Introduction

When it comes to camping, having a reliable and comfortable tent is essential. Enter the MSR Hubba Hubba, a tent that has gained a reputation as one of the best options on the market. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a multi-day hiking adventure, the MSR Hubba Hubba offers a combination of durability, functionality, and comfort that is hard to beat.

The MSR Hubba Hubba is a two-person backpacking tent that has become a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Developed by MSR (Mountain Safety Research), a leading manufacturer of outdoor equipment, this tent is designed to withstand the rigors of the wilderness while providing a cozy and inviting shelter.

One of the standout features of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its versatility. It is equally suitable for solo campers who want extra space or couples who prefer to share a tent. With its lightweight design and easy setup, it is the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure.

In this comprehensive review, we will explore the key features of the MSR Hubba Hubba, discuss its design and construction, evaluate its performance in various weather conditions, and consider its overall value for money. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a beginner looking for the perfect tent, this review will help you determine if the MSR Hubba Hubba is the right choice for your camping needs.

 

Key Features

The MSR Hubba Hubba is packed with features that make it a standout choice for campers and backpackers. Here are some of its key features:

1. Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just under 4 pounds, the MSR Hubba Hubba is remarkably lightweight, making it a great choice for backpackers who prioritize weight-saving gear. Its compact packed size also fits easily into a backpack, leaving room for other essentials.
2. Freestanding Design: The freestanding design of the MSR Hubba Hubba means it can be set up almost anywhere, even on rocky or uneven ground. This flexibility allows for more campsite options and ensures a stable and secure setup.
3. Two Doors and Vestibules: The tent features two doors and vestibules, offering easy access and ample storage space for gear. This is especially convenient for two campers, as it provides each occupant with their own entrance and storage area.
4. Durable Materials: The MSR Hubba Hubba is constructed from high-quality materials that are built to last. The rainfly and floor are made from durable and waterproof ripstop nylon, while the poles are lightweight yet sturdy, with the ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
5. Ample Interior Space: Despite its lightweight design, the MSR Hubba Hubba doesn’t skimp on space. It offers a generous floor area and vertical sidewalls, providing plenty of room to stretch out and move around comfortably. The peak height of 39 inches allows for easy sitting and changing clothes.
6. Multiple Storage Options: Organization is made easy with interior pockets and gear lofts, allowing you to keep essential items within reach. You can keep your headlamp, smartphone, and other small items organized and easily accessible.
7. Excellent Ventilation: The tent features mesh panels on the inner tent and a large mesh window on the rainfly, promoting superior airflow and minimizing condensation. This ensures a comfortable sleeping environment, even in warm and humid conditions.

These key features set the MSR Hubba Hubba apart from other tents on the market, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value durability, versatility, and comfort.

 

Design and Construction

The design and construction of the MSR Hubba Hubba are engineered to provide durability, stability, and functionality in various camping environments. Here’s a closer look at its design and construction features:

The tent utilizes a semi-freestanding design, which means it requires minimal staking for setup. This design allows for quick and easy pitching, making it ideal for those who value convenience. However, it’s important to note that staking is still recommended for optimal stability and performance in windy conditions.

The Hubba Hubba features a three-season design, making it suitable for camping in spring, summer, and fall. Its double-wall construction consists of a mesh inner tent for breathability and a rainfly for protection against rain and wind. This dual-layer design provides optimal ventilation and ensures a dry and comfortable camping experience.

One of the highlights of the MSR Hubba Hubba’s construction is its high-quality materials. The rainfly and floor are made from durable 20D ripstop nylon, which is not only lightweight but also tear-resistant and waterproof. The bathtub-style floor design further enhances water resistance, ensuring that you stay dry even in wet conditions.

The tent utilizes a hub-and-pole system for its frame, which provides sturdy support and easy setup. The DAC Featherlite NFL poles are lightweight, yet strong enough to withstand gusty winds. Color-coded clips and pole ends allow for a hassle-free setup process, even for first-time users.

Additionally, the Hubba Hubba’s design prioritizes space and livability. The symmetric floor plan and near-vertical sidewalls maximize interior space, allowing campers to sit up and move around comfortably. With a floor area of 29 square feet and two 9-square-foot vestibules, there is plenty of room for storing gear and keeping your essentials within reach.

The attention to detail in the design and construction of the MSR Hubba Hubba ensures that it can withstand the demands of the outdoors while providing a comfortable shelter for camping adventures.

