Hubba HP Venting

Does anyone know where the vents are on the Hubba HP? Does the inner tent just have two triangular vents on each side or is there a top vent as well? Is there a vent on the fly?

I am about to become a Hubba convert (thanks Glenn!!???!?) but wonder about whether to get the HP or the regular. I like the mesh of the regular, but realistically 90% of my treks are in the high mountain areas where skiffs of snow can make themselves present in the summer months (i.e. alpine conditions).

Bsed on what Jason said as well, there appear to be functional changes and additions to the HP model for these types of conditions. But I still do not fully understand the venting capability of the HP. If anyone knows or has some perspective or better yet, can make a decision for me, I will name my dog after you. Seriously.

(note: the cost is not a huge issue - I just want the right shelter for me)

You're welcome. Now, what do you want to know about titanium cookware? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Back to the tents: As far as regular v. HP - I can't really offer anything authoritative there; my hiking is all in the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana area, not the mountains. The regular mesh version is fine here - in fact, it's a three-and-a-half season (or even four season) tent around here, where it gets cold but there's rarely more than a couple of inches of snow. Also, I've not yet seen an HP in person.

I guess it comes down to what constitutes a "skiff" of snow. For me, that means the grass still sticks up through the snow. If it's 6 or 8 inches in the mountains, that's a different kettle of fish.

For what it's worth (and my logic may be flawed here) I would point out (and you probably already know this) that both tents have the same "bones" since the pole appears to be identical for both tents. Likewise, it's the same fly. Wouldn't this mean snow loading would affect both versions the same?

So, it would seem that the only difference is the cloth v. mesh inner. If you think snow or bitter cold or wind will seep in under the fly, the cloth is probably a better choice as a second line of defense. If you think the tent will be "buttoned up" most of the time, then the cloth inner might make sense simply because the inevitable condensation won't drip through the cloth (it has come through the mesh on those rare early spring/late fall nights where there's high humidity that condenses when temperatures fall, and the threat of rain makes me put the fly on.) I'm not convinced that the cloth will keep the inside of the tent any warmer than the mesh; I've never noticed any substantial difference between my Hubba with fly and my old SD cloth-inner tents (and they were two-man - more room to heat up.)

If, on the other hand, you aren't worried about snow blowing under the fly, and you like to stargaze or you camp where it stays hot at night, mesh is the way to go. That's why I stick with the mesh: it suits my needs - but your needs may easily be a lot different. And, if it's any consolation, the HP weighs a few ounces less.

Hey, here's an idea: buy the HP and order a regular inner from MSR, then match the inner to each specific trip. It's only money (or that's what my wife tells me, shortly before telling me how much of it she saved me.) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Glenn

As one who has slept in this tent several times, I'm happy to help out in any way I can. For one, I absolutely love this tent. I've slept in it several times this year and most recently in Equador at 15,748 ft near the base of Cotopaxi. The night I had it set up, there were roughly 30-40 mph winds with gusts as high as 60 mph! The tent held up well even without guying it out.

There are several things I really like about it. One, it's super easy to set up. Two, I have full confidence that it will hold up to substantial weather (10,000mm coated floor, all guy out points are reinforced with a welded patch of durable nylon, poles (though no different than the standard Hubba) seem to hold up very well to wind, etc.). Three, I really like the interior space although some might thing it's cramped (I have plenty of room to change, but not too much room to clutter up; I'm one who only likes carrying what I need and a two person tent for one person is too much). Four, ventilation (more below). And five, the materials are the best MSR has ever used in a tent (20D x 330 thread count, nylon 66 for body and 20D x 330 thread count, nylon 66 w/ 1000 mm polyurethane @ silicone coated for the fly). The material is incredibly silky but robust.

