Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review
In our Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 review, we will be taking a look at the features that make this tent an excellent choice for backpacking. The most important thing for campers and backpackers is to have the right tools and gear.
Very few things are as vital in the wilderness as a good shelter. We will cover who this tent was made for. We will then take a look at some of the competition. This will hopefully help you to make an informed decision on which tent is best for your specific needs.
Our Rating:
- Sturdy build
- High-quality materials
- Light weight
- Small packed size
- Easy to set up
- Great weather resistence
- Footprint not included
- Material is rugged but thin
- Zippers not very smooth
- Zippers can get stuck
- High cost
Key Features
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is packed with features for such a lightweight tent. Backpacking tents normally cater to the minimalist needs of someone looking to travel light. This tent offers numerous amenities while still keeping the weight down.
Easy Access
This tent features two doors for easy entry and quick exists. The doors are on opposing sides of the tent, which allows for good ventilation. The doors have mesh screens and the roof is made of a mesh material as well. This is great for camping in warmer weather. It also allows for star gazing, as long as the weather permits.
Interior Storage Pockets
There are special loops to accommodate a gear loft. The tent still offers several interior mesh pockets. Two complete vestibules give even more storage room for both campers. This should allow most backpackers to store a good amount of equipment. If you travel light, as most backpackers prefer to do, it should be plenty of space for your gear.
Pole System
The poles feature a double-hub design and DAC Twist Clips. This greatly aids in making the setup fast and easy. A crossover pole is included, which adds to the overall headroom. The poles are also anodized to prevent wear or rust from forming. Unlike some of their competitors, they do not use any harmful acids in the anodizing process. This is good for the camper and the environment.
Sealed Seams
All of the seams in the tent are sealed. No stitching is used at all. This provides excellent protection from wind and rain. It helps to make the tent more water resistant. Every seal is then covered with polyurethane tape for even more protection against water leaks. The tent should stand up well to the heaviest rain and moderate winds.
Reflective Materials
One nice feature on the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 pertains to the guylines. These lines and the mesh material on each tent corner are covered with a reflective material. This provides great visibility in the dark. You wonโt have to worry about tripping over a line if you should need to exit the tent at night.
While this tent is more feature packed than most backpacking shelters, it does provide options for the minimalist. You can leave the body behind and use the poles, rainfly and footprint to make a more basic shelter. Just keep in mind that the footprint is sold separately and will add to the overall cost.
Detailed Review
Overall Score:
Buy Now at AmazonHow Does It Compare To Others?
Sundome 2 Person Tent by Coleman
This tent by Coleman sleeps two. The size is comparable to the Big Agnes, but actually features more headroom. The tent is constructed of a polyester taffeta material.
This is a strong material, but not likely to be as durable as the Big Agnes model. It is a bit lighter though, and the overall cost is much less. This is a decent purchase if you are on a budget.
ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2 Tent
This tent is in a similar price range as the Coleman. This makes it an excellent budget buy, as well. The tent has a lot of space for a two-person model. It boasts a whopping 38 square feet of interior space.
This makes it roomier than the Big Agnes and at a lower price. It is nearly twice as heavy, however, and made with much less durable materials. The tent features two doors with an awning over each.
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent
This tent is heavier than the Big Agnes, almost twice as heavy. It features two doors and has a floor space a little smaller than the ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2 Tent. The tent has a solid construction and great protection against the elements.
It has sealed seams and a bathtub style floor for good water resistance. The Mountainsmith is much cheaper than the Big Agnes, but does not have the same level of quality and number of features.
Conclusion
This is a very well-constructed tent. It has a ton of features and a good amount of interior space. The tent is easy to setup and is light enough to carry on long trips. The quality and durability make this tent well worth the price.
After completing our Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review, I can easily recommend this tent for purchase, though it may not be the best option for everyone.
If you do not need a lot of features and prefer a minimal approach to camping, you might wish to look elsewhere. There are cheaper options that will even weigh less and take up less space in your pack.
If you only want to use it occasionally or just for car camping, then it may be better to go with a cheaper model. If you plan to use the tent often and appreciate the higher quality and features, then this is an excellent choice.