User Review: MSR Hubba

MSR Hubba
Above: The current Hubba, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 30, 2006 by Dr.J.Dean

Rating:
Design: Three-season solo freestanding dome
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: The easiest tent I have ever had the pleasure to set up.
Weight: 3 pounds
Price Paid: $80 used

I used this tent on a 6-day backpacking trip in the Sierras above 9,000 feet in late September. It is an excellent design. The best points of this tent are:

1) Very roomy for one. Can sit up and move about, get dressed etc. Perfect for weight conscious claustrophobics. Even has a usable vestibule for cooking or storing gear;

2) Light and compact enough for all but ultra- light fanatics. In fact, I don’t think my 1 pound bivy sac is going to see much use after using this tent. The way I feel today the extra 2 pounds is worth it to me. I slept great in this thing every night!! I think I had forgotten what a nice tent was like. That psychological barrier can make the difference in a good night's sleep.

3) Very, very surprising ability to shed horrendous wind storms. I really thought the relatively high profile would have this one flat on the ground in any serious wind, but it was an absolute champ in very violent Sierra windstorms that came three nights in a row. Just remember to stake it down tight, and you're good to go. I cannot rate on its protection from rain (thank goodness), but I bet it would not be a problem, seeing how it beat back the wind;

4) Very easy to set up. The one pole /clip on combo is pure joy at the end of a long day. Easiest tent I have ever set up, and do not ever want to go back to sleeves and multiple poles.

The things I was not so happy with include:

1)I have seen better fit and finish on the likes of Bibler and the old classic Moss tents. Most notable, a very small amount of flapping on one of the vestibule doors, no matter how I staked it down. Not a big deal, really, but just missing that American obsessive perfection you find in those products actually made in the US of A;

2)Certainly not the fault of this tent's intended use, but it will not keep you very warm. I got pretty dang chilly one morning that froze my water bottle placed inside the vestibule. The mesh is perfect for warmer summer mosquito days, but on those hinge season colder days, you better not rely on this tent to keep the warmth in--bring a warm bag.

All in all, this tent is fun, and I could not think of a better solution for luxurious solo three-season camping in Sierras. I would be very proud to have designed it myself. Thank you MSR, for such great, and affordable gear.

Campmor 2 purchase options:	Hubba Tent - 2009 - Slightly Soiled Return	$199.96	Buy Now
Campmor 2 purchase options:	Hubba Tent - 2009	$229.95	Buy Now

User Review: MSR Hubba

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