 

Setup and Ease of Use

The MSR Hubba Hubba is praised for its straightforward setup process and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, this tent is designed to be intuitive and hassle-free. Here’s what you can expect in terms of setup and ease of use:

The tent comes with color-coded poles and clips, making it easy to identify and match the corresponding components during setup. This feature eliminates confusion and reduces the time spent on assembling the tent. Additionally, the poles connect through an efficient hub-and-pole system, enabling a quick and seamless setup process.

One of the standout features of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its freestanding design. This means that you can set it up without the need for stakes, making it convenient for camping on various terrains. However, for maximum stability and performance in windy conditions, it’s still recommended to stake out the tent.

The rainfly and tent body attach easily and securely, providing a snug and weather-resistant shelter. The clips and buckles on the rainfly make it simple to fasten and adjust, ensuring a tight fit that can withstand rain and wind. The rainfly also features a large vestibule that provides ample storage space for gear, further enhancing the ease of use.

Interior organization is made simple with the inclusion of multiple pockets and gear lofts. These pockets are strategically placed within the tent, allowing you to keep small items like headlamps, phones, and other essentials organized and within reach. This feature adds convenience and helps to maintain a clutter-free sleeping area.

When it’s time to pack up and move on to the next campsite, the Hubba Hubba’s packability shines through. It folds down to a compact size and fits easily into the included carrying bag. The lightweight design of the tent also contributes to its overall portability, making it an excellent choice for backpacking and multi-day hiking trips.

Overall, the MSR Hubba Hubba is designed with user convenience in mind. From the intuitive setup process to the thoughtful organization features, this tent offers a hassle-free camping experience.

 

Spaciousness and Comfort

The MSR Hubba Hubba is known for its generous interior space and thoughtful design that prioritizes comfort during camping trips. Whether you’re camping solo or with a partner, this tent offers ample room to relax and unwind. Here’s a closer look at its spaciousness and comfort:

The floor area of the MSR Hubba Hubba measures 29 square feet, providing enough space for two occupants to sleep comfortably. The symmetrical floor plan and near-vertical walls maximize the livable space, allowing campers to sit up, change clothes, and move around without feeling cramped. This design feature adds to the overall comfort and convenience of the tent.

Additionally, the Hubba Hubba features a peak height of 39 inches, which allows most people to sit up straight inside the tent. This feature is particularly useful during bad weather or when spending extended periods of time inside the tent, as it provides a more comfortable and ergonomic seating position.

For storage needs, the tent is equipped with two vestibules, each providing 9 square feet of additional space. This allows campers to store their gear outside of the sleeping area, keeping the interior clean and clutter-free. The vestibules are also convenient for storing wet or muddy items, keeping them separate from the main living space.

In terms of ventilation, the MSR Hubba Hubba excels. The tent features a mesh inner tent that promotes excellent airflow and helps to prevent condensation buildup. The large mesh window on the rainfly further enhances ventilation while providing a view of the surroundings. This airflow and ventilation system create a comfortable and breathable sleeping environment, even in warm or humid conditions.

The Hubba Hubba also offers thoughtful details for added comfort, such as interior pockets and gear lofts for storing personal items within easy reach. These small organizational features contribute to a more enjoyable camping experience and eliminate the need to rummage through bags or disturb sleeping partners.

Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day of hiking or simply want a comfortable space to unwind, the MSR Hubba Hubba delivers on spaciousness and comfort, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable camping experience.

 

Weather Resistance

When it comes to camping, weather conditions can be unpredictable. That’s why having a tent that can withstand various weather elements is crucial. The MSR Hubba Hubba is designed to provide reliable weather resistance, ensuring that you stay dry and protected during your outdoor adventures. Let’s delve into the weather resistance features of this tent:

The rainfly of the Hubba Hubba is made from high-quality 20D ripstop nylon, which offers excellent water resistance. The seams are fully taped, preventing any water from seeping inside, even during heavy rain. This durable rainfly, combined with the bathtub-style floor construction, ensures that you and your gear stay dry, no matter the weather conditions.

The rainfly also features a waterproof coating that effectively sheds water and prevents it from pooling or sagging on the tent. This design feature allows the rainfly to maintain its tautness, even during downpours, so you can rest easy, knowing that you won’t wake up to a soggy tent. Additionally, the rainfly extends over the doors, providing a dry entry and exit point.

The MSR Hubba Hubba is also equipped to handle windy conditions. The tent features strong and lightweight DAC Featherlite NFL poles that are designed to withstand gusts of wind. These poles, along with the secure tent clips and guy lines, ensure that the tent remains stable and secure, even during blustery weather.

