Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent Review: Ultralight Shelter For Space Seekers

We tested the XL version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 for two nights in the Colorado high country at over 11,000’. The experience confirmed what makes this series so popular: simple setup, smart features, and excellent storm performance for a tent in the ultralight category.

Bottom Line

For 2025, both the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and the Copper Spur UL2 XL continue to deliver a hard-to-beat balance of weight, livability, and weather protection. Whether you need the compact efficiency of the standard UL2 or prefer the extra room of the XL version (which we tested), you're getting the same exceptional fabrics, innovative dual-zipper vestibule system, and high-quality construction. After a couple of nights in the highcountry, we can confidently say this tent delivers, justifying its position as the most recommended ultralight shelter on the market.

You pay for this performance - $549.95 for the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and $629.95 for the XL. There are some other really good options out there if you don't need the lightest, most-technical backpacking tent, but none offer the combination of space and features at 3lbs. 

Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

Be sure to check out our full 2-person tent spec chart in our Best 2-person Backpacking Tents article.

Copper Spur UL2 vs. UL2 XL

The only difference between the UL2 and UL2 XL is dimensions and the small weight increase that comes with them. Both versions use the same fabrics, poles, waterproofing technology, and feature set. The difference in interior space is significant - a whopping 12" of additional width and at the foot and 8" of length, given the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 XL a rectangular footprint as opposed to the tapered shape of the standard UL2. This means that tent mates can choose to sleep head-to-toe in the XL. You also get more usable headroom in the XL, though on paper the peak is only 1" taller.  

Here are the full specs of these to tents for comparison:

Materials and Construction

The Copper Spur HV UL2 features Hyperbead™, Big Agnes' latest waterproofing technology. This PFAS-free treatment is “inherently waterproof at a molecular level,” meaning it won’t wear off like traditional coatings. Big Agnes also claims 6% lighter fabric weight with up to twice the tear strength compared to prior versions. The tent body uses a HyperBead™ 20D solution dyed ripstop (1500mm) Nylon, while the fliy is 15D. Though there is no mention of it in their materials, the fabric looks to make use of polyester threads in the ripstop, presumably to prevent the fabric from sagging when wet (as polyester is hydrophobic). This would be similar to the approach of Nemo's OSMO fabric. 

In the field, this proved reliable. On a night of solid alpine rain with steady wind, the Copper Spur 2 XL we tested stayed completely dry, held taut with guylines staked out, and showed no signs of sagging—even after a cold and wet morning.

As always, Big Agnes uses DAC Featherlite NFL (feather light), NSL (super light) pressfit poles. There are very few ultralight tents at this point that aren't using DAC poles, except for those with carbon fiber. The main pole set is a hubbed design and there is a separate crossover pole that increases headroom as well as the steepness of the walls. The crossover pole is offset from the hub on the main set, which increases the rigidity and strength of the structure. This is their latest architecture, which has evolved over the life of the Copper Spur series. The poleset on our Copper Spur UL2 XL weighs 13.8oz in the stuff sack with the included repair splint.

Connections for the pole tips have been updated to plastic components, which are lighter than metal rivets. They also have flex and feel more durable than metal rivets, which are known to pop out of webbing straps over time. We found it easy to clip poles into the plastic mount points. On the rainfly you will find plastic end caps which fit over the crossover poles, ensuring that the fly stays aligned and taut.

Dimensions and Usable Space

Tent Interior

Let's start with the standard Copper Spur UL2. It tapers from 52" at the head to 42" at the foot.This is typical for 2-person backpacking tents, but it also means that you don't have the option of sleeping head-to-foot. At 42" the foot is tight and will not accommodate two wide (25") sleeping pads. That said, the 29 sqft of total floor area is on par with other ultralight options. The Copper Spur UL2 XL on the other hand is a big rectangle that offers 36 sqft of space and easily accommodates two wide-long pads. During testing, our 6'4" tester with size 13 shoes found the extra length invaluable. The steep walls and additional floor space meant his sleeping bag never pressed against the tent walls—a common complaint with ultralight shelters. The tent easily accommodates two wide-long sleeping pads (25" x 78"), which are typically a tight squeeze in most 2-person ultralight tents.

Vestibule Space

The Copper Spur UL2 offers 18 sqft of total vestibule space, split between doors. Oddly, the specs don't indicate that the vestibules on the XL are bigger, but with 8" of additional length on the body they do have slightly more space underneath. Vestibule space is one area where this tent stands out against the competition. Few ultralight tents offer as much storage under the rain fly as the Copper Spur. We appreciated the space to keep our boots and packs dry during overnight rain in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. 

