How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Designed to help you sleep soundly through the roughest nights in the backcountry, the latest version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent is lighter, stronger and more waterproof than before.
$54
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$84
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the Big Agnes Copper Spur Product LineView all Big Agnes Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 2 lbs. 2 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 3 pounds |
Packed Size | 4 x 19.5 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 88 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) inches |
Floor Area | 29 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 9 + 9 square feet |
Peak Height | 40 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | DAC NFL |
Pole Diameter | 8.7 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Breathable 15-denier nylon with 20-denier solution-dyed ripstop and 15-denier polyester mesh |
Floor Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead fabric; 15-denier nylon with 20-denier solution-dyed ripstop and 1,500 mm waterproof coating without intentionally added PFAS |
Rainfly Fabric | Proprietary HyperBead fabric; 15-denier nylon with 20-denier solution-dyed ripstop and 1,500 mm waterproof coating without intentionally added PFAS |
Footprint Included | No |
Ultralight | Yes |
Design Type | Freestanding |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Putting together this tent was very easy and I was able to do it all by myself which is a plus. They labeled parts of the rods to match where they connect to the tent which helps with assembly. They also do this with the rain cover so you are able to line it up properly. There are orange clips to match the orange side and grey clips to match the side with grey clips. Inside is nice and long. I’m 5 foot and could lay down comfortably with and other foot and a half below my feet. Width wise it may be cozy so I’d recommend if a second person is staying with you it’s someone you’re comfortable being close with. This is definitely designed for two people who are of average size not over weight. I also liked that there was a pouch inside up top. I’m very happy with this tent, like I said the ease of putting it together was a real bonus.
The first thing I noticed about this tent is how incredibly light it is. At just 2 lbs, it's perfect for backpacking! The material is super thin but durable feeling - it had a super slippery texture to it that I haven't felt on a tent before. Probably what makes it extra light. This is probably the easiest tent I've ever put together. By gone are the days where you have to get multiple people to help you pitch one side while you hold tension on the other - I was able to pitch this tent all by myself in less than 10 minutes. The instructions were super easy to read but even without the instructions, the tent only has like 3 pieces so it's not rocket science to figure out. The tension rods and poles worked really well on this tent - once I stuck one end in the hole, it stayed while I went around and stuck the other holes. I was really really impressed at the ease of it. After a long day hiking, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour putting together a tent and you definitely will not do that with this one. Features: - I appreciated the multiple storage areas inside the tent. There were 2 up high and I think 4 down on the sides, 1 in each corner. Plenty of places to put your valuables and little items. The only thing I don't know is how much weight the higher pouches can handle...but still, pretty sturdy looking. - Loop in the ceiling for hanging up a light! - My favorite is probably the Door Holder!!! What a SIMPLE but BRILLIANT invention. Once you unzip the flaps, you can just tuck the door into the door holder and it'll hold it open. There are doors on both sides of the tent and holders too! - One door on each side which is perfect for 2 people. The last tent I owned only had one and I had to crawl over my partner when I wanted to use the bathroom while he was asleep. The double doors makes it so easy to get in and out of. Love it!!
I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. Tent strikes a great balance between light and spacious. It offers a lot more interior space than some other tents I’ve used. I love how the rain fly clips to the tent and my favorite feature is the color coding so you know exactly which side is top vs bottom. I like the large interior pocket inside of the tent and the vent on the rain fly. Weather was nice during the test but looking forward to being out in the elements in this tent. One of the best tents I’ve ever used and highly recommended.
I believe that this tent is a great choice for trips where weight is a concern. The materials are impressively light, and setup and takedown are quick and easy. What I appreciated the most about the tent though was its versatility—it can be used in different configurations depending on the conditions. When I took it on a river trip, I mainly just used the fly on the poles, and it worked really well. Overall, a solid tent that’s been a great addition to my gear. Would recommend grabbing the footprint as well.
I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. With the stuff sacks, extra guy lines, and repair tube this tent still weights less than the trail weight of my last backpacking tent, at around 3lbs 14 oz. The claimed trail weight for this one is 2lbs 10oz, and I found it came in a bit less than that, thought still over 2lbs. For a 2 person UL tent it's cozy but there is a bit more floor space than I anticipated. Two full size backpacking mattresses fit in pretty easily and it didn't feel cramped - just don't expect tons of maneuvering room. The rainfly can be staked down like a standard vestibule bump out or, with trekking poles, can be guyed out as more of an awning which is great if you want more ventilation/visibility but want more cover than just rolling the fly up. There's also an interior vestibule as well for gear storage that's nice and out of the way. This model even includes thin tied cord loops on the stakes for easier removal which saves you from needing to add them yourself. All in all, no issues so far with light use but will need to see how the durability holds up given the lightweight fabrics.
Excellent function, but beware Big Agnes warranty is not what they say it is. Zipper on fly broke, sent in and they said sorry zippers can't be repaired buy a new tent. Absolutely crazy having the tent fail on second use and have it buy a new one. Not at all what Big Agnes claims on their web site
One rain fly zipper broke on just the second trip, and having been used six or more times now another zipper on the tent door is about to pop. I've treated the tent very gently. The materials are impressively light and water tight, and I was surprised by how well the tent held up during a hail storm. This is completely subjective, but I hate that the tent says "Architecture by Jake Lah" on the side, especially because its design is so mediocre. The storage is decent, but I've seen better on older, cheaper backpacking tents. The toggles and loops for stowing the fly and tent doors are too small and difficult to fasten/unfasten, I don't even bother with them. The awning feature is usable, but a little awkward if you're sitting in a backpacking chair. It seems a little gimmicky, would have preferred better focus on the zippers. Anytime something is wrong with the tent I say something mean about Jake Lah. There are some nice things to say about the tent, but because of the price and zipper durability I would absolutely not recommend purchasing this tent.
Tents great but it came with a cracked pole. I contacted them to get a replacement piece and they wanted to charge me for it. Super disappointed in the customer service.
The durability of this tent is shockingly poor. Even though I treated it with kids gloves, the fly zippers split on its very first use, and continued to do so repeatedly after. The fabric developed pin holes in the fly and floor after only a few uses. One the plus side, it's super light, has good headroom, good ventilation, and useful pockets. The fly entrances are a little awkward, but work well enough.
First use, tree branch ripped a quarter size hole in screen door. Not even close to being a durable tent. Should have bought the new Hubba Hubba