Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review 2026
Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent: compare two of the most popular ultralight backpacking tents in this detailed 2026 review. Discover key differences in weight, durability, weather protection, setup, and interior space to help you choose the best tent for your next adventure.
Perfect for hikers, campers, and outdoor gear enthusiasts searching for reliable performance, comfort, and value. Both excel: Copper Spur maximises livability; Dragonfly OSMO wins on durability and value.
You need a tent that is light, quick to pitch, and safe in rough weather. In my Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review, I compare two ultralight favourites I’ve used on real trips. Both are excellent, but one offers more room while the other is tougher for the weight. I tested them side by side to help you choose the right shelter for your kit.
Is Big Agnes Copper Spur Good?
Yes—especially if you want space without a weight penalty. The Copper Spur HV UL stands out for livability, smart storage, and a true freestanding pitch. It is great for thru‑hikers, bikepackers, and anyone who wants fast setup and airy headroom. If you camp on rock slabs or hard desert ground, this design shines.
On a windy ridge in Colorado, I pitched the Copper Spur solo in minutes. The hubbed pole set snapped together cleanly, even with cold hands. Two nights later, a fast rain moved in. The awning-style vestibule saved my cook gear and gave me a dry entry. My partner loved the high ceiling and all the pockets. For weight to comfort, it is hard to beat.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- High-Volume architecture for extra headroom and near-vertical walls
- Freestanding, hubbed DAC pole system for fast, simple pitches
- Two doors and two vestibules with awning-mode tie-outs
- Solution-dyed fly fabric to reduce fading and improve the eco footprint
- Excellent interior storage: ceiling pockets and 3D bin pockets
What I Like
- Best livability-to-weight ratio I’ve used in this class
- Freestanding design works on rock, sand, and tent platforms
- Awning vestibule makes a dry entry and shady cooking nook
- Great airflow reduces condensation on wet nights
- Plenty of pockets keep headlamps, maps, and phones tidy
- Quick, intuitive setup in the dark or wind
What Could Be Better
- Premium price compared with rivals
- Light floor fabric benefits from a footprint for rough ground
- Zippers can snag if you rush with sandy grit
My Recommendation
If you want comfort, space, and a freestanding pitch in an ultralight weight, choose the Copper Spur. It is widely available and worth the spend for long trips.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Ultralight hikers who value space | Roomy interior and two vestibules at a low weight |
| Rocky or platform campsites | True freestanding pitch is reliable without perfect staking |
| Storm-prone summer trips | Good ventilation with solid rain protection |
Is NEMO Dragonfly OSMO Good?
It depends on your priorities—but for most people, yes. The Dragonfly OSMO brings standout fabric durability and weather performance in a very light package. It suits users who want a tough, reliable shelter without losing livability. If you value eco-friendly materials and fewer saggy nights, it is a smart pick.
On a soggy fall loop, my Dragonfly OSMO held shape when the fly got drenched. The OSMO fabric did not sag as many nylons do. Inside, the trapezoid vestibules kept my pack dry and easy to grab. On another trip, the stuff sack’s Divvy Cube design was packed flat in my bag. Small touches made each day simpler.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- OSMO poly-nylon fabric resists sag and boosts water repellency
- Two doors and trapezoid vestibules for easy gear access
- Hubbed DAC poles with crossbar for headroom
- Divvy Cube stuff sack for flat, packable storage
- Gatekeeper door clips and Nightlight pocket for headlamp glow
What I Like
- Fabric stays tight in wet weather and reduces the flap
- Great balance of weight, strength, and price
- Smart vestibule shape fits a big pack and boots
- Easy, clean pitch with colour-coded hardware
- Eco-friendlier materials with PFC/PFAS-free water repellency
What Could Be Better
- Less freestanding than the Copper Spur; staking helps the foot end
- Interior feels a touch narrower at the feet
- Vestibule zippers can load under strong wind if not guyed out
My Recommendation
If you want durable fabric, strong weather performance, and smart value, the Dragonfly OSMO is excellent. It suits most three-season trips.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Wet or variable climates | OSMO fabric sags less and sheds water well |
| Ultralight hikers on a budget | Light, sturdy build at a fair price |
| Weekend to week-long trips | Fast setup with good storage and room |
Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both shelters on wet weekends and windy passes to see what really matters. In this Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review, I compare the core traits that affect your nights out.
Weight & Packability: Which Carries Lighter?
Both are very light for double-wall tents. Models vary by size, so compare like-for-like.
| Spec | Copper Spur (typical 2P) | Dragonfly OSMO (typical 2P) |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Weight | ~2 lb 11 oz (1.22 kg) | ~2 lb 13 oz (1.29 kg) |
| Packed Weight | ~3 lb 2 oz (1.42 kg) | ~3 lb 2 oz (1.42 kg) |
| Packed Size | ~19.5 x 6 in | ~19 x 5.5 in (Divvy Cube packs flat) |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 9.5/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9/10
Edge: Copper Spur. It shaves a few ounces and rides well in small packs.
