The Copper Spur HV UL2 is Big Agnes's flagship ultralight two-person double-wall backpacking tent, delivering an exceptional weight-to-livability ratio through high-volume pole geometry, dual doors and vestibules, and thoughtful interior organization. Compared with the other models on this list it commands a premium but repays that cost with more usable floor area and comfort for two, making it ideal for hikers who want near-ultralight pack weight without sacrificing live-in space.
Featherweight carry
HV headroom (roomy!)
Featherweight carry
HV headroom (roomy!)
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the Copper Spur HV UL2 for its exceptional balance of ultralight weight, roomy interior, and robust double-wall performance; common criticisms are the premium price and occasional wear/zipper issues after heavy multi-season use."
Dual vestibules
Double-wall, freestanding design that balances ultralight weight with livable interior space.
Dual vestibules
Double-wall, freestanding design that balances ultralight weight with livable interior space.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Copper Spur HV UL2 is Big Agnes's flagship ultralight two-person double-wall backpacking tent, delivering an exceptional weight-to-livability ratio through high-volume pole geometry, dual doors and vestibules, and thoughtful interior organization. Compared with the other models on this list it commands a premium but repays that cost with more usable floor area and comfort for two, making it ideal for hikers who want near-ultralight pack weight without sacrificing live-in space.
Featherweight carry
HV headroom (roomy!)
Dual vestibules
Double-wall, freestanding design that balances ultralight weight with livable interior space.
High-volume hub pole geometry for increased headroom and easy setup.
Featherweight carry
HV headroom (roomy!)
Dual vestibules
Double-wall, freestanding design that balances ultralight weight with livable interior space.
High-volume hub pole geometry for increased headroom and easy setup.
$600-800 CAD
Durston X-Mid 2 is presented here as the ultralight, minimalist alternative—an efficient mid-style shelter that trades some of the double-wall convenience for exceptional weight savings and pitch flexibility when used with trekking poles. For thru-hikers focused on grams and adaptable campsite set-ups it delivers best-in-class pack weight compared with the double-wall tents above, though users who prefer standalone freestanding designs and easier condensation management will likely prefer MSR or Big Agnes.
Featherweight kit
Pitch-anywhere design
Featherweight kit
Pitch-anywhere design
Review Summary
"Owners of the Durston X-Mid 2 consistently praise its ultra-lightweight design, excellent internal space for a mid-style shelter, and strong long-term reliability when used correctly, though it requires more pitch skill and care to avoid condensation and setup issues. Enthusiasts rate it very highly for weight-conscious multi-night use."
Minimalist zen
Very lightweight mid-style shelter favored for minimal pack weight and fastpacking setups.
Minimalist zen
Very lightweight mid-style shelter favored for minimal pack weight and fastpacking setups.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Eco-Friendly Living
Durston X-Mid 2 is presented here as the ultralight, minimalist alternative—an efficient mid-style shelter that trades some of the double-wall convenience for exceptional weight savings and pitch flexibility when used with trekking poles. For thru-hikers focused on grams and adaptable campsite set-ups it delivers best-in-class pack weight compared with the double-wall tents above, though users who prefer standalone freestanding designs and easier condensation management will likely prefer MSR or Big Agnes.
Featherweight kit
Pitch-anywhere design
Minimalist zen
Very lightweight mid-style shelter favored for minimal pack weight and fastpacking setups.
Simple pitch using trekking poles allows flexible campsite choices and quick setup.
Featherweight kit
Pitch-anywhere design
Minimalist zen
Very lightweight mid-style shelter favored for minimal pack weight and fastpacking setups.
Simple pitch using trekking poles allows flexible campsite choices and quick setup.
$300-450 CAD
The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is market-leading for balanced reliability and ease of use, offering a proven freestanding double-wall platform with strong weather tolerance and stowable livability that appeals to a broad range of three-season two-person users. Technically it is heavier than the ultralight Durston but provides more user-friendly setup, widespread retail support and long-term brand reliability, which can justify the premium for buyers seeking a fuss-free tent backed by extensive service and accessory options.
Freestanding comfort
Bug-proof mesh
Freestanding comfort
Bug-proof mesh
Review Summary
"The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is widely liked for its balanced combination of weight, livability and easy freestanding setup; common negatives are a relatively thin floor and that it’s been surpassed in pure weight savings by newer designs."
Classic reliability!
Freestanding two-pole design that’s quick and intuitive to pitch in a variety of conditions.
Classic reliability!
Freestanding two-pole design that’s quick and intuitive to pitch in a variety of conditions.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is market-leading for balanced reliability and ease of use, offering a proven freestanding double-wall platform with strong weather tolerance and stowable livability that appeals to a broad range of three-season two-person users. Technically it is heavier than the ultralight Durston but provides more user-friendly setup, widespread retail support and long-term brand reliability, which can justify the premium for buyers seeking a fuss-free tent backed by extensive service and accessory options.
Freestanding comfort
Bug-proof mesh
Classic reliability!
Freestanding two-pole design that’s quick and intuitive to pitch in a variety of conditions.
Proven three-season weather protection with a full-coverage rainfly, taped seams and durable materials.
Freestanding comfort
Bug-proof mesh
Classic reliability!
Freestanding two-pole design that’s quick and intuitive to pitch in a variety of conditions.
Proven three-season weather protection with a full-coverage rainfly, taped seams and durable materials.
