Backpacking tents · owner-verdict comparison

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs Nemo Hornet 2P: 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 150 for the Nemo Hornet 2P.

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 →

Nemo Hornet 2P

79%of 150 owners recommend
79% recommend · 11% neutral · 10% don't
Owners praise
  • Impressively lightweight, around 2 lbs for a double-wall tent
  • Held up well through rain, wind, and storms over years of use
  • Packs down very small
Owners complain about
  • Too tight and cramped for two people
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 Nemo Hornet 2P if
  • ✓Solo backpackers wanting a roomy one-person shelter
  • ✓Weight-conscious hikers who still want double-wall comfort
  • ✓Long-distance thru-hikers needing durability over many miles
  • ✓Those wanting fast, freestanding, trekking-pole-free setup
Skip it if
  • Two adults sharing (cramped, sarcophagus-tight)
  • Taller campers over about six feet

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 Nemo Hornet 2P owners say

“I have the nemo hornet 2P and I love it and it’s great in the wind. I highly recommend. Super easy to setup.”
— alicewonders12 on Reddit
“the next day my trail buddy and I rented a car and drove to Atlanta to go to rei to buy another tent (Nemo Hornet 2P) a little heavier but such an awesome tent. I loved it dearly and it kept me nice and dry for the rest of the trail.”
— cywnne on Reddit
“took out my nemo hornet 2p last night with my dog. It was super windy and with the frame bowing in. My dog was scared and ripped through the mesh to get out.”
— dec92010 on Reddit

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs Nemo Hornet 2P: frequently asked questions

Is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or the Nemo Hornet 2P better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 84% of 112 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 owners recommend it, vs 79% of 150 for the Nemo Hornet 2P.

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 Nemo Hornet 2P?

Owners point the Nemo Hornet 2P at solo backpackers wanting a roomy one-person shelter, and weight-conscious hikers who still want double-wall comfort.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is expensive, premium price tag. For the Nemo Hornet 2P, it's too tight and cramped for two people.