A compact, lightweight tent that doesn’t compromise on comfort or features, the Copper Spur HV UL 1 is a solid choice for solo backpackers.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1

Ideal for: Three-season backpacking, wildcamping, thru-hiking, bikepacking

Not suitable for: Expedition camping, winter wildcamping, fastpacking

The Copper Spur HV UL 1 by Big Agnes is an ultralight, one-person backpacking tent weighing just 1.10 kg. With a pack size comparable to a 2-litre bottle, it’s ideal for weight-conscious adventurers who want to keep their pack size to a minimum. Picking up a host of fans (and awards!) across the internet, it has long been celebrated for its space, comfort and overall versatility. And, after testing it for the best part of 6 months, we’d have to say we agree — even if its comparably high price of £450 might be hard to swallow at first.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 tent review

Founded in the outdoor mecca of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Big Agnes has been making waves in the backpacking community for years with its focus on lightweight yet comfortable camping gear. Known for their Fly Creek and Tiger Wall series — two lines that we love at the GBAC -— Big Agnes tents often strike a rare balance between weight, space, and durability. The Copper Spur series is one of their most popular lines, designed for backpackers who want a little more room without tipping the scales.

The Copper Spur HV UL 1 is a prime example of this approach. Weighing just 1.10 kg, it’s impressively light considering how spacious and feature-packed it is. Its near-vertical walls, smart storage solutions, and innovative awning-style door make it a standout in the crowded one-person tent market. While £450 is undeniably pricey, the tent’s blend of comfort, ease of use, and adaptability makes it a strong contender for those who want a reliable three-season shelter.

To understand how it really stands up on the market, it’s worth looking at the other lines it’s up against. And there’s probably no stronger contender than the MSR Hubba NX. This ever-popular shelter is stronger and more compact than the Copper Spur, all while delivering a similar amount of room. That being said, it lacks many of the design elements that make this Big Agnes tent such a beloved option, and costs quite a bit more at £520. For campers on a budget, there’s also the OEX Bobcat UL 1 that’s worth being aware of. Coming in at £189, it’s a significantly more affordable option than both the Big Agnes and the MSR, and it comes with the popular awning feature than many people love about the Copper Spur HV UL 1. Unfortunately, however, that’s pretty much where the comparisons end. Despite us rating the OEX Bobcat UL 1 highly for bang-for-your-buck, it doesn’t deliver anywhere near the same levels of comfort as the Copper Spur, being substantially smaller and lower. Therefore, despite the high price, you do get a lot for your money with the Big Agnes, and it may be worth punting for if you can comfortably afford. Let’s unpack why.

Our experience with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 tent

We tested the Copper Spur HV UL 1 across a range of conditions over three months. Our first outing was a stormy night on Dartmoor, where sideways rain and squelchy ground put the tent’s waterproofing and stability to the test. As the tent is inner-pitch first, we did struggle initially on the tent’s maiden voyage, but still managed to get it up without wetting out the inner.

Next, we took it on a two-day loop in Exmoor National Park, where clear skies and warm temperatures highlighted the Copper Spur’s excellent ventilation and sun protection. Using trekking poles, we made the most of the tent’s awning feature, transforming the front door into a comfy sunshade using trekking poles. What’s more, the tent’s compact pack size and lightweight made it a pleasure to carry, even on long uphill sections.

Finally, towards the start of autumn 2024, we also set it up in private woodlands near Barnstaple, Devon and in the Chiltern Hills. On these more relaxed trips, we appreciated the spacious vestibule and ample pockets, which kept our kit organised and accessible. The tent held up well in moderate winds and provided a comfortable, dry retreat when the weather turned.

Features and performance

The Copper Spur HV UL 1’s design is a masterclass in balancing weight, space, and usability. For a tent that tips the scales at just 1.10 kg, it offers a surprising amount of room. The high-volume pole architecture is the key here, creating almost vertical walls that maximise head and shoulder space. Unlike many ultralight tents that leave you feeling claustrophobic, the Copper Spur feels genuinely liveable. Sitting up to sort your gear or change clothes is easy, and the extra elbow room means you’re not constantly brushing against damp walls—something we appreciated during soggy British camps.

Ventilation

One of the standout features is the ventilation system. Big Agnes has combined raised nylon panels with a full mesh upper to create a setup that blocks drafts while still allowing warm air to escape. The oversized vent above the head end is particularly effective, drastically reducing condensation. Even on humid nights, the inner walls stayed dry, which is no small feat in the UK. The ability to regulate airflow so effectively makes the Copper Spur a joy to sleep in, whether you’re tucked into a valley or pitched on a breezy ridge.