Pockets

There is plenty of storage on the Copper Spur UL2 starting with a massive 3d bin pocket (essentially an integrated gear loft) on the foot side of the tent. There is also a large pocket on the head of the tent. There are two more side pockets, one by each door.

Setup and Storage

Big Agnes made setup easy by color coding the webbing on the tent body and fly, along with color coded pole.segments. Just clip grey to grey and orange to orange and you can't go wrong. Even for our first time users it only took 5 minutes to have the tent fully pitched and staked. We were really impressed with how taut you can get the tent on uneven ground, though it took some trial and error to properly stake out the vestibules. Pro tip: On the underside of the rainfly you'll find Velcro loops that attach around the tent poles. Use these, as they help keep the rainfly in place when the weather turns windy.

When it is time to tear down, just fold up the tent body and fly each into rectangles as wide as the length of the collapsed poleset. Next place the poles on top and roll everything up. This will allow you to fit everything back into the updated storage sack. Inside the sack is an attached pocket for stakes. 

Weather Protection and Durability

We spent two nights at 11,000+ feet, providing ideal conditions to evaluate the tent's weather performance. Night one brought solid rain and moderate winds, while night two remained calm and dry.

Wind Performance: With all guy lines properly staked, the tent achieved an impressively taut pitch with minimal flapping noise. The pre-bent poles and strategic guy-out points create a stable structure that sheds wind effectively. Pro Tip: Always use your guy lines, even if you aren't anticipating wind!

Water Protection: Zero water penetrated the tent during steady rainfall. The HyperBead™ technology performed well, though our testing conditions were admittedly less severe than the sustained rains common in the Pacific Northwest.

Despite overnight temperature drops that left the rainfly cold and wet by morning, the tent maintained its taut pitch with no noticeable sagging—a testament to the fabric's stability across temperature ranges. This is a notable improvement on older models.

Durability Considerations

The Copper Spur UL2 has extremely high quality parts throughout, from the Dominico fabrics to DAC poles. That said, ultralight materials just take more care than heavier fabrics and hardware. The ultralight fabrics require careful site selection and handling. We always recommend using a footprint to extend tent life and simplify cleaning. The 20-denier floor offers reasonable puncture resistance, but sharp rocks and abrasive surfaces should be avoided. If you regularly camp with your dog I'd go with a heavier 75D Polyester like on the REI Half Dome 2.

Final Thoughts

The Copper Spur HV UL2 series is a proven choice for backpackers who want ultralight performance without sacrificing comfort.

• Go with the UL2 if you prioritize keeping pack weight as low as possible and don’t mind a tighter fit.
• Choose the UL2 XL if you’re taller, use wide pads, or just want extra livability without moving up to much heavier tent.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 represents the sweet spot between ultralight performance and livable space. For only 5 ounces the even roomier Copper Spur UL2 XL gives you a wider rectangular footprint. These tents command premium pricing, but no other manufacturer offers this combination of weight, space, and technical features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the standard Copper Spur UL2 compare to the XL version?

Both versions use identical fabrics, poles, and features. The standard UL2 weighs 3 lbs (packed weight) with 29 square feet of space, while the XL adds 5 ounces for 36 square feet and 8 inches more length. For hikers under 6 feet, the standard version offers better weight-to-space efficiency, while taller hikers or those wanting maximum comfort benefit from the XL's rectangular floor and extra dimensions.

Is the Copper Spur UL2 suitable for hikers under 6 feet tall?

Absolutely. The standard UL2's 7-foot length accomodates most backpackers comfortably. Our testing of the XL version showed the benefits of extra space, but the standard version's efficient tapered design maximizes livability while minimizing weight—ideal for average-height hikers prioritizing ultralight performance.

Do I need to buy a footprint for the Copper Spur UL2?

We strongly recommend it. Both the standard and XL versions use the same ultralight 20-denier floor material that benefits from added protection. A footprint extends tent life significantly and makes cleaning easier—worthwhile protection for a premium investment.

Can two wide-long pads fit in the Copper Spur HV UL2?

Two 25" x 78" pads won't fit in the Copper Spur UL2 because the tapered foot is too narrow, but the UL2 XL easily accommodates two wide-long 25" x 78" pads.

How storm-worthy is the Copper Spur HV UL2 series?

In moderate alpine storms, both versions perform excellently when staked out properly. They aren’t four-season tents, but they’re reliable for three-season backpacking.