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Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
crownvic64Keep 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.
BigGreenQuackAttackThat’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
NeekotaI used a 1P tent (X-Mid 1) on the PCT, but upon experiencing the others' tents, decided to upgrade to a 2P (BA Copper Spur UL2). I think it is well worth the added weight, and I pack (almost) ultra-light.
0dteSPYFDsTrekking pole tents are the way to go. They’re less intimidating than they seem, are lighter, pack smaller and have way quicker set up. I went from a BA CS UL 2 to an X-Mid 1 P Pro and wouldn’t recommend the BA because of how long it took to set up. Being able to sleep under the stars was nice with a double wall, but not worth taking 20-30 mins to set up and breakdown vs 5 with my new tent.
Affectionate_Love229They are all very good tents. Some do things a little better than others, but weight vs price is a very common primary consideration. Unless you have a specific requirement (you are tall, have a dog, or similar) they are all very good tents. I have older versions of the copper spur and the hubba, the xdome is highly recommended and my buddy just bought the nemo and really likes it (he got it on a huge discount, I assume on an order model?). One consideration is to go with a trekking pole tent.
AsheStrikerI 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.
brttf3the copper spur is a great tent.
ElaikasesThe Durston 2p will actually fit two people. The other tents are ok for 2p for a weekend or a week but will get to feeling crowded after a while. I mean I loved my Copper Spur but after a month or two in the Appalachian Trail my wife and I were always looking for an excuse to sleep somewhere else. That said, if this is your first, I would seriously look at less expensive options like Lanshan and similar choices and look at hiking pole tents. Freestanding tents are nice but you will find that they set up better when fully pitched out. Eventually it turns out that with a little experience that a trekking pole tent sets up just as fast but weighs less and costs less.
I have hiked with: REI Half Dome. Too heavy but free standing and plenty of room for two. Probably 90 miles with it. A couple discontinued tents. About forty-fifty miles with them. A Big Agnes Copper Spur. The 2p gets feeling cramped for two after a while. About 1,200’miles on the AT with it. A triplex. Great tent, especially with the pole caps. Finished the AT and did a good part of the PCT with it. XMid Pro 2. It is smaller than the XMid 2 and gets to feeling crowded after a while—which is why they brought out the 2+. Great for one person though. Did more of the PCT and part of the Oregon Coast Trail with it. Off-set Trio. My wife and I will be back on the trail in a couple weeks with it. 43 square feet. It is a palace. Almost 2,000 miles with it, mostly on the CDT.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Backpacking
Top pick
Durston - X-Mid 2
Best for Beginner camping
Top pick
Gazelle Tents - T4 Hub Tent Series
Best for Comfort-focused car camping
Top pick
Gazelle Tents - T4 Hub Tent Series
Best for Hot and humid weather camping
Top pick
Durston - X-Mid 2
Best for Rain and wind
Top pick
The North Face - Wawona 6
Best for Snow and wind
Top pick
SlingFin - Portal 2
