At a glance
Plusses: Light for its class, comfortable, quick to pitch
Minuses: Flimsy pegs, not the sturdiest three-season tent in high winds

1470g / 2.7m²

Features: The most notable feature of the 2022 Hubba Hubba is the Easton Syclone poles, made from an unspecified composite. They have a carbon ‘look’ and are said to be 80 per cent more resistant to bending and breaking than aluminium poles in wind. They’re intended to flex further than both carbon and aluminium poles, but return to their original shape while still providing structural support. MSR has shaved 397g from the tent’s base weight. Slightly lighter zips, less mesh and more storage are among other improvements. 

Pitching: This is an easy tent to pitch, with colour coding indicating the ‘head’ end. The pole is a single unit with two hubs that can be used either way round, so fumbling around in the dark or rain is reduced. Simply evaluate the terrain or wind and decide which way you want the vestibules to face. With four pegs and the poles in, the fly attaches with plastic and aluminium clips allowing a configuration where half the tent may be covered for quick deployment if it rains during the night. On clear warm nights, it can be left off completely. If it’s raining, you need to pitch quickly to keep the inner as dry as possible. Basic, lightweight pegs are supplied, along with guylines (unattached), but for serious regular use a peg upgrade would be essential. 

Comfort: The Hubba Hubba’s symmetrical floor, steep-ish sides and dual entry doors provide a tent that’s livable day in, day out. I used a Hubba Hubba NX2, the previous iteration, which has identical dimensions, for three years of continuous cycle touring. This style of tent became a proven formula for everyday camping and remaining friends with your companion. MSR has added small ceiling pockets. I thought the side pockets could be bigger for better gear organisation. The previous model’s inner door zips curved but they have been reconfigured to be straight; this should improve the life of both zips and sliders. 

In use: One of the flaws of the previous Hubba Hubba was the amount of mesh in the inner tent. It’s great for breathability and during hot weather, but is an entry point for dust and spindrift. The 2022 edition has less mesh, which improves the versatility (and privacy) of the tent. While I didn’t get to try it in high winds, its predecessor proved capable, but if I was using it above the bushline or in extremely exposed places I’d pick the weather – it is a three-season tent after all. That said, I’ve slept in a Hubba Hubba confidently over 4000m many times. All that’s needed is a sheltered site and a warm sleeping bag. 

Value: This tent is at the upper end of the price range for a free-standing, three-season tent but it remains a very competitive weight and the hi-tech pole material probably contributes to the higher price. 

Verdict: The Hubba Hubba is a proven (and much emulated) formula for three-season tent design. With the 2022 edition, MSR makes some welcome material and design improvements to what is already an excellent tent.