Which is better for a long thru-hike?

The Copper Spur UL1. At 2 lb trail weight it saves about a pound over the Obsidian, which adds up over hundreds of miles. Add a footprint to protect its thinner floor.

Which holds up better in bad weather?

The Obsidian 1P. Its 20-denier sil-nylon with a 5000mm coating, bathtub floor and taped seams shed rain and abrasion better. The Copper Spur is fine in three-season conditions but its lighter fabric is less forgiving.

Is the Copper Spur worth stepping up to?

If low weight is your priority, yes. It is the lighter, better-pole tent with a proven record. If you want durability and included extras, the Obsidian gives more for the same kind of use.

Which is roomier inside?

The Obsidian 1P. It has a higher peak, around 3.7 ft against 3.2 ft, so you can sit up more easily. Both are solo tents with one door and one vestibule.

Do both come with a footprint?

Only the Obsidian 1P includes one. The Copper Spur UL1 needs a footprint bought separately if you want floor protection.

Which is easier to pitch?

The Obsidian uses one hubbed pole with color-coded clips, which is quick and simple. The Copper Spur uses DAC poles and pitches fast too, but with more pole sections to handle.

Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent vs Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

Both are one-person, three-season, single-door, single-vestibule tents. The Copper Spur UL1 is the lighter and more established shelter, with a long reputation among thru-hikers for its balance of weight and livable space. The Obsidian 1P is a heavier but tougher build, with a 20-denier sil-nylon fly rated to 5000mm and a footprint included. Reviewers rate the Obsidian higher on average, while the Copper Spur carries the stronger track record over many seasons.

Choose the Obsidian 1P if you want a sturdier fabric, a bathtub floor, taped seams and a footprint in the box, and you don't mind a few extra ounces.
Choose the Copper Spur UL1 if saving weight matters most and you want a tent with a proven record on long trails.

Prices

Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent: $65.00 at Featherstoneoutdoors (last seen Nov 10)
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent: $299.96 at Campmor (last seen Nov 9)
Difference: the Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent is $234.96 cheaper than the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)

Featherstone Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent

	Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent	Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent
Trail weight	3 lb 3 oz	2 lb
Fabric and coating	20-denier sil-nylon with 5000mm PU coating	Lightweight ripstop nylon, lighter denier
Doors and vestibules	One door, one vestibule	One door, one vestibule
Poles	Single hubbed 7001 aluminum pole	DAC aluminum poles
Floor and seams	Bathtub floor, factory-taped seams	Taped seams, thinner floor fabric
Included extras	12 stakes, guy lines, footprint, gear loft	Stakes and guy lines; footprint sold separately
Interior height	About 3.7 ft at peak	3.2 ft center height
Owner ratings	4.6 of 5 from 241 ratings	4.1 of 5 from 25 ratings

Spec	Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent	Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent
Trail weight	3 lbs 3 oz	2 lb in weight
Seasons	3 Season, Fall, Spring, Summer	Three Season
Number of doors	1	1 Door
Item weight	1.7 kg	—
Product dimensions	2.06L x 0.98W x 1.14H metres	—
Floor width	3.2 Feet	—
Occupancy	1 Person	—
Shape	Hexagonal	—
Number of vestibules	1	—
Number of stakes	12	—
Number of poles	1	—
Tent material	20-denier Sil-Nylon with 5000mm polyurethane hy…	—

Spec	Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent	Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent
Sleeping Capacity	—	Solo
With Vestibule	—	Yes
Ultralight	—	Yes
Color	—	Orange
Center Height	—	3.2 ft Center Height

Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent vs Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

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Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent vs Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

Prices

Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

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Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

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Featherstone Obsidian 1P Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

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