Big Agnes - Copper Spur UL2 Expedition

BA CSs are awesome. I have an Expedition version for canoeing, but I wouldn’t call any version of it ultralight. For UL I’d recommend a single pole tent. More aerodynamic and you have an extra pole if one breaks ( which happened to me when I got caught in unexpected deep snow).

I have the UL2 and it’s a great tent. It looks like the design of both is very similar, but the tiger wall is slightly lighter. WRT durability the fabric is quite thin so I always carry a footprint, but no durability issues with about 2 weeks total use time. All that being said if you have multiple little ones both of these tents are probably going to be quite cramped for you. Even if you only have one I regret going with the two person over the three when I take my girlfriend camping with me.

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.

As someone who is 6’ 10”. I have the Xmid pro 2 and it’s a game changer. I finally can fit without needing to curl up. I had the BA copper spur UL2 prior and it was ok but the xmid is another level.

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.

Ditto on the BA Copper Spur UL 2. Purchased mine in '18 for the JMT. Tried to go UL, but have gone full circle back to this tent. Took it on the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah this past August, where the afternoon hailstorms were mind blowing. This tent is a freaking bomb shelter.

I’m your height, solo woman doing a NOBO LASH in April. I just got the Durston XDome +1. It’s 35 oz and has enough room for my pack/gear in rainy weather. My usual tent is a BA Copper Spur UL2 at a little over 3 lbs and it’s great but has a larger footprint and is bulkier than what I want for 5-6 weeks on trail. People get hung up on UL but hike your own hike and if you like your tent, take it!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Yep. My wife and I have been backpacking with a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 for 5 years now, and it is great. Before that, I camped and backpacked out of the original Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 for a decade, and it was light, portable, and stood up to a windstorm or two, and a snowstorm that collapsed several of the other tents in my group. Either tent would work well for OP, I think.

I got a Copper Spur UL2, and took it for a test night. LOVED IT!

Another vote for the BA Copper Spur UL line!! We have the 2 person and now as a family of 3 plus two mini Aussies we have the 4P. Love these tents, so spacious!!

I have never owned a trekking pole or non free standing tent, so I can't totally comment on a comparison, but here's what we use as a family: We have one child and two small dogs and we have the Big Agnes UL Copper Spur 4 person and love it. I prefer having a tent with poles because it's easy to set up and sturdy and no fuss and still pretty damn light! Prior to that we had two ultralight 2 person tents (both with poles -I had the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2UL). When we started out, my husband had the dogs in his 2P tent and I had my son in mine. Now that we have the bigger tent, we use our old tents to loan out friends! We like all being together.

I use a big Agnes copper spur 2. I'm 6 foot 3 and fit comfortably with my gear. I've also used it for two people before and was still comfortable

You will probably end up hearing the Big Agnes copper spur 2 person tent. It's a very popular backpacking tent and is great. I've had mine for over ten years and still use it. It's a bit out of budget. Currently on Sale for 370 on their website but it's worth it

MSR Hubba Hubba 2LT Freestanding Packaged Weight: 3.375 lb (1.54 kg) $549.95 Durston X-Mid 2 Trekking Pole tent Typical Setup (Tent, Sack, 6 Stakes) 2.125 lb / 965 g $289 USD ($299 with stakes) If you use trekking poles, I think the Durston tent is the way to go. If you prefer freestanding, the MSR tent is obviously a good choice. If you like freestanding tents, the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 is similar price to the MSR tent and slightly lighter so may be worth your consideration. These are all good choices but weight is a concern for me so I go with the lightest option I feel safe and comfortable in.

A lot of good 2 person tents have reasonable size vestibules that allow you to store packs just outside, but covered under the rainfly. Some are good for 2, some are better for 1. I like a 2, It's great if it's *just me*, and if it's my partner, I tend to open sleeping bags so we're usually close by anyhow. My partner likes a 3 person, but it's because they'd rather have a little more space for putting stuff inside. With normal width camping mattress + average size, a Nemo Osmo Dagger 2 is pretty reasonable, Copper Spur 2 by Big Agnes, Most of the REI ones are alright, same with North Face & MSR. There's a few that have wonky vestibules, but it's easy to sus out.

Keep 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.

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.