The tent’s intelligent ventilation system further contributes to its weather resistance. The mesh panels on the inner tent and the large mesh window on the rainfly enable airflow and reduce the chances of condensation buildup. This feature is particularly useful during humid weather, as it helps to maintain a comfortable and dry interior.

Overall, the MSR Hubba Hubba is designed to handle various weather conditions. Whether you encounter rain, wind, or humidity during your camping trip, this tent provides reliable weather resistance, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor adventure.

 

Ventilation System

Proper ventilation is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, especially in warm and humid conditions. The MSR Hubba Hubba excels in providing excellent airflow and minimizing condensation buildup, thanks to its well-designed ventilation system. Let’s take a closer look at how the tent ensures optimal ventilation:

The Hubba Hubba features a mesh inner tent that allows for maximum breathability. The mesh panels on the tent body promote airflow throughout the interior, allowing fresh air to circulate and preventing the buildup of heat and stuffiness. This is particularly important during hot summer nights, as it helps to create a cooler and more comfortable sleeping environment.

In addition to the mesh inner tent, the Hubba Hubba has a large mesh window on the rainfly. This window serves two purposes: it provides additional ventilation and offers a view of the surroundings. The mesh window can be opened or closed depending on the weather conditions, allowing you to adjust the airflow and maintain your desired level of comfort.

While the mesh panels and window allow for ample airflow, they are also designed to keep insects and bugs out. The fine mesh acts as a barrier to prevent unwanted guests from entering the tent, ensuring a peaceful and bug-free sleep.

The ventilation system of the Hubba Hubba helps to minimize condensation buildup inside the tent. When warm air from your breath or perspiration comes into contact with the cooler tent walls, it can create condensation. However, with the mesh panels promoting airflow, moisture is able to escape, reducing the chances of waking up to a damp tent.

During inclement weather or when you need more privacy, the rainfly can be fully attached to the tent body. However, even with the rainfly on, the tent still offers sufficient ventilation due to its strategically placed vents. These vents allow for air circulation while keeping rain and moisture out.

Overall, the MSR Hubba Hubba’s ventilation system is designed to keep you comfortable and well-ventilated during your camping adventures. The combination of mesh panels, a mesh window, and strategically placed vents ensures optimal airflow, helping to prevent condensation and maintain a fresh and comfortable interior.

 

Durability and Longevity

When investing in a camping tent, durability and longevity are key factors to consider. The MSR Hubba Hubba is renowned for its robust construction and high-quality materials, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and provide years of reliable performance. Let’s explore the durability and longevity of this tent in more detail:

The Hubba Hubba is constructed with durable and tear-resistant 20D ripstop nylon for both the rainfly and the floor. This fabric is designed to withstand abrasion from rocks, branches, and other sharp objects that may be encountered during camping trips. The material’s high denier count contributes to its overall durability, ensuring that it won’t easily rip or fray under normal use.

The tent is further reinforced with strong and lightweight DAC Featherlite NFL poles. These poles have a reputation for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and are designed to withstand high winds and heavy usage. Combined with the tent’s secure clip and guy line system, the Hubba Hubba offers excellent stability and durability, even during challenging weather conditions.

The MSR Hubba Hubba’s rainfly is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, which helps to ensure that water beads off the surface rather than soaking into the fabric. This coating enhances the rainfly’s water resistance and prevents water saturation, keeping you dry during rainy weather.

In addition to the tent’s construction and materials, MSR is known for its rigorous testing and quality control processes. The Hubba Hubba undergoes extensive testing to ensure that it meets MSR’s high standards for durability and longevity. This includes testing for tear strength, pole strength, and water resistance, among other factors. The attention to detail in the manufacturing process contributes to the tent’s overall longevity.

To maximize the longevity of the MSR Hubba Hubba, proper care and maintenance are important. Regularly inspecting the tent for any damage, cleaning it after each use, and storing it in a dry and well-ventilated area will help to extend its lifespan.

Overall, the MSR Hubba Hubba is built to last. Its durable construction, high-quality materials, and rigorous testing make it a reliable option for campers who value durability and longevity in their camping gear.

 

Weight and Portability

When it comes to camping gear, weight and portability are crucial factors to consider, especially for backpackers and hikers who need to carry all their gear on their backs. The MSR Hubba Hubba is designed with a focus on lightweight construction without compromising on durability or comfort. Let’s take a closer look at the weight and portability of this tent:

The MSR Hubba Hubba is known for its lightweight design, weighing in at just under 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). This weight is considered highly competitive in the two-person backpacking tent category, making it an excellent choice for those who want to shave off ounces from their pack weight. The weight of the tent is evenly distributed among its components, including the rainfly, inner tent, poles, and stakes.

