MSR Hubba Hubba vs Big Agnes Copper Spur vs Nemo Hornet: Hiking Tent Comparison

Choosing between MSR Hubba Hubba, Big Agnes Copper Spur, and Nemo Hornet Elite is really a question of how you balance weight, interior space, and storm confidence on multi-night backpacking trips.

Most of my published treks are hut-to-hut — I do not sleep in these tents on Alta Via 1 or TMB. I have pitched all four models on shakedown weekends and use them as the reference set in our best hiking tents guide. This comparison is for campers who need a freestanding shelter on Skye-style wild camps, US national park loops, or mixed hut-and-tent itineraries.

Also read: Best hiking tents · Best camping tents · Zpacks Duplex review

Quick verdict

Nemo Hornet Elite — lightest freestanding

The Hornet Elite is the tent I recommend when grams matter more than living-room space. Packed near 1.0–1.1 kg with dual vestibules, it disappears on a pack compared with entry-level domes. The tapered floor saves weight — plan vestibule storage discipline if two adults share the inner.

Choose Hornet Elite if: you are a solo hiker or coordinated duo on ultralight itineraries, you want included poles without trekking-pole geometry, and you accept a tighter interior in exchange for ascent-day savings.

Skip it if: you need maximum width for two full kits inside, or you want the widest floor plan in this comparison.

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 — premium benchmark

Hubba Hubba is the category reference — freestanding, dual-door, ~1.54 kg trail weight, and a long storm pedigree. It splits the difference between Hornet's minimum weight and Half Dome's extra width. For mainstream two-person backpacking where reliability matters more than cottage-shelter grams, this is the default premium answer.

Choose Hubba Hubba if: you want the balanced premium two-person dome with MSR's weather reputation and honest two-adult layout.

Skip it if: you are gram-obsessed solo (Hornet wins) or budget-focused (Half Dome undercuts on value per square inch).

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 — roomiest floor plan

Copper Spur HV UL3 trades a little weight for headroom and vestibule gear storage — the three-person floor plan near ~1.5 kg is the livable pick when you want space without jumping to a heavy camping dome. Strong for couples who store packs outside the inner on wet nights.

Choose Copper Spur if: interior volume and vestibule storage dominate your priorities at still-backpackable weight.

Skip it if: you want the absolute lightest freestanding option or the lowest price in the set.

REI Half Dome SL 2+ — best value

Half Dome SL 2+ is the value freestanding answer — extra width, straightforward setup, and weather resistance without ultralight pricing. Heavier than Hornet and Hubba, but the floor plan feels generous for budget couples learning multi-night camping.

Choose Half Dome if: price and interior width matter more than minimum trail weight.

Skip it if: you are optimising for thru-hike grams or want the lightest premium fabrics in this group.

Bottom line

There is no single winner — Hornet for weight, Hubba for balanced premium, Copper Spur for space, Half Dome for value. Match the tent to your typical camping style, then read each full review for setup notes and rival context before you buy.