Debate: Do I buy a $300 Big Agnes tent or a $150 REI knockoff for my PNW trip?

I'm heading to the Olympic National Park next month and gotta choose between a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at $300 used or a REI Trail Hut 2 for $150 new. The Big Agnes is super light at 3 lbs but the REI has better reviews for rain resistance. I snagged the Big Agnes cause I'm a weight nerd, and honestly it held up fine in a drizzle near Port Angeles, but I'm wondering if I overpaid for hype. Anyone else torn between brand names and budget gear on a specific trip like this? What'd you pick and did it work out?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy_carr13d ago

Rain resistance" is funny cause I had a similar trip where my cheap tent turned into a swimming pool during a surprise storm. I scored a Big Agnes for cheap once but my buddy's knockoff held up better in the Olympic mist. Honestly I think you did fine cause that weight savings adds up when you're hiking those hills.

holly_foster13d ago

Olympic mist is no joke, that stuff seeps into everything.