Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 vs REI Half Dome 2 Plus: Ultralight vs Budget Tent

Quick Specs

The Weight Difference Is the Story

Let's be direct: the most important difference between these tents isn't features or livability — it's weight. The Copper Spur weighs 2 lbs 12 oz. The REI Half Dome weighs 5 lbs 1 oz. That's over 2 pounds difference.

For a 5-mile day hike to a campsite? You'll barely notice. For a 3-day backpacking trip covering 15 miles per day with a full kit? You'll notice on every single climb.

The ultralight backpacking community uses the rule of thumb that every pound off your pack saves roughly 5,000 calories of effort over a week of hiking. The 2+ lb difference between these tents isn't trivial — it's equivalent to carrying a substantial portion of a day's food extra.

If weight is a genuine priority in your backpacking setup — if you own a lightweight sleeping bag, an ultralight sleeping pad, and a sub-3 lb pack — the Copper Spur fits that system. For a complete lightweight kit, the guide on ultralight backpacking tips covers the full weight-reduction framework.

When the REI Half Dome Makes Sense

The Half Dome earns its place for a specific type of camper.

The 75D polyester floor is dramatically more durable than the Copper Spur's 20D nylon. You can pitch it on rocky, gravelly, or rough surfaces without worrying about punctures. If you camp with dogs, move campsites frequently without perfect site selection, or tend to be hard on gear, the Half Dome's bomber construction forgives mistakes that would damage the Copper Spur.

The floor area is also larger — 38.1 sq ft vs. 29 sq ft — which matters if you're a larger person, use wide sleeping pads, or want actual room to change clothes or wait out a rainstorm. For tips on pitching in bad weather, the guide on tent setup in wind and rain covers exactly how to make the most of any tent in storms.

And at $230 vs. $550, the Half Dome is the rational starting point for hikers who don't yet know if backpacking is a long-term commitment.

Where the Copper Spur Justifies Its Price

If you're planning to do more than a few trips per year and you care about pack weight, the Copper Spur pays for itself in experience quality.

Its freestanding construction sets up in under 5 minutes — color-coded poles, clip-on fly — and it pitches confidently on the rocky, uneven terrain that real backcountry campsites often offer. The two vestibules are generously sized, letting you store boots and packs under cover while keeping the interior living space clean.

The HyperBead waterproofing technology — PFAS-free and applied at the molecular level — has proven itself in significant mountain storms, including conditions where cheaper fly fabrics fail within an hour of sustained rain. Tested at 11,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies in a summer squall, the Copper Spur handled the storm without a single drip.

It's also the tent thru-hikers trust: hundreds of nights on the PCT and AT have validated its construction. Browse camping tents for more options at every weight class.

The Bottom Line

Both tents work. The question is whether the performance difference is worth $320 to you — and whether you've hiked enough to know the answer.

• Buy REI Half Dome 2 Plus if: newer to backpacking, budget is a constraint, want more floor space, or camp in rough sites
• Buy Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if: pack weight is a genuine priority, you backpack 3+ times per year, or do multi-day trips