A premium lightweight shelter, this tent blends livable interior space with exceptional trail performance. The Big Agnes copper spur tent has been a favorite among backpackers for years, and for good reason. It’s the tent you reach for when you want a true home on the trail, not just a cramped place to sleep. You get generous headroom and smart storage without a punishing weight penalty.
So, what makes it stand out in a crowded market? We’ve taken it on countless trips, from weekend jaunts to longer thru-hikes, to see if it’s hype holds up. Let’s dive into the details that make this shelter a potential game-changer for your adventures.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Copper Spur Tent
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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL mtnGLO Backpacking Tent,…
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9.7 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL – Backpacking Tent For…
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9.5 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – Ultralight Backpacking…
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9.3 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL – Backpacking Tent For…
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9.1 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Ultralight Bikepacking Tent
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8.9 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Ultralight Bikepacking Tent
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8.8 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL – Backpacking Tent For…
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8.6 |
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Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur UL Backpacking Tent,…
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8.4 |
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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL mtnGLO – Ultralight Backpacking…
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8.2 |
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Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur UL Backpacking Tent,…
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8.0 |
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Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Copper Spur Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL mtnGLO Backpacking Tent, 2 Person
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL mtnGLO Backpacking Tent, 2 Person, represents a thoughtful evolution of a classic. It’s a fully redesigned shelter that prioritizes livability and simplicity without sacraficing the ultralight strength you need on the trail. Every component, from the fabrics to the hardware, has been reconsidered to make your backcountry home more comfortable and easier to manage. Award-winning comfort is central to the design.
The new awning-style vestibules significantly expand your covered living space, perfect for keeping gear dry or cooking in a drizzle. Two doors and two vestibules mean you and your tent mate have independent access, and the double zippers offer multiple venting or sealing options to manage weather. Inside, the patent-pending mtnGLO Tent Light Technology is a game-changer for evening ambiance.
Integrated LED lights provide enough soft illumination to read or organize your pack without the harsh glare of a headlamp, all powered by a separate controller that needs three AAA batteries. Storage is ingeniously integrated. A new 3-D bin ‘mezzanine’ at the foot gives you massive, off-the-floor storage for bulky items. An oversized ceiling pocket at the head keeps essentials within reach, and media pockets help manage earbud cords from your phone.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL – Backpacking Tent For Camping, 3 Season, Ultralight, Waterproof, Anodized Poles, Lichen Green, 2 Person
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL is a backpacking tent designed for three-season adventures where every ounce matters. It’s built for two people who prioritize a lightweight shelter without sacrificing comfort or durability. This tent’s core identity comes from it’s ultralight construction and proven, weather-ready performance.
At the heart of this tent is it’s revolutionary fabric technology. It uses a proprietary HyperBead waterproof treatment applied to solution-dyed nylon ripstop.
This system is designed to outperform older methods without relying on extra chemical coatings, and it’s paired with breathable polyester mesh for ventilation. The result is a reliable barrier against the elements that’s meant to last over many trips.
The design of the Copper Spur UL is award-winning for good reason. It’s a freestanding tent with a high-volume architecture that creates surprising interior space for it’s weight class.
The unique awning-style doors provide a protected entrance, and the dual-door design on this two-person model includes two generous vestibules. These vestibules are perfect for stashing your backpacking gear like boots and packs, keeping the interior clean and sleep-ready.
Setting up camp is streamlined by the intelligent TipLok Tent Buckle system.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – Ultralight Backpacking Tent, mtnGLO, 3 Person
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – Ultralight Backpacking Tent, mtnGLO, 3 Person is a serious shelter designed for serious miles. It’s built for a group of three backpackers who refuse to compromise between saving weight and having a comfortable, functional camp at the end of a long day. This isn’t just a minimalist sack; it’s a fully-featured home that just happens to be incredibly light. At its core, the tent uses a special nylon double-ripstop fabric.
This material is the secret to its ultralight character without sacrifing toughness. It resists tears and punctures from trail debris, giving you confidence that your shelter can handle what the trail throws at it. The structure is built around a pre-bent span pole and a unique 4-way high volume hub. These aren’t just technical terms; they mean real, usable space inside. The walls are steep and near-vertical, so everyone can sit up straight without feeling cramped.
