Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

D
Ranked #9 in Tents
306 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

A higher-volume version of the UL3 that adds headroom without much weight penalty.

Consolidated from 31 cited sources across 27 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

  • 1 glowing source
  • 1 enthusiastic source
  • 18 positive sources
  • 9 neutral sources
  • 1 unconvinced source
See the sources
Flagged as a product to avoid

2 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

The Wirecutter review notes that the HV UL2 offers better weather protection but at a price and weight that does not justify the extra cost for most users.

Flagged 23 August 2026
  1. The Wirecutter review notes that the HV UL2 offers better weather protection but at a price and weight that does not justify the extra cost for most users.

    Flagged 23 August 2026
  2. Lightweight material is prone to damage in heavy rain, reducing reliability in wet conditions.

    Flagged 23 August 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

Pros & cons

  • Extra headroom compared to UL3
  • Comfort and durability per RTINGS
  • Top pick for backpackers needing extra space
  • High volume for two people
  • Moderate price point
  • Higher price and weight not justified
  • Prone to damage when wet
  • Less reliable in heavy rain

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 19 articles, 11 video reviews and 1 community source

18 positive sources

O OutdoorCrunch Chris T. · reviewer · Mar 2025
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 has been a leader in the full-featured ultralight category for a number of seasons. Few other tents offer the interior and vestibule space for the weight that you get with the Copper Spur. New for 2025 is the Big Agnes proprietary Hyperbead™ fabric technology , which claims to be 6% lighter and 25% more waterproof than traditional Nylon.
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D Digital Trends Digital Trends · 1.4M subscribers · Aug 2017
Along with an LED lighting system on the inside, the Big Anges Copper Spur HV UL2 mtnGLO is our favorite tent this season, and which is why we're picking it as the winner for the Sleeping category in this year's Digital Trends Outdoor Awards.
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C Camped Too Hard Owen Becker · reviewer · Mar 2026
I honestly think the Big Agnes is the king of packability, but it’s not the only high-end option for riders who have a bit of cash to spend. If you’re more worried about keeping your muddy boots and helmet organized than having the absolute shortest poles, you should definitely check out my Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 2P review .
Read
T The Emporium Outdoors The Emporium Outdoors · 50K subscribers · May 2020
We had 2 adults and 2 small dogs camping with us and it all worked out great! I will be using the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 for backpacking this years so I will keep you updated with the review!
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T Treeline Review Amanda Jameson · reviewer · Jun 2026
​​For all-around considerations of space, weight, and ease of use, the updated Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 with Hyperbead is our best backpacking tent for two people. Treeline Review writers and staff have tested the Copper Spur for thousands of miles on thru-hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and bikepacking trips.
Read
B Backcountry Backcountry · 46.3K subscribers · Jun 2025
Meet the tent that’s redefining comfort in the backcountry: the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 XL. If you’ve ever felt cramped in an ultralight shelter or wrestled with soggy gear after a storm, this tent is about to change your trail life.
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T The Big Outside Article · May 2026
Sporting features—including two awning-style doors that can be rolled up for maximum ventilation and stargazing, better buckles, and abundant interior pockets—the Copper Spur HV UL2 remains one of the leading choices for backpackers seeking an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability.
Read
B Backcountry Backcountry · 46.3K subscribers · Jun 2025
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent is the gold standard for ultralight backpackers who refuse to compromise on comfort or durability. Weighing in at just 2lb 10oz (trail weight), this freestanding, double-wall tent is all about quick setup, reliable weather protection, and enough space for two to stretch out after a long day on the trail.
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T Trail Fun hikerevangelinafrank · reviewer · Aug 2026
The Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of Big Agnes’ best-sellers, and it’s among our all-time favorite backpacking tents. The ultralight freestanding design of the Copper Spur enables hikers to pitch almost anywhere, and it doesn’t sacrifice convenience, weather protection, or livability.
Read
H Hike Oregon Hike Oregon · 28.2K subscribers · Oct 2020
It is my ideal tent and in this review I go over all of the specs and features of this brand new 2020 Copper Spur design.
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C CleverHiker Brett Kretzer · reviewer · Mar 2016
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2’s balance of comfort, weight, durability, and intuitive design is hard to beat.
Read
R Ridge & River Ridge & River · 4.3K subscribers · Jun 2024
Featuring dual doors with awning style vestibules and proprietary materials that are lighter, stronger, and equipped with hardware that make setup even easier. Your ultimate UL home away from home.
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T The Broke Backpacker Article · Nov 2020
If you love backpacking, it’s a worthy investment.
Read
D Donna Van Senior - DVS Outdoors. Donna Van Senior - DVS Outdoors. · 3.1K subscribers · Aug 2025
It's slowly became my favoured 2-3 season fairer weather tent of choice. Yip - I've been choosing it over the Kuiu Mountain Star recently.head height and weight are superior, but as previously mentioned, the Big Aggie is just for fairer weather camping.
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2 2 Wheels And A Tent Off-Road Adventures 2 Wheels And A Tent Off-Road Adventures · 3K subscribers · May 2020
the absolute best Dual sport motorcycle camping tent to date with poles that compact to 12 inches and a livable spacious interior, all packed into a compact self contained water resistant cary case (which by the way adds to mounting options galore!
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2 2 Wheels And A Tent Off-Road Adventures 2 Wheels And A Tent Off-Road Adventures · 3K subscribers · Jun 2019
Once in a great while a product comes along that is literally GAME CHANGING, and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 BIKE-PACK tent happens to be just such a product making me dub it "the best motorcycle camping tent ever!
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V Valley and Peak Valley and Peak · 1.5K subscribers · May 2025
The latest iteration, featuring the new HyperBead fabric, is lighter, more robust, and offers enhanced waterproof performance.
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B Backpackers.com Backpackers.com · 536 subscribers · Jan 2019
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 HV fits precisely into my ideal tent, and removes the word “compromise” when talking about a backpacking tent. Which is awesome because I’ve always been terrible at spelling. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is astutely designed with a backpacker’s needs in mind, a snap to set up, and overflowing with features that make living in this tent for weeks on end a pleasure.
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9 neutral sources