That looks more like SE Ok. I think your GPS is off by 4 hrs. Haha If I may - you want a 3 season tent that breathes so you can use it in the hot spring and late summer. Go to REI and learn about them, then buy on EBay. A 4 season tent will not breathe so well. Keep the vent open at night so condensation from your breath doesn’t collect or your tent will be soaked on the inside at sunrise. Warmth comes from your sleep system. Buy a decent air mattress (klymite? $90-100) and a sleep bag for 20-30f temps. I always use a cheap bag liner (keeps the bag from collecting body oils and adds 3-6 degrees of warmth, easily washable). Always go to bed with dry feet and loose; wool socks and loose base layer - think layers. And neck gator is a must if cold. If you afford a better sleeping bag, awesome. Most can’t. Also, the smaller the tent, the warmer. I have an REI one man quarterdome and love it. I also have a Big Agnes Spur (?) 2 man for me and my dog or wife and it is great. Maybe a bit too roomy. Bought both used. If you can afford new - go for it. [good website to learn about gear](https://www.cleverhiker.com/) Don’t over think it and just do it, then adjust. You can hike up the west side of that stream, climb over the ridge and backpack camp on /near the top. Park at the bridge, go upstream with the river on your right, it’s only about a half mile, maybe 3/4. Or for your first time, camp near your car. Good luck

● Recommended * Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2-3. One of the most commonly used tents for the AT, CDT, and PCT. * Durston X-Dome 2. Most likely to receive the 2025 tent of the year award. ● Not recommended * MSR tents. There's better stuff out there for the money. They've become the Chipotle of tents. * Nemo tents. These are middle-premium tents. They're relatively expensive, and the quality is high. However, they make glorified sizes. You basically have to go one-size up for space, and they don't place much importance on headroom or stow pocket real estate.

That’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

I just got the copper spur today and was disappointed to see how thin it is, especially on the bottom. I was thinking of returning it bc I’m fearful it will rip while I’m out on a 500 mile thru hike. Has yours ripped?

I have the 2 person and have used it 5 times so far. I am hoping this is a wear in thing, but it sounds like a present being unwrapped when you move in it.

It is that loud even with no footprint

That is what i would buy as well. The double side doors are really nice.

I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person tent that I really like - if you find it onsale you can get it under $500. But as another poster said, the Durston 2 person tent is the favorite among those who have it - since my tent is working fine I haven't needed to make a change.

Big Agnus UL2 is a nice tent. Easy to set up. Not as light as some but very sturdy and roomy.

I have the XMid Pro 2 and backpack with one of our huskies almost every trip. Mika is 45lbs, Max is 50lbs. Just one dog and me fit easily with extra room for gear. Two people and one of our dogs would work but be tight. (replaced a Strat Li but below applies to both tents) To protect the floor, I bring a full size z-fold pad (generic z-lite). I cut it into two pieces - about 1/3 and 2/3rds. I place them together to put where the dog will be sleeping. I cut it into two pieces so that I can use the 2/3rd piece under my pad in the event I get cold. They can still use the 1/3rd. I lay a costco quilt over the top of the pad. The like to "dig" sometimes. Between the pad and quilt, it protects the floor long enough until I can tell them to stop. For just casual walking in and out of the tent, laying down etc, there would be no need to protect the floor. Kneeling on a sharp rock or stick would probably do more damage than a dog stepping on the floor. We also have a Big Agnes UL2 and UL3 we've used for people and dogs. Only damage to any of the tents (first time out in a brand new UL3) was when I walked away with the dog in the tent and she paw'd at the screen and ripped it. Luckily, she hit the pocket so it didn't affect the door.

How close are you to a REI or two? Lots of used-once/light-use summer gear being returned right now, to be in each store's ReSupply section soon. I processed a 2P Copper Spur for ours just tonight, but that probably wouldn't help you -- we're in the most NW of the PNW.

This is the problem. The copper spur seems very susceptible to it for some reason. Both my 4p and 2p do this more than any other tent I've ever had. They're still my favorite tents though.

Big Agnes ultra light 2 person tent.

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?

We each have our own hammock... Def my preference! We have a 2 person Big Agnes that we put our packs in or use if the weather is really bad (even tho I have a rain fly for my hammock now!)

Right now REI is clearing out excellent Big Agnes 2P tents. They’re the best for the price. Light, tough, freestanding. Easy setup. No gimmicks.

I have a 1p REI tent and a 2p Big Agnes. I use the smaller one in colder conditions because it takes less space in my pack, which makes more room for extra insulation. When it’s warmer, I don’t need all the extra warmth at night so I can bring the bigger tent. My typical camping trip is 1-2 nights, and I try to keep my pack weight low, but I will always pack the bigger tent when I can.

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.

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.