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Head-to-head · Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.2). Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is best for: Backpackers who want the best overall blend of low weight and two-person livability for everything from weekend trips to thru-hikes, and who can justify a premium price. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
2 sources$599.95as of Oct 11

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is the best all-around two-person backpacking tent because it nails the hardest balance in the category: it is genuinely light at around 3 pounds yet livable enough for two people to sleep comfortably with twin doors and vestibules. Reviewers at CleverHiker and OutdoorGearLab rank it at or near the top of the field. The price is steep and the thin fabrics need care, but nothing else combines weight, space, and ease of use this well.

Strengths
  • — Class-leading balance of low weight and livability at roughly 3 lb packed
  • — Fast, intuitive freestanding setup with hubbed DAC pole architecture, per CleverHiker
  • — Excellent interior organization with pockets, gear loft compatibility, and ample headroom
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price near $600 puts it at the top of the category
  • — Lightweight fabrics demand care; durability is only mediocre under rough use
  • — Slightly tapered floor can get tight with two wide rectangular pads
$599.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2
Ranked #5 in Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents
MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2
1 source$550as of Oct 10

The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 is the pick for backpackers who want a light tent that can take a beating. Its 20-denier nylon canopy and floor are notably more durable than the gossamer fabrics on many ultralight rivals, yet it still keeps weight to a reasonable 3 pounds with a roomy, non-tapered 32-square-foot floor. CleverHiker has kept it on its best-tents list for years, and Switchback Travel praises its balance of weight, protection, and livability. Smallish vestibules and a premium price are the main trade-offs.

Strengths
  • — Excellent durability for the weight, with resilient 20-denier nylon throughout
  • — Roomy non-tapered 32 sq ft floor fits two rectangular pads side by side
  • — Strong, well-tested weather protection from a brand with a storm-worthy reputation
Watch-outs
  • — Vestibules are fairly small for stashing two packs plus boots
  • — Less mesh than some tents, which can feel warm on hot, still nights
  • — Heavier than the lightest ultralight options in the category
$550 · Buy at cascadedesigns.comFull review →

How they stack up

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2

The benchmark the rest of this list is measured against. It is lighter and more livable than the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 and the heavier NEMO Dagger OSMO 2, while being far roomier and easier to live in than the ultralight NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2. The budget Naturehike Cloud Up 2 undercuts it dramatically on price but cannot match its weight, space, or build.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2

The durability champion of the group. It is tougher than the lightweight Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and far more rugged than the delicate NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2, while weighing less than the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2. Its rectangular 32 sq ft floor is more pad-friendly than the tapered Copper Spur UL2 floor, though its vestibules are smaller than the Dagger's.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBig Agnes Copper Spur UL2MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2
Packed Weight3 lb 2 oz3 lb 6 oz
Minimum Weight2 lb 11 oz3 lb
Floor Area29 sq ft32 sq ft
Peak Height40 in40 in
Doors / Vestibules2 / 22 / 2
FabricProprietary ripstop nylon, DAC poles20D silicone-coated nylon
Fly Waterproofing1200mm PU coating—
Seasons3-season3-season
Dimensions88"L x 52"W x 40"H—
Floor Shape—Rectangular (no taper)
← See the full ranking of best 2-person backpacking tents