Best Overall
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$550
Weight2 lb 10oz / 1.19kg
Floor Area29 sq ft
Peak Height40 inches
Doors2
Vestibules2
PolesDAC NFL featherlight
Best Durability
MSR Hubba Hubba NX2
$450
Weight3 lb 8oz / 1.59kg
Floor Area29 sq ft
Peak Height39 inches
Doors2
Vestibules2
PolesEaston Syclone
Bottom line: 14oz lighter, $100 more expensive, and the better tent for most 3-season AT backpacking. The Hubba Hubba is the pick for high-wind alpine terrain where the Copper Spur's lighter poles are a limitation.
Head-to-head: key differences
Weight
HV2 lb 10oz — 14oz lighter than Hubba Hubba
Hubba3 lb 8oz — a full pound heavier
14oz matters over a multi-day section. On the AT where you are carrying the tent every day, Copper Spur wins clearly.
Livability
HV40-inch peak height, HV (High Volume) architecture feels spacious for the weight
Hubba39-inch height, similar floor space — slightly less head room when sitting up
Both are comfortable for two. Copper Spur edge on headroom.
Wind resistance
HVLighter DAC poles flex more in sustained wind
HubbaStiffer Easton Syclone poles handle wind and snow load better
If you camp in exposed alpine terrain or shoulder-season conditions: Hubba Hubba. AT 3-season use: both fine.
Price
HV$550 — $100 more expensive
Hubba$450 — better value if weight is not the priority
The Copper Spur premium is entirely for weight savings. If weight matters: worth it. If not: Hubba Hubba.
Choose Big Agnes if:
- →You prioritize lightest possible base weight
- →3-season AT and mid-Atlantic backpacking
- →Weekend trips where $550 is in budget
Choose MSR Hubba if:
- →Shoulder season or wind-exposed camping
- →You want a more durable tent for years of heavy use
- →$450 is the right price point
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Common Questions
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 — which is lighter?
The Copper Spur HV UL2 is significantly lighter at 2 lb 10oz versus the Hubba Hubba NX2 at 3 lb 8oz. That is a 14-ounce difference — meaningful over a multi-day backpacking trip.
Is the Big Agnes Copper Spur worth the extra $100?
For weight-conscious backpackers: yes. The Copper Spur's 14oz weight advantage over the Hubba Hubba has a real impact on daily comfort and cumulative fatigue. If weight is not your priority, the Hubba Hubba is excellent at $450.
Which tent is better for the Appalachian Trail?
Both are well-suited for AT 3-season hiking. The Copper Spur is the choice if weight is your priority. The Hubba Hubba is better for shoulder-season trips and exposed camping in the Whites or Smokies where wind resistance matters.
Are Big Agnes and MSR both durable brands?
Yes — both are premium backpacking tent brands with strong warranties. MSR (1-year warranty, strong repair support) and Big Agnes (lifetime warranty for original owner) both stand behind their products.