Interior Space & Livability: Room to Move?
This Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review looks closely at comfort for long nights.
| Spec | Copper Spur (2P) | Dragonfly OSMO (2P) |
|---|---|---|
| Floor Area | ~29 sq ft | ~29 sq ft |
| Peak Height | ~40 in | ~41 in |
| Wall Shape | High-volume, near-vertical | Crossbar-supported, slight taper at feet |
| Doors | Two large D-doors | Two large doors |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 9.5/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9/10
Edge: Copper Spur. It feels a bit wider with more usable wall space and pockets.
Weather Protection: Which Handles Storms Better?
Both are solid three-season shelters. Fabric and guying make the difference in this Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review.
| Spec | Copper Spur | Dragonfly OSMO |
|---|---|---|
| Fly Material | Sil/PU nylon ripstop (solution-dyed) | OSMO poly-nylon ripstop (low-sag) |
| Sag When Wet | Low to moderate | Very low |
| Vestibule Design | Awning mode tie-outs | Trapezoid, storm-smart guy points |
| Wind Stability | Strong when fully guyed | Strong; fabric stays taut in rain |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 9/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9.5/10
Edge: Dragonfly OSMO. The fabric sags less and stays tighter in long rain.
Setup & Ease of Use: Fast, Simple, Reliable?
Speed matters when the weather hits. Here is what I found in this Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review.
| Feature | Copper Spur | Dragonfly OSMO |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Freestanding, hubbed DAC | Mostly freestanding; stakes help the foot |
| Color-Coding | Clear and intuitive | Clear and intuitive |
| Vestibule Use | Awning mode, easy entry | Gatekeeper clips, smooth access |
| Stuff Sack | Standard cylindrical | Divvy Cube packs flat |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 9.5/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9/10
Edge: Copper Spur. Freestanding pitch is faster on tricky ground.
Ventilation & Condensation: Drier Mornings?
Mesh and fly geometry drive airflow in this Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review.
| Aspect | Copper Spur | Dragonfly OSMO |
|---|---|---|
| Canopy | Extensive mesh for airflow | Mesh canopy with good coverage |
| Vents | Fly vents plus awning lift | Fly vents and good crossflow |
| Condensation | Low with vents open | Low; fabric tension helps |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 9/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Both manage moisture well with smart vent use.
Durability & Materials: Built to Last?
Long-term value shows up in fabric and stitching. This Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review weighs the details.
| Aspect | Copper Spur | Dragonfly OSMO |
|---|---|---|
| Fly/Floor Denier | Ultralight 15–20D class | OSMO 20D class |
| Tear Strength | Good for weight | Very good for weight |
| Sag Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Footprint Need | Helpful on rough ground | Still helpful, but fabric feels tougher |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 8.8/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9.3/10
Edge: Dragonfly OSMO. The fabric blend boosts toughness and pitch quality when wet.
Value for Money: Which Is the Better Buy?
Price shifts, but patterns hold. Here is what I learned in this Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review.
| Aspect | Copper Spur | Dragonfly OSMO |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP Range | Higher, premium | Typically lower for similar size |
| What You Get | Top livability and freestanding pitch | Stronger fabric and wet-weather poise |
| Resale/Longevity | Strong | Strong |
Ratings: Copper Spur – 8.8/10 | Dragonfly OSMO – 9.2/10
Edge: Dragonfly OSMO. Slightly lower price with excellent performance.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Copper Spur is my pick for hikers who crave space, pockets, and a quick, freestanding pitch. It is ideal for mixed sites and fast-moving trips where setup and livability matter most.
The Dragonfly OSMO is my choice for wet climates and value seekers. Its fabric stays tight in the rain, and the price is kind. In short, for room pick Copper Spur; for storm-ready value pick Dragonfly. This Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review should make that decision easy.
FAQs Of Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review
Which tent is lighter in the Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review?
The Copper Spur is usually a few ounces lighter in the same size class. Both are ultralight, but Big Agnes edges in weight.
Which handles rain better: Copper Spur or Dragonfly OSMO?
In steady rain, the Dragonfly OSMO holds a tighter pitch. Its fabric sags less when wet, which boosts fly clearance.
Is the Copper Spur more comfortable than the Dragonfly?
Yes, a bit. The Copper Spur’s high-volume poles and pockets add livability. The Dragonfly is still very comfy for its weight.
Which is easier to pitch on rock or platforms?
Copper Spur. It is more freestanding, so it stands well with fewer perfect stake points.
What is the best value in this Big Agnes Copper Spur VS Nemo Dragonfly Tent Review?
The Dragonfly OSMO. It offers strong fabric performance and a lower price, while staying light and practical.
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