$450-600 CAD
The Tarra represents the market-leading, premium choice in four-season two-person double-wall backpacking tents, delivering top-tier fabrics, meticulous construction and class-leading wind and snow performance that translate into long-term reliability. Although it carries the highest upfront cost in this group, its superior strength-to-weight ratios, longevity and low lifecycle maintenance make it a financially sensible buy for serious alpinists compared with cheaper but heavier or less durable alternatives.
luxury polar refuge
bulletproof fabric
luxury polar refuge
bulletproof fabric
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for class-leading build quality, weather resistance, and a comfortable interior; expensive and heavier than ultralight options, but reviewers overwhelmingly say the reliability and materials justify the cost."
spacious living area
Signature reinforced fabric and construction built for extreme durability.
spacious living area
Signature reinforced fabric and construction built for extreme durability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
The Tarra represents the market-leading, premium choice in four-season two-person double-wall backpacking tents, delivering top-tier fabrics, meticulous construction and class-leading wind and snow performance that translate into long-term reliability. Although it carries the highest upfront cost in this group, its superior strength-to-weight ratios, longevity and low lifecycle maintenance make it a financially sensible buy for serious alpinists compared with cheaper but heavier or less durable alternatives.
luxury polar refuge
bulletproof fabric
spacious living area
Signature reinforced fabric and construction built for extreme durability.
Spacious interior and large vestibule ideal for extended expeditions.
luxury polar refuge
bulletproof fabric
spacious living area
Signature reinforced fabric and construction built for extreme durability.
Spacious interior and large vestibule ideal for extended expeditions.
$1,700-2,200 CAD
The MEC Spark 2 represents the best value option on this list, delivering a freestanding two-person double-wall tent at a significantly lower price point while retaining core weatherproof and structural features. It is heavier and less refined than the market-leading MSR, Big Agnes and Nemo designs, but the tradeoff is clear: buyers get durable materials and a straightforward setup for far less money, making it ideal for occasional backcountry use or budget-conscious buyers. For those prioritizing upfront cost and reliability over ultralight performance, the Spark 2 is the financially sensible choice.
Budget-friendly pack — wallet-smile
Simple freestanding pitch — pop-and-camp
Budget-friendly pack — wallet-smile
Simple freestanding pitch — pop-and-camp
Review Summary
"Users find the MEC Spark 2 to be a strong value with straightforward setup and adequate weather protection for extended outings; longer-term feedback points to heavier weight, less refined details and some durability concerns compared with premium tents."
Lightweight design — trail-friendly
Budget-friendly freestanding double-wall tent that keeps weight down for weight-conscious hikers.
Lightweight design — trail-friendly
Budget-friendly freestanding double-wall tent that keeps weight down for weight-conscious hikers.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The MEC Spark 2 represents the best value option on this list, delivering a freestanding two-person double-wall tent at a significantly lower price point while retaining core weatherproof and structural features. It is heavier and less refined than the market-leading MSR, Big Agnes and Nemo designs, but the tradeoff is clear: buyers get durable materials and a straightforward setup for far less money, making it ideal for occasional backcountry use or budget-conscious buyers. For those prioritizing upfront cost and reliability over ultralight performance, the Spark 2 is the financially sensible choice.
Budget-friendly pack — wallet-smile
Simple freestanding pitch — pop-and-camp
Lightweight design — trail-friendly
Budget-friendly freestanding double-wall tent that keeps weight down for weight-conscious hikers.
Two doors and vestibules with a straightforward pole setup for quick, reliable pitching.
Budget-friendly pack — wallet-smile
Simple freestanding pitch — pop-and-camp
Lightweight design — trail-friendly
Budget-friendly freestanding double-wall tent that keeps weight down for weight-conscious hikers.
Two doors and vestibules with a straightforward pole setup for quick, reliable pitching.
$250-350 CAD
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is the market leader for trekkers who prioritize interior space and refined user features within the trekking-pole supported two-person double-wall tent category, delivering oversized vestibules, high-volume hubs and comfortable livability. Although generally pricier than Durston or Tarptent options, its premium hardware and ergonomics provide a clear technical and comfort advantage on multi-night trips that many users consider worth the extra investment.
Puffy-palace livability
High-volume comfort
Puffy-palace livability
High-volume comfort
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently love the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 for its roomy livable interior, high-volume hub design, and user-friendly features; it's regarded as a best-in-class 2P ultralight. A minority report wear on zippers/seams over many seasons, but overall satisfaction is very high."
Trail-friendly pack
Very roomy high-volume interior and excellent storage for two, focused on comfort over minimal weight.
Trail-friendly pack
Very roomy high-volume interior and excellent storage for two, focused on comfort over minimal weight.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is the market leader for trekkers who prioritize interior space and refined user features within the trekking-pole supported two-person double-wall tent category, delivering oversized vestibules, high-volume hubs and comfortable livability. Although generally pricier than Durston or Tarptent options, its premium hardware and ergonomics provide a clear technical and comfort advantage on multi-night trips that many users consider worth the extra investment.
Puffy-palace livability
High-volume comfort
Trail-friendly pack
Very roomy high-volume interior and excellent storage for two, focused on comfort over minimal weight.
Double-wall design with two doors and vestibules for easy access and good ventilation.
Puffy-palace livability
High-volume comfort
Trail-friendly pack
Very roomy high-volume interior and excellent storage for two, focused on comfort over minimal weight.
Double-wall design with two doors and vestibules for easy access and good ventilation.
$500-700 CAD