Gear Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Copper Spur HV UL2 specs

• 3 lbs 1 oz / 1.4 kg packed weight
• 88 x 52 x 40 inches (L x W x H)
• 19.5 x 4 inch packed size
• 29 sq ft floor area
• 18 sq ft vestibule combined area
• 2 doors
• 3-season

Where to get it

• Price: $449.95
• Big Agnes
• Backcountry
• Moosejaw
• REI

The Bottom Line: The Copper Spur HV UL2 is a heavy hitter in the ultralight market. It has more features than most, and they all work well, which might explain the hefty price tag. It packs a lot of interior room for a tent so light, sets up super easily, and holds up well. This is the tent for those who spare no expense on performance.

Its namesake claim is HV, which stands for High Volume. Big Agnes accomplishes this with a four-way hub design that spreads the poles at an almost-flat angle above the tent to stretch the headroom, and a separate brow pole adds even more. I really did notice the extra head and shoulder volume in this tent over other ultralights. A nice little array of overhead pockets make further use of the space.

Another notable advantage is the ease of setup. Unless you've never set up any tent before, you're likely to have no trouble putting the Copper Spur together, even on your first go. the poles practically snap themselves together, and the fixed-angle hub plus color coding on the poles leaves no confusion as to which end goes where. The fly straps and buckles are color coded too, so you can snap it all together in a snap.

The tent wall material, a proprietary rip-stop nylon, claims to be some of the best out there in durability, waterproofness, and weight. The poles seem to be a good compromise of weight and strength as well, but just in case, the tent comes with a field splint, which is a nice bonus. Use it with a little bit of tape or cord to hold a broken pole together.

Other features include: one ventilation window in the fly, storm flaps over the fly zippers for extra weatherproofing, quick-tensioning guy lines, and two-tone mesh for privacy from the outside and visibility from the inside.

At only 3 lbs 1 oz packed weight (weight of everything that's sold with the tent), it really is light. Leave a few stakes and stuff sacks at home and it gets even lighter. It also works as a minimalist shelter with only poles and fly, which makes it ultra ultra light.

In order to maximize the life of your tent, you should use it with a footprint, which adds a little weight but is worthwhile in the long run. Unfortunately the Copper Spur's footprint is sold separately, which is a shame considering the cost.

The price really is the only other drawback of this tent. There are certainly less expensive ultralights out there, but if you like comfort and reliability in a go-anywhere backpacking tent, and don't mind footing the bill, go ahead and spring for the Copper Spur HV UL2.