Tents

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack | Review

The Big Agnes Copper Spur nails it in terms of space-to-weight ratio according to our reviewers

Why We Chose The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack: Great materials, reliable design, easy to pitch.

When we held our Outdoor 100 gear tester’s trip back in May, we had around eight new tents all set up alongside each other for our big team of reviewers to inspect and try out, and they all flocked to this one, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. This, we suspect, is partly because Big Agnes has only just started to move over to this side of the pond, and also because, well, it’s an eye catcher.

It’s a very similar design to MSR’s popular Hubba Hubba tent, a single pole that forks at each end and a short cross pole that gives some width at the top. Both are pitched with the inner first, can be used without a fly in warm and dry conditions, and are completely freestanding. This, we’d say has the edge though, because it’s not only slightly lighter but it also boasts some useful little details.

“The space-to-weight ratio is very impressive You’ll find plenty of one-person tents that weigh much, much heavier.”

It’s actually been designed with bikepackers in mind. That’s why there’s a clever elastic strap on the outside of the inner mesh that will hold a helmet, and huge storage pockets on the ceiling for keeping all of your kit organised. More notably, the whole thing can be strapped easily to your handlebars thanks to its waterproof stuff sack with daisy chain webbing, Velcro straps and 12-inch-long packed size.

Granted, inner-first tent designs can be a little tricky to put up in the moist conditions of the UK – but looking past that, this really is a tent that seems to have ticked all the right boxes.

The Copper Spur HV UL2 has been thought with bikepackers in mind, such as the helmet sleeve, which will also be appreciated by climbers. Photo: Chris Johnson

Our test team were impressed at the speed you could pitch the Big Agnes Copper Spur. Photo: Chris Johnson

Big Agnes have been thoughtful of the features on this tent, such as like the colour coded clips on the corners of the flysheet. Photo: Chris Johnson

Space-wise, there’s plenty of room for two people, and the doors and decent-sized porch on either side make it very ‘livable’. It’s certainly high enough to sit up in as well yet it’s also still sturdy enough for any three-season use. And with all that considered, it’s still brilliantly light to carry with an overall weight of just 1560g.

With all of those balances struck, the excellent quality of materials, and simple but effective design features – like the ‘Quick Stash’ door keeper – this is a tent that we’ve found a joy to use.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“This is one of those tents that seems to appear on Instagram a lot. You know, those pictures of a tent without its flysheet pitched over a gaping canyon with happy hikers inside. That’s how Big Agnes came onto my radar in the first place anyway, and I was really glad to discover that they ship to the UK.

“I’ve been testing this out in the Brecon Beacons and in the badlands of Essex and it’s been brilliant. First of all, it’s simple but reliable. I try to avoid tents that pitch inner first but I’ve found it so quick and easy to get the poles clipped in and the flysheet secured over the top that I wouldn’t really mind having to erect it in the rain.

“The space-to-weight ratio is very impressive. You’ll find plenty of one-person tents that weigh much heavier. I’ve only been using it for solo hikes and have certainly been enjoying the luxurious space it provides. I’ve also found the construction to be very reliable – I wouldn’t mind facing up to strong wind in this. What’s more, you can tell that all of the materials Big Agnes have used are all good quality and I love all the little details, like the colour coded clips on the corners of the flysheet, and the hole at the bottom of the internal gear organising pocket that allows you to thread through the wire for a phone charger.

“This will be coming with me on my next long-distance trek – whether that’s by myself or with another person!”