Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
Best Overall Backpacking TentThe North Face Wawona 6
Best Family Camping TentPrice
$600
$585
Summary
The unanimous #1 pick across every major backpacking tent roundup. At just 3 lbs with two doors, two vestibules, and 29 sq ft of floor space, it defines what a modern ultralight tent should be.
The most recommended car camping tent across expert reviews and Reddit alike. Its 86 sq ft interior, 44 sq ft vestibule, and 6'4" peak height make it feel less like a tent and more like a room.
Pros
- Only 3 lbs packed weight — can be stripped to ~2.5 lbs by leaving stakes and stuff sack
- Two doors and two vestibules for a true two-person setup
- Pre-bent poles and steep walls maximize headroom for its weight class
- Color-coded grommets and substantial zippers make setup intuitive
- Tested in Patagonia, Mongolia, East Africa — proven in real conditions
- 86 sq ft interior — one of the largest in its class
- 44.7 sq ft vestibule doubles as a covered outdoor living space
- 6'4" peak height lets adults stand fully upright
- Proven durability — held up in 30 mph gusts in real-world testing
- Duffel-style stuff sack makes packing and unpacking easy
Cons
- $600 price tag is steep — one of the pricier options in its class
- 15-20D fabrics are thin and require careful use on rough ground
- Interior is snug for two people on longer trips
- Nearly 20 lbs — requires splitting weight or car camping only
- Detached rainfly makes initial setup less intuitive
- Only one door on some configurations
- Footprint sold separately
Our take
If you backpack more than a few times a year, just buy the Copper Spur UL2. It's been the top pick for years across Outdoor Gear Lab, Switchback Travel, and the backpacking community — that kind of consensus doesn't happen by accident.
The Wawona 6 is the tent Reddit recommends every single time someone asks about family camping — and the experts agree. That vestibule alone is worth the price of admission.
Buy
