Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Review (2026)

Name: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Brand: Big Agnes
Price: 550.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 9.3 (1 reviews)

The Copper Spur HV UL2 is the tent I see at every AT shelter register from Georgia to Maine, and for good reason. At 2lb 10oz it is genuinely light without sacrificing the freestanding pitching and interior headroom that make it livable on a multi-day trip. The hub-and-pole design sets up in under three minutes even in the dark. Double doors and vestibules mean two people can come and go without negotiating over a single entry. I have pitched it in everything from a Virginia thunderstorm to a calm October night in the Smokies and it has never let me down.

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$550 retail

9.3

/10

TrailCraft Score

What I Liked

2lb 10oz — genuinely light for a freestanding 2-person tent
Freestanding — pitches on hard ground, rock slabs, anywhere
Double doors and dual vestibules — no negotiating entry with a partner
37" peak height — enough to sit up and change clothes
Hub-and-pole system sets up in under 3 minutes
Big Agnes lifetime warranty

Limitations

$550 — significant investment for a tent
40D nylon needs care — not bomber like heavier tents
Vestibule size is adequate but not generous
Footprint sold separately ($65) for long-term floor protection

Specifications

Weight2 lb 10 oz / 1.19 kg (with stakes)

Capacity2-person

Floor Area29 sq ft / 2.7 sq m

Vestibule Area8.5 sq ft x2

Peak Height37" / 94 cm

Packed Size18" x 5"

Pole MaterialDAC Featherlight NFL

Fabric40D ripstop nylon, silicone/polyurethane

Doors2 doors, 2 vestibules

WarrantyLifetime

Score Breakdown

Weather Protection

9.3

Weight / Packability

9.5

Interior Space

9.0

Ease of Setup

9.7

Value for Money

8.2

Field Notes

Pitched 14 times in two seasons — Virginia sections, Shenandoah, a car camping trip to the Smokies with my daughter, and twice at sheltered spots on the AT in Maryland. The only real test was a line of severe thunderstorms in Shenandoah in September. Heavy rain, 30mph gusts, and the tent handled it without drama. No leaks through the floor or the rainfly. The hub-and-pole system is genuinely fast to pitch. I can have it up in 2.5 minutes in good light, maybe 4 minutes in the dark. That matters when you arrive at camp late and your headlamp is already dim.

2lb 10oz, freestanding, double vestibules — the tent I see at every AT shelter register

Who This Is For

The Copper Spur HV UL2 is right for: AT section hikers who want ultralight performance without the learning curve of a trekking-pole shelter, two-person partnerships who need double doors, and anyone who camps on rocky or irregular ground where a freestanding tent is necessary.

I review gear the way most people actually use it — weekend trips in the mid-Atlantic, day hikes on the AT, car camping in the Smokies and down at the Outer Banks. Not expedition use, not extreme conditions. Normal outdoor life for normal people, and occasionally with kids along who provide their own kind of honest product feedback.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of May 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

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All 4 options ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

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Common Questions

Is the Big Agnes Copper Spur waterproof?

Yes. The rainfly is 15D nylon with 1,200mm silicone/polyurethane coating. The floor is 30D nylon with 3,000mm polyurethane coating. Both are seam-taped at the factory. In heavy rain, the fly keeps water out effectively. The bathtub floor design keeps ground water from seeping in.

Does the Copper Spur HV UL2 need a footprint?

A footprint is not required but is recommended for extended use. The 40D nylon floor is durable for its weight but will show abrasion over time on rough terrain. The Big Agnes official footprint adds 10oz and about $65 — worth it for a $550 investment if you camp on rocky ground regularly.

Can one person set up the Copper Spur HV UL2?

Yes — the hub-and-pole design makes solo setup straightforward. Clip the tent body to the poles, stake two corners, insert the hubs, and add the rainfly. Takes about 4-5 minutes solo. Easier than most freestanding tents in its weight class.

What is the Big Agnes warranty?

Big Agnes offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. For damage from misuse or wear, they have a repair program. Customer service is strong — a broken pole tip or torn guyline gets replaced promptly in my experience.