Renowned backpacking tent, Hubba Hubba by MSR, undergoes a redesign; I jet-set to Ireland to evaluate the sleek LT2 shelter ahead of its eagerly anticipated market launch
The outdoor industry is abuzz with the release of the latest addition to Mountain Safety Research's (MSR) Hubba Hubba series—the Hubba Hubba LT. This backpacking tent, set to hit the market in early 2026, promises an enhanced focus on breathability, livability, and comfort, while maintaining the lightweight, freestanding structure that has made the Hubba Hubba range a favourite among three-season backpackers.
A Step Up from the Hubba Hubba NX
The original Hubba Hubba was a trailblazer, offering a large living space with decent headroom, two doors, and spacious vestibules, all in a packable 3-season tent. The new Hubba Hubba LT builds upon this foundation, addressing the need for improved comfort without sacrificing the balance of weight and durability that the Hubba Hubba NX is known for.
Key Changes and Features
The Hubba Hubba LT boasts several key changes and features designed to elevate the camping experience. These include:
- The use of lightweight but durable fabric, typically 20D, which is optimized for breathability and livability.
- A freestanding design with easy setup, making it a convenient choice for backpackers.
- Enhanced livability with exceptional headroom (42 inches) and a true rectangular floorplan, maximizing usable space.
- Multiple sizes available, catering to various backpacking needs, from solo campers to families of three.
- MSR's continued focus on durability and repairability, with backed warranty service.
Other Notable Improvements
The Hubba Hubba LT also features several other notable improvements. For instance, the window vents have been enhanced, the flysheet, floor, and internal mesh walls are now solution-dyed, reducing carbon emissions by at least 80%. The tent's stakes are lightweight yet sturdy 'mini groundhog' stakes, and the corner hardware has been upgraded to metal and durable components.
A Closer Look at the Design
At first glance, the Hubba Hubba LT may not appear dramatically different from the NX. However, upon closer inspection, refinements to ventilation, interior space layout, and the redesign of the DAC pole skeleton become apparent. The four legs have been extended, and the brow pole slightly elongated, increasing internal living space and vestibule usefulness.
The main tent of the Hubba Hubba LT is made mostly from solution-dyed micromesh, providing excellent breathability and bug protection. The internal doors have been changed to a triangular shape with two separate zips, improving durability, ease of use, and consistency.
Convenience and Comfort
The Hubba Hubba LT doesn't skimp on modern conveniences. It includes cable ports in the wall pockets for charging devices like mobile phones and smartwatches, and internal drying/hanging lines for added comfort. The tent's semi-geodesic dome shape, first seen in the original Hubba Hubba, remains, offering reliable 3-season protection from the elements.
Weighing In
While detailed direct comparisons on weight or packed size between the Hubba Hubba NX and the LT are not explicitly provided, the LT series aims to improve comfort without greatly sacrificing the weight and durability balance that made the NX popular. The Hubba Hubba LT weighs 3lb 6oz (1.54kg), slightly lighter than the NX's 3lb 13oz (1.72 kg).
In summary, the Hubba Hubba LT is a refined update of the NX, offering improved breathability, interior volume, and livability while maintaining MSR’s hallmark durability and lightweight emphasis for backpackers. Whether you're a solo camper, a family of three, or a bikepacker, the Hubba Hubba LT promises to provide a comfortable and spacious shelter for your next adventure.
- The Hubba Hubba LT, with its advanced technology, like lightweight solution-dyed fabric and integrated cable ports for charging gadgets, provides a practical and comfortable camping experience.
- Despite the focus on improved comfort, the Hubba Hubba LT, similar to its predecessor, the Hubba Hubba NX, maintains a balance of weight and durability, making it an ideal choice for three-season sports such as backpacking and bikepacking.
