Big Agnes  Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack Tent

I have quite a lot to say about this tent. First, I have just finished living in it for 2 months while on a bike tour in the U.S. where I experienced weather from blazing hot, to hailstones and thunderstorms, high winds and heavy rains. There were a few nights that got cold, but not below 25F, and the tent was very cozy and cocoon-like with the rainfly down. In rain and wind it is very important to use the guylines on the middle ends of the rainfly to pull the rainfly out and channel water away from the groundcloth. When that is done this tent held up to high winds and rain and I stayed completely dry inside. I've previously thought that the groundcloth had failed to keep water out but now realize it was my fault for not using the guylines. Also I discovered that using reusable twist ties through the daisy chain loops on the bag was a great way to secure the tent to my handlebars, leaving enough space for my hands to be there. If I used the straps on the bag for this purpose I lost that handlebar position. The only quibbles I have about this tent is that I wish I could open the zipper of the screen from the top for extra ventilation. You can only do this from the bottom which isn't great because then critters can join you in the night. I also have a really hard time using the toggles for holding the rainfly back. Other than that it is a great tent. It held up fantastic over the 2-months of use and cleaned up to look brand new when I brought it home. I absolutely love the size and weight of it, and the color. It is super stealthy, practically disappearing as soon as it gets dusk. Also Big Agnes customer service stood by their product 100%. I had a materials issue with the first rainfly and Big Agnes replaced the entire tent for me.

I prefer to hammock tent when I go on my moto-camping adventures but, as I was going to spend some time in the Southwest desert, I needed a shelter option for locations without any trees. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack Tent checked all of the boxes. Lightweight. Compact enough to fit in my panniers next to my hammock. Quality build with more than enough storage (inside pockets and vestibules). Easy to set up. It used to be I would move on to the next campsite if I could not find a spot to hang. Now, I have no problem going to the ground in my Big Agnes tent if I an unable to hang for any reason!

I’ve used this tent on weekend trips, part of the Great Divide route (MT, ID, WY), and a Europe trip from Istanbul to Barcelona. I’ve packed the tent in parts in my fork packs, and in rear Tailfin packs. The short poles are the obvious benefit, but the big vestibule is notable, and the footprint providing a vestibule floor is great. The tent is not the lightest ever, witch I see as a benefit. This tent meets the right balance of weight and functionality that I search for. It’s expensive, but I looked at it as an investment, and don’t regret my decision (3 yrs ago now!) one bit.

Some things I didn't like about this tent. I do not understand the point of the white mesh and would much rather have black mesh. I do not like the awning design, especially for a bikepacking tent. Having the awning makes it harder to close or tie back the front door. It's much more of a hassle than it is worth and doesn't get used. The floor material feels like very thin plastic. I do not like the tapered floor. I definitely do not like that both sides of inner tent does not have a door. Makes other vestibule useless. I took this tent on the Colorado Trail and swore the person who designed it has never slept in a tent. I like the poles and the pole length.

I bought the original version of the tent (prior to a couple upgrades). I've taken it on several bike tours. It stood up to high winds, rain. It's super easy to back in a pannier. After maybe 10 nights of use, I have a couple small holes forming in the mesh. More concerning is that the tent poles show signs of failure at the joints. The metal is warped, discolored, and is some cases cracked. There is no outright failure at any of the points. I reinforced several of the joints with zip ties. I haven't reached out to BA customer service with this yet.

This was my first tent. I wanted it to be an investment, so picked Big Agnes over other less pricey options. WORTH IT. Surprisingly durable for how delicate the material appears. It took four years for me to get a rip in the rainfly. It holds up well in rain and mist—the rainfly will soak, but the inside will stay dry (unless there's high wind, then droplets will flick). Super packable thanks to the shorter poles. And finally, the storage compartments are really thoughtfully done. Love.

I have had this tent for 2 years, and use it on my annual motorcycle trips to Sturgis. Sleeping in this tent 8 nights in a row, sometimes with strong winds and rain. This tent takes it with pride! Plenty of room for 1 person with gear inside. I love the space in the vestibule for boots & extra gear from the motorcycle. It would be crowded for me with two people. Compactness is wonderful for motorcycle packing, the tent stakes are sturdy. Short pole system is great! I always have the fly erected over the tent, but could easily use it without the fly in proper setting. Love the shelf space above sleeping area, and Daisy Chain system is good for drying towels and wet items. This tent is a keeper, for sure!

Camped solo 3 times so far and the pole/tent color coding makes for easy set up. Would recommend UL2 perfect for solo trip and gear storage. If planning 2 person need to want to cuddle all night but great feature separate doors if planning most trips 2 people splurge and go to UL3, if most trips solo still get UL2 not UL1 for some indoor gear space. Outside storage under fly very spacious. Inside Vent feature to close or open small roof vent nice extra, as temps were 31F-39F overnight and don't want extra ventilation on cold nights but could see hot night wanting that open. Gear storage is awesome with oversized above your feet and side pockets by head on each side walls plus another storage overhead great place to put flex light for reading, glasses wallet. etc. Didn't know to get the separate oversized foot print and just got the standard footprint. Get an oversized footprint or tarp to protect tent floor and so you don't have to step out in the dirt. I use a padded gym roll-out mat to have padding as you sit or kneel to get in and out at the door because I didn't get the oversized footprint and that works but do get occasional debris between this pad and the standard footprint because of the gap. At 6' head does rub on ceiling when fully up on knees but have to make sacrifices if you want light weight to bike camp. They claim you can set up fly first on rainy days so tested this and yes you can do this to keep tent dry. One complaint, stuff sack has set up directions but did not include directions of where the four corner pre-attached mid height lines connect to. Not explained and watched several on-line reviews/videos and everybody left them coiled up. Suggest further video showing how these and how to set up the lines for awning feature.

This is my go Tent for bicycle touring. After torching my tent body with a candle, I called Big Agnes and they went beyond to find a replacement body at a reasonable replacement price. I am a happy camper now. Thank You B.A. If considering between BikePack UL2 and UL3, go with the 3 for more room for the dog.

I work with athletes all the time as I work for Big Agnes in marketing. So to see all the new features and use them first hand on the CDT bikepacking this past summer I was amazed at how each was truly helpful. From the new storage pockets inside, which came in handy when it was raining on us, to the foot print that extends into the vestibule I was stoked. Don't even get me started on pack size, it's silly to have a tent breakdown to that size so you can put it/strap it anywhere. High Fives to the team!