Copper Spur HV UL2 vs REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+
Head-to-head tent comparison.
| Copper Spur HV UL2 | REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Big Agnes | REI Co-op |
| Price | $449.95 - $549.95 | $329 - $349 |
| Rating | 4.7 | 4.5 |
The Bottom Line
Pick the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 if you’re a backcountry pair or solo hiker who values shaving pounds and jerseying livability into a light, freestanding package — it’s the winner for packability and trail-focused weight savings, but plan to baby the floor and accept the price. Choose the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ if you want roomy comfort, heavier-duty materials, and raw value — it’s the smarter choice for two people who prioritize space, durability, and easier pitching over every saved ounce. My opinion: if your trips are long and weight matters more than a few square feet, go Copper Spur; if you car-camp, do short backpacking loops, or consistently camp on abrasive ground, go Half Dome.
Setup & Ease Of Use
Both tents are freestanding and easy to pitch, but REI’s Half Dome SL 2+ nudges ahead for sheer simplicity — larger hubbed poles, color-coded sections, and a forgiving geometry make it faster to get up and more stable in variable stake conditions. The Copper Spur’s DAC NFL poles and two-door layout are also user-friendly and let you re-position the tent on rocky ground, but its lighter pole/fabric combo requires a little more attention to tensioning and guylines in wind. If you want a fast, no-fuss pitch where stability is predictable, the Half Dome is the better pick; if you value a lighter freestanding shelter and don’t mind fiddling a touch more, the Copper Spur still performs admirably.
Weight & Packability
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 wins here — at a minimum trail weight of 2 lb 10 oz and a 4 x 19.5 in packed length it's materially lighter and skinnier in your pack than the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ (3 lb 15 oz, 22 x 7 in). On the trail that means the Copper Spur is easier to carry on multi-day ridgelines or when you’re splitting weight with a partner; the Half Dome eats more space and pounds but gives you extra durability and comfort in return. If you treat every ounce like currency, the Copper Spur is worth the premium; if you want to minimize packing awkwardness, the Copper Spur again comes out ahead.
Livability & Interior Space
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ takes this category — its 33.8 sq ft floor and 42 in peak height give you noticeably more usable real estate than the Copper Spur HV UL2’s 29 sq ft and 40 in peak. On the trail that translates to extra room for gear, less shoulder-to-shoulder squabbling, and an easier time sitting up without bonking mesh, whereas the Copper Spur uses steep walls to squeeze impressive usable space into a lighter package but still feels tighter for two big sleepers. If you prioritize stretching out, cooking under the vestibule, or storing two big packs, buy the Half Dome; if you want a lighter, still-roomy compromise, the Copper Spur is the pick.
Value & Who Should Buy Which
If you’re buying value as in space and durability per dollar, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is the smarter economical choice at roughly $329–$349 — you get more interior, bigger vestibules (about 22.5 sq ft total), and tougher materials for less money. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 asks a premium ($449–$550) for that weight-to-livability ratio: you pay more for a noticeably lighter, pack-friendly tent that still gives two doors and decent comfort. Bottom line — pick the Half Dome if you want the most tent for your buck and careless campsite use; pick the Copper Spur if you’ll be carrying it far and want to shave weight without surrendering livability.
Weather Protection & Durability
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ wins on ruggedness — its heavier fabrics (reported 30D fly and 40D floor) and 7000-series aluminum poles are more resistant to abrasions, campsite wear, and gusty conditions than the Copper Spur’s 15D HyperBead fabric and lighter DAC NFL poles. Big Agnes has improved waterproofing with a 1,500 mm coating and PFAS-free choices, but ultralight 15D materials still demand care (footprint strongly recommended) and will show wear faster; the Half Dome sacrifices ounces for a tent that tolerates rougher campsites and more seasons of use. In short: the Copper Spur keeps you dry and light in normal 3-season use if you baby it; the Half Dome will shrug off more abuse without a second thought.
Read full Copper Spur HV UL2 review · Read full REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ review