How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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Pitch the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV2 Expedition tent and get ready to host other campers when the wind crushes their tent and yours is still standing. You'll have the baddest tent at base camp.
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View all Big Agnes Backpacking TentsBest Use | Mountaineering |
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Seasons | 3 - 4-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 4 lbs. 10 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 3 lbs. 1 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 5 oz. |
Packed Size | 18 x 8 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 88 x 52 / 42 inches |
Floor Area | 29 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 9 + 9 square feet |
Peak Height | 39 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | DAC Featherlite NSL |
Pole Diameter | 9.6 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Nylon ripstop breathable and polyester mesh |
Floor Fabric | Nylon taffeta |
Rainfly Fabric | Dominico undyed polyester ripstop |
Footprint Included | No |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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I was attracted to the light weight, for a 2-person, 4-season, double wall tent. I've had other tents from BA that I've enjoyed. After setting this up for the first time, here are my impressions: It is easy and quick to set up, but the top cross-pole not being attached to a hub might make it easy to lose in the snow, which could be big trouble. Plenty of good pockets indoors, and adequate mesh windows for venting. The under surface of the fly has a metallic finish, and may help reflect radiant heat. Unfortunately, the floor space is tiny. Really more like a 1 person tent. I put my ThermaRest pad and a 5 degree mummy bag inside, and there was no space left for a 2nd pad or bag (see photos). The only way I can see 2 adults fitting in here, in winter gear, is if they both sleep on their sides and 'spoon' the entire night, while having their pads overlap each other! I returned it, and may look at the HV3 as a 2 person mountain tent.
Anyone who is familiar with backpacking tents, especially 4 season mountaineering tents, knows that these are not designed to be roomy or comfortable. You cannot have a spacious set up that is also light weight and packs down small. However, this is one of the roomier 2P 4S tents out there, compare it to any others and you'll be hard-pressed to find a sub 6lbs tent with these dimensions. Furthermore, this thing is BOMBER. I've taken it up to Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, as well as some random low elevation snow camping trips. This held up in the rain, snow, and wind. Condensation was managed well for a double wall. It really ticks all the boxes I could ever want in a tent. I am not a fan of single wall construction, I prefer the security and marginal warmth increases of a double wall. Overall this tent has exceeded my expectations in every way.
I have not verified the quality of the tent in the field. It is designated as a 2-person tent but that is not exactly correct. It is actually a 1 1/2 person tent for most cases. The tent will only allow either one 25" wide sleeping pad or two 20" pads. With two 20"pads, it would be very tight and no gear allowed inside the tent. It is basically a very comfortable one person tent that will allow gear stored inside. The 3 person version would be the best choice for 2 average or larger people and with very little additional tent weight.