In addition to its weight, the Hubba Hubba offers excellent packability. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a carrying bag that is designed to fit well in a backpack. The tent’s compact packed size allows for easy storage and transportation, leaving more room in your pack for other essential gear.

The freestanding design of the MSR Hubba Hubba adds to its overall portability. This means that you can set it up almost anywhere, even in areas where staking out the tent may be challenging. This flexibility is particularly useful for campers who may encounter rocky or uneven terrain during their adventures.

Despite its lightweight and portable design, the MSR Hubba Hubba doesn’t compromise on comfort and livability. The tent offers ample interior space, allowing you to rest, sleep, and move around comfortably. The near-vertical walls and peak height of 39 inches provide extra headroom, allowing most people to sit up straight inside the tent.

For those who prioritize weight reduction even further, the MSR Hubba Hubba can be set up using just the rainfly, poles, and footprint (sold separately). This “fast and light” setup option significantly reduces the weight of the tent while still providing protection from rain and bugs. This is a great feature for minimalist backpackers or those who are embarking on shorter trips with fair weather conditions.

Overall, the MSR Hubba Hubba’s lightweight design and excellent packability make it an ideal choice for backpackers and hikers who value weight-saving gear without compromising on durability or comfort. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day trek or a weekend camping trip, the Hubba Hubba’s weight and portability will help lighten your load and enhance your outdoor experience.

 

Price and Value for Money

When evaluating a camping tent, it is essential to consider its price and assess whether it offers good value for your investment. The MSR Hubba Hubba may come with a higher price tag compared to some other tents on the market, but it offers outstanding value for money due to its exceptional quality and range of features.

The MSR Hubba Hubba is a premium two-person backpacking tent that is built to withstand the demands of the outdoors. It is constructed with high-quality materials that are designed for durability and longevity. From the ripstop nylon rainfly to the lightweight DAC Featherlite NFL poles, every component of this tent is engineered for performance and reliability.

In addition to its robust construction, the Hubba Hubba offers a plethora of features that enhance the camping experience. The two doors and vestibules provide easy access and ample storage space for gear, promoting convenience and organization. The spacious interior, excellent ventilation, and comfortable design make it a cozy and inviting shelter, even during extended camping trips.

The MSR Hubba Hubba’s versatility also adds value to its price. Whether you are camping solo and desire more space or camping with a partner and want a comfortable shared tent, the Hubba Hubba accommodates different camping preferences. Its freestanding design allows for flexibility in campsite selection, providing options when it comes to setting up your shelter.

When considering the price of the MSR Hubba Hubba, it’s important to take into account the reputation and trustworthiness of the brand. MSR is known for its commitment to quality and its rigorous testing processes, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards. Investing in a trustworthy brand like MSR often translates to a better customer experience and long-term satisfaction with the product.

While the MSR Hubba Hubba may have a higher initial cost, its durability, versatility, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for avid campers and backpackers. The value you receive in terms of durability, comfort, and convenience justifies the price tag, as you can rely on this tent to withstand various weather conditions and provide a cozy home away from home in the outdoors.

Ultimately, the MSR Hubba Hubba’s price reflects its excellent quality and features. If you prioritize durability, reliability, and comfort in your camping gear, this tent offers exceptional value for money and will be a reliable companion on your outdoor adventures for years to come.

 

Comparison with Competitors

When choosing a camping tent, it’s important to compare it with other options on the market to determine which one best suits your needs. Here, we will compare the MSR Hubba Hubba with some of its competitors to highlight its unique features and advantages:

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is another popular two-person backpacking tent known for its lightweight design. While both tents are lightweight, the Hubba Hubba offers a more spacious interior, with a higher peak height and more livable space. The Hubba Hubba also provides better ventilation with its large mesh panels and rainfly window, making it more comfortable in warm weather. Additionally, the MSR Hubba Hubba’s robust construction and durable materials give it an edge in terms of long-term durability and weather resistance.

Nemo Dagger 2P: The Nemo Dagger 2P is a strong competitor in the lightweight backpacking tent category. Both the Hubba Hubba and the Dagger 2P offer similar floor space and doors, but the Hubba Hubba has taller sidewalls, providing a more spacious feel. The MSR tent’s freestanding design ensures easy setup, while the Dagger 2P requires staking for optimal stability. The Hubba Hubba’s rainfly also has a larger vestibule space compared to the Dagger 2P, offering more storage options. However, the Dagger 2P boasts a lighter overall weight, making it a good choice for ultralight backpackers.

