Head to head
MSR Elixir 2 vs Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (2027)
Head-to-head: MSR Elixir 2 versus Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 on weight, space, price, and which camper each suits.
MSR Elixir 2
MSR's do-everything two-person tent with a true rectangular floor and a footprint in the box.
- Capacity: 2-person
- Floor area: 30 sq ft
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The backpacking benchmark: full two-person livability at barely 3 pounds.
- Capacity: 2-person
- Trail weight: 3 lb 2 oz (1.42 kg)
Our recommendation
Buy the Elixir 2 if you want one tent for everything and value the rectangular floor and included footprint. Buy the Copper Spur HV UL2 if you backpack seriously and every ounce matters. The weight gap is the entire decision: it is the difference between a tent you carry happily for miles and one you are glad to split with a partner.
Weight and packed size
The Copper Spur's 3 lb 2 oz trail weight makes it the clear backpacking winner; the Elixir 2 is a mid-weight tent that splits comfortably between two hikers but asks more of a solo carrier. Packed, the Copper Spur's 19.5 x 6 inch bundle is also smaller. On the trail this is the whole comparison.
Interior space
Both peak at 40 inches with two doors and two vestibules. The Elixir 2's true rectangular floor uses its 30 sq ft without taper, so foot space matches head space; the Copper Spur's 88 x 52 inch floor is longer and slightly larger overall, shaped by its high-volume hub. Neither forces a compromise on access.
Durability and price
The Elixir 2's heavier fabrics tolerate rough handling, and its list price includes the footprint, making the real-world cost gap wider than sticker prices suggest. The Copper Spur's ultralight materials demand care and a premium. For car camping, the Elixir 2 is both cheaper and tougher. For backpacking, the Copper Spur's weight savings justify its premium.
Choose MSR Elixir 2 if…
- You want one tent for car camping and backpacking alike
- You are hard on gear or lend your tent to others
- You want the footprint included rather than sold separately
Choose Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if…
- You backpack regularly and count base weight
- You want two doors and vestibules at the lowest possible weight
- You accept careful handling in exchange for pounds saved
Questions, answered
Which is better for a beginner?
The Elixir 2. It is more forgiving of rough handling, includes its footprint, and costs less, so beginner mistakes cost less.
Can the Copper Spur handle car camping too?
Yes, it works fine, but you pay for weight savings you do not use. If you rarely backpack, the Elixir 2 gives you a rectangular floor and a footprint for less money.
Which lasts longer?
The Elixir 2's heavier fabrics generally outlast ultralight materials under rough use. With careful handling, both tents serve many seasons.