You have room for three people and their essential sleeping gear without being on top of eachother. Living with this tent is where the thoughtful features shine. The two large doors each have their own sizeable vestibule. These are crucial for storing bulky packs and boots, keeping the interior clean and dry. But you can also prop them up with trekking poles to create handy awnings. This instantly expands your living space for cooking in a drizzle or just lounging with a view.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL – Backpacking Tent For Camping, 3 Season, Ultralight, Waterproof, Anodized Poles, Tangelo, 1 Person
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL is a one-person backpacking tent designed for the minimalist who doesn’t want to compromise. It’s a serious piece of gear built around a simple idea: giving you a reliable, livable shelter that weighs almost nothing. This 3-season tent is a favorite among thru-hikers for good reason, and its features explain why. At its core is a revolutionary fabric called HyperBead. This isn’t just marketing talk.
This proprietary material makes the tent body 6% lighter, 25% more waterproof, and 50% stronger than older tent fabrics. It achieves this without extra chemical coatings, which means it’s durability is built right in. The combination of solution-dyed nylon ripstop and polyester mesh creates a shelter that’s both incredibly breathable and tough enough for season after season on the trail. You get proven waterproof protection without the bulk.
The award-winning design feels much larger than a typical one-person tent. Its high-volume, freestanding architecture gives you room to sit up and move around comfortably. The smart, awning-style door is a game-changer; prop it open with a trekking pole or the included guylines to create a covered porch for cooking or just enjoying the view. Side entry is a must, and the generous vestibule keeps your backpack and boots dry outside, freeing up every inch of interior space for you.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Ultralight Bikepacking Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Ultralight Bikepacking Tent is a purpose-built shelter for cyclists who venture off the beaten path. It’s not just a tent you take on a bike trip; it’s engineered from the ground up with features that make life on two wheels simpler, more organized, and more comfortable.
Right out of the burly compression sack, you’ll notice the thoughtful details. The 12-inch Shortstik pole set is made to fit easily on handlebars or in narrow bags.
The daisy-chain webbing on the sack itself gives you flexible options for strapping it to your bike frame securely. Setting up is straightforward, thanks to color-coded clips and the unique TipLok Tent Buckle, which handles several attachment steps in one simple motion. This means you can get camp ready quickly, even after a long day in the saddle.
Don’t let the ultralight weight fool you. At a trail weight under 3 pounds, this tent is remarkably strong.
The high-volume pole architecture creates more livable space inside, giving you extra room to sit up and move around. The fabric uses a special double rip-stop nylon that resists tears and punctures without adding bulk. Combined with the tough DAC Featherlite poles and the new, lightweight Dirt Dagger stakes, this shelter is built to handle the rigors of the trail reliably.
Inside, the bikepacking-specific features really shine.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Ultralight Bikepacking Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Ultralight Bikepacking Tent is designed for cyclists who want a reliable, lightweight shelter at the end of a long ride. It’s not just a tent adapted for biking; it’s built from the ground up with features that directly adress the unique needs of bike-packing, whether your on single-track trails or paved roads. This is a true three-person shelter, but the focus is on saving weight and space without cutting corners.
The trail weight is just 3 pounds 11 ounces, and it packs down to a compact 13.5 by 7 inches. The included burly compression sack is tough enough for the rigors of the trail, and the special 12-inch Shortstik pole set is made to fit easily on handlebars, in panniers, or in a saddlebag. Setup is simplified with color-coded webbing and the unique TipLok Tent Buckle, which handles three jobs at once: securing the pole tip, attaching the rainfly, and providing a stake-out loop.
Inside, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful design. The high-volume 4-way hub increases headroom and livable space by 20% compared to older models, while the double rip-stop nylon fabric adds durability without a weight penalty. There’s clever storage everywhere, including an oversized ceiling pocket and elastic webbing inside specifically designed to securely hold your bike helmet. For ventilation, a top fly vent and low vents on the vestibule doors promote air flow to reduce condensation.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL – Backpacking Tent For Camping, 3 Season, Ultralight, Waterproof, Anodized Poles, Tangelo/Mercury, 2 Person XL
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL is a backpacking tent designed for those who prioritize both weight and space. It’s a 3-season, ultralight shelter built specifically for two people, with an XL designation meaning it offers extra length for taller campers. The Tangelo and Mercury color scheme isn’t just for looks; it helps with interior light. At its core, this tent is about bringing robust comfort into the backcountry without breaking your back.
Its spacious ultralight design is award-winning for good reason. The fabric technology, called HyperBead, is a key player. It creates a fully waterproof tent that manages to be both lighter and stronger than older materials. The body combines durable nylon ripstop with large mesh panels. This balance provides solid protection from the elements while ensuring excellent breathability to minimize condensation, a common issue in many waterproof tents.
