Backpacking tents · owner-verdict comparison

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 84% of 112 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 owners recommend it, vs 79% of 140 for the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person.

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 →

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person

79%of 140 owners recommend
79% recommend · 12% neutral · 9% don't
Owners praise
  • Lightweight and packs down small
  • Fast and easy to pitch
  • Roomy with good headroom for one
Owners complain about
  • Cramped for two adults
  • Heavy for an ultralight tent
  • Pricey for the category
Full owner report →

The head-to-head

Both the MSR Hubba Hubba NX and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 earn owner loyalty for being light, quick to pitch, and durable enough to hold up through years of wind and rain, and both draw the same core caveats of a snug fit for two adults and a premium price. Hubba Hubba owners praise its light weight and small pack size, good headroom for one, and how it handles wind and rain, while noting it's cramped for two adults, heavy by ultralight standards, and chilly and airy in cold weather. Copper Spur owners highlight how light it is at around 3 lbs, its livable interior for the weight, dual doors and vestibules, and thoughtful pockets, but caution that the thin fabric, mesh, and zippers are fragile and need care. A backpacker who prioritizes proven weather durability and doesn't mind extra weight leans to the Hubba Hubba, while one wanting maximum livable room and features at the lowest weight, and willing to handle it gently, leans to the Copper Spur. Neither is simply better; the choice hinges on whether rugged weatherproofing or lighter, roomier comfort matters more.

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 MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person if
  • Solo backpackers wanting a roomy, light shelter
  • Couples prioritizing pack size over roominess
  • Bike tourers and thru-hikers in wet, windy conditions
Skip it if
  • Two tall adults wanting spacious sleeping room
  • Cold-weather or winter campers

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 MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person owners say

I'm beyond excited to get out and use it
@dudeymcduderson on YouTube
Vestibules are huge at 8.75sq-ft for a total of 17.5sq-ft.
CJOttawa on Reddit
I have a MSR Hubba Hubba, that I use solo. It's definitely small for two people. I don't like that it's pitched inner first, meaning if it rains the inside gets wet.
oops_whatnow on Reddit

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person: frequently asked questions

Is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person better?

Both the MSR Hubba Hubba NX and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 earn owner loyalty for being light, quick to pitch, and durable enough to hold up through years of wind and rain, and both draw the same core caveats of a snug fit for two adults and a premium price. Hubba Hubba owners praise its light weight and small pack size, good headroom for one, and how it handles wind and rain, while noting it's cramped for two adults, heavy by ultralight standards, and chilly and airy in cold weather. Copper Spur owners highlight how light it is at around 3 lbs, its livable interior for the weight, dual doors and vestibules, and thoughtful pockets, but caution that the thin fabric, mesh, and zippers are fragile and need care. A backpacker who prioritizes proven weather durability and doesn't mind extra weight leans to the Hubba Hubba, while one wanting maximum livable room and features at the lowest weight, and willing to handle it gently, leans to the Copper Spur. Neither is simply better; the choice hinges on whether rugged weatherproofing or lighter, roomier comfort matters more.

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 MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person?

Owners point the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person at solo backpackers wanting a roomy, light shelter, and couples prioritizing pack size over roominess.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is expensive, premium price tag. For the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person, it's cramped for two adults.