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus: The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus is another versatile two-person tent that shares some similarities with the Hubba Hubba. Both tents have spacious interiors, ample storage space, and excellent ventilation. However, the Hubba Hubba is lighter in weight and has a higher peak height, offering more headroom. The Hubba Hubba’s superior weather resistance and durability, with its ripstop nylon construction and well-designed rainfly, give it an advantage over the Half Dome 2 Plus in challenging weather conditions.

In comparison with its competitors, the MSR Hubba Hubba stands out for its balance of comfort, durability, and overall quality. Its spaciousness, lightweight design, and reliable performance make it a top choice for backpackers and campers who prioritize space and comfort without sacrificing durability. While each tent has its own strengths, the Hubba Hubba’s combination of features sets it apart from competitors and makes it a standout option in the market.

 

Pros and Cons

To provide a balanced review of the MSR Hubba Hubba, let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Spacious interior with near-vertical walls and generous floor space
• Excellent ventilation with mesh panels, rainfly window, and strategically placed vents
• Strong and durable construction with ripstop nylon materials
• Easy and intuitive setup process with color-coded poles and clips
• Lightweight design, making it ideal for backpackers and hikers
• Versatile freestanding design allows for easy setup on various terrains
• Two doors and vestibules provide easy access and ample storage space
• Superior weather resistance with waterproof rainfly and fully taped seams
• Thoughtful details like interior pockets and gear lofts for organization
• High-quality materials and thorough testing ensure long-lasting durability

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some other tents in its category
• Not the lightest option available for ultralight backpackers
• Although it can be set up without stakes, optimal stability may require staking
• May not provide enough headroom for exceptionally tall individuals
• Fast and light setup (rainfly, poles, footprint only) requires additional purchase

While the MSR Hubba Hubba offers many advantages, it’s important to consider the trade-offs. The higher price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious campers, but it reflects the tent’s outstanding quality, durability, and performance. Additionally, while the tent is lightweight, it may not satisfy ultralight enthusiasts seeking the absolute lightest option available. It’s also worth noting that while the tent’s freestanding design allows for easy setup on various terrains, optimal stability may require staking in windy conditions.

Despite the potential drawbacks, the MSR Hubba Hubba’s long list of pros outweighs the cons, making it a top-choice tent for backpackers and campers who prioritize spaciousness, comfort, durability, and reliable performance. Its versatility, excellent ventilation, and thoughtful design features contribute to an enjoyable camping experience, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors.

 

Conclusion

The MSR Hubba Hubba is undeniably a top contender in the world of camping tents. With its combination of spaciousness, durability, comfort, and versatility, it offers an exceptional camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or sharing the tent with a partner, the Hubba Hubba delivers on its promise of providing a reliable and cozy shelter.

From the moment you set up the Hubba Hubba, you’ll appreciate its user-friendly design. The color-coded poles and clips, along with the freestanding construction, make setup a breeze, ensuring that you can spend less time pitching and more time enjoying the great outdoors. The tent’s lightweight design and compact packed size also contribute to its overall portability, making it a great choice for backpackers and hikers.

One of the standout features of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its spacious interior. With near-vertical walls and ample floor space, you can comfortably sit up, change clothes, and move around inside the tent. The excellent ventilation system, with mesh panels and a rainfly window, keeps the interior cool and minimizes condensation, providing a comfortable sleeping environment.

When it comes to durability and weather resistance, the Hubba Hubba excels. Built with high-quality materials and subjected to rigorous testing, this tent is designed to withstand the elements. The fully taped seams and waterproof rainfly ensure that you stay dry, while the strong poles and secure clips offer stability, even in windy conditions.

While the MSR Hubba Hubba may come with a higher price tag compared to some competitors, its exceptional quality, reliable performance, and long-term durability make it worth the investment. When you consider the value you receive in terms of comfort, functionality, and the ability to create lasting memories in the outdoors, the price becomes justified.

In conclusion, if you’re in search of a spacious, lightweight, and durable two-person backpacking tent, the MSR Hubba Hubba is an excellent choice. With its thoughtful design, reliable performance, and outstanding features, this tent is sure to enhance your camping experience and provide a cozy and dependable shelter during your outdoor adventures.