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.
You’re honestly looking at the “correct” tier of first backpacking tents, especially for the PNW. None of these are bad picks — it really comes down to what you prioritize when conditions are wet and you’re spending more time inside.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
This is probably the most common “first serious backpacking tent” for a reason. It’s light, easy to set up, and very livable for the weight. Good pockets and decent interior space. Downsides are the lighter fabric (you’ll want to be mindful of abrasion) and condensation management in wet weather, which is more about venting and site choice than the tent itself.
Durston X-Dome 2
More of a design-forward pick. Typically stronger structure and weather performance than most mainstream ultralight tents, especially in wind and rain. Less flashy, more functional. The tradeoff is availability/support compared to something you can grab off the shelf at REI. If you like thoughtful design and storm worthiness, this is a strong option.
Nemo Dagger 2P
The comfort king in this list. Noticeably roomier inside, great vestibules, and very forgiving on long rainy nights. It is heavier and bulkier, but for PNW trips where you might be stuck inside due to weather, that comfort can be worth it.
MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2
A classic, durable, dependable tent. Handles bad weather well and feels solid. Interior space is good but not as roomy as the Dagger. Weight sits between the Dagger and Copper Spur depending on the version. It’s a “buy once and don’t think about it again” option.
* Best balance of weight + comfort: Copper Spur UL2
* Best livability in wet conditions: Nemo Dagger 2P
* Most weather-focused, design-driven option: Durston X-Dome 2
* Most traditionally durable and dependable: MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2
You’re in a good price range and any of these will work — it’s more about whether you want lighter, roomier, or tougher.
They are all solid. The Copper Spur is a favorite for a lot of people on Reddit but I also worry about the durability of the super light fabric. The Hubba was a favorite of the staff when I worked at MEC (Canadian version of REI).
Most outdoor stores will let you set them up in the store to try them out.
I actually agree a lot with what you said about going to REI if you can. The hands-on part matters way more than most people think. Seeing the tents set up in person makes the differences a lot more obvious than specs online ever do.
From what I’ve used /seen, all the tents you listed are honestly solid, so it really comes down to tradeoffs. The copper spur feels really light and roomy but also a bit delicate if you’re not gentle with your gear. The dagger feels more comfy inside, esp with storage but yeah you def notice the extra weight. Hubba hubba feels more bombproof in bad weather, which is nice for PNW trips even if it’s not the lightest. Haven’t slept in the X-Dome myself, but I’ve seen a few people use durston tents and they seem really well thought out for the weight.
If weather resistance and livability matter more than shaving ounces, I’d prob lean dagger or hubba hubba. If weight is higher priority, copper spur makes sense. But yeah, going in person like that comment suggests is prob the best move — once you crawl inside them, your preference gets pretty clear fast.
Affectionate_Love229
