MSR Hubba HP and Hubba Hubba HP

Th MSR Hubba HP and Hubba Hubba HP, from what I can see on the internet, may meet all of my criteria for a backpacking tent.

Free standing, light, mostly nylon instead of mosquito netting, 2 doors (on two person) and a fly that keeps rain from coming in the doors when the vestibule is open.

Now for reality. Has anyone used either of these two tents?

I know a little more about them. The Hubba Hubba HP is about 2 oz. lighter than the standard Hubba Hubba, but there are several differences. For one, the floor is a 10,000mm coated floor, the same coating MSR uses on their mountaineering tents (result: much more durable). The canopy and fly material has the softest hand and tightest weeve of any material I've ever seen. It is 20D and feels like silk. However, I've been told that it has amazing tensile strength and can be stuffed into it's stuff sack without worry. It comes with a gear loft (included in the weight), all of the corners and guy lines are reinforced with a welded patch, the staked corners have an ingenious tentioning cordage lock that makes it easy to get a really taut pitch, and the construction is absolutely amazing. The poles are the same as the standard Hubba Hubba, but are the best poles that DAC make (DAC Featherlights SL). I would consider this tent an extended 3 season tent, meaning it can be used 4 season, but I wouldn't want to load it up with snow. The Hubba Hubba HP's architecture is the same as the standard, but this has been proven as one of the most roomy 2-man backpacking tents available. MSR developed these tents to go up against the Black Diamond Lighthouse and Firstlight. I've slept in the Hubba HP and have been very pleased with it. It is a premium tent in every aspect.

I have the older Hubba Hubba and pretty much love the thing. Very storm-worthy...I've used the fly separately for shelter, which is cool because it gives you a ton of space. I like the mesh body of the tent, too but the HP style has changed that.

The price is high. More than I would be willing to spend, even with the new changes. But I've noticed other tent prices have risen as well. Must be China paying their workers a few cents more or something.

I think that price increase may be reflecting the fall of the dollar and the rise of oil. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

There could be something to oil prices going up as well as the cost of manufacturing going up in Asia, but the HP series of tents are a premium to the standard Hubbas both in materials and construction. The material used is some of the most expensive to buy and all of the other changes (including the welded reinforced patches at the stress points) add to the costs.

I would say if you want one of the best tent architectures on the market (this based on customer satisfaction) coupled with the latest in light-weight durable materials and extended season use, the cost of the Hubba Hubba HP may be justified. Just sayin' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Very true, jason. I suspect I will keep my older version for quite awhile. The Hubba might be on my list for a solo shelter.

Jason,

is the new 20d material uncoated? I would be concerned with 'breathability.' In other words, I would assume that it is not as waterproof as the fly...or am I wrong.

Thanks,

I have the 2007 version of the Hubba Hubba and am quite pleased with it. Has there been some problem with it that I am not aware of or has MSR come out with a new and different version just to get people to buy a new tent? It's different, of course, but is it better? Are they still making the standard Hubba Hubba?

Hubba, Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba HP <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

What's all this Hubub about, I want to see pictures of all this Hubbaloo <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

The HP's canopy is uncoated, but the fly is coated. There are extra vents in the fly that the standard Hubba Hubba doesn't have. I think users will notice a slight difference in breathability over the mesh canopy (where the mesh is more breathable), but the HP version will be warmer due to it's wind blocking capabilities.

The new material of the HP is a step up from the standard Silicon coated nylon of the standard version. For those who already have the standard, I doubt an upgrade would be warranted, unless you love the livability and weight, but need more weather resistance and durability. For those who don't currently own a Hubba Hubba, the HP version is worth checking out. My personal opinion is that it is one of the best freestanding sub-4lb two man tents on the market for livability, durability, weatherproofness, and ease of set up. Both the Hubba HP and the Hubba Hubba HP are in a category by themselves.

The best way I can think of how to categorize them is by a comparison of hardshells. The standard Hubba Hubba would be a Marmot Oracle Jacket whereas the Hubba Hubba HP would be a Westcomb Specter LT. The Marmot is an excellent jacket, but the Westcomb uses better, more advanced materials and superior construction resulting in better performance. For those who believe the Oracle will suit their needs and budget, then this is an easy choice. However, for those who won't compromise quality and want the best performance and fit (and are willing to pay for it), the Specter is the one.

There are no problems with the standard Hubba Hubba, but just an upgrade to a more weather-worthy tent. The Hubba Hubba was designed initially to be a 3-season shelter based on light weight, freestanding, and livability. The design worked and soon became a favorite among backpackers. Because of its success, MSR decided to upgrade it to the new Hubba Hubba HP (High Performance). This new tent was made to have a heavier duty floor, re-enforcements in the corners and guy-out points, better ventilation in the fly, the ability to make it more taut, and a nylon canopy for wind-resistance. Remarkably MSR also figured out how to make it slightly lighter in weight. However, with all these improvements, the cost had to go up.

MSR is currently selling both versions. The main reason for the HP version was because of customer feedback on wanting a more weather-proof version of the Hubba and Hubba Hubba. However, because of the price differences, it was clear that both versions needed to be made available.