Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Review (2026) — Grant's Honest Take
Our Verdict
Grant's tent after researching 22 alternatives. Linda used it twice and had zero complaints — the highest praise Linda gives.
Buy Big Agnes Copper Spur on Amazon →22 Tents Researched
Grant researched 22 tents over six months before purchasing the Copper Spur HV UL2. Linda was consulted on the shortlist of five and chose the Copper Spur based on the setup video she watched on YouTube. Grant had ranked it second based on his evaluation criteria. Linda's criteria: quick setup. The YouTube video showed setup in under three minutes. She was correct that this was the relevant criterion.
The 2.5 Pound Reality
The Copper Spur HV UL2 weighs 2 lbs 8 oz in the stuff sack. This is ultralight territory for a freestanding two-person tent. The trade-off for the weight savings is fabric durability — the 15D nylon ripstop used in the fly and floor is noticeably lighter than heavier tents but requires more care around abrasive surfaces and heavy brush. Grant has not had any tears or damage in two trips, but he is aware this is a factor on more technical terrain.
Linda's Assessment
After their first trip — two nights in the Olympic Peninsula — Grant asked Linda what she thought of the tent. She said it was "fine." Grant notes this is the highest positive rating Linda applies to gear. She also said the headroom was better than she expected for a tent this light. Grant interpreted this as an endorsement. He wrote it down in his gear notes.
Setup Time
Grant set up the Copper Spur HV UL2 in under four minutes on the first attempt in the field, without reading the instructions, in low light. This was the metric he least expected to perform well on given it was his first time pitching it in actual conditions. The clip-and-pole system requires no guesswork once you understand which poles go where. Takedown was similarly straightforward.
- ✓Backpack regularly and every ounce of pack weight matters
- ✓Need a freestanding tent that pitches quickly in any conditions
- ✓Camp in two-person configuration and want reasonable headroom
- ✗Camp in four-season or winter conditions (get a heavier tent)
- ✗Prioritize maximum fabric durability over weight savings
- ✗Car camp and pack weight is not a consideration
Pros
- 2.5 lbs for a freestanding two-person tent is excellent
- Quick setup that Linda endorsed
- Good headroom for a tent this weight
- Vestibule space for gear storage
Cons
- 15D fabric is less durable than heavier tents
- Price point ($500+) is premium for a backpacking tent
- Requires careful site selection to avoid sharp rocks under floor
Frequently Asked Questions
How It Compares
| Product | Score | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 THIS REVIEW | 8.9/10 | Backpackers who want ultralight freestanding two-person tent | Buy Big Agnes Copper Spur on Amazon |
| Osprey Atmos AG 65 | 9.1/10 | The pack that carries this tent on a multi-day trip | Buy |
| Darn Tough Hiking Socks | 9.5/10 | What Grant wears every time he uses this tent | Buy |
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Related Reading
More from Grant on this topic:
- The $3000 Sleeping Bag That Never Left the House
- Grant's First Real Backpacking Trip: The Gear Report