Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 Tent vs. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2
This post is not sponsored.
Both the Big Agnes Copper Spur and the MSR Hubba Hubba are among the best and most popular backcountry tents on the market, and because I personally own and have used both for many years in different scenarios and environments, I wanted to share my honest comparison in case you’re torn on which tent to buy.
That said, both the Big Agnes and MSR are very good, comparable backcountry tents—especially when it comes to interior space and functionality.
Big Agnes Copper Spur vs. MSR Hubba: Which is Better?
Without a doubt, the Big Agnes Copper Spur is the best ultralight two-person backpacking tent on the market, and I believe this for a number of reasons.
First, the one thing you can gather from the specs is that the Copper Spur is lighter, but beyond that, the Big Agnes tent is much easier to set up/ take down, the stakes are more durable, and the footprint is by far better all around.
By this, I mean that the MSR stakes will bend the first time you hammer one into an underground rock.
Going further, one of the biggest reasons that the Big Agnes tent is much easier to set up is because of how much better the footprint is designed to work with the tent body.
What I mean is that you can attach the footprint directly to the tent poles for a really fast, easy setup, and then hammer in the stakes. Additionally, you even put the footprint on first before the tent body on a pole so that it is guaranteed not to come off!
However, with the MSR tent, the footprint does not attach to the tent body, as shown in the photo here.
The footprint needs to be staked down separately every time, which isn’t ideal if it’s not an area without a lot of room or the ground isn’t suitable to put stakes in.
Also, the MSR footprint does not fit the full underbody of the tent. MSR’s “one-size-fits-all” footprint doesn’t fit, and it needs to be significantly larger for it to be functional.
It’s almost worth getting the Big Agnes footprint for the MSR tent because both tents have the same interior square footage.
What Did the MSR Hubba Hubba Do Better?
With all the above in mind, the Big Agnes Copper Spur isn’t perfect, and there are a few areas where the MSR Hubba Hubba performs better.
Durability - Since the MSR Hubba Hubba is heavier, it is absolutely more durable. I’ve broken many poles with my Big Agnes Copper Spur during bad storms, and this is probably the most significant area of improvement that Big Agnes could make.
In my experience, this has been camping on exposed windy, ridges and even violent thunderstorms in the Rockies, like when I climbed Gannett Peak. The Copper Spur simply doesn’t do well in windy situations, whereas the MSR performs much better! Therefore, consider the MSR if you think this might be your situation more often than not.
Storage - I personally prefer how the MSR tent packs over the Big Agnes because the MSR carrying bag has two buckles to neatly keep the bag closed. This is good for travel, storage, or, most importantly, strapping to the outside of your pack while backpacking.
Tent Protection: REI Durable Stuff Sack
Regardless of which tent I use, I don’t ever travel or hike without an REI Durable Stuff Sack around the tent for more protection.
I do this because you can’t trust the original bag on either tent for extended use, especially if you plan to strap it to the outside of your backpack while hiking.
Therefore, I recommend buying the 15L REI Stuff Sack, as this is perfect size for both tents.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV Review
My overall recommendation is to stay away from this tent or any like it.
I have personally never owned this tent, but I have watched multiple of my friends use this tent over many years, and the one word that continually comes to mind is fragile!
Sure, any tent company can push the limits to be the lightest tent on the market, but at some point, a lighter tent for the sake of practical durability while backpacking isn’t practical at all.
It’s as if the Fly Creek HV was designed for an environment without sticks, wind, or normal wear and tear because all the materials are so brittle.
In any case, I would still choose the Big Agnes Fly Creek over either the Nemo Hornet or the Nemo Dragonfly, which I have tried and tested.
I say this because Big Agnes is and always has been the best tent company on the market because of their easy setup and overall practical designs that goes with any of their tents.
Summary
If MSR were to fix the footprint-to-tent design, I would choose the MSR Hubba Hubba, even though it’s heavier to carry into the backcountry. Personally, I would prefer the durability with the extra weight, knowing how violent summer storms can get in the Rockies!
However, the Big Agnes tent is unmatched in comparison because this one little detail truly means that much, given that rough, windy weather isn’t as prevalent or as common as simply needing to use the footprint every time you go out.
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