MSR FreeLite 1 Tent Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
MSR
MSR FreeLite 1 Tent
★ 8.2 Backpacking
Sleeps 1 Seasons 3-season Weight 1 lb 15 oz Est. Price $440
Best for: Ultralight solo three-season backpacking adventures.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent
★ 8.1 Backpacking
Sleeps 1 Seasons 3-season Weight 3 lbs Est. Price $600
Best for: Fast, light backpacking for two.
Our Take
Both are backpacking tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
Both score 8.2 overall, though the MSR FreeLite 1 Tent wins more individual scoring categories.
The biggest gap is ease of setup, where the MSR FreeLite 1 Tent holds a clear advantage.
The MSR FreeLite 1 Tent also has a price edge — $160 less at $439 versus $599.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The MSR FreeLite 1 Tent scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
MSR FreeLite 1 Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent
Overall Score
Space & Comfort
Quality & Durability
Weather Resistance
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Intangibles
Pros & Cons
MSR FreeLite 1 Tent
- Ultralight weight saves your back
- Quick semi-freestanding setup saves time
- Spacious interior allows sitting upright
- Semi-freestanding design requires staking out
- Low 1200mm waterproof rating concerns
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent
- Massive 3D gear storage pockets
- HyperBead fabric offers waterproof strength
- High-volume design provides ample headroom
- Strains the wallet considerably
- Thin materials require extra care
Full Specs
| Spec | MSR FreeLite 1 Tent | Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Ultralight | Backpacking, Ultralight |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $440 | $600 |
| Weight | 1 Lb 15 Oz | 3 Lbs |
| Min Trail Weight | 1 Lb 10 Oz | — |
| Floor Area | 20.0 ft² | 29.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 8 Sq. Ft. | 9 + 9 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 39 | 40 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 87 X 33 In | 88 X 52 42 In |
| Pole Material | DAC NFL Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | 15D Ripstop Nylon | Proprietary HyperBead Fabric; 15D Nylon With 20D Solution Dyed Ripstop And 1500mm Waterproof Rating |
| Rainfly Fabric | 15D Ripstop Nylon 1200mm Polyether Urethane And Silicone | Proprietary HyperBead Fabric; 15 Denier Nylon With 20 Denier Solution Dyed Ripstop And 1,500 Mm Waterproof Coating Without Intentionally Added PFAS |
| Packed Size | 4 X 18 In | — |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 6 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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