Head to head
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 vs Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (2027)
Head-to-head: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 versus Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, the two classic lightweight backpacking tents compared.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2
A freestanding classic with one of the fastest pitches in its class.
- Capacity: 2-person
- Minimum weight: 3 lb 7 oz (1.57 kg)
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
Choose the Hubba Hubba NX 2 for freestanding versatility and long-term parts support. Choose the Copper Spur HV UL2 for the lowest weight and roomiest floor. Most backpackers will be happy with either; the decision comes down to where you pitch and how much 5 oz matters to you.
Pitching and structure
The Hubba Hubba's unified pole creates a genuinely freestanding tent that stands on bare rock. The Copper Spur is technically freestanding too but benefits more from staking to achieve its taut pitch. On established tent sites the difference is minor; on slickrock or platforms it is decisive.
Weight and space
The Copper Spur leads on both headline numbers: 3 lb 2 oz versus 3 lb 7 oz, and an 88 x 52 inch floor versus 84 x 50 inches. Five ounces and a few inches of floor are real but not transformative differences; both are firmly in the lightweight class.
Support and longevity
MSR's reputation for stocking replacement parts for many years is a concrete ownership advantage. Big Agnes support is solid, but the Hubba Hubba's decades-long production run means poles, flies, and bodies remain available long after purchase.
Choose MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 if…
- You pitch on rock, sand, or platforms where stakes fail
- You want the fastest, simplest setup in the dark
- Long-term repairability matters to you
Choose Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if…
- Minimum weight is your top priority
- You want the roomiest floor in the lightweight class
- You always stake your tent anyway
Questions, answered
Which is lighter?
The Copper Spur HV UL2 at 3 lb 2 oz trail weight, 5 oz lighter than the Hubba Hubba NX 2 at 3 lb 7 oz.
Which is better for thru-hiking?
Both are proven thru-hike shelters. The Copper Spur's weight edge helps over thousands of miles; the Hubba Hubba's freestanding pitch helps in the rocky sections.
Are they both two-door tents?
Yes. Both have two doors and two vestibules, which is a key reason they lead this category.