The new Hubba Hubba HD offers increased weatherproofing and longer-life fabrics while keeping its weight well under control.

Hot on the heels of the new Hubba Hubba LT, the call for a warmer and more durable version of this enduring tent design has been answered. The LT edition (released in late 2024) stayed faithful to the generously ventilated design of the classic Hubba Hubba but with enhanced livability and space. The new HD (heavy duty) version combines these improvements with a warmer canopy and increased weatherproofing and durability.  

When the original Hubba Hubba was introduced in 2004, its livable design became the gold standard for its class of three-season tent. The breathable mesh of the canopy made summer nights bearable, and you could roll back the fly and watch the stars though the mesh ceiling. These benefits made it a go-to for everyone from weekenders to thru-hikers and cycle tourers. 

Many users, however, have wished for more durability and a less breezy canopy for comfort in cold weather, as well as dust proofing. The HD reduces the mesh to just four small panels – enough to take the sting out of cold wind but not so much that it’s a sauna in summer. 

The HD 2P weighs 1800g (packed), just 260g more than the LT, and has increased vestibule space and fly coverage. The interior is spacious – there’s plenty of room for kit and less elbow knocking, and the storage pockets are generous and accessible, making this a very comfortable tent to hang out in. There has been no change to the poles, which keeps this tent in the three-season class, and the zips are still the lightest spec, but overall it’s a more versatile tent.

Trail Specs

MSR Hubba Hubba HD Price $1349

Seasons 3 

Minimum weight 1610g 

Packed weight 1800g

Floor area 2.95m2

Vestibule area 1.53m2

Ceiling height 102cm 

Fly fabric 20D solution-dyed ripstop nylon (3000mm)

Floor fabric 30D solution-dyed ripstop nylon (6000mm)

Inner fabric 20D solution-dyed mesh/ripstop nylon

Variants Also available in 1P and 3P versions

Key features we like

Less mesh, more warmth

Instead of a roughly 50:50 ratio of mesh to ripstop, the HD canopy has four small mesh panels. These do a better job of trapping air for warmth, cutting wind and increasing privacy, while still providing airflow to minimise condensation. They can’t be zipped closed as you would with a four-season tent.

Increased weatherproofing

The design has been improved to enhance weatherproofing. The fly uses 20D/3000mm ripstop nylon (compared to 20D/1200mm for the LT) making it both more waterproof and abrasion resistant. The hem curves run closer to the ground to reduce rain splash, and the vent has more overlap. The mini Groundhog stakes are just that – mini – and although they hold well in firm earth, they’re not the strongest and are less suitable for soft or loose ground. 

Tougher floor

The Achilles heel of many three-season tents is floor fabric that is chosen for weight saving and packability. The HD steps up to 30D/6000mm ripstop nylon (20D/1800mm for the LT), which provides more confidence on sites with puncture potential and reduces leakage via pressure on sodden ground. All fabrics are solution-dyed with PFAS-free coatings.

Storage and comfort

The livability improvements of the HD far outweigh the small weight penalty. The interior has more space to store gear alongside your mat (or will accommodate wide mats) and has generous headroom. There are excellent two-tier storage pockets at the tent ends and two unobtrusive ceiling pockets, and the vestibule is a tad larger, too. 

Wilderness verdict

The Hubba Hubba HD doesn’t just fill a void in the freestanding, three-season category – it does it in comfort while maintaining packability. If you’ve wished for a warmer three-season tent that retained the benefit of twin vestibules, or a lightweight tent that you plan to live in for weeks or months at a time, consider the HD.