Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

In an oversaturated tent market, it’s not easy to make a name for yourself. Big Agnes has managed to do exactly that and has been consistently at the forefront of the ultralight backpacking market, led by their flagship tent model, the Copper Spur HV

Since it was first introduced in 2008, the Copper Spur has seen multiple redesigns and iterations, which have helped it to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of camping tents and in the impressive line-up of Big Agnes Tents.

So what makes the Copper Spur such a modern classic? There are plenty of things to love about it, but most backpackers will agree that one of the best features of the tent is that it doesn’t force users to sacrifice comfort for weight-savings.

Big Agnes has kept building on that formula ever since, and the Copper Spur family has grown well beyond the original two-person shelter. Today the lineup spans solo tents all the way up to five-person group shelters, plus dedicated mtnGLO, XL, and Bikepack versions built on the same platform. Below, we break down every Copper Spur tent Big Agnes currently makes, side by side, so you can find the right fit for your trip.

First Look

Other than the color changes over the years, the Copper Spur has stayed remarkably consistent in its core design. The same peak height, floor space, and dimensions philosophy keep every model as roomy and comfortable as its footprint allows.

It’s not until you get a Copper Spur fully pitched, with the fly attached, that you’ll notice everything Big Agnes packed in. Notably, Big Agnes uses a redesigned spanning pole for additional stability, includes an awning option on many models, uses the TipLok tent corner attachment system, tougher HyperBead fabrics, and generous interior storage.

Like we said, it only looks simple.

Key Features Across the Lineup

Span Pole

It may not seem like much, but the small, pre-bent span pole is actually a very big upgrade. In addition to increasing the interior tent space, this pole also works to improve the overall stability and strength of the tent. Plus, it creates a slightly steeper roof angle, making it easier for the rain fly to shed water during storms.

Awning-Style Vestibule

You might be blessed with always finding the best camp spot, complete with large trees that offer plenty of shade when the sun starts shining. For the rest of us, Big Agnes builds an awning-style vestibule option into most Copper Spur models.

The fly still offers full, waterproof coverage when you need it as well as a storage space for your boots and a moderately sized pack. But, for those bluebird days when you want to cook breakfast without getting your tan on, a second vestibule zipper allows the fly to open up, creating a small awning when combined with your trekking poles or Big Agnes Tent Accessory Poles.

While the extra shade is nice, the awning is really only as tall as your tent. This means it’s a useful feature, but taller folks might find themselves feeling a bit cramped underneath the awning, which is exactly why Big Agnes offers XL versions of its most popular sizes.

TipLok Tent Buckle™

Other than being a mouthful to say, the TipLok Tent Buckle is one of the more clever engineering details across the current Copper Spur lineup. Big Agnes designed the attachment points at each corner to make tent setup easier than ever before.

First, a small plastic pole-tip capture anchors the pole tip securely in place during set-up, which is especially handy when pitching the tent by yourself.

Next, the rainfly buckle and tensioner attach to the pole-tip capture. This single-piece design equalizes the force between attachment points, making for a more stable structure.

Finally, a lightweight stake-out loop rounds it out for a 3-in-1 construction that simplifies your setup.

In our testing, this remains the most noticeable upgrade to the tent. It makes for painless setup, especially when rolling solo, and it’s very intuitive to use.

That said, we still keep an eye on durability with the plastic pole-tip capture compared to a traditional metal grommet. Since it’s a critical component to both the rain fly and the tent itself, damaging one has the potential to take your shelter out of commission. It’s a functional upgrade, but it’s worth handling with a bit of care.

Materials

Even with Big Agnes Tents, durability is a concern when you want to go ultralight, because, generally speaking, lighter weight fabrics are more prone to ripping and tearing.

Big Agnes addresses this with HyperBead fly and floor fabric across the current lineup, a double ripstop mixed denier nylon used on the floor, fly, and tent body.

