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 NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P balances generous internal space and smart pole geometry with performance-oriented materials to offer a comfortable, well-ventilated three-season double-wall tent that sits between ultralight racers and comfort-focused models. It often competes favorably on price-to-features versus the Copper Spur, giving users similar livability with distinct design touches, while not quite matching the X-Mid's lowest possible pack weight or the MSR's broad service network.
Breathable OSMO
Stable geometry
Breathable OSMO
Stable geometry
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P for its roomy layout, good weather performance and smart features; downsides noted include slightly higher weight than rivals and a less efficient vestibule/pole geometry for some users."
Designer flair!
OSMO-treated fabric offers a breathable, waterproof outer layer that reduces condensation while keeping out rain.
Designer flair!
OSMO-treated fabric offers a breathable, waterproof outer layer that reduces condensation while keeping out rain.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P balances generous internal space and smart pole geometry with performance-oriented materials to offer a comfortable, well-ventilated three-season double-wall tent that sits between ultralight racers and comfort-focused models. It often competes favorably on price-to-features versus the Copper Spur, giving users similar livability with distinct design touches, while not quite matching the X-Mid's lowest possible pack weight or the MSR's broad service network.
Breathable OSMO
Stable geometry
Designer flair!
OSMO-treated fabric offers a breathable, waterproof outer layer that reduces condensation while keeping out rain.
Spacious, livable interior with two doors and generous vestibules combined with a stable hub-style pole layout.
Breathable OSMO
Stable geometry
Designer flair!
OSMO-treated fabric offers a breathable, waterproof outer layer that reduces condensation while keeping out rain.
Spacious, livable interior with two doors and generous vestibules combined with a stable hub-style pole layout.
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
The Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P is the technical leader for ultralight trekkers seeking a trekking-pole supported two-person double-wall backpacking tent that prioritizes minimum pack weight and high-performance fabrics. Compared to the more robust MSR Freelite and the roomy Copper Spur, the Hornet sacrifices some interior comfort for class-leading gram savings and specialized materials, making it a premium but cost-effective choice for fast-and-light hikers who value weight over extras.
Ultralight ninja
Trek-pole magic
Ultralight ninja
Trek-pole magic
Review Summary
"Owners commend the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P for marrying extremely low weight with good livability and excellent waterproof fabric, making it a favorite for thru-hikers who accept a tighter floor area. Criticisms focus on price, limited interior space for two, and less forgiveness in rough campsites."
Rain-sheen fabric
Extremely light two-person option designed to be pitched with trekking poles for fast, minimalist trips.
Rain-sheen fabric
Extremely light two-person option designed to be pitched with trekking poles for fast, minimalist trips.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P is the technical leader for ultralight trekkers seeking a trekking-pole supported two-person double-wall backpacking tent that prioritizes minimum pack weight and high-performance fabrics. Compared to the more robust MSR Freelite and the roomy Copper Spur, the Hornet sacrifices some interior comfort for class-leading gram savings and specialized materials, making it a premium but cost-effective choice for fast-and-light hikers who value weight over extras.
Ultralight ninja
Trek-pole magic
Rain-sheen fabric
Extremely light two-person option designed to be pitched with trekking poles for fast, minimalist trips.
Double-wall layout with Nemo's waterproof treatments for improved wet-weather resilience.
Ultralight ninja
Trek-pole magic
Rain-sheen fabric
Extremely light two-person option designed to be pitched with trekking poles for fast, minimalist trips.
Double-wall layout with Nemo's waterproof treatments for improved wet-weather resilience.