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).

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!!

Over the years I have had a few tents aimed at mainly me in them. Durston xmid 1. Works best for me currently, probably will not be bringing anything else if solo. I could see taking a different tent if freestanding is more important to you. Big agnes copper spur 2: my prior tent, still have it for when a friend is coming with me. I did like the extra space at the time...but I can't say i really miss it. Rei half dome 2: worked, but was a heavier older version from 25+ years ago. Been in a friend's newer one and it seems to have recieved some nice updates. I have also been around some big agnes fly creeks, worth a look if you see them. The 1P copper spur also was pretty compelling when I saw it in person. You also need to determine your answer to: do you want your pack in the tent? If so, a 2p tent is really the only way to do that.

TLDR: Trekking pole, double wall tent. (I own 2 Durston tent and 1 Nemo tent and have owned/gifted 2 REI tents) Here are is none complete list of all tents that will 'survive' the AT. (Semi)Free standing tent * Durston X Dome 2 * Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 * REI quarter dome 2 * Nemo Hornet/Dragonfly 2 Trekking pole tent * Durston x Mid 2 * Tarp Tents\* Info Dump * Most tents can be learned to setup Fly First for rain but Durston tents are designed with that in mind * I love Nemo and Big Agnes for their years of making good tents * Nemo advertises itself as more environmentally concerned and takes actions on it but please do your own research if this is important to you * REI has cheaper versions on Nemo/Big Agnes tents * REI Garage Sales are a great way to get slightly used tents for cheaper then new * Avoid Dynima for your first backpacking tent as its expensive and takes more care * Free Standing tents will feel safer and easier to put up and don't require trekking poles so in the rare chance your trekking pole breaks during the day you wont be SOL * Trekking pole tents can be more storm worthy then Free standing tents if pitched correctly, Weigh Less, no ridged poles in your bag, and simpler once learned. My Generic Recommendation * If you plan to backpack/Camp with this tent more then 5 trips a year or 10 nights go for a trekking pole tent (Durston X Mid 2) as you will learn the trekking pole tent skill and benefit from what makes them good * If you are planning to mostly do car camping trips or base camping then i would recommend Free Standing tent as you won't benefit as much from the trekking pole benefits and will still have access to your poles even if your tent is pitched (No specific recs) *There are likely spelling/grammar issues but i feel like i spent enough time on this post*

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.

I just bought the copper spur 3 and absolutely love it. I have used the copper up 2 (not xl) and use it as a 1 person tent and love it. I would go to the 3 over the 2 xl. The xl is longer, long comes in less handy then wider. I have had no problems with any weather conditions in either of these tents. I think the awning is a little silly it’s really small. That said, I absolutely love that the vestibule opens at the end. It makes it super convenient to get things in or out of the tent. Grab your head lamp out inside pocket without crouching down. They have awesome pockets inside. Love both of these tents.

I found a BA UL2 in their 2nd hand store a few years ago, such a steal, have not looked back

UL2 is great. Im a big fan of BA tents, have a UL1 fly creek for lighter soli option and a ul2 for 2p more spacious option for 1 or 2 people. They tie down well and sit through weather decently.

Yep, have had good results up king range off the lost coast in cold, rainy and windy conditions with fly creek. Abd windy/ wet cobditions in big sur. Ul1 and ul2 have both worked for me

Trekking 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.

They 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.