Are you a backpacker in search of a top-quality, lightweight, and durable tent? Look no further than MSR's Hubba Hubba. This tent has been designed to meet the needs of even the most discerning backpackers, offering a combination of high-end build, durability, and excellent performance. In this article, we will delve into the features that make the MSR Hubba Hubba stand out from the competition.
Weight and Packed Size
One of the standout features of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its impressively low weight. Weighing in at just 3 pounds 4 ounces, it is significantly lighter than its predecessor, making it a fantastic option for backpackers looking to minimize their load. The tent's thoughtful design ensures that no compromises are made in terms of livability or features. While there are lighter options available on the market, they often come with sacrifices in terms of interior space and durability. The Hubba Hubba strikes an ideal balance, offering a lightweight build without compromising on these essential features.
Livability and Interior Space
Despite its weight reduction, the latest version of the Hubba Hubba maintains the same amount of floor space, making it incredibly livable for two people. With 29 square feet of floor space and a peak height of 40 inches, there is ample room for two backpackers to sit up and move around comfortably. The symmetrical floor and dual-hubbed pole design further enhance the interior space, allowing for maximum shoulder room and comfort. The Hubba Hubba's spacious and open design sets it apart from other lightweight models, making it a top choice for backpackers seeking comfort without compromising on weight.
Weather Protection
When it comes to weather protection, the MSR Hubba Hubba shines. With composite poles borrowed from MSR's winter collection, a sturdy freestanding shape, and a full-coverage rainfly, this tent has proven itself in wet and windy conditions. The Easton Syclone poles are designed to flex and return to their original shape, even in strong gusts, providing peace of mind in unpredictable weather conditions. The recent updates to the Hubba Hubba include a reduction in mesh in favor of more ripstop fabric, enhancing its weather resistance. The raised bathtub floor, waterproof DuraShield coating, and taped seams on the fly further ensure protection from excess moisture.
Ventilation
While the latest version of the Hubba Hubba features less mesh than its predecessor, it still offers excellent ventilation. Ample mesh along the head and foot ends, as well as at the top of the doors, allows for airflow and helps regulate temperature inside the tent. Deployable vents equipped with Velcro at either end of the rainfly effectively draw out humid air in various weather conditions. These vents can be opened in light rainfall without compromising the tent's waterproofing. For stargazing on clear nights, the rainfly can be partially rolled back, although models with more mesh like the Nemo Dagger Osmo or Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 provide increased visibility.
Storage
The MSR Hubba Hubba is built with convenience in mind, offering two large doors and two vestibules for easy movement and gear organization. With a total vestibule space of 15 square feet, there is ample room to store a large backpacking pack, hiking boots, cooking equipment, and more. Interior storage includes pockets at the head and foot end, as well as overhead storage for smaller items like headlamps. For those who require additional vestibule space, MSR offers a compatible Gear Shed that adds 26.5 square feet of covered storage. Alternatively, upgrading to the three-person variation of the Hubba Hubba provides an additional 10.5 square feet of floor area.
Durability
Despite its lightweight construction, the MSR Hubba Hubba does not compromise on durability. The 20-denier floor and rainfly are thin but reasonably tough in the ultralight world. The addition of ripstop nylon further enhances their durability and reduces the risk of tears or excessive wear. For added protection, a separate footprint can be purchased. However, during testing, the tent proved to be hardwearing and high-quality even without the footprint.
Setup and Take Down
Setting up the MSR Hubba Hubba is a painless process, thanks to its freestanding structure, symmetrical design, and dual-hubbed pole system. Even one person can easily set up the tent by laying it out, assembling the pole sections, and placing the poles into the corners. The tent corners may need to be secured with stakes in windy conditions, but overall, the setup is a breeze. The only minor downside is that the mesh panel at the top of the tent requires a quick pitch in rainstorms to keep the interior dry. Alternatively, purchasing the separate footprint allows for setting up the Hubba Hubba with the rainfly already attached.
The Competition
While the MSR Hubba Hubba faces stiff competition from other top backpacking tents on the market, it holds its own thanks to its winning combination of lightweight design, livability, and weather resistance. Nemo's Dagger Osmo 2P is a close contender but falls short in weight and weather resistance. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2P offer lighter options but come with compromises in durability and interior space. Sea to Summit's Telos TR2 provides an innovative tension ridge design but sacrifices weight and price. REI Co-op's Flash 2 Tent is a more affordable option but compromises on livability and protection.
In conclusion, the MSR Hubba Hubba is the ideal tent for discerning backpackers seeking a lightweight, durable, and highly livable option. Its exceptional performance in various weather conditions, ample interior space, and convenient features make it worth the investment. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or backpacking with a partner, the MSR Hubba Hubba is sure to enhance your outdoor experience.
