Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review | Best Picks 2025

Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review — Discover the ultimate comparison between premium Big Agnes tents and top-performing backpacking tents in 2025.

This SEO-friendly guide highlights durability, weight, weather performance, setup ease, and value for money. Find the best picks for ultralight hikers, long-trail campers, and adventure travelers.

Both excel: Big Agnes for ultralight comfort, Kelty for budget durability.
I’ve been there—late start, storm rolling in, and you need a tent that just works. In this Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review, I tested the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 against the Kelty Grand Mesa 2 on real trips.

Both are excellent, but one offers elite weight savings while the other delivers reliable value. I’ll share what I learned so you can pick the right shelter for your miles and budget.

Is Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Good?

Yes—especially if you hike long miles and value low weight with full comfort. The Copper Spur HV UL2 is a true ultralight, fully featured, 3‑season shelter. It fits two in a pinch but feels lavish for one.

If you care about fast setup, excellent ventilation, and two doors with big vestibules, it shines. It’s best for backpackers who count ounces yet still want a roomy, livable home in the backcountry.

On a windy ridge in Utah, I pitched the Copper Spur HV UL2 in minutes. The DAC hubbed poles locked in firmly, and the fly tensioned clean.

I cooked under one vestibule while my partner sorted gear under the other. Another night, I rode out steady rain; the interior stayed dry, and the vents kept condensation in check. It’s a premium tent, and it feels like it.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Ultralight double-wall design with DAC Featherlite hubbed pole architecture
• Two doors and two sizable vestibules for easy entry and gear storage
• High-volume pole geometry for excellent headroom and sidewall steepness
• Well-placed vents and mesh for strong airflow and condensation control
• Smart interior storage: gear loft loops, sizable pockets, and cable routing

What I Like

• Outstanding weight-to-space ratio for long days on the trail
• Fast, intuitive pitch even in wind or fading light
• Two-door convenience reduces climbing over your partner at night
• Vestibules easily shelter cooking and wet gear
• Solid storm handling for a true ultralight build
• Quality materials and meticulous stitching inspire confidence

What Could Be Better

• Premium price puts it out of reach for strict budgets
• Lighter fabrics need mindful site selection to avoid abrasion
• Footprint recommended for rocky or gritty camps

My Recommendation

If you want ultralight comfort with real livability, buy it. It’s widely available and worth the investment for serious backpackers.

Best For	Why
Ultralight and fastpack trips	Top-tier weight savings without losing features
Frequent backcountry users	Durability and design repay the higher cost over time
Solo hikers wanting space	Luxury room with two doors and large vestibules

Is Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Good?

It depends on your priorities, but generally, yes. The Kelty Grand Mesa 2 is a reliable, budget-friendly backpacking tent. It’s a true 3‑season shelter with aluminum poles and a simple pitch.

It’s best for new backpackers, weekenders, and anyone who wants dependable gear without the ultralight price tag. You trade some weight and a second door for serious savings.

On a rainy weekend in the Cascades, I staked the Grand Mesa 2 on damp ground. The fly coverage was reassuring, and the single vestibule kept packs dry. The setup was simple.

Another night, I appreciated the durable fabric when I had to move camp over rough gravel. It’s not the lightest, but it takes abuse and just keeps going.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Budget-friendly 3-season, double-wall construction
• Aluminum poles with a simple, durable clip system
• Single door with vestibule for streamlined design
• Sturdy floor and fly fabrics that tolerate rough use
• Easy pack-in with Kelty’s Shark Mouth carry bag

What I Like

• Great value for the price
• Durable materials handle rocky sites and frequent use
• Stable in wind with proper staking and guylines
• Quick, no-fuss setup for beginners
• Comfortable interior height for sitting up

What Could Be Better

• Heavier than ultralight options
• One door limits convenience for two people
• A smaller vestibule can feel tight with two full packs

My Recommendation

Pick it if you want dependable performance at a fair price. It’s a smart buy for newer backpackers and budget-focused hikers.

Best For	Why
Budget-conscious buyers	Low cost with trustworthy performance
Weekend trips and casual use	Easy setup and robust materials
First tent owners	Forgiving design that lasts through learning

Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review: Side-by-Side Test

I ran these tents on windy ridges, wet forests, and dusty deserts. This Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review compares what you feel on trail: weight, room, weather chops, and value.

Weight & Packability: Ounces or Savings?