The awning-style door is another feature that elevates the Copper Spur. By propping it open with trekking poles, you can create a sheltered cooking space or just a spot to enjoy the view without getting sunburned or soaked. This setup was a lifesaver on our Exmoor trip, providing shade during the day and a dry space to cook when a surprise shower rolled in.

A tidy tent

Storage is another area where this tent shines. With four pockets—two overhead, one by the door, and a large dump pocket on the cieling—you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to organising your kit. The dump pocket is particularly useful for stashing wet jackets or a lantern, keeping them off the floor and out of the way. Meanwhile, the side pockets are perfect for headlamps, snacks, and other essentials you want close at hand. Combined with roof loops for hanging a lantern or drying socks, these storage options make the Copper Spur feel almost luxurious compared to many ultralight tents that leave you scrabbling around in the dark for your kit. What’s more, to the right of the internal door, there’s also a smart tag for pinning the door back and keep things tidy, which is something we never stopped appreciating. It’s another of those little details that shows Big Agnes really understands what makes camping less of a faff. It’s quick, easy to use with gloves, and a massive improvement over the usual toggles that seem designed to make you swear.

Pitching and packing away

When it comes to setting up, the Copper Spur is incredibly easy, with the pole system deserving a special mention. Big Agnes has opted for a single-pole design that fans out to create a surprisingly rigid frame. The colour-coded clips and poles make setup straightforward, even after a long day on the trail. It’s not just about convenience, either—the pole architecture spreads the load evenly, making the tent more stable in wind. During a blustery night on Dartmoor, we were impressed by how solid it felt, even when gusts hit 30 mph. The flexible poles seemed to absorb the wind’s force rather than fighting it, which is a reassuring quality when the weather turns.

One area where the Copper Spur does fall short is the pegs, however. You only get seven in the bag, which isn’t enough to fully secure all the corners and guy lines. For a tent that costs £450, this feels a bit stingy. We ended up using a few spares to ensure everything was properly anchored. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to factor in if you’re planning to pitch on exposed ground and something we’d love to see Big Agnes address (as well as the broader tent industry in general as this has unfortunately become the norm).

Extra features

Finally, it’s worth noting that if you’re looking to shave even more weight off your packlist, the Copper Sour makes that possible with the Fast Fly configuration. By leaving the inner tent at home and using just the flysheet and a footprint, you can bring the weight down to a featherlight 737 grams. It’s not without drawbacks—the lack of an inner means wind can whip through the tent, and there’s less protection from bugs. On our summer test in Exmoor, the Fast Fly setup was a decent option for dry, calm nights, but for most UK conditions, we’d stick with the standard setup.

Durability

Durability is another strong point. The fly is made from double ripstop nylon with a silicone treatment, making it both light and tough. The floor is a thicker nylon with a waterproof rating of 1,200 mm, which proved more than enough to keep boggy ground at bay. Even after multiple setups on rough ground, we didn’t notice any wear or punctures, which is a reassuring sign for a tent in this weight class.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Copper Spur is how well all these features work together. Individually, the vertical walls, smart storage, excellent ventilation, and lightweight design are all solid. But it’s the combination that makes this tent a joy to use. Every detail seems to have been thought through with a backpacker’s needs in mind, from the easy-to-pitch pole system to the pockets and the awning-style door. The result is a tent that doesn’t just help you survive in the wild—it makes camping more enjoyable.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 tent FAQs

The ventilation system and mesh upper keep things airy and comfortable, while the awning-style door provides much-needed shade for cooking and relaxing.
Best saved for mild winter trips. The tent’s design handles cold and damp conditions well but isn’t suited for heavy snow or severe storms.
Surprisingly well. With all guy lines deployed, it can shrug off gusts up to 30 mph without flinching, making it dependable for most UK conditions.
Incredibly easy. The single-pole design and colour-coded clips simplify setup. The only downside is the inner-pitch-first design, which can be a pain in the rain.
If you value comfort, clever features, and reliable performance without the bulk, then absolutely. It’s an investment, but one that pays off on the trail.

Conclusion

For solo adventurers who value comfort and smart features without the extra weight, the Copper Spur HV UL 1 is a cracking choice. Yes, it’s pricey, but the well-thought-out design and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for three-season UK use. Its mix of space, weight, and clever features sets a high bar for one-person tents, making it one of the best options for backpackers who don’t want to compromise.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 backpacking tent review: A compelling balance of comfort and performance