T Travelandleisure Article
However, it took us some trial and error to attach the guy lines from the rainfly to the stakes. Once assembled, we were impressed with the spacious interior , as there was plenty of room beside us. The vestibule offers additional space for gear, and it can be propped up like an awning to enhance ventilation and enjoy the scenery from inside the tent.
Read
C campingsaga.com Ricky Thorne · reviewer · Jul 2026
This ultralight backpacking tent has garnered a cult following, often praised for its weight-to-livability ratio. However, after logging countless miles and weathering numerous storms in this specific model, I’ve unearthed five genuinely ruthless flaws that often get overlooked in the glossy marketing.
Read
G GearLab Zach Lovell · reviewer · Jun 2026
Tensioning the guylines helped reinforce the tent pole structure, but even so, the featherlight DAC poles bent slightly on one particularly windy night. With intentional care, the Copper Spur UL2 should still last a long time, but it's far from robust.
Read
W r/WildernessBackpacking u/Patient_Bet4873 · owner
My dog has ripped holes in the floor when she stretches every time I have used it with her. I have a number of patches with heavy duty tape.
Read thread
G Gear Analytica Matthew Renda · reviewer · May 2026
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is a favorite of gear reviewers, but doesn’t top our list of best value backpacking tents.
Read
B Better Trail Multiple Authors Sarina · reviewer · Jun 2025
Mediocre durability means you’ll have to be vigilant when setting up camp.
Read
T The Broke Backpacker Article · May 2018
Be sure, the Copper Spur HV UL2 is an excellent tent in many respects.
Read
W Worldly Adventurer Article · May 2017
Seriously lightweight with an impressive amount of internal space
Read
P Peak Gear Guide Peak Gear Guide Editorial Team · reviewer · Mar 2026
Premium price point may stretch tight budgets
Read

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #9 (D tier) on our consolidated tents board, drawn from 31 cited sources across 27 outlets.

Higher price and weight not justified. Prone to damage when wet. Less reliable in heavy rain.

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