Backpacking tents · owner-verdict comparison

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: 84% of 112 owners recommend it, vs 75% of 24 for the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

84%of 112 owners recommend
84% recommend · 5% neutral · 11% don't
Owners praise
  • Very lightweight, packs down small at around 3 lbs
  • Roomy, livable interior for the weight
  • Durable and holds up in high winds and bad weather
Owners complain about
  • Expensive, premium price tag
  • Thin, fragile fabric and mesh that needs care
  • Tight for two people or tall sleepers
Full owner report →

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

75%of 24 owners recommend
75% recommend · 13% neutral · 12% don't
Owners praise
  • Owners report high overall satisfaction, with several calling it their favorite tent they've owned
  • Holds up well over multiple seasons of use, staying as good as new and keeping owners dry through heavy rain
  • Noticeably lightweight, including light components like the stakes, without feeling flimsy
Owners complain about
  • The 2-person (UL2) version runs tight, with some calling it more of a one-person tent and barely enough room for a dog, let alone a second person
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if
  • ✓Long-distance thru-hikers on the AT, PCT, or JMT
  • ✓Solo backpackers wanting freestanding room and dual doors
  • ✓Hunters and scouters needing a durable 3-season tent
  • ✓Campers who value quick, easy setup
Skip it if
  • Two adults expecting a roomy fit (tight for two)
  • Careless handlers (fragile zippers, thin fabric)
Get the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 if
  • ✓Solo or one-person-plus-dog backpackers who want a roomy, comfortable setup
  • ✓Thru-hikers wanting a proven, storm-worthy semi-freestanding shelter for the PCT/AT/CT
  • ✓Backpackers prioritizing ventilation, with a mostly-mesh inner tent for hot climates
  • ✓Owners who value a lifetime warranty and multi-season durability over years of use
Skip it if
  • Two adults expecting real elbow room in the 2-person size, especially over 6ft tall
  • Anyone camping regularly in wet conditions, since the fabric absorbs water and gets heavy when packed wet

What Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 owners say

“Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. Upgraded from Marmot Limelight 2p (which is still awesome btw) but saving 3.5 lbs makes a huge difference.”
— thatonedayinmay on Reddit
“Get a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack and forget about it. I just did a 8,571-mile cross-country moto trip and camped most of the way, and my Copper Spur was incredible in all kinds of weather.”
— lowfox on Reddit
“I’m currently in the older model Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and am looking to get something else. Every sleeping pad I use in the copper spur sounds like a rubbery balloon squeaking as it rubs against the floor. Not ideal for anyone else sleeping nearby.”
— bb-backl8er on Reddit

What Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 owners say

“If looking at Big Agnes, I think the Tiger Wall is better. Slightly smaller, but much lighter.”
— adambl82 on Reddit
“There is no problem with ventilation in Tiger Wall since the inner tent is almost entirely mesh the amount of air coming through under the fly is plenty.”
— J-Nightshade on Reddit
“The big agnes will absorb water, sag, then weigh twice as much after you have to pack it up wet.”
— they_have_no_bullets on Reddit

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2: frequently asked questions

Is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 better?

Real owners lean toward the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: 84% of 112 owners recommend it, vs 75% of 24 for the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2.

Who should get the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2?

Owners point the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at long-distance thru-hikers on the AT, PCT, or JMT, and solo backpackers wanting freestanding room and dual doors.

Who should get the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2?

Owners point the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 at solo or one-person-plus-dog backpackers who want a roomy, comfortable setup, and thru-hikers wanting a proven, storm-worthy semi-freestanding shelter for the PCT/AT/CT.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is expensive, premium price tag. For the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, it's the 2-person (UL2) version runs tight, with some calling it more of a one-person tent and barely enough room for a dog, let alone a second person.