MSR Hubba Hubba LT review

Fiona Russell recommends the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2-person tent – a new and lighter version of the Hubba Hubba NX.

I discovered the joys of two-person tents for solo wild camping while preparing for my Mountain Leader assessment. In the training week, I’d opted for a “coffin-style” one-person tent in a bid to reduce the weight of my overnight pack. I looked on with envy at other people with roomier tents. It took a small shift in mindset to realise that for an extra 400g to 500g – similar to a small bag of sugar – I could have much more living space in the evenings. The MSR Hubba Hubba LT – a new and lighter version of the Hubba Hubba NX – seemed to fit the bill.

Quick specs

Price: $549.95 / £560 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 1580g Pitching: separate, inner first Flysheet: solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, polyether urethane & PFAS-free silicone, HH 1200mm Inner: solution-dyed 20D polyester micromesh / 20D ripstop nylon & PFAS-free DWR Groundsheet: solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWR, HH 1800mm Poles: 9.3mm, aluminum alloy Pegs: 8, Y-profile aluminium Porches: 2, with 2 way zip Inner Dimensions: 132x224x102cm cascadedesigns.com

Note there is a HD model, with more robust fabrics, that tips the scales at 260g extra. Pitching the new Hubba Hubba is straightforward thanks to an all-in-one ‘skeleton’ pole. The inner tent clips into this skeleton frame before the flysheet is attached over the top. The cross pole can be a bit of a fight to attach but it does give lateral strength and headroom.

Once erected, in around 10 minutes, the tent is stable in the wind even without attaching all the guylines. I was surprised by the relatively low 1200mm HH rating, which is the lowest HH of the tents in my test. I was initially wary, but it has performed well in overnight rain and wind. The new HD alternative has a rainfly with 3000mm HH and a tent body, including groundsheet, of 6,000mm HH but of course it is heavier. MSR class this version as ‘3 season plus’. The tent fabric of the new LT is a little noisier than the previous NX version, even in a breeze.

Inside, the tent feels really spacious, as well as being very airy and light due to the use of mesh panels. Ventilation is aided by two velcro vents in the outer tent layer, stiff to close completely when fully guyed out. I can easily sit up inside and there are no issues fitting two inflatable mats side-by-side, if you choose to share the tent with someone. There are also plenty of places to stash kit, important when sharing to avoid frustrations! There are two decent-sized porch areas at each side, accessed by a wide, 2 way zipped doors. There is space for a large pack, footwear and room to cook on each side. The hook and eyes for folding back the doors are a bit of a fiddle, but they hold the fabric securely. The fabric does allow light to stream through, which can be annoying on bright mornings. Dismantling the tent is easy and MSR have thoughtfully designed a stuff bag that opens lengthways – so much easier to get the tent back inside. The bag squeezes down to 52cm x16cm – not that small but it makes up it by being lightweight.

It’s not cheap, but you do get a lightweight two-person tent with plenty of living space inside. It’s worth considering the heavier, more waterproof HD model if you are an ardent all-weather camper, although my concerns about the LT have so far proved unfounded. MSR has considered the environmental impact of manufacture with the use of solution-dyed fabrics, reducing carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional dyeing methods, as well as a PFAS-free DWR.

How we tested

Fiona Russell tested across Scotland in a range of conditions. Weights are from her scales and include the stuff sack. In the interests of parity, she timed the debut set up each tent. This review was first published in our camping kit special. Compare it with others in our guide to the best 2-person tents.