Durston X-Mid 2
The Durston X-Mid 2 earns a best-in-class ultralight spot by delivering an exceptionally low pack weight and minimalist, trekking-pole pitch that trims grams and cost compared with freestanding rivals. For two-person dual vestibule backpacking it sacrifices some freestanding convenience found in the MSR and Big Agnes models, but its technical simplicity and attractive price-to-weight ratio make it the go-to choice for weight-conscious hikers and thru-packing budgets.
Featherweight fortress
Tarp-style wizardry
Featherweight fortress
Tarp-style wizardry
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the Durston X-Mid 2 for its exceptional ultralight packability, weatherproof performance, and durable materials, though many note the non-freestanding mid design requires practice to pitch and offers a tighter interior than freestanding tents."
Vestibules galore
Single-wall X-Mid design keeps weight extremely low and packs down very small.
Vestibules galore
Single-wall X-Mid design keeps weight extremely low and packs down very small.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Durston X-Mid 2 earns a best-in-class ultralight spot by delivering an exceptionally low pack weight and minimalist, trekking-pole pitch that trims grams and cost compared with freestanding rivals. For two-person dual vestibule backpacking it sacrifices some freestanding convenience found in the MSR and Big Agnes models, but its technical simplicity and attractive price-to-weight ratio make it the go-to choice for weight-conscious hikers and thru-packing budgets.
Featherweight fortress
Tarp-style wizardry
Vestibules galore
Single-wall X-Mid design keeps weight extremely low and packs down very small.
Dual vestibules provide covered gear storage and sheltered entry on both sides.
Featherweight fortress
Tarp-style wizardry
Vestibules galore
Single-wall X-Mid design keeps weight extremely low and packs down very small.
Dual vestibules provide covered gear storage and sheltered entry on both sides.
$550-700 CAD
MSR Hubba Hubba 2
The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is a market-leading all-around performer thanks to a proven balance of freestanding convenience, durability, and moderate weight, making setup and interior access easier than non-freestanding ultralights like the Durston. It occupies a mid-price position that buys reliability and serviceability — a sensible financial and technical compromise for two-person dual vestibule users who want versatile performance without chasing minimal ounces.
Reliable freestanding
Lazy-hiker's bestie
Reliable freestanding
Lazy-hiker's bestie
Review Summary
"Reviewers consistently like the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 for its reliable weather protection, easy freestanding setup, and balanced weight/livability for two people, with the main criticisms being that newer ultralight options are lighter and there are premium-priced competitors."
Balanced ventilation
Classic freestanding double-wall construction with two doors and two vestibules for convenience.
Balanced ventilation
Classic freestanding double-wall construction with two doors and two vestibules for convenience.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is a market-leading all-around performer thanks to a proven balance of freestanding convenience, durability, and moderate weight, making setup and interior access easier than non-freestanding ultralights like the Durston. It occupies a mid-price position that buys reliability and serviceability — a sensible financial and technical compromise for two-person dual vestibule users who want versatile performance without chasing minimal ounces.
Reliable freestanding
Lazy-hiker's bestie
Balanced ventilation
Classic freestanding double-wall construction with two doors and two vestibules for convenience.
Durable materials and reliable weather protection suitable for varied three-season conditions.
Reliable freestanding
Lazy-hiker's bestie
Balanced ventilation
Classic freestanding double-wall construction with two doors and two vestibules for convenience.
Durable materials and reliable weather protection suitable for varied three-season conditions.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 stands out for its high-volume interior and feature-rich design — generous doors, dual vestibules and stable pole geometry deliver comfort that outclasses narrower ultralight options like the Durston. It carries a premium price but rewards buyers with superior livability, storage and year-round usability, making it the top pick for backpackers who prioritize roomy shelter and technical conveniences over absolute minimum weight.
Roomy high-volume
Trail-home comfort
Roomy high-volume
Trail-home comfort
Review Summary
"Users frequently praise the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 for its roomy, high-volume interior, excellent livability, and thoughtful features, while some long-term owners report occasional seam or pole issues and note the tent is pricier than many alternatives."
Pockets galore
High-volume hub pole geometry maximizes interior space and headroom for two occupants.
