MSR Hubba NX backpacking tent review: A remarkably reliable tent that nails the basics
Reliable and lightweight, the MSR Hubba NX is a premium three-season solo tent designed for UK backpackers seