🏕️ This Tent Survived a Thunderstorm—The Other Felt Like a Palace. Which One Wins?
What happens when you pitch a rugged budget-friendly solo tent next to one of the most elite ultralight shelters on the market? You get one wild field test. We put the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 to the ultimate trail test. One braved a surprise mountain storm. The other gave us room to stretch out like royalty. Here’s what happened…
🔥 Let’s Meet the Contenders
🏕️ ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
- ⛺ Rugged, freestanding 1-person tent
- 🏔️ Weighs around 4.2 lbs – ideal for solo backpackers on a budget
- 🌧️ Waterproof fly with factory-sealed seams
- 🧰 Easy 2-pole setup with durable aluminum
- 💲 Price: Seriously wallet-friendly
- 👉 Click here to view ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1P Tent on Amazon
⛺ Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
- ✨ Award-winning ultralight 2-person tent (can easily be used solo)
- ⚖️ Just 3 lbs packed weight (insanely light for its size)
- 🚪 Dual doors + vestibules for peak convenience
- 🌧️ Waterproof, silicone-treated fly with high-volume design
- 🏕️ Perfect for thru-hikers, ultralight purists, or anyone who wants to go fast and light
- 👉 Click here to view Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 on Amazon
⛅ Storm Tested: Which Tent Kept Us Dry?
“I woke up to lightning cracking overhead and wind howling like a freight train.”
Mike (Field Test): "The ALPS Lynx took a beating. And to its credit—it held strong. No leaks. Just a little condensation and some flapping. For the price? I was shocked how well it held up."
Jake: "The Copper Spur? Barely moved. The tensioned structure handled the storm like it was a breezy afternoon. The high-volume pole design isn’t just hype—it’s legit."
🧭 Setup Showdown: Which Was Easier?
- ALPS Lynx: Basic 2-pole system. Took under 6 minutes with no instructions. Super intuitive for first-timers.
- Big Agnes: Slightly more complex. Color-coded poles help. Still under 8 minutes once you know the layout.
Winner: Tie. Both were fast—but the ALPS Lynx edges out for pure simplicity.
💼 Packed Size & Weight
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx: 6" x 17" packed. At 4.2 lbs, it’s no featherweight, but manageable.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: Packs down to an incredible 4" x 19" and weighs only 3 lbs. It’s the Cadillac of packability.
🏆 Winner: Big Agnes. Light as a whisper, even with space for two.
📦 Interior Comfort: Room to Breathe or Cramped Quarters?
ALPS Lynx: Cozy, but tight. Just enough room for one person and a small pack. You’ll want to stash gear in the vestibule.
Big Agnes: Holy space! I had my pad, sleeping bag, backpack, and still had elbow room. The vertical sidewalls and dual vestibules were a dream.
Mike: "If you’re claustrophobic, go Big Agnes. No contest."
🔧 Durability & Build Quality
- ALPS: 75D polyester fly + 7075 aluminum poles = tough and trail-ready. Built for rough use.
- Big Agnes: Silnylon fly with DAC Featherlite poles. Ultra-premium, ultra-light, but more delicate. Use ground cloths!
Verdict: ALPS wins on toughness. Big Agnes wins on sophistication.
🏕️ Real-Life Trail Scenarios
Jake: "I used the ALPS tent on a solo loop around Mt. Rainier. It held up to cold nights and even a hailstorm. For $100-ish? Can’t beat it."
Mike: "Took the Copper Spur on a 6-day trek through the Rockies. I barely noticed it in my pack. Every night felt like a 5-star ultralight hotel."
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | ALPS Lynx 1P | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.2 lbs | 3 lbs |
| Packed Size | 6" x 17" | 4" x 19" |
| Setup Time | ~6 minutes | ~8 minutes |
| Interior Space | Tight for 1 | Roomy for 1, fits 2 |
| Weather Resistance | 🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️ | 🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️ |
| Price | 💲 Budget-Friendly | 💲💲💲 Premium |
🎯 Final Verdict: Which Tent Should You Buy?
If you're just getting started, hiking solo, or ballin’ on a budget— the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is your rugged, no-nonsense trail buddy.
If you want to go ultralight, hike long distances, or share space without adding weight— the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is worth every penny.
Whichever you choose, you’re one step closer to trail bliss.
✅ Grab Your Gear and Hit the Trail
Still deciding? Check out more reviews from our trail crew.