch). If all 4 of us go, then I bring a 5 person copper spur, and then it’s 2 helix and 2 tensors. I use a quilt, but my wife and kids are all in sleeping bags. Solo, I mostly stick to my plex solo (with wide helix and quilt).  I carry most of the gear under any group configuration. The 5 person tent is tough. I like the copper spur, but any tent that fits 4 is going to be a pain in the ass. The tiger wall 3UL is not too bad, poles and all. Be mindful of usable space. If you share a 2 person tent, it may limit your pad selection. 

I snagged a pre-2025 edition (not their new "hyperbead" tech) of Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 5p for $350USD (\*significantly\* cheaper than original MSRP) seller Branded Factory Outlet. It was brand new, never opened. Two doors, two vestibules for small storage. [https://www.amazon.com/Big-Agnes-Copper-Backpacking-Person/dp/B09R2M269L](https://www.amazon.com/Big-Agnes-Copper-Backpacking-Person/dp/B09R2M269L) Packed weight: 3 lbs 3 oz (\~1.45kg), Packed size: 22 x 6 inches (55.88cm x 15.24cm) If you're able to find a similar/same seller on ebay or something who can ship to you (if the Amazon listing won't), that might be a good option as it's a large high quality backpacking tent at a really good price.

Gotta tell you that I bought the BA CS UL several years ago and the weight, packing size, ease of setup and quality of construction was worth every penny.

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!

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.

Nemo products are well thought out. The REI tent is tested and has been around for a long time. BA - why/how are they still in business? answer, branding. the copper spur looks like a good tent for taking IG selfies, but that rainfly door funnels water directly into the tent, so you cannot leave it up with hiking poles. Additionally, the roof of the BA tent pools water. Stupid design. Customer service for this company was great many many years ago, but now it is horrible. Copper Spur UL has many defects, the most common is zipper failure of both the rainfly and doors. they are sewn poorly, and are super delicate, require both hands to zip, and commonly fail. Mine failed after a few weeks. the stitching was crooked, and I sent pics to them. The rep said they would replace it, no problem, "what's your address?" .... " general delivery." When they found out I was in the middle of a through hike, and needed a tent, they then told me I would need to send in both rainfly and tent and wait for 3 weeks... followed by "you should just buy a new one at the nearest dealer. " fuck big anus and their POS tents. \*the only reason I bought it was because I got it brand new for around $100usd.

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?