The MSR Hubba Hubba LT has achieved near-legendary status in the backpacking community, praised for its perfect balance of weight, space, and durability. After 30 nights across various Canadian landscapes—from coastal rainforests to alpine meadows—we've put this popular tent through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.
First Impressions and Setup
Unpacking the Hubba Hubba LT reveals MSR's attention to detail. The tent arrives in a compact stuff sack weighing just 1.54 kg (3 lbs 6 oz), making it one of the lightest fully-featured 2-person tents on the market.
Technical Specifications
Setup is remarkably intuitive thanks to MSR's unified hub-and-pole system. The color-coded poles and clips make pitching straightforward even in low light or challenging conditions. We consistently had the tent fully pitched in under 5 minutes.
Pro Setup Tip
For maximum stability in windy conditions, use all available guylines and stake out the vestibules. The additional tension makes a noticeable difference in storm performance.
Living Space and Comfort
The Hubba Hubba LT strikes an impressive balance between weight savings and livable space. Two average-sized adults can sleep comfortably with some room for gear at their feet. The 102 cm peak height allows most people to sit up comfortably, a luxury not all lightweight tents offer.
The dual vestibules are game-changers for two-person camping. Each occupant gets their own weather-protected space for boots, packs, and cooking in inclement weather. The vestibules are large enough to store a backpack while still providing adequate entry/exit space.
Weather Performance
During our testing, the Hubba Hubba LT faced everything from persistent coastal drizzle to strong alpine winds. Performance was consistently impressive:
Rain Protection
The rainfly's 1200mm waterproof coating and fully-taped seams kept us dry through heavy rainfall. The steep wall angles help water shed quickly, and the extended vestibule coverage prevents rain from entering when the doors are open for ventilation.
Wind Stability
In moderate winds (up to 45 km/h), the tent remained stable when properly staked. The cross-pole design and multiple guy-out points provide excellent structural integrity. For extreme conditions, MSR offers additional stability kits.
Ventilation
The extensive mesh panels and adjustable venting system effectively manage condensation. Even with two occupants on humid nights, we experienced minimal moisture buildup compared to similar tents.
What We Loved
- Excellent weight-to-space ratio
- Dual vestibules for organized gear storage
- Quick and intuitive setup
- Superior ventilation reduces condensation
- Durable materials withstand regular use
Considerations
- Premium price point
- Limited space for very tall individuals
- Not designed for extreme winter conditions
- Stakes included are basic and could be upgraded
Durability and Long-Term Performance
After 30 nights of use across various terrains, the Hubba Hubba LT shows minimal signs of wear. The 30D ripstop nylon floor has held up well against rough ground, though we recommend using the optional footprint for extended longevity.
The zippers continue to operate smoothly, and all seam taping remains intact. The pole hubs show no stress marks, indicating robust construction that should withstand years of careful use.
"The MSR Hubba Hubba LT represents the sweet spot in backpacking tents—light enough for serious mileage yet comfortable enough for base camp lounging. It's earned its reputation as a benchmark in the category."
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to similar offerings from Big Agnes and NEMO, the Hubba Hubba LT stands out for its balanced approach. It's slightly heavier than some ultralight options but offers more features and durability. The dual vestibule design is particularly advantageous over single-vestibule competitors.
Buying Considerations
If you prioritize absolute minimum weight above all else, consider the single-person Hubba version. For winter camping or extreme conditions, look at MSR's Access series. The Hubba Hubba LT excels as a three-season workhorse for most backpacking scenarios.
Final Verdict
The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2-person tent justifies its premium price through thoughtful design, quality construction, and proven performance. While not the lightest or cheapest option available, it delivers an unmatched combination of features that make it an excellent value for serious backpackers.
This tent is ideal for couples or hiking partners who want a reliable shelter that doesn't compromise on comfort or convenience. After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the Hubba Hubba LT as one of the best all-around backpacking tents available today.
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