Tent recommendation

Honestly, its just personal preference. Fly Creek is lighter obviously, but the copper spur is roomier and the two doors are nice with a second sleeper, and not just through hiking. They are both very similar otherwise. I don't own either, but I've slept in both (other peoples), and prefer the copper spur with a partner.

I went through the same decision process myself not that long ago and wound up with the Copper Spur UL3 for a few reasons. After putting it through a few outings, in both fair and rather nasty weather, I can share a few impressions with you:

– The Copper Spur UL3 is a palace for 2 people. I was able to fit 2 regular sized pads, all our gear (backpacks, boots, etc), and still have room left over. Walls are fairly vertical, and you don't need to stake the tent down to get the full use of the size.

– Footprint seems fairly necessary. I know the material is supposedly fairly durable, but it's literally as thin as tissue paper, and unless you're pitching it on a perfectly smooth spot, I wouldn't want to risk it. The BA one has the benefit of clip in points for both the poles and rain fly, but unless you plan on leaving the tent body at home, I'd probably just make your own.

– Vestibules could be a bit bigger but overall, they work great and provide some nice space for putting on shoes, drying things out, etc.

– Had this thing out in a 40mph gusts, 35F, horizontal rain night and we stayed perfectly dry and warm inside. Setup took a minute, and it packed up just as quickly. 2 people helps due to the size, but one could easily manage.

The reasons why I picked it over the Fly Creek:

– From everyone I talked to, the one door, even on the UL1 is a bit of a hassle. With two people, it only seemed more difficult, especially if one person wants to get up without having to greatly disturb the other.

– Requires you stake the tent out to get full use of the size. Even when staked out, the walls are more slanted and the useable interior space is reduced as compared to the Copper Spur.

– Weight saving isn't as noticeable if you're splitting the tent between two people. You basically cut the savings in half if you share the load, which is fairly easy to do.