MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Backpacking Tent Review
Brand: MSR · Category: tent · Price: $450 - $550
Buy the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person if you're a mainstream backpacker or couple prioritizing a proven, freestanding tent with two doors and balanced livability over chasing the absolute lightest weight. Skip it if you're an ultralight enthusiast counting every ounce, or if you need truly generous space for two people and all their gear on extended trips.
Specs
| Doors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Poles | 1 pole set; Easton Syclone pole material per REI listing |
| Weight | 3 lbs 8 oz minimum trail weight; 3 lbs 14 oz packaged weight |
| Rainfly | 20D ripstop nylon with 1200mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane/silicone coating |
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Capacity | 2-person |
| Floor Area | 29 sq ft |
| Packed Size | 6 x 18 in |
| Peak Height | 39 in |
| Vestibules | 2 vestibules; 8.75 sq ft each |
| Fabric Denier | 20D canopy / 15D mesh / 30D floor / 20D rainfly |
Strengths
- Freestanding design makes setup straightforward on varied ground
- Two doors and two vestibules improve entry, exit, and gear storage for two occupants
- Good interior headroom for its class at 39 in peak height
- Balanced livability with a wide 50 in floor width throughout most of the tent
- Light enough for mainstream backpacking while still feeling more durable than many ultralight 2P shelters
- Pack size is compact enough for backpacking at 6 x 18 in
- Widely reviewed and well known, which helps with resale and accessory support
Complaints
- Heavier than many newer ultralight 2-person tents in the same price range
- 29 sq ft floor area is serviceable but not generous for two adults with gear
- Rainfly and floor coatings on older NX versions are less advanced than some newer MSR models
- Packed weight around 3 lb 14 oz is not especially competitive for solo-plus-dog or very weight-conscious users
- Shorter vestibules limit bulky gear storage compared with larger expedition-style tents
- Some reviewers note that the tent feels cramped for extended two-person use
- The original NX design has been superseded by newer MSR Hubba Hubba variants
Entry And Storage
The two-door, two-vestibule design is a major win for two-person use, allowing each occupant to enter and exit without crawling over the other, and providing dedicated space for muddy boots and packs. Each vestibule offers 8.75 sq ft of storage, which is adequate for backpacking packs and shoes, keeping them out of the elements but not necessarily offering enough room for bulkier items or extended periods of bad weather. This dual access and storage system significantly enhances the overall livability, especially on multi-day trips when you're frequently in and out of the tent.
Livability And Space
With a 29 sq ft floor area, the Hubba Hubba NX 2 provides enough room for two average-sized adults, but don't expect to sprawl out; it's serviceable, not spacious. The 39-inch peak height, while not massive, feels more generous thanks to the pole architecture that keeps the ceiling high across much of the tent, rather than tapering off aggressively. The floor maintains a wide 50-inch width throughout most of the tent, which helps avoid that claustrophobic feeling you get in some tents that pinch in too much at your feet or head.
Weight And Packability
At a 3 lb 8 oz minimum trail weight and 3 lb 14 oz packaged weight, the Hubba Hubba NX 2 is a perfectly respectable choice for most backpackers, offering a good balance of features and durability without being a lead weight. However, it's not going to win any awards for ultralight performance, especially compared to true featherweights like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, which can shave meaningful ounces. The packed size is a compact 6 x 18 inches, which is easy to stuff into most backpacking packs without taking up too much precious real estate, making it convenient for single-night or multi-night trips.
Durability And Materials
MSR uses a combination of 20-denier (D) ripstop nylon for the canopy and rainfly, 15D mesh, and a 30D floor. Denier refers to the thickness of the individual fibers – lower numbers mean lighter, but potentially less durable. This blend is a practical choice, providing a good balance between weight savings and resistance to wear and tear for regular backpacking use. The rainfly and floor feature a 1200mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane/silicone coating, meaning they can withstand a static column of water 1200 millimeters high before leaking, which is solid protection against most rain. While these materials are robust, some newer tents use more advanced coatings or slightly stronger fabrics in high-wear areas.
Setup And Weather Resistance
The freestanding design is a massive benefit, meaning the tent holds its shape without needing stakes, making setup straightforward on rocky ground, sand, or platforms where staking is difficult or impossible. This tent is rated for 3-season use, meaning it's designed to handle spring, summer, and fall conditions, including rain and moderate winds, but it's not built for heavy snow loads or extreme winter storms. The single pole set with Easton Syclone poles is both user-friendly and known for its flexibility and strength, which adds to the tent's stability in various weather conditions.