Australian Hiker

Rating

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent Review

Please note that this tent has now been replaced with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (HV stands for high volume).

I spent months researching what tent to get to replace my larger heavier existing tent and soon discovered that most tents are made for people six foot or under in height or that you will be pushing up against the tent ends, and this tends to increase condensation. Finally my search led me to the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2. It’s a decision I don’t regret and would happily recommend this tent to anyone.

The UL in the name means ‘Ultralight’ and this tent complete with all its bits and pieces, including the tent footprint weights around 1.5kg, half the weight of my tent it replaced. The Copper Spur is a freestanding tent and when purchased with the optional footprint allows the user to set up with layer, just the fly or just the inner mesh. This versatility means that no matter what the weather you will stay comfortable.

The internal dimension of this tent is 229cm x 132cm at the head end, 107cm at the foot end and provides plenty of space. Even in a bulky sleeping bag at 6’2” I’m not pressing on the tent ends and have never had any condensation issues even on my first overnight trip where we had four hours of heavy rain and strong winds. The tent also has plenty of head room allowing users to sit up comfortable.

The tent vestibules are big and will fit 70 litre packs and still allow you room to comfortably exit the tent. The two person Copper Spur has two doors, one for each side of the tent, which is a must when there are two people using the tent. I find front entry tents to be annoying as you cant help but disturb you partner when exiting at night.

This tent is not cheap but its lightweight weatherproof construction is well worth the outlay and I would gladly recommend this to anyone after a high quality lightweight two person tent. This will also be my starting point for my next one person tent purchase

We Like

• Freestanding, which allows the tent to be erected on a variety of surfaces with minimal tie off points. The tent can be erected with just the fly or just the inner mesh as a bug screen. The setup variety accommodates a choice of sleeping arrangements including camping platforms, depending on the weather and your preferences
• The tent foot print also forms part of the system and will fits together like a ‘lego set’. It’s pretty hard to get this tent wrong when setting up so you can hit the hay or get out of the weather quickly
• Ultra lightweight construction helps reduce the weight in your pack and the stress on your body allowing you to go further or faster
• Side openings for each user that reduce partner disturbance when you go out at night allowing for a better sleep
• The main body of the tent is mostly mesh, which reduces the condensation and keeps you drier and more comfortable
• One of the longer lightweight tents so you are not pushing up against the tent ends creating condensation so you stay drier
• Easy to erect so you can set up fast and get out the wet weather thereby keeping you drier
• Twin tent vestibules, which easily accommodates your pack at your side of the tent allowing you to access your gear without disturbing your partner
• Four mesh pockets (on each side at the head end of the tent) to store the small pieces of equipment making them easier to find when you need them
• Reflective guy lines that are easily visible during the night with minimal light so you won’t trip over the tent when it’s dark
• Durable Water Repellant (DWR) waterproof polyurethane construction that keeps you warm and dry in the worst of condition

We Don't Like

I can’t recommend this tent more highly but it does have its minor flaws.

• As a lightweight tent you will need to take care in how you handle it so that you don’t damage or tear the fabric
• While there are two doors on each side, you need to be very careful not to snag or tear the tent door if you use the ‘head end’ door as the tent exit. This is what occurred when I used the tent for the first time. I quickly learned to hold my finger over the zip to ensure that it didn’t snag. This is not an issue when you use the feet end door flap as the exit

Best Uses

• Three seasons hiking
• Lightweight backpacking

Buy One

You can purchase the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 tent online from Wild Earth

Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews

If you have used the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

$715 (without footprint). These tents are often on special so bide your time and wait for a good deal

Other Versions

Copper Spur UL2 Platinum

Copper Spur HV UL2 (High Volume Version)

Copper Spur UL2 Mountainglo (Built in LED lighting)

Copper Spur HV UL1

Copper Spur HV UL3

Copper Spur HV UL4

Tent with fly open. The two person (above) has an access door and vestibule each side

Tent set up without the fly. In this configuration it will act as insect proofing

Tent dimensions which are now identical to the Copper Spur Platinum

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

Shares

Comments

comments