You’ll appreciate the premium comfort features the moment you step inside. The architecture is high-volume and freestanding, giving you maximum usable space to sit up and move around. Two awning-style doors mean you and your partner have individual, protected entryways. Each door opens to a dual vestibule, offering crucial covered storage for backpacks and boots, keeping the interior clutter-free and livable. Setting up camp is straightforward with the intuitive setup system.
Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur UL Backpacking Tent, 2 Person
The Big Agnes Footprint for the Copper Spur UL 2-Person Tent is a dedicated groundsheet designed specifically for your tent model. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a strategic piece of gear that serves two primary functions: protection and versatility. Think of it as an insurance policy for your tent’s floor and a key to a lighter shelter option. First and foremost, this footprint is about protection. The ultralight floor fabric on your Copper Spur is tough, but it’s not invincible.
Abrasion from rough ground, small sharp rocks, pine needles, and general wear can slowly degrade the waterproof coating and the fabric itself over time. By placing this footprint underneath your tent, you create a crucial barrier. It takes the brunt of the abrasion, significantly extending the life of your tent’s main floor. This simple step helps maintain the tent’s integrity and waterproofness for countless more trips, protecting your investment.
It’s a small weight to carry for a lot of long-term security. The second, and perhaps equally valuable, feature is the ability to create a Fast Fly shelter. This footprint is engineered with attachment points that match your Copper Spur’s pole structure. This means you can leave the tent body at home and pitch only the footprint, the rainfly, and the poles with stakes. This configuration creates a minimalist, weather-ready shelter that is incredibly light.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL mtnGLO – Ultralight Backpacking Tent, Tangelo/Mercury, 2 Person
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL mtnGLO is a 2-person ultralight backpacking tent designed to be a comfortable, functional home in the backcountry. It builds on the award-winning Copper Spur platform with a clever integrated lighting system and thoughtful updates that adress common camp frustrations. A standout feature is the built-in mtnGLO Tent Light Technology. Low-power LEDs are woven into the tent’s seams, providing a soft, ambient glow throughout the interior.
This is perfect for organizing gear after dark, reading, or playing a game without the harsh beam of a headlamp or the hassle of hanging a lantern. It runs on a small, removable battery pack. The fabric itself is a highlight: the HyperBead material is not only lighter and stronger than previous versions, but it also achieves a higher waterproof rating without relying on added chemical coatings, which is a win for durability and the environment. Setup is streamlined with TipLok Tent Buckles.
These clever clips capture the pole tips, attach the rainfly, and tension the stake lines all in one motion, reducing fumbling in wind or rain. The cross pole sockets are also redesigned for easier assembly. Ventilation is highly adjustable; the low vestibule doors and a high fly vent, combined with double-sliding zippers, let you fine-tune airflow from the top or bottom to manage condensation effectively. Living space is generous for an ultralight tent.
Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur UL Backpacking Tent, 5 Person
The Big Agnes Footprint for the Copper Spur UL 5-Person Backpacking Tent is a dedicated groundsheet designed to protect your investment. Think of it as a simple but crucial shield for your tent’s floor. It’s cut to match the exact dimensions of the Copper Spur UL 5-person model, so it fits perfectly underneath without any excess material bunching up. This direct-fit design is key for both protection and for a specific pitching option we’ll get to in a moment.
Your tent floor is durable, but it’s not indestructable. Over time, abrasion from rough ground, small sharp stones, pine needles, and general moisture can wear down the waterproof coating and fabric. By adding this lightweight layer between your tent and the ground, you significantly reduce that wear and tear. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to extend the functional lifespan of your tent, making the footprint a smart, preventative accessory.
It’s about long-term care for a significant piece of your gear. Beyond protection, this footprint unlocks a versatile shelter option called the Fast Fly. Here’s how it works: you can pitch the tent fly, poles, and this footprint together to create a minimalist, ultra-lightweight shelter. You leave the tent body behind. This configuration is ideal for fast-moving trips in fair weather where you want maximum weight savings or just need a quick, protected place to sleep.
Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack
The Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack is a purpose-built groundsheet designed to protect your tent and expand your livable space. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a strategic piece of gear for the bikepacking minimalist who values both protection and practicality. First and foremost, compatibility is key. This footprint is engineered specifically for the NEW 2021 Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack tent, connecting via it’s unique TipLok tent buckles.
