The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent is one of the most popular freestanding ultralight tents on the market—and for good reason. Designed for backpackers, bikepackers, and minimalist adventurers who want comfort without compromise, the Copper Spur HV UL2 blends thoughtful design, durable materials, and livable space in a sub-3 lb package.
Materials & Construction
The Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent uses ultralight double ripstop nylon with a silicone-treated fly and floor, backed by a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating. The fly and floor are made from Proprietary Ultralight Nylon, which balances weight savings with abrasion resistance.
The tent poles are DAC Featherlite NFL, known for their strength-to-weight ratio and reliability in high winds. The hubbed pole system creates a high-volume architecture (hence the “HV” in the name), maximizing interior space without adding bulk.
Zippers are YKK, and the tent features TipLok™ buckle system—a clever mechanism that combines pole tip capture, rainfly attachment, and stake-out loop in one streamlined interface. This makes setup faster and more intuitive, especially in poor weather or low light.
Weight & Packability
At 2 lbs 11 oz (trail weight), the Copper Spur HV UL2 is impressively light for a freestanding, double-wall tent. The packed weight is 3 lbs 2 oz, including stakes and stuff sack. It packs down to 19.5″ x 6″, which fits easily into most bikepacking bags or side panniers.
For ultralight purists, it’s not the absolute lightest option—but it offers a rare combination of livability and freestanding convenience that many trekking pole shelters or single-wall tents sacrifice.
Setup & Usability
Setup is fast and intuitive:
- Lay out the tent body and stake corners.
- Assemble the DAC pole set and insert into the TipLok buckles.
- Clip the tent body to the poles.
- Attach the fly using the color-coded buckles.
The freestanding design means you can pitch it on hard ground, rock slabs, or tight spaces without needing perfect stake placement. This is a huge advantage for bikepackers or alpine hikers who often camp in less-than-ideal terrain.
The rainfly includes dual vestibules with awning-style doors that can be propped open using trekking poles or guy lines—creating shaded entryways or cooking space in wet weather.
Interior Space & Livability
Despite its ultralight credentials, the Copper Spur HV UL2 feels surprisingly roomy:
- Floor dimensions: 88″ x 52″/42″ (head/foot)
- Peak height: 40″
- Vestibule area: 9 sq ft per side
- Total floor area: 29 sq ft
The tent comfortably fits two regular-width sleeping pads with room for gear at the head or foot. The vertical sidewalls and high peak height make it easy to sit up, change clothes, or wait out a storm without feeling claustrophobic.
Storage is excellent: there are two large ceiling pockets, media pockets with cord routing, and multiple gear loops for hanging lights or drying socks.
Ventilation & Weather Protection
The Copper Spur HV UL2 features dual fly vents, mesh panels, and a full-coverage rainfly that balances airflow with protection. In humid conditions, condensation is minimal thanks to the cross-venting design.
In heavy rain, the tent holds up well—provided it’s properly guyed out. The bathtub floor and seam-taped fly prevent leaks, and the vestibules keep gear dry. In wind, the DAC poles and low-profile shape offer good stability, though it’s not a four-season shelter.
Durability & Long-Term Use
While ultralight materials always require care, the Copper Spur HV UL2 is more durable than many of its peers. Users report years of use with minimal wear, provided the tent is pitched on clean ground and stored dry.
The zippers and mesh are robust, and the pole system rarely fails. Big Agnes also offers repair kits and replacement parts, making it a long-term investment rather than a disposable ultralight.
Bikepacking-Specific Features
Big Agnes offers a Bikepack version of the Copper Spur HV UL2, which includes:
- Shorter pole segments (12″) for handlebar or frame bag storage
- Compression stuff sack with daisy chains
- Extra gear loops and helmet storage
For bikepackers, this version is worth the upgrade—it’s tailored for compact packing and on-bike integration without sacrificing the core tent features.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent space-to-weight ratio
- Freestanding design for versatile pitching
- Durable materials and thoughtful construction
- Dual vestibules and awning-style doors
- Intuitive setup with TipLok buckles
- Bikepack version available for compact storage
Cons:
- Price (~£450 / $500) may be steep for budget-conscious users
- Requires care to avoid abrasion or punctures
- Not ideal for winter or extreme alpine conditions
- Slightly heavier than non-freestanding ultralight shelters
Comparison: Copper Spur HV UL2 vs Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO
| Feature | Copper Spur HV UL2 | Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (trail) | 2 lbs 11 oz | 2 lbs |
| Floor Area | 29 sq ft | 27.3 sq ft |
| Freestanding | Yes | Semi-freestanding |
| Vestibules | 2 | 2 |
| Peak Height | 40″ | 38″ |
| Price | ~$500 | ~$550 |
| Best Use Case | Backpacking, bikepacking | Ultralight thru-hiking |
The Copper Spur offers more livability and easier setup, while the Hornet Elite shaves weight for ultralight purists.
Final Verdict
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a benchmark ultralight tent that balances comfort, durability, and ease of use. It’s ideal for adventurers who want a reliable shelter that doesn’t require perfect terrain or constant babying. Whether you’re bikepacking across Europe or hiking the Colorado Trail, the Copper Spur delivers real-world performance in a refined package.
If you value liveability, freestanding convenience, and long-term reliability, this tent is worth the investment.
