MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

Bottom Line

The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba 2 has been on our list of the best backpacking tents for years thanks to its excellent durability and weather protection in a lightweight package. Its innovative freestanding design minimizes wind resistance, and this tent is fast and easy to pitch in almost any campsite. The clever “gutter” feature on the vestibule doors keeps your entry dry during wet weather, and it offers plenty of space to spread out. Gear Tester Ian Krammer used this tent for two years while climbing the 58 Colorado 14ers – peaks over 14,000’ – in temperamental backcountry environments. The Hubba Hubba 2 proved its worth with high-quality materials and thoughtful details.

However, its inward-sloping walls limit headroom, making the interior feel a bit cramped for two. And, you’ll pay a little more for this tent, but its durability and versatility are worth the premium price tag. This tent remains a top choice for those seeking a robust, weather-resistant shelter with solid value.

Comfort

For those seeking a snug sanctuary under the stars, the Hubba Hubba 2 is a comforting escape. The rectangular floor has enough space for two regular-sized pads and extra gear. The straight-zipper doors on the fly and the interior can be opened with one hand, and a convenient door tab makes it fast and easy to tuck the interior door out of the way for easy entry and exit. We love the well-placed, tech-friendly pockets at the ends that have a small opening to run cords out of the pocket, so nothing gets tangled. Different sized pockets make it easy to access essentials like a phone, map, or extra layers, including some at the peak that are ideal for ambient lighting with a headlamp. And, the fly is a deep tan color that reduces the amount of sunlight or moonlight that can penetrate the interior tent, so you can catch the maximum amount of Z’s when it matters most.

However, our biggest gripe with the Hubba Hubba 2 when it comes to comfort is around livability. The Hubba Hubba 2 uses a central cross pole that concentrates most of the headroom in the middle of the tent, so the sidewalls at the head and foot are less supported – which means you’ve got limited space to sit up without your head brushing the tent walls. You can certainly use this as a two-person tent since it offers plenty of room while lying down, but keep in mind headroom while sitting up is limited compared to other backpacking tents. For folks who don’t mind the interior shape, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but taller users over 6 foot, 2 inches and folks who simply want a wider tent ceiling may want to consider other tents.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at 3 pounds and 4 ounces, the Hubba Hubba 2 is light enough for long backpacking trips in tough terrain without skimping on rugged durability. MSR uses 20-denier ripstop nylon fabric with a silicone coating for all parts of the tent, including the rainfly, interior canopy, and floor. This strong material makes it one of the most weather-resistant, burly backpacking tents we’ve tested. For a freestanding tent of this size, it’s incredibly popular because it’s still very lightweight. Plus, it compresses into a fairly small package – 19 inches by 5 inches – so it fits well in any backpack without taking up much room. This weight and size is very manageable for solo backpackers, and an especially great option if you plan to split the tent with a hiking buddy.

But there’s no denying the Hubba Hubba 2 is heavier and bulkier than some other top-tier backpacking tents on the market. The thicker fabric directly translates to more weight and less packability than ultralight tents that use 10d, 12d, or 15d fabrics. If you’re looking for a truly ultralight shelter – which generally tip the scales at two pounds or less – this model will miss the mark. This isn’t a dealbreaker for us because this tent is packing serious muscle – a few more ounces is a small price to pay for heavyweight protection in rough weather and superior longevity.

Weather Resistance

The Hubba Hubba 2 earns top marks for weather resistance thanks to a robust design, full-coverage rainfly, and high-quality materials. The tent uses 20-denier silicone-coated nylon fabric on the floor and rainfly for superior water resistance and durability. The poles are a standout feature on this model because they’re flexible yet strong for increased stability in windy conditions. Combined with multiple guy lines and the tent’s rainbow shape, there’s minimal surface area for wind to catch, water can’t pool on the fly, and the tent stays locked to the ground.

