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The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($525) is the better tent for most ultralight backpackers — it’s lighter, roomier inside, and easier to set up. The MSR Hubba Hubba LT ($549.95) wins on durability and wind resistance, making it the better choice for exposed alpine conditions and rough terrain.
The MSR Hubba Hubba and Big Agnes Copper Spur are the two most recommended ultralight 2-person tents on Reddit, backpacking forums, and gear review sites. They occupy the same price bracket, target the same ultralight backpacker, and both have devoted fanbases who swear by their choice.
So which one should you actually buy? We break down the key differences that matter — weight, livable space, weather performance, durability, and real-world value — so you can make the right call for your backpacking style.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | MSR Hubba Hubba LT | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $525.00 |
| Weight (packed) | 2 lbs 10 oz | 2 lbs 12 oz |
| Trail Weight | 2 lbs 2 oz | 2 lbs 6 oz |
| Floor Area | 29 sq ft | 29 sq ft |
| Peak Height | 39 in | 42 in |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Vestibules | 2 | 2 |
| Seasons | 3 | 3 |
| Packed Size | 17 x 5 in | 19 x 5.5 in |
| Best For | Durability, wind, alpine | Space, comfort, thru-hiking |
MSR Hubba Hubba LT — The Durable Workhorse
The MSR Hubba Hubba LT has been a staple in the ultralight backpacking world for over a decade, and the latest LT version shaves weight while keeping the bombproof reliability MSR is known for. At $549.95, it’s the slightly pricier option, but you’re paying for MSR’s legendary build quality and weather performance.
What MSR Does Better
Wind resistance: The Hubba Hubba’s symmetrical pole design and lower profile (39-inch peak height) make it noticeably more stable in high winds. If you camp above treeline or in exposed ridgeline sites, this tent holds its shape when the Copper Spur starts flexing. The crossover pole geometry distributes wind load more evenly across the entire structure.
Durability: MSR uses slightly heavier but more tear-resistant fabrics. The floor and fly materials feel more robust, and the pole clips are burlier. On rocky alpine terrain where your tent floor takes a beating, the Hubba Hubba inspires more confidence. MSR also has an excellent field repair and warranty program.
Packed size: At 17 x 5 inches, it packs smaller than the Copper Spur (19 x 5.5 inches). This matters if you’re cramming gear into a 40-50L pack where every inch of space counts.
Pros:
- Superior wind resistance and storm protection
- More durable fabrics and construction
- Smaller packed size
- Slightly lighter trail weight (2 lbs 2 oz)
- MSR’s reputation and warranty support
- Symmetrical design — both sides identical
Cons:
- $25 more expensive than the Copper Spur
- Lower peak height (39 in vs 42 in) — feels more cramped sitting up
- Less interior volume despite same floor area
- Vestibules are slightly smaller
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 — The Spacious Comfort King
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is the most popular ultralight tent on the market for a reason — the “HV” stands for High Volume, and you feel it the moment you sit inside. At $525, it delivers more livable space than any other tent in its weight class.
What Big Agnes Does Better
Interior volume: The Copper Spur’s 42-inch peak height is 3 inches taller than the Hubba Hubba. That doesn’t sound like much on paper, but inside the tent it’s the difference between hunching over and sitting comfortably. The near-vertical walls created by the hubbed pole design maximize usable space — you’re not losing headroom to sloping walls.
Ease of setup: Big Agnes uses a single hub pole design that makes pitching fast and intuitive. Most experienced backpackers can have this tent up in under 3 minutes. The color-coded clips and sleeves eliminate guesswork, even in the dark or in bad weather.
Vestibule space: The Copper Spur’s vestibules are slightly larger, giving you more room to stash boots, packs, and wet gear outside the sleeping area. When you’re sharing a 2-person tent, every extra square inch of vestibule storage matters.
Pros:
- 42-inch peak height — most headroom in its class
- Near-vertical walls maximize livable space
- Faster, easier setup with hub pole design
- Larger vestibules for gear storage
- $25 cheaper than the Hubba Hubba
- Media pockets and internal organization
Cons:
- Less wind-stable than the Hubba Hubba in exposed sites
- Slightly heavier trail weight (2 lbs 6 oz vs 2 lbs 2 oz)
- Larger packed size
- Taller profile catches more wind
Category-by-Category Winner
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | MSR Hubba Hubba | 4 oz lighter trail weight |
| Interior Space | Big Agnes Copper Spur | 3 inches taller, near-vertical walls |
| Wind Resistance | MSR Hubba Hubba | Lower profile, crossover pole geometry |
| Ease of Setup | Big Agnes Copper Spur | Hub pole design, color-coded clips |
| Durability | MSR Hubba Hubba | More robust fabrics and construction |
| Vestibule Space | Big Agnes Copper Spur | Slightly larger vestibules |
| Packed Size | MSR Hubba Hubba | 2 inches shorter when packed |
| Value | Big Agnes Copper Spur | $25 cheaper with more interior space |
Which Tent Should You Buy?
Buy the MSR Hubba Hubba LT if:
- You camp in exposed, windy conditions (alpine, ridgeline, desert)
- Durability is your top priority — you want a tent that lasts 500+ nights
- You’re a gram-counter and want the lightest trail weight possible
- You need the smallest packed size for a compact pack
Buy the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if:
- Interior comfort matters most — you want to sit up, change clothes, and move around
- You’re a thru-hiker who spends extended time inside the tent
- Quick setup is important — the hub design is faster
- You want to save $25 without sacrificing quality
- You mostly camp in moderate conditions (below treeline, 3-season)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSR Hubba Hubba worth $25 more than the Copper Spur?
It depends on where you camp. If you regularly camp in windy, exposed conditions, the Hubba Hubba’s superior wind resistance is worth the premium. For typical 3-season backpacking below treeline, the Copper Spur gives you more space for less money.
Can either tent handle snow?
Both are 3-season tents and not designed for heavy snow loads. They can handle light spring snow and shoulder-season conditions, but neither should be used as a winter mountaineering tent. For snow camping, look at 4-season options like the MSR Access or Hilleberg Nallo.
How long do these ultralight tents last?
With proper care, both tents last 300-500+ nights in the field. The MSR tends to last slightly longer due to its more robust fabric choices. Always use a footprint, avoid packing the tent wet for extended periods, and store it loosely at home — not stuffed in a sack.
Are there cheaper alternatives to these tents?
Yes. The REI Co-op Flash 2P ($250-$300) and Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 ($100-$150) are popular budget alternatives. They’re heavier and less durable, but get the job done for occasional backpackers. For ultralight performance at this price tier, though, the Hubba Hubba and Copper Spur remain the gold standard.
Final Verdict
For most backpackers, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($525) is the better buy. The extra headroom, easier setup, and lower price make it the more comfortable and practical choice for typical 3-season backpacking. You’ll appreciate the livable space on rainy days when you’re stuck inside.
But if you prioritize bombproof wind resistance and maximum durability — or you regularly camp in exposed alpine conditions — the MSR Hubba Hubba LT ($549.95) is the tent you’ll trust when conditions get serious.
Either way, you’re buying one of the two best ultralight 2-person tents on the market. You can’t go wrong.
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MSR Hubba Hubba vs Big Agnes Copper Spur — the two best ultralight tents head to head. Copper Spur wins on space and comfort ($525). Hubba Hubba wins on wind resistance and durability ($550). Full comparison with specs: [link]