MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 Tent Review

Bottom Line

The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba LT has been on our list of the best backpacking tents for years, thanks to its excellent durability and weather protection in a lightweight package. 

But MSR isn’t sitting on its laurels. The new LT comes with several upgrades. Its innovative freestanding design maximizes space and comfort, and the intuitive setup 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 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 proved its worth with high-quality materials and thoughtful details.

This might not be the best option for the ultralight backpacker looking to shed every ounce, but it’s perfect for a pair that can split the weight. 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 roomy sanctuary under the stars, the Hubba Hubba 2 is a comforting escape. The rectangular floor has enough space for two rectangular pads, while the ample storage options keep gear off the floor. There is a large tech-friendly gear loft at the head of the tent, multiple ceiling pockets for small items and headlamps, and even a built-in clothesline for airing out damp gear.

The new Hubba Hubba LT drastically opens the interior space over previous versions with a longer ridge pole and wider spread in the structural Y-shaped poles. This makes it one of the roomiest two-person tents on our list, with a floor space of 32 square feet and a wide peak height of 40 inches. Sure, we would like to see slightly larger vestibules, but they’re still pretty sizable at 8 square feet each.

Hubba Hubba LT 2 provides plenty of room for two people and a dog, and the LT 3 even has the option of fitting four people on mummy pads.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at 3 pounds and 6 ounces, the Hubba Hubba LT 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 – 20 inches by 5.5 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 weighs 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 LT 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. The ten extra guyline points ensure that 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 a wet fly. This extra flap of material effectively guides water away from you and your gear. 

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. Reinforced patches, pre-taped seams, and extra stitching at the guy points add to the rugged construction. 

MSR has upgraded the included stakes this year to one of our favorites – the MSR Mini Groundhogs. These Y-shaped stakes are super durable and offer excellent holding power.

Ease of Setup

The Hubba Hubba 2 is a classic design that’s as user-friendly as tents get. The symmetrical structure and 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.

The upgraded metal attachment points are lightweight, durable, and quick to use, with handy pull tabs everywhere you look. Along with many other manufacturers, MSR switched to a side-opening roll-top stuff sack this year—and either you love it or hate it. Although the tent does stand on its own as a freestanding tent, the legs tend to pull inwards if they aren’t staked out.

Durability

This tent is a top performer in the lightweight category for adventurers who want reliable and long-lasting durability in a tent. 

Constructed with resilient 20-denier nylon throughout, the fabric is highly resistant to punctures and tears, making it great for rugged environments, and it will handle thousands of miles without much maintenance. The Hubba Hubba LT’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 bulkier. We don’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 to add more tent floor durability.

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 LT is a solid choice. Its robust construction, high-quality materials, and reliable design resist 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 LT is well-suited for solo base campers or couples who prioritize a balance of weight, durability, and weather protection.

However, if you’re looking to shave ounces or are on a tight budget, the Hubba Hubba 2 might not be a perfect match for you. Its durability and weather resistance makes it a bit heavier than many ultralight options and there are more affordable alternatives available.

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?

Be sure to check out some comparable alternatives on our full list of favorite backpacking tents before making your final decision! 

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.