Big Agnes Copper Spur vs. Tiger Wall Tent

Both Copper Spur and Tiger Wall are lightweight shelter options that provide good interior space along with a solid pole construction. Both of these tents provide DAC FeatherLite aluminum poles that give the tent a solid structure while keeping the weight low. The Copper Spur is a fully freestanding tent while the Tiger Wall has a semi-freestanding design. Both tents feature 2 doors and 2 vestibules that provide multiple access options. There are some other similarities and dissimilarities between the two tents. Some are related to design and features while others are related to practicality and usability. Below is an in-depth comparison of the two tents.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL (2P)

Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz.
Floor Area: 29 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 40 in.
Packed Size: 19.5 x 6 in.

These tents combine lightweight construction, space-saving storage features, and livable interior design to offer you reliable 3-season backcountry shelters. They also threw in LED mood lighting.

Capacity

The series offers models suited for 1, 2, or 3 backpackers. Their tapered shapes offer from about 20 to over 40 square feet of internal space. Hubbed pole systems make setup easy but also pull the fabric of the tents tight giving you more vertical walls and therefore more space inside. Each tent offers additional vestibule storage space for boots and gear. The solo tent offers a single vestibule matched to one camper whereas the larger tents provide dual vestibules. Supported by trekking poles, those side vestibules can be stretched out and configured as awnings.

Construction

The tent series is constructed with proprietary ultralight double ripstop nylon for strength. The thickness of that fabric or the denier varies across different areas of these tents. This mixed near design provides strength and puncture resistance without adding weight. Breathable mesh on the bodies of the tent and the large D-shaped doors allow air circulation. The floors and rain flies are coated with a layer of waterproof polyurethane increasing their weather resistance and their durability.

To reinforce that protection, all the tent’s seams are sealed with waterproof solvent-free polyurethane tape. To protect those reinforced seams against rocks, roots, and pine needles I recommend that you purchase a custom fit Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL footprint to fit your tent.

Features

Inside, you’ll find mesh pockets in a large bin pocket for stashing gear and clothes. Specialized media pockets have cord ports for your devices. If you need more options for storage, gear loft loops allow you to add a Big Agnes triangle gear loft. What backcountry night would be complete without reading or playing cards? Well, save that headlamp power because Big Agnes has integrated a strand of led lights directly into the seams of these tents to provide you with diffuse interior illumination.

Verdict

These tents are designed to provide reliable protection while being light on your back and don’t forget interior lighting and plenty of storage.

What I like: Highly practical, good livability, good ventilation, lots of features, and quality construction

What I don’t: The floor requires extra care, you can only sleep in one direction, doesn’t fit two large sleeping pads

See the Copper Spur HV UL2 See the Copper Spur HV UL3

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL (2P)

Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
Floor Area: 28 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 39 in.
Packed Size: 18 x 5.5 in.

This impressively light line of backpacking tents offers a surprising amount of livability for the weight along with responsible materials that lessen their environmental impact.

Capacity

This tent comes in 1, 2, and 3 person configurations, the Tiger Wall UL tents all provide lightweight packable shelter for backpackers along with helpful features to keep you organized and comfortable.

Construction

Each tent features a single hubbed DAC Featherlite pole design with a structure that offers usable internal space without bulk. The floor and the rainfly are made of solution-dyed water repellent silicone treated nylon ripstop with a 1200 millimeter water-resistant polyurethane coating.

The remainder of the tent body consists of solution-dyed nylon ripstop and polyester mesh. The solution dyeing process involves adding dye while the synthetic fibers are first created. This results in the distribution of the color throughout the entire thread instead of just a coating on the outside as is the case with traditional dyes. This process doesn’t just better protect the color against the threats of UV damage, it’s also way better for the environment. The result is an astounding 50% reduction in the water required and an 80% reduction in the energy consumed in creating these fabrics.

The mesh canopy of the tent body allows for breathability to combat condensation. The protective fully waterproof rainfly keeps you dry and also allows for extra ventilation for better airflow.

Setup is super simple thanks to the unique TipLok tent buckles. They serve multiple functions; securing the pole tip, attaching and tensioning the rainfly, and offering a loop to stake out the structure.

Structure

The structure is semi-freestanding so I recommend always securing the foot and corners with stakes to ensure the best stability and interior room. I also recommend utilizing a corresponding Big Agnes tiger wall footprint (sold separately) to protect your tent. Having the footprint also allows for a fast fly setup combining the poles, footprint, and fly for a super-light shelter option.

Features

Inside, a few really helpful pockets allow you to easily sort your gear and have more room on the floor of the tent. The pole structure creates more vertical sidewalls which provide a roomier internal area. The single door and vestibule of the 1-person tent and the two-door two vestibule construction of the 2 and 3-person tents offer additional protected storage for your pack or dirty shoes.

Verdict

These ultralight tents offer a balance of simplicity reliable construction and helpful features making them ideal for backpackers and thru-hikers seeking to keep their pack weight low without totally forgoing all creature comforts.

What I like: Good headroom considering its size and weight, lighter than Copper Spur

What I don’t: Odd rainfly zipper configuration, not a fully freestanding design

See the Tiger Wall 3 See the Tiger Wall 2 See the Tiger Wall 1

Comparison Table

Which one is right for you?

Both of these tents have quality construction and provide a good set of features for solo or a couple of backpackers. If budget is not a problem, choose the Copper Spur because it provides good headroom, a little more interior space, and has a fully freestanding design. Tiger Wall, on the other hand, is a little cheaper but compromises on some features. But keep in mind that the Tiger Wall tent is 10 ounces lighter than the Copper Spur. So, if you are on a tight budget and want to go light, choose the Tiger Wall because it is cheaper and lighter, otherwise, Copper Spur is a good option.