I have tested the new MSR Hubba Hubba LT two-person tent. It is a newer and lighter model compared to the MSR Hubba Hubba NX two person tent. You can also read my review of the Hubba Hubba NX.
In summary, the MSR Hubba Hubba LT is a newer and lighter model than the NX, with thinner fabrics but a larger internal space and greater headroom.
Features of the MSR Hubba Hubba LT two-person tent
Weight: 1580g (compared to the 1720g NX; 1800g for HD)
Separate inner and fly sheet pitching
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 1800 mm
Poles: 9.3mm, aluminum alloy
Pegs: 8, aluminium Y-profile
2 x porches
Inner Dimensions 132cm x 224cm x 102cm
Price: £560
See Cascade Designs for more info and a range of outdoor retailer outlets for purchase. The tent is for sale on Amazon at £476.
My thoughts: MSR Hubba Hubba LT two-person tent
I used to be a huge fan of small, one-person tents and I still am if I need to keep my pack weight really low, such as for a mountain marathon or a long-distance, multi-day running adventure. However, I have also discovered the joys of two-person tents for solo wild camping. This happened during 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. But I looked on with envy at other people who had roomier tents. It took a small shift in my mindset to realise that for an extra 400g to 500g – which is similar to a small bag of sugar – I could take a lightweight two-person tent instead of a one-person tent.
The MSR Hubba Hubba LT seemed to fit the bill. Note there is a HD model, with more robust fabrics, that weighs 260g more.
The tent is a two-part construction. First the inner part is pegged out, then an an all-in-one skeleton pole creates the shape of the tent after which the flysheet is attached over the top. I did struggle a bit to push the two pole ends of the middle section into the holes but I managed.
There are eight pegs as standard with this tent but if you want to peg out all the guy lines you will need at least two more pegs. I don’t really understand why the tent doesn’t come wiht 10 pegs as standard.
Once set up – this took me about 10 minutes – the tent is stable against the wind even without guy lines, although I’d recommend using guys for gustier locations. I would rarely pitch my tent in really windy conditions and mostly I find a sheltered place when camping.
I am surprised by the relatively low 1200mm HH rating. MSR tell me that in their trials, the tent stood up to the elements effectively. However, there is still a niggling doubt that the tent has sacrificed weight for robust waterproofing.
The new Hubba Hubba HD model has a rainfly with 3000mm and tent body, including groundsheet, of 6000mm HH but, of course, it’s a heavier tent. MSR class the LT as a three-season tent and suggest the HD version is three-season plus, although not four season because it is not equipped for snow.
The LT tent feels spacious inside, as well as being very airy and light thanks to the use of mesh panels. The venting of the tent is aided by two velcro vents in the outer tent layer. I found these quite difficult to close when the tent fabric was taut. Obviousey, you want a taut tent to keep it stable but the velcro doesn’t always want to stay stuck together.
I can easily sit up inside the tent and there are no issues fitting two inflatable mats side-by-side, if you are sharing the tent with someone.
There are plenty of spaces internally to place kit, as well as two decent-sized porch areas at each side, accessed by a wide zipped doors. There is space for a large pack, footwear and still room to cook. The hook and eyes for folding back the doors are a bit of a fiddle but they hold the fabric securely once fastened.
A couple of negatives are that the tent fabric of Hubba Hubba LT rustles, even in a breeze, and I would recommend you take earplugs if this sort of noise irritates you. The Hubba Hubba NX model has a quieter fabric.
The fabric also allows light to stream through and this can be annoying on bright mornings. An eye mask help with this issue.
Taking down the tent is easy and MSR has thoughtfully designed a stuff bag that opens lengthways. This makes it so much simpler to get the tent back inside. The pack is a neat 52cm x 16cm, which is not really small but it makes up for its size by being lightweight.
I would not consider the MSR Hubba Hubba LT two-person tent to be cheap tent but you do get a lightweight two-person tent with plenty of room inside. I am still a bit wary of the waterproof rating although I’ve had no problems at all with rain getting in. An alternative option is to buy the slightly heavier HD model with a higher HH rating.
MSR states it has considered the environmental impact of manufacture with the use of solution-dyed fabrics, which apparently reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent compared to traditional dyeing methods, as well as a PFAS-free DWR. The tent would be highly recommended if it wasn’t for the HH value.