The bottom line: the fabric is more resistant to punctures and has a higher tear strength, yet weighs about the same or less than older materials. That’s possible because the extra strength comes from the way this fabric is woven, rather than how thick it is. So while you’re still getting a very lightweight tent, you’re now less likely to find yourself trying to patch it in the middle of a downpour. Current fabrics are also built without intentionally added PFAS.

What We Like

• Awning-Style Vestibule - We can’t count the number of times we thought we found the perfect campsite in the middle of the night, only to wake up and find that there’s no shade anywhere. This awning option is something that can and will come in handy. Plus, it’ll make you more likely to carry trekking poles, which will save your knees some grief along the way.
• Tougher Fabrics - We always get excited about higher tear-resistance without adding weight. That goes double for a backpacking tent.
• A Size for Every Trip - With solo, group, XL, mtnGLO, and Bikepack versions all sharing the same core platform, it’s easy to find the exact Copper Spur that matches how you actually travel.

What We Don’t Like

• Accessories - Because the TipLok Buckle changed the attachment points, older external accessories designed for earlier Copper Spur generations are not always compatible with current models. Double-check compatibility before buying a rainfly or footprint separately.

Since these are ultralight tents, we recommend pairing yours with a footprint to increase the lifespan and longevity of your tent floor.

• Plastic Pole-Tip Capture - Replacing the old metal grommet with the plastic, keyed buckle in the TipLok definitely makes the Copper Spur easier to use. However, molded plastic components can break more easily, and are harder to fix in the field, than tried-and-true grommets. You’ll want to be careful to avoid stepping on these while you’re setting up camp.

Shop the Complete Copper Spur Lineup

Here's every Copper Spur tent Big Agnes currently makes, from the solo UL1 up through the five-person UL5, plus the Bikepack, XL, and mtnGLO variants.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Tents

The core lineup runs from solo to five-person, all on the same ultralight DAC pole platform. The UL1 checks in just over two pounds for solo travelers. The UL2 is the most popular size in the lineup and the default pick for two-person teams. The UL3 works for groups or for two-person teams who want serious vestibule space for wet-weather cooking. The UL4 and UL5 scale that same platform up for small groups. Pick your party size and go.

UL1

UL2

UL3

UL4

UL5

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Bikepack Tents

The Bikepack versions take the same fully freestanding Copper Spur and rework it for pedal-powered travel. A shorter Shortstik poleset and a waterproof stuff sack with Big Hitch straps let the whole tent mount straight to a handlebar, frame, or pannier, so it stops competing for space in your bags. Available in two- and three-person.

UL2 Bikepack

UL3 Bikepack

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL XL Tents

Same tent, longer floor. The XL versions add several inches of floor length without changing the pole geometry or weight profile in any meaningful way. The right call for anyone over six feet who's spent one too many nights with their feet pressed against the tent wall. Available in two- and three-person.

UL2 XL

UL3 XL

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL mtnGLO Tents

The mtnGLO version adds LED lighting woven directly into the tent ceiling, powered by a USB battery pack. It's a small detail that changes how functional your shelter feels on a week-long trip. No headlamp fumbling, no dead batteries draining your device charger. The diffuse ceiling light is bright enough to read or cook by without blinding your tentmate. Available in two- and three-person.

