Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 (Closeout) 3-Season Backpacking Tent

Likes

This is one of the best light weight tents around. When my MSR Hubba Hubba NX (HHNX) was on recall by MSR, I purchased this to compare. Here are the pros: 1. Lighter than HHNX by about a pound 2. Highly reviewed and rated by backpackers

Dislikes

1. Material is considerably thinner and seems flimsy compared to HHNX 2. The zipper seemed to catch as many other reviews have stated 3. The body tent is symmetrically rectangular. It tapers at the foot end of the tent.

Likes

I have the same tent in the 4-person size, which just about perfect for two adults with gear and a dog. I got this smaller version intending it for solo trips kayaking and camping. I've yet to camp in it, but I suspect it will work just as well as it's big sister. We spent a night in rain and sleet in that one and even without the fly tied out properly, never were wet in the tent. I like the odd olive color, because you disappear into the landscape. The weight and the highly reflective lines are also a plus. Fits easily into it's stuff sack.

Dislikes

Having listed the many positives, the glaring problem with this tent (and with most tents and tent manufacturers) is that their actual, real-life use measurements are wildly inaccurate. This tent is advertised at 88" long by 52/42" wide. My Exped MegaMat 12 is 77" long and 30" wide. It almost touches the edges at the narrower end of the 2-person Cooper Spur and DOES touch the top/bottom of the tent. So in reality, the length is closer to 78" instead of the advertised 88". That's a big difference when attempting to find a tent that works with your existing gear. I haven't decided whether or not I'm keeping this. Since the pad touches the ends, if there is ever moisture issues inside, my very expensive mat will get wet and that's a big problem.

Likes

1. Set-up is easy, but only after watching a video online. The included instructions were text only. Seeing it put up visually made a lot more sense. 2. Lightweight indeed! It's not an ultra-lightweight tent, but for something this big, it's great. It beats carrying around the REI Camp Dome 2! This was what finally tipped the balance vs. the MSR Hubba Hubba. Sure, the MSR is only a pound heavier, but that is quite a difference %-wise. 3. Great interior volume. You can sit up straight feel there's still plenty of space above you. I like plenty of floorspace to spread out my gear. The only issue is addressed below. 4. Compactness. While not as small when packed as I thought it would be, it's about as good as you can get for a 2-person. 5. Green!

Dislikes

1. The floor layout was almost a deal-breaker. It tapers towards the feet. I'm using it right now as a solo tent, but if I were to share it with another, our sleeping pads will overlap at the feet. I know it saves weight, but I liked the MSR rectangular layout more. That said, there's still a lot of volume inside, just not towards that end. 2. Although it's too early to tell if this will be a problem, the material is indeed thin. I always use a footprint, so I'm not too worried about the floor. I'm also really careful with equipment, so I think the walls will be fine. But it is something that has me a little concerned, which is why I put it in the "dislike" section. These 2 dislikes almost had me buying the MSR, but the weight won me over. So in a nutshell, the HV UL2 is by no means perfect, but it has good qualities of (in decreasing order) weight, interior volume, comfort, and construction. Maybe not the best in any of those categories, but a really good compromise.

Likes

At 3 pounds, it is spacious enough for 2 people. Make and materials and appear to be of high quality to made last. I purchased the footprint for added versatility in pitch types.

Dislikes

The poles came in its own bag but would have been nice if the fly did as well so someone else hiking with you can bring half the load securely.

Likes

Lightweight, well made, cool color.

Dislikes

Floor leaks. Tight for two people.

Likes

Thanks Enwild for helping me trade up! This Copper Spur HVUL2 is at a nice weight to functionality point. A double zipper on the vestibules is a no brainer. I have no idea why this is left off other brands. The top can be zipped down some to install the brow pole ends. Venting ! If you want to use the fly as a cape you have a shot at that. Being able to stake out either side of the vestibule door is wonderful. With my lite weight shelter, the Six Moon's Gateway Cape, this option has proven useful. I appreciate every guy point provided, including the internal loops. The external operational vent is oriented such that a vacuum will be drawn if the foot box (low side) is pitched into the wind. This coupled with the functioning vestibule options enhances flexibility. Yes, the unmentionable vestibule cooking looks tenable. From China my unit has craftmanship equal to what I see coming from Vietnam. It is nice to get away from the standard orange, which would be tough to live with.

Dislikes

The tent body doors could be bigger, or at least get out of the way easier and better. I like toggle loop arrangements. In this case the loops are too small and have no back bone. This turns operation in to a fine motor eye glass thing. As heavy and nice as the zipper pulls are I think that mitigates attention to these often used fasteners. Now my rant. It nearly moot in my case, being a soloer. However why are so many tents classified as two person set up with the tapered floor? I think the industry is 'biting of nose to save face' here. Naturally there is a weight savings, but not if a one bigger tent must be chosen for practical function and comfort. Sleeping head to foot has many practical points. Any one who actually shares tents should know this. Aside from the obvious snoring, drewl and halitosis it is actually easier to comunicate looking at each other sitting. There is less risk of elbow fights suiting up with out taking turns. There would be no need to color code and vestibules could be swapped over to reverse rain gutters. With so many choices out there, why are we stuck with this format?

Likes

ultra-lightweight, thin fabric feels very durable, good height and shoulder room in the newer HV version, survived rain and snow without leaking, roomy bag makes stuffing it back in super easy, getting in and out was so much easier than the Nemo Dagger 2p I previously had

Dislikes

doesn't feel as long as the stated 88", I'm 6' and had to lay my pad and bag diagonally so I wouldn't rub against the ends (which incidentally is a better use of space as it leaves 2 large triangles on the floor for gear storager), footprint grossly overpriced (I use Tyvek kite material instead), it would be nice if the cross pole was permanently attached to the other poles so it doesn't get lost (not a deal breaker)

Likes

Extremely light, easy setup. Great for backpacking.

Dislikes

Considering the price of the tent, I would like the footprint to come with the tent, as it is necessary to have one. The material of the floor and the fly seems rather thin, so I doubt the durability of this tent. This was the main reason for the return of the tent.

Likes

This is a great backpacking tent for those traveling in pairs or solo and want to sleep with your gear. It has a great weight to size ratio and is just slightly heavier than tents that require a trekking pole for setup. With the fly on, venting is still great with mesh and just a bathtub style floor. I only use it with a footprint to increase the longevity.

Dislikes

The zipper on the rain fly can occasionally get caught if you are not zipping carefully. No damage has been caused from this– just annoying.

Likes

Angel cake light, Ez setup, plenty of room, no sense of being crowded giving rested, the needed sleep. And tuff enough

Dislikes

The waiting time before being out on the trail into the wilderness

Likes

Plenty of room

Dislikes

Doesn't come with a footprint

Likes

Have only used this in backyard and 1 overnight trip. So far love the light weight and ease of setting up. Being a bigger guy, the is a great 1 person tent with room to spare for my gear. Looking forward to more use in upcoming backcountry hunt.

Dislikes

None so far.