Pockets galore
High-volume hub pole geometry maximizes interior space and headroom for two occupants.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 stands out for its high-volume interior and feature-rich design — generous doors, dual vestibules and stable pole geometry deliver comfort that outclasses narrower ultralight options like the Durston. It carries a premium price but rewards buyers with superior livability, storage and year-round usability, making it the top pick for backpackers who prioritize roomy shelter and technical conveniences over absolute minimum weight.
Roomy high-volume
Trail-home comfort
Pockets galore
High-volume hub pole geometry maximizes interior space and headroom for two occupants.
Double-wall design with dual doors/vestibules and thoughtful interior storage organization.
Roomy high-volume
Trail-home comfort
Pockets galore
High-volume hub pole geometry maximizes interior space and headroom for two occupants.
Double-wall design with dual doors/vestibules and thoughtful interior storage organization.
$500-750 CAD
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P is positioned as the most user-oriented option here, with tall walls, excellent ventilation and thoughtful interior organization that rival the Copper Spur while generally undercutting it on price. Technically it’s a bit heavier than the Durston ultralight and close to the MSR in packaged weight, yet it delivers more usable interior space per ounce and represents strong value for two-person dual vestibule trips where comfort is a priority.
Condensation-slayer
Offset shoulder-room
Condensation-slayer
Offset shoulder-room
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P for its spacious floorplan, strong ventilation and durable fabrics, but some folks point out it is a bit heavier and more expensive than other freestanding 2P options."
Giant doors
Asymmetric pole layout delivers generous interior floor space and roomy headroom.
Giant doors
Asymmetric pole layout delivers generous interior floor space and roomy headroom.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P is positioned as the most user-oriented option here, with tall walls, excellent ventilation and thoughtful interior organization that rival the Copper Spur while generally undercutting it on price. Technically it’s a bit heavier than the Durston ultralight and close to the MSR in packaged weight, yet it delivers more usable interior space per ounce and represents strong value for two-person dual vestibule trips where comfort is a priority.
Condensation-slayer
Offset shoulder-room
Giant doors
Asymmetric pole layout delivers generous interior floor space and roomy headroom.
Two doors and sizable dual vestibules improve access and gear management for two people.
Condensation-slayer
Offset shoulder-room
Giant doors
Asymmetric pole layout delivers generous interior floor space and roomy headroom.
Two doors and sizable dual vestibules improve access and gear management for two people.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 emphasizes ruggedness and weather-handling, making it the market leader for backpackers who need robust performance in exposed conditions rather than chasing minimal weight. It sits toward the higher end of price and pack weight compared with the ultralight Durston and mainstream MSR, but its durable fabrics, reinforced seams and sensible dual-vestibule layout offer long-term value for demanding routes and extended use.
Roomy vertical-walls
Twin vestibules
Roomy vertical-walls
Twin vestibules
Review Summary
"Sea to Summit Telos TR2 users like the robust construction, roomy interior and solid weather handling for its class, though many report it is heavier than ultralight rivals and the vestibule/door layout isn’t as convenient for some users."
Budget-friendly burly
Low-profile tunnel/tension design prioritizes wind stability and efficient weather shedding.
Budget-friendly burly
Low-profile tunnel/tension design prioritizes wind stability and efficient weather shedding.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 emphasizes ruggedness and weather-handling, making it the market leader for backpackers who need robust performance in exposed conditions rather than chasing minimal weight. It sits toward the higher end of price and pack weight compared with the ultralight Durston and mainstream MSR, but its durable fabrics, reinforced seams and sensible dual-vestibule layout offer long-term value for demanding routes and extended use.
Roomy vertical-walls
Twin vestibules
Budget-friendly burly
Low-profile tunnel/tension design prioritizes wind stability and efficient weather shedding.
Dual vestibules and multiple entry points give practical covered gear space for two campers.
Roomy vertical-walls
Twin vestibules
Budget-friendly burly
Low-profile tunnel/tension design prioritizes wind stability and efficient weather shedding.
Dual vestibules and multiple entry points give practical covered gear space for two campers.
$400-600 CAD