UL2 mtnGLO

UL3 mtnGLO

Copper Spur Lineup Comparison

Model	Capacity	Trail Weight	Floor Area	Best For
Copper Spur UL1	1-Person	2 lb 2 oz	20 sq ft	Solo thru-hikers
Copper Spur UL2	2-Person	2 lb 10 oz	29 sq ft	Classic 2-person backpacking
Copper Spur UL2 mtnGLO	2-Person	2 lb 12 oz	29 sq ft	Built-in camp lighting
Copper Spur UL2 XL	2-Person	2 lb 14 oz	36 sq ft	Taller campers
Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack	2-Person	2 lb 15 oz	29 sq ft	Bikepacking
Copper Spur UL3	3-Person	3 lb 8 oz	41 sq ft	Couples wanting extra room
Copper Spur UL3 mtnGLO	3-Person	3 lb 8 oz	41 sq ft	Built-in camp lighting
Copper Spur UL3 XL	3-Person	3 lb 9 oz	48 sq ft	Taller campers, gear-heavy trips
Copper Spur UL3 Bikepack	3-Person	3 lb 10 oz	41 sq ft	Bikepacking with a partner
Copper Spur UL4	4-Person	5 lb 4 oz	57 sq ft	Small groups
Copper Spur UL5	5-Person	5 lb 4 oz	57 sq ft	Larger groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Copper Spur UL2 and UL3?

The UL2 sleeps two in a 29 sq ft floor at 2 lb 10 oz trail weight, while the UL3 sleeps three in a 41 sq ft floor at 3 lb 8 oz. Many two-person teams choose the UL3 anyway for the extra elbow room, at a modest weight penalty.

What does XL mean on a Copper Spur tent?

XL models add extra floor length and width over the standard version, built for taller campers who need more head-to-toe room without switching to a heavier tent.

What is the Copper Spur Bikepack tent designed for?

The Bikepack versions use a shorter, Shortstik poleset and a waterproof stuff sack with Big Hitch straps so the tent can mount directly to a handlebar, frame, or pannier, rather than riding inside a pack.

What is mtnGLO on the Copper Spur?

mtnGLO is Big Agnes’ integrated overhead tent lighting system. It’s built into the tent body on mtnGLO models, so you can light the whole interior without holding or hanging a separate light.

How much does a Big Agnes Copper Spur tent weigh?

Trail weight ranges from 2 lb 2 oz for the solo UL1 up to 5 lb 4 oz for the four and five-person UL4 and UL5. Packed weight, which includes stakes and stuff sacks, typically runs a few ounces heavier.

Is the Copper Spur a 4-season tent?

No. The Copper Spur lineup is built as a 3-season backpacking tent, prioritizing low weight and breathable mesh over the heavier fabrics and pole structures used in true 4-season, winter-rated shelters.

What size Copper Spur tent do I need?

Match the capacity to how you actually travel. Solo fastpackers do well with the UL1, couples usually land on the UL2 or UL3 depending on how much gear room they want, and small groups or families should look at the UL4 or UL5.

Do Copper Spur tents come with a footprint?

No, footprints are sold separately for most Copper Spur models. We recommend picking one up alongside your tent to protect the floor fabric and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

The Copper Spur has stayed at the front of the ultralight backpacking tent conversation by continuing to add real, useful value without losing sight of what made it great in the first place. Added storage space, awning-style vestibules, tougher HyperBead materials, and the TipLok corner construction all carry across the full current lineup, and now that lineup covers just about every way people actually get out and camp, from solo fastpacking to bikepacking to family trips.

That range is what sets the Copper Spur apart in the world of ultralight backpacking tents, especially when compared to other class leaders like the NEMO Dagger, MSR Hubba Hubba, and NEMO Dragonfly.

About Campman

Campman is an outdoor retail store located in Salt Lake City, Utah, that specializes in gear and equipment for camping, skiing, backpacking, climbing, and everything in between. We understand that the difference between a bad memory and the adventure of a lifetime can come down to the gear you take with you when you head outdoors, and we want our customers to have the best experiences possible. When it comes to getting outside, we get it, and we’ll get you the gear you need to get there.

Questions? Feel free to contact us by phone at (801) 999-8117 or by email at sales@campman.com.

About the Author

Dan Goodman

Most of the year, Dan can be found chasing the best climbing conditions he can get his hands on, and in the dead of winter, he'll settle for chasing powder on his snowboard. He's constantly seeking out better gear, testing new climbing shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more to make his life in the outdoors a bit more comfortable.