One of our favorite elements of this model is the integrated gutter system on the vestibule doors that prevents water from entering the tent when opening after rain. This extra flap of material guides water away from you and your gear, so nothing gets wet. Large mesh windows at the head and foot promote excellent ventilation, and a mesh section at the peak of the tent expels warm air and moisture to keep the interior dry. Dual zippers on the vestibules work with kickstands and allow for adjustable ventilation on hot nights. Reinforced patches, pre-taped seams, extra stitching at the guy points, and locking anodized grommets add to the rugged construction. 

But the Hubba Hubba 2 has a few limitations. It has less mesh versus other tents, which impacts airflow in hot conditions and leads to condensation on cool nights. That said, the ventilation is still effective. The included tent stakes are fairly thin and basic, and are prone to bending in rocky or rough terrain. And the price you pay for awesome weather protection is a slightly heavier tent, which doesn’t matter when the skies open up, but in fair weather summer hikes, might feel cumbersome.

Ease of Setup

The Hubba Hubba 2 is a classic design that’s as user-friendly as tents get. The symmetrical structure and two-pole system are so foolproof and intuitive that a solo backpacker can pitch this tent in only a couple of minutes. Simple clips and pre-attached guy lines make it quick and straightforward to pitch, even under challenging conditions, and the familiar dome-like shape and easy rainfly attachments minimize hassle whether setting up late at night or in stormy weather. This ease of setup is perfect for tired hikers who want a fast and stress-free shelter.

Durability

For adventurers who want reliable and long-lasting durability in a tent, this tent is a top performer on trail. Constructed with resilient 20-denier nylon throughout, the fabric prevents punctures and tears, making it great for rugged environments, and it will handle thousands of miles without much maintenance. The Hubba Hubba 2’s strong poles, freestanding versatility, and silicone coating create a weather resistant shield against the elements, and taped seams keep the rain at bay. MSR’s meticulous craftsmanship means this tent will stand up to years of use and will likely outlast most of its ultralight competitors. This tent is a great choice for folks seeking long-term value and dependable performance.

The downside of the Hubba’s toughness is that it weighs a bit more and is a bit bulkier. We wouldn’t consider this tent ultralight, so it might be a miss if you’re a lightweight purist looking for a more minimalist option. Although the tent’s fabric is water-resistant and durable, you might consider getting a footprint if you want to add more tent floor durability – but it’s sold separately and will add 8 ounces to your kit. And the higher durability of the Hubba comes with a higher price, making it less ideal for budget-conscious hikers. 

Should You Buy the MSR Hubba Hubba 2?

If you’re venturing into wild weather and need a tent you can count on, the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is a solid choice. Its robust construction, high-quality materials and reliable design resists wind and water, making it a good choice for those who frequently venture into temperamental environments. The tent is also quick and easy to set up, making it perfect for backpackers who need a reliable shelter when they’ve crushed long miles all day. Additionally, the Hubba Hubba 2 is well-suited for solo adventurers or couples who prioritize a balance of weight, durability, and weather protection.

However, if you need headroom to share with a partner or are on a tight budget, the Hubba Hubba 2 might not be a perfect match for you. The inward-sloping walls limit its livable area, which can feel cramped for taller users or anyone who values interior spaciousness. It’s also a bit heavier than many ultralight options, And, folks who are watching their wallet might find this one more expensive than other comparable tents.

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Review: The Copper Spur HV UL2 shares the Hubba Hubba 2’s lightweight, freestanding design and offers a similar level of comfort with a lot more interior pockets. Additionally, it’s a bit lighter, more affordable, and offers a bit more interior space.

NEMO Hornet Osmo 3 Review: The NEMO Hornet Osmo 3 is similar to the Hubba Hubba 2 in its fast and easy pitch and comfy details. This one is a three-person tent, so it’s much roomier for pairs and offers a ton of headroom too. However, it is just a tad heavier and doesn’t handle high winds quite as well.

SlingFin Portal 2 Review: If weather resistance is one of your top priorities, the SlingFin is a stellar alternative to the Hubba Hubba 2. Its freestanding design gives it comparable ease of setup and interior space, but edges out the Hubba Hubba with its superior durability, roomy interior, and unique weather protection features not found on other tents – like a system that will attach trekking poles for extra stability.