Review: MSR Hubba Hubba LT 1 Backpacking Tent
The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 1 is a lightweight, freestanding backpacking tent that combines thoughtful design and premium materials – perfect for solo adventurers who value quality.
Updates on a Classic
The Hubba Hubba LT is an update on MSR’s classic tent line-up, which continues to feature a double-wall, fully freestanding design with a simple, intuitive setup.
When I used this tent on recent backpacking trips, I found that I liked it much more than I expected to. One person tents can feel cramped, but the vertical walls and generous storage options on the new Hubba Hubba LT never left me wanting for more space. And the compact footprint makes it easier to pitch in tight or uneven campsites, offering more flexibility when choosing a spot to pitch it.
The LT version updates include solution-dyed fabrics, metal hardware for connecting the rainfly to the tent, and a gear loft with a clothesline. This version also features more mesh for breathability, while retaining solid fabric above the bathtub floor for blocking wind and debris as well as providing privacy. The updated colors are a welcome improvement – the soft light blue of the tent and the light gray rainfly help create a brighter, more open feel inside.
Specs
- weight: 2 lbs 11 oz (includes tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guylines and stuff sacks)
- floor dimensions: 88″ x 32″ (fully rectangular)
- floor area: 20 square feet
- interior peak height: 39 inches
- rainfly fabric: solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1200 mm polyether urethane & PFAS-Free silicone
- canopy fabric: 20D ripstop nylon & solution-dyed 20D polyester micromesh
- floor fabric: solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1800 mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWR
- price: $469.95
Why choose a freestanding tent?
Since it doesn’t require stakes to stand upright, it can be easily moved and set up on a variety of surfaces, whether it’s rocky ground or hard-packed earth. This makes it ideal for campsites where finding the perfect spot for staking can be challenging. Plus, the freestanding design provides extra stability and durability in windy conditions. Having used non-freestanding backpacking tents for the past ten years, I appreciate the freedom to set it up and then move it to find the best spot for staking.
Interior Space and Storage Options
Inside, the rectangular 88″ x 32″ floor and vertical walls make it feel much roomier than I expected for a one-person tent, while the storage options make a big difference for being able to store gear without it getting in the way. I prefer to keep my backpack inside and there’s plenty of space for it above my regular-length sleeping pad, and on one side of my pad is space for clothing and jackets.
For additional gear storage, there are two large mesh pockets at each end and a gear loft with two pockets and a built-in clothesline for hanging gear or wet items. I use the large pocket at the foot end for clothing and the large pocket closest to the door to store small items for easy access. The pockets in the gear loft are great for small items such as a headlamp or sunglasses.
The door on the inner tent is extra large, with two zippers that meet in the corner that make it easy to open one-handed. I’ve found that the larger door opening makes it much easier to get in and out of the tent without awkward twisting or bending.
Rainfly and Vestibule
The rainfly provides good coverage, and has a side zip that’s easy to reach from inside – much better than a zipper in the center of a vestibule that requires a longer reach. A rain guard above the zipper helps to keep water from dripping in, and two roof vents provide ventilation and help minimize condensation. The vestibule is a good size – large enough to stow my backpacking chair overnight without blocking entry to the tent.
One limitation is that the rainfly door only rolls up on one side, so it doesn’t fully open the front of the tent for maximum ventilation or unobstructed views.
Quality Construction
As expected from MSR, the build quality is excellent – with durable, thoughtfully chosen materials throughout. The metal hardware at the tent corners adds long-term durability and makes setup smoother. I also appreciate the solution-dyed fabric for its environmentally friendly features and fade resistance. And the side-opening stuff sack is another nice touch, making packing up noticeably easier compared to traditional top-loading bags.
Final Thoughts
Pros: fully freestanding; compact so it fits into small spots; generous gear storage options
Cons: heavier than ultralight tents; expensive – at $469.95, this tent is definitely an investment
If you’re looking for a lightweight, freestanding one person tent that doesn’t skimp on comfort, weather protection, or smart design features, the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 1 is a great option. I’m looking forward to spending more nights in the backcountry in it.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.