Big Agnes - Copper Spur UL1

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.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 seems to check most of your boxes and can be had for under $300 from several online retailers at the moment. I’d prefer the Durston Xdome, but that comes in almost $100 over budget and you’d also have to wait until it’s available.

nemo is great according to friends I just camped with. they loved theirs. I had a brand new Copper Sur UL1 and it was also great. Incredibly light, quick set up, sleek and sturdy. I bought it to camp in a rainforest, specifically for the weight and waterproofing.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 or UL2, or Copper Spur UL1 or Copper Spur UL2.

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.

I have that BA tent. I love it and will never use a trekking pole tent again.

Sorry, the Copper Spur 1

I don’t get the arguments about not being able to fit your gear in a 1p tent. People can fit all their gear into a 50 L backpack, but once the sleeping bag and sleeping pad are removed they’re not able to fit the rest of the stuff near their feet? Getting him a huge tent just because you want the extra room is actually a bit selfish in my opinion because of all the extra room you take at campsites. Big Agnes has been running a lot of sales in local sporting good stores and I think their Copper Spur 1p fantastic.

I put the Durston down then saw that someone posted the on sale Copper Spur 1. This is a fantastic tent.

I gave up on trekking pole tents because I too am getting old and hate spending time finagling 6 guy outs and still rarely getting a great pitch. The one man copper spur is my new freestanding tent. It did fine for a week in the high Sierra - stood up to wind and weather and has a huge shelf for storage which I came to love. They go on sale periodically for around 300 bucks. Of course the Durston freestanding tent came out and I'm intrigued...

I had a hubba Hubba nx2 but wanted lighter so I got a hornet osmo 2P. Returned it because I couldn’t get in the tent during rain without the poorly designed fly dropping water on tent body mesh. Now I have a Durston xmid2 pro for most trips and a BA copper spur 1 if its platform tenting. I love the hubba. Old style was just too heavy. All the Durston products are fantastic!

Yeah, I figured. I have a Big Agnes tent that I got for a great deal. It's only a one man tent, and I wish I would have opted for the two man tent so I have more room for my gear. I think you're right, just a gimmick. Happy trails my friend.

I actually have a very nice Big Agnes one man tent. I was more interested in this pop-up tent for like 2 day picnic trips with my family every blue moon when the weather is fair. I usually camp alone, but I was recently welcomed into a beautiful family. Would be nice to just pop out that fuggin' thing.. like a lame-a** magic trick.

Am I the only one who does not share a tent with my wife? She carries a Big Agnes 1p and I carry the 2p for that luxury condo on the trail. This works great and with two light tents, is very manageable and gives us our space on a trip where it is nothing but the two of us.