Speaking on ventilation, there are three 'points' that have been engineered into the tent canopy. They are located on the very top of the tent, on the door at it's apex, and on the doorless side near the top similar to the door. Each of these points have a small swath of mesh (also 20D which is the lightest weight no-see-um mesh in the industry). The door has the standard two zipper sliders which allows you to zip the top slider down just a tad to allow cross ventilation when the tent door is zipped shut. The doorless side uses a 'kickstand' support (a flat, rigid but flexible plastic stiffener) that props the small vent open for cross ventilation but still allows for rain protection. The top mesh is there to allow the rising moist warm air to escape resulting in less condensation. The tent body is uncoated and I found it breaths very well. I find little difference in the standard Hubba and the Hubba HP in regards to condensation buildup.

The standard Hubba doesn't include any vent options in the fly other than the double zipper slider on the fly door. The fact that it is entirely mesh gives it great ventilation, but also means that it will have less capability of trapping heat when it's cold outside.

The upgrades of the HP are significant over the standard Hubba in my opinion. I truly believe it's one of the best one man tent options for early spring, late fall mountaineering and winter camping where heavy snow loads are not expected. The fact that CDI made it lighter than the Hubba is also a huge plus, even if only by a few ounces (Hubba - 2lbs. 13 oz. vs. Hubba HP - 2 lbs. 9 oz. (both minimum weights)). As a result I believe it's one of the most versatile, lightweight shelters on the market.

Just as a comparison, I looked up the weight of an OR Advanced Bivy and it is only 1ounce lighter than the Hubba HP (39 ounces vs. 40 ounces). Not bad!

Hope that helps. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like Jason is telling you to get the HP; I'd recommend you listen to him rather than me since his experience is more in line with what you'll be using it for.

I very much value your input Glenn! I enjoy reading your posts and believe your experience and knowledge is every bit as valuable as mine. I appreciate your vote of confidence, but you make just as strong an argument in regards to the standard Hubba as I do with the Hubba HP. Unfortunately CWF has to make up his mind... Because of my job, I'm lucky to have both. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Like I said, maybe he should buy the HP, then order a "replacement" mesh inner tent! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

First of all - thanks guys! Remarkable input, really.

Glenn - you may be on to something. Except if I order an additional inner I might be sleeping in the Hubba more than I thought....in the backyard next to the dog house.

Seriously, though. That is a great idea! I am going to contact MSR on that.

Jason - thank you for the detailed report! How breathable is uncoated 20d and at the same time, how water resistant is it? I am not sure what to compare it to as I have long used eVent or silnylon. It looked like it had three vents on the inner, but I wasn't sure - can't tell with the pictures. So the top vent is where the fabric is on the regular Hubba. Correct?

On a side note, Jason you should encourage MSR to post more detailed specs regarding the HP line on their website - the changes do appear significant to me (not better per say - just noticeable compared to the regular Hubba line).

I also want to say that if anyone is considering the Hubba v.s. other solo tents you will be surprised at how the vertical walls help with the footprint. The shelter actually gets a little wider at about shoulder height (for me, anyway - 6'1") so although it is 26 inches wide at the bottom I would guess it is about 29 inches higher up because of the 'cross' pole. I climbed into the BA SL1 right after and felt very cramped. Go figure.

-Dave

The uncoated 20d is as very breathable, but not as much as the mesh (I probably misspoke when I mentioned there was little difference). You will get more condensation with the HPs canopy than you will with the standard Hubba, but it will be slight. I slept in the Hubba Hubba HP this weekend and saw zero condensation (though I was in a very dry environment - no humidity). I have used the Hubba HP in Seattle during a rain-filled night and saw that some condensation built up, but wasn't significant (no inside dripping, just a wet wall where I was breathing on all night). As far as it being highly water resistance similar to EPIC, silnylon, or eVent, it isn't. However because of the high thread count and the tight weave, it will offer better water resistance than most non-mesh, non coated canopies and far greater breathability than any of the materials listed above. The best part about this material is how amazingly silky it feels. I think we need to come out with a line of HP shirts...

You are correct in saying the nylon on the standard Hubba is where the mesh is on the Hubba HP. Actually the HP comes with a mesh gearloft so their are two layers of mesh on the top. I can't say if this helps or hinders breathability.

I agree with you that we need to be more specific on our tents, and in this case, the HP series. More views or perhaps a 360 degree view would be better, both the fly on and off. I will pass that on to our IT guys.