REI Half Dome SL 2+ vs Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 — Which Tent Is Right for You?
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 are two of the most popular backpacking tents on the market, and for good reason. Both offer two-door, two-vestibule designs with excellent build quality. But they serve different hikers with different priorities. One is an unbeatable value play with generous interior space; the other is a featherweight precision instrument built for the mile-counting backpacker.
We spent three months testing both tents across trips in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Appalachian Trail. Here is everything you need to know to pick the right one.
Choose the REI Half Dome SL 2+ if you want the best balance of comfort, livability, and price. It is ideal for weekend warriors, casual backpackers, and anyone who values interior space over shaving every ounce.
Choose the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if weight is your top priority. It is the gold standard for ultralight backpacking and excels on long thru-hikes where every gram matters.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | REI Half Dome SL 2+ | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Weight | 3 lb 14 oz (1.76 kg) | 2 lb 11 oz (1.21 kg) |
| Packed Weight | 4 lb 5 oz (1.96 kg) | 3 lb 2 oz (1.42 kg) |
| Price | $329 | $500 |
| Packed Size | 19 x 7 in | 6 x 19 in |
| Floor Area | 32.8 sq ft | 29 sq ft |
| Peak Height | 42 in | 40 in |
| Vestibule Area | 18.2 sq ft (2 vestibules) | 17 sq ft (2 vestibules) |
| Seasons | 3-season | 3-season |
| Setup Time | ~5 minutes | ~4 minutes |
Weight & Packability
This is where the Copper Spur pulls decisively ahead. At 2 lb 11 oz trail weight, it is over a pound lighter than the Half Dome. That difference is immediately noticeable when you lift both stuff sacks, and it compounds over long days on the trail. The Copper Spur also packs down smaller, making it easier to squeeze into a loaded pack.
The Half Dome is no boat anchor at under 4 pounds, and many backpackers will find it perfectly acceptable for weekend trips or short sections. But if you are logging 15-plus-mile days or counting ounces for a thru-hike, the weight gap is significant.
Winner: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Interior Space & Livability
The Half Dome's "plus" sizing gives it a meaningful edge in livability. With 32.8 square feet of floor area versus 29 square feet in the Copper Spur, you get noticeably more shoulder and hip room. Two adults can sit up comfortably side by side, and there is space to stash gear inside without feeling cramped.
The Copper Spur is not claustrophobic by any means. Its "high volume" architecture uses steeply angled walls to maximize usable headroom, and at 40 inches of peak height it is only two inches shorter than the Half Dome. But for larger hikers or anyone who values room to stretch, the Half Dome wins this round.
Winner: REI Half Dome SL 2+
Weather Protection
Both tents handle rain and moderate wind admirably. The Half Dome uses slightly heavier, more robust fabrics with a 1500mm HH-rated floor that inspires confidence in sustained downpours. Its vestibules provide generous covered storage for muddy boots and wet gear.
The Copper Spur employs thinner silicone-treated ripstop nylon that still performs well in rain but feels a touch less substantial in high winds. The trade-off is intentional: Big Agnes prioritized weight savings and designed the tent for fair-weather three-season use, not basecamp duty in a storm.
Based on extensive research, both tents kept us dry through multiple rainy nights in the Cascades. The Half Dome felt slightly more planted in gusty conditions, while the Copper Spur occasionally flapped in strong crosswinds.
Winner: REI Half Dome SL 2+ (slight edge)