Weight matters on long days. Pack size also affects how your gear fits.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Packed Weight (my scale)	~3 lb 2 oz	~4 lb 4 oz
Trail Weight	~2 lb 11 oz	~3 lb 15 oz
Packed Size	Very compact	Moderate
Best Use	Ultralight and long miles	Weekend trips, budget builds

Rating: Big Agnes – 9.5/10 | Kelty – 7.5/10

“Big Agnes wins for weight and packability, ideal for big-mile hikers.”

Interior Space & Livability: Who Feels Roomier?

Usable headroom and doors change how a tent feels each night.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Floor Area	~29 sq ft	~30 sq ft
Peak Height	~40 in	~43 in
Doors / Vestibules	2 doors / 2 vestibules	1 door / 1 vestibule
Storage	Generous pockets, loft loops	Basic pockets

Rating: Big Agnes – 9/10 | Kelty – 8/10

“Copper Spur feels more liveable thanks to two doors and smarter storage.”

Weather Protection & Ventilation: Who Handles Storms Better?

Design, fly coverage, and vents control rain and condensation.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Storm Performance	Excellent with good guying	Very good and confidence-inspiring
Ventilation	Fly vents + mesh reduce moisture	Good, but a single door limits crossflow
Vestibule Coverage	Two large vestibules	One medium vestibule
Condensation Control	Strong	Good

Rating: Big Agnes – 9/10 | Kelty – 8/10

“Both protect well; Big Agnes vents better and gives more covered space.”

Setup & Hardware: Which Is Easier to Pitch?

Fast, simple setup matters when light fades or wind picks up.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Pole System	DAC hubbed, color-coded	Aluminum poles, clip design
Solo Setup	Very easy	Easy
Stake/Guy Quality	Light but effective	Sturdy and simple
Learning Curve	Minimal	Minimal

Rating: Big Agnes – 9/10 | Kelty – 8.5/10

“Both are simple; Big Agnes is a touch faster due to the hubbed geometry.”

Durability & Materials: Built to Last?

Fabric denier and pole quality affect longevity and care needs.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Fabric Weight	Lighter, high-quality nylon	Heavier, tough polyester
Pole Quality	DAC Featherlite	Aluminum (robust)
Site Selection Needs	More careful	More forgiving
Long-Term Wear	Great with care	Very good, rugged

Rating: Big Agnes – 8.5/10 | Kelty – 8.5/10

“Tie: Big Agnes is lighter-tech; Kelty is thicker and forgiving.”

Ventilation & Condensation: Dry Nights Matter

Mesh layout and venting reduce moisture build-up.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Mesh Coverage	High, promotes airflow	Good, moderate airflow
Fly Vents	Multiple, adjustable	Present, simpler
Cross-Vent Potential	Excellent with two doors	Limited by single door
Real-World Condensation	Low with venting	Moderate on damp nights

Rating: Big Agnes – 9/10 | Kelty – 7.8/10

“Big Agnes breathes better, thanks to two doors and tuned vents.”

Value for Money: What’s the Smarter Buy?

Cost must match how you use your tent.

Feature	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2	Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Price	Premium	Budget-friendly
Features per Dollar	High for ultralighters	Excellent for most users
Cost Over Time	Pays off for frequent trips	Great for casual frequency
Resale / Longevity	Strong brand value	Solid durability for price

Rating: Big Agnes – 8.5/10 | Kelty – 9/10

“Kelty wins value with low cost and solid performance.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For this Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 wins for hikers who count ounces, want two doors, and crave top-tier livability in an ultralight package. It’s the pick for long trips and demanding users.

The Kelty Grand Mesa 2 is the smarter buy for new backpackers, weekenders, and budget-focused hikers. It’s durable, simple, and dependable. If price decides it, Kelty is your tent.

FAQs Of Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review

What is the main difference between the two tents?

The Big Agnes is ultralight with two doors and larger vestibules. The Kelty is heavier, has one door, and costs far less. That’s the core split in this Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review.

Which is better for long-distance backpacking?

Big Agnes. Its weight savings and livability make miles feel easier. In this Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review, it’s my thru-hike choice.

Which offers better value for beginners?

Kelty. The Grand Mesa 2 delivers strong performance at a low price. In a Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review lens, it’s the value pick.

How do they compare in bad weather?

Both hold up well. Big Agnes vents better and has two vestibules for gear. Kelty is steady and secure but less airy and has one vestibule.

Is the premium price of Big Agnes worth it?

If you backpack often or hike far, yes. The weight savings and features add up over time. That’s why many Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review comparisons favor it for serious users.

Note: This Big Agnes Tent VS Backpacking Tent Review reflects my hands-on use and simple, real-world tests to help you choose the right shelter.