Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2

Product Overview

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is designed as an ultralight 2-person, 3-season backpacking tent. The 2019 model features a trapezoidal pyramid shape with a wider head area that tapers toward the foot, dual vestibules, and Big Agnes's signature DAC Featherlite poles. The tent is freestanding and includes the innovative "Copper Hotel" rainfly option for maximum gear protection.

Value Assessment: We scored ours for $350 (plus $90 footprint, $25 gear loft = $465 total). At that price, it's been exceptional value over 5 years. At current retail ($550), it's expensive but the Copper Hotel rainfly and long-term durability justify the cost for serious backpackers. Would I buy it again? Absolutely - the weight savings and versatility make it worth every penny.

The Copper Hotel Rainfly: A Game-Changer

The oversized "Copper Hotel" rainfly is arguably this tent's standout feature (for us). The extended vestibules provide massive gear storage and have proven invaluable in emergency situations.

Real-World Emergency Use: During a weekend trip with friends, we arrived at camp first and had just set up when a massive thunderstorm rolled over the ridge. Lightning and heavy rain hit fast. The tent's large vestibule sheltered me and ALL of our group's gear while my wife, our friend, and their dog stayed dry in the tent body. Three people and multiple backpacks' worth of gear, all protected by one tent setup.

Shelter Options: The tent offers "Pitch First" capability, meaning you can set up just the rainfly with poles for a lightweight tarp shelter in warm conditions where you don't need the inner tent body.

Versatility & Space Management

One of the standout features we've discovered is the tent's adaptability for different camping situations. The trapezoidal shape with its wider head area creates interesting possibilities:

Standard Setup: Perfect for two people with generous gear storage in the vestibules. At 6'4", I have plenty of length and the head area provides comfortable shoulder room.

Dog-Friendly Configuration: When camping with our 65lb dog, we reverse the tent orientation so the normal foot area becomes the head area. This puts the wider section at our feet, creating enough space for our dog to sleep snugly at the foot of the tent. This simple orientation switch transforms the tent from a tight squeeze with a large dog to a more comfortable 2.5-occupant shelter.

Setup & Design Features

The freestanding design makes setup quick and adaptable to different terrain. Setup time is approximately 5 minutes or less, even for relatively inexperienced users. Buckle attachment points at the corners make putting the rainfly on incredibly easy, no fumbling with clips in bad weather. The included stakes are lightweight but adequate for most conditions, though you'll want additional stakes for full guyline deployment in windy conditions.

Weather Performance

Cold Weather: During a frosty fall trip in New Mexico with overnight lows around 20°F, the double-wall design performed well. The mesh upper kept most frost on the outside of the rainfly, though we did experience some condensation on the inside above us, partly due to three occupants (my wife, dog, and me) creating moisture in a wet environment.

Warm Weather: The extensive mesh upper without the rainfly keeps the tent remarkably cool. With the rainfly on, two vents and door tie-out points help manage temperature, though it still gets warm in direct sunlight despite the lighter rainfly colors.

Rain Performance: In light rain, you can keep the doors open without getting the interior wet. The upper polyester mesh is surprisingly good at repelling small amounts of rain. The 15D nylon is naturally hydrophilic (wants to absorb water) which can cause slight sagging when wet, but the DWR and silicone treatment help significantly.

Wind Stability: With proper guyline deployment, the tent handles wind well. The larger Copper Hotel rainfly catches more wind but has enough give in the vestibule center to let wind blow around it. Multiple velcro attachment points between the inner tent poles and rainfly create additional stability in strong winds.

Weight & Packability

The tent excels in weight management for backpacking couples. At approximately 3 lbs total packaged weight, we split the components between us, making the individual carry weight very manageable while still getting the benefits of a full-featured double-wall tent with massive vestibules.

Storage & Organization

Internal storage options include:

• Large overhead pocket at head area
• Two small pockets near floor on head side
• Multiple gear loops throughout interior for hanging the optional Square Gear Loft or other camping accessories
• Massive vestibule storage with Copper Hotel rainfly

Build Quality & Durability

After 5 years of regular use across diverse conditions, the tent has held up exceptionally well with proper care:

Fabric Durability: We've always used the Big Agnes footprint and been careful not to set up where the tent might rub against abrasive surfaces. The tent shows normal wear. Some tree sap spots on the rainfly and colors aren't as bright as new, but no significant fabric degradation.

Major Repair: The only significant damage came from our friend's German Shepherd rushing to greet us and charging through the mesh door without seeing it. Even a large dog at full speed only created a 3-inch hole. Using Tenacious Tape mesh patches sandwiched on both sides of the tear, we created a strong, bug-proof repair that preserved the tent's structural integrity.

Pole Performance: The DAC NFL poles have proven durable with one minor note: after 5 years, the poles have developed slight permanent curves where they naturally bend to shape the tent. They no longer fold perfectly straight but function normally, just a cosmetic observation.

Zipper Performance: No zipper issues whatsoever over 5 years of use. We've been careful with them, but they've maintained smooth operation in all weather conditions.

Comparison to Other Tents

Over the years, I've also used the Nature Hike Cloud Up (heavier budget option) and Paria Outdoors tents. The Copper Spur's significant weight savings, superior vestibule space, and freestanding design make it worth the price premium for backpackers that can afford it or find it on sale.

2024 Model Improvements

The current Copper Spur HV UL2 has several upgrades our 2019 model lacks:

• Vestibule awnings: Can be configured with trekking poles for additional covered space
• Improved pole attachments: Injection-molded, curved attachment points for easier pole insertion
• HyperBead technology: Big Agnes claims 6% lighter weight, 50-100% stronger fabric, 25% more waterproof
• Higher nylon walls: Less mesh exposure by moving the polyester mesh higher up the walls for better wind/element protection

Best Alternatives

• If I Were Replacing This: I'd get the Copper Spur HV UL3 (3-person) for a bit more room when camping with my wife and dog.
• For Solo Use: Durston X-Dome 1+ - Super lightweight, more room for 1 person, doesn't sag when wet, all-in-one pitch setup (though often out of stock).
• Budget Option: Paria Outdoors Bryce 2P Backpacking Tent - $180. Solid budget alternative without the premium features.