My Chat About the MSR Hubba Hubba Tent
Hey, so if you’re into backpacking, you know how important a good tent is. Especially when you’re out there, like on the Appalachian Trail or up in the Rockies. A lot of people really love this tent called the MSR Hubba Hubba NX. It’s a two-person tent, and folks rave about it because it’s super light but also really strong and comfy inside. I’m going to tell you a bit more about what makes it so popular for campers here in the US.
Basically, MSR made this tent for backpackers who want to save weight but don’t want to give up comfort or reliable features. It’s a 3-season tent, so good for spring, summer, and fall. It stands up on its own, which is nice. It’s designed for two people and their gear to fit well. The big idea with this tent series has always been to make it as light as possible. But they still make sure it has important things like two doors and two separate vestibules – those little areas outside the doors where you can store your pack and wet boots. That means you get a truly livable space inside. What’s cool is the floor is perfectly rectangular. So, two regular sleeping pads fit side-by-side without overlapping. You don’t always get that with other super light tents that taper off. This tent isn’t just about being light; it’s about making your whole camping trip better.
Okay, so here’s the thing about this tent: it’s not cheap. It usually sells for around $500 to $600. Sometimes you can find it on sale for a bit less. I know that’s a lot of money upfront, but it’s really an investment. This tent is built to last. Its quality and how comfortable it makes your time on the trail can totally make that price worth it for serious backpackers. If you keep an eye out, you might find deals during holiday sales. It also holds its value pretty well if you ever decide to sell it.
You know, when people talk about light two-person tents, they always compare the Hubba Hubba NX to the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. Both are top-notch tents, they stand on their own, and they’re for three seasons. But they do have some differences. If you’re someone who counts every single ounce, and you want the absolute most space inside for the least weight, and you’re super careful with your gear, the Copper Spur might be slightly better for you. But, if you prefer a tent that feels a bit tougher, has that nice rectangular floor for sleeping pads, and MSR’s track record for weather protection, the Hubba Hubba NX is still a really strong contender. A lot of people actually prefer it.
So yeah, overall, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX really lives up to its great reputation. It does a great job of being light but also super livable, easy to use, and reliable for three seasons. If you’re backpacking around the US, through all sorts of different places, this tent is a pretty sweet deal. It’s a comfy place to crash after a long day, it’s easy to put up, and it keeps you safe from the weather. Even though it costs a bit, the Hubba Hubba NX truly delivers on its promise of quality and lasting performance. It’s a highly recommended tent if you’re looking for a really good, balanced, and functional home on the trail.
Speaking of space, the Hubba Hubba NX is designed to fit two backpackers comfortably. It has those two doors and two vestibules I mentioned. That means each person gets their own way in and out. Plus, they get their own dedicated spot for a big backpack and boots, so the inside stays nice and clear. While it’s ultralight, if you’re a really big person, it might feel a little snug for really long trips. But for most trails and gear in the US, it usually has enough space without feeling cramped.
And what about the weather? Well, the Hubba Hubba NX generally gets good marks for handling three seasons on US trails. The rainfly covers the whole tent, which is great, and it keeps out even heavy rain because the seams are sealed. It stands pretty well in moderate winds too, thanks to its design. But if you’re in really high winds, like on an exposed mountain ridge, you might want to use some extra ropes to tie it down better. Condensation can happen inside, like with any double-wall tent in high humidity. But it has lots of mesh and vents you can adjust to help. Just pick a good campsite and air it out properly, and you should be fine.
How light is it, really? The MSR Hubba Hubba NX weighs about 2 pounds, 14 ounces, or 1.3 kilograms. It packs down to about 18 by 6 inches. That makes it really competitive with other popular ultralight two-person tents out there, like the Big Agnes Copper Spur or even some ZPacks models. Sure, some super minimal tents that use your hiking poles can shave off a few more ounces. But the Hubba Hubba NX stands on its own, gives you much more comfortable living space, and is super tough for its weight. It’s a fantastic balance for long US trails, where you want light weight but don’t want to give up comfort or how easy it is to set up.
Oh, and is it a pain to set up? Nope, it’s actually known for being really quick and easy to pitch, even if you’re by yourself. All the poles connect together in one system, so they just snap into place. You can get the tent body up really fast. Plus, it’s symmetrical, so there’s no “wrong” way to put it up.