This is a crucial detail: it is not compatible with older versions of the Copper Spur Bikepack tent, so double-check your tent model before purchasing. When you attach it, the real magic happens. The footprint extends beyond the tent body to create a durable, clean vestibule floor. This gives you a designated area outside your sleeping quarters for changing clothes, organizing gear, or just keeping your boots out of the dirt.
It’s a simple feature that dramatically improves camp organization and comfort, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The material choice reflects it’s lightweight mission. Constructed from tough nylon rip-stop fabric, it provides a reliable barrier against ground moisture, sharp rocks, and abrasive surfaces that can wear down your tent floor over time. This protection directly extends the lifespan of your main shelter, making the footprint a smart investment.
Copper Spur Tent Buying Guide
Lightweight, livable luxury defines teh Copper Spur series for serious backpackers. But with a few models available, how do you pick the right one for your adventures? This guide breaks down the key factors to consider before you invest, helping you match the tent to your specific needs.
Capacity & Floor Plan
How many people need to sleep comfortably? The number in the model name (like UL2) is a great starting point, but consider your real-world space needs. A 2-person tent is cozy for two; if you want room for gear inside, sizing up to a 3-person model can be worth the slight weight gain. Think about how you’ll use the vestibules for storage, too.
Seasonality & Weather Protection
The Copper Spur is a premier 3-season tent, perfect for spring through fall. It handles wind and rain admirably with its strong yet light poles and quality rainfly. However, if you regularly camp in heavy, wet snow or extreme alpine conditions, you’ll want a dedicated 4-season shelter. For most backpacking trips, its balance of protection and ventilation is spot-on.
Weight & Packed Size
This is where the Copper Spur truly shines. Every ounce counts when it’s on your back. Compare the “packaged weight” of different models. Are you splitting the tent with a partner? The weight distribution can make a huge difference in your comfort over miles. Also, check the packed length—will it fit nicely in or on your pack?
Livability Features
This is the luxury part. Look at the peak height—can you sit up straight to change clothes? How are the doors configured for easy entry? Dual vestibules are fantastic for two people, keeping gear organized and dry. Great ventilation is key to reducing condensation, so examine the mesh panels and airflow options. These details turn a shelter into a comfortable backcountry home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copper Spur Tent
What makes teh Copper Spur a good tent?
It’s a classic balance of weight, space, and durability. You get a lot of living room for it’s weight, which is great for backpacking. The materials are tough but the poles are light, making it a reliable shelter.
Is it hard to set up?
Not at all. The color-coded poles and clips make it very intuitive. Most people can have it pitched in just a few minutes, even if you’re new to it.
How does it handle bad weather?
It holds up well in rain and wind for a lightweight tent. The rainfly has good coverage and the vestibules offer extra storage. For extreme conditions like heavy snow, a dedicated 4-season tent is a better choice.
Can two people really fit comfortably?
Yes, the two-person model has a generous floor plan. Two regular sleeping pads will fit side-by-side with some room for gear at your feet. There’s also high walls so you can sit up easily.
What’s the main difference between the regular and UL (Ultralight) version?
The UL version uses slightly lighter fabrics and poles to cut ounces. The regular version uses a bit more durable materials. Both have the same great design, so you choose based on your priority: maximum weight savings or a touch more ruggedness.
Are the vestibules a good size?
They are. Each side has a decent-sized vestibule where you can stash your backpack and boots. This keeps your gear dry and out of the sleeping area, which is a huge plus.
How do I care for and clean the tent?
Always make sure it’s completely dry before storing it to prevent mold. For cleaning, use a soft sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid machine washing and harsh detergents, as they can damage the waterproof coatings.
The Final Call
For the weight-conscious hiker seeking durable comfort, a Copper Spur tent is a premier investment. It strikes that rare balance, giving you a reliable, spacious shelter without weighing down your pack. You get more room to relax and organize your gear, which makes a huge difference after a long day on the trail. The setup is quick and intuitive, so you can focus on resting and enjoying your surroundings. It’s built to handle various conditions, giving you peace of mind when the weather changes.
When you compare options, the value becomes clear. You’re not just buying a tent; you’re investing in better nights of sleep and more enjoyable trips for seasons to come. The thoughtful design and proven materials mean this shelter will be a trusted part of your adventures. For a blend of livability, strength, and lightweight performance, choosing a Copper Spur tent is a smart decision for any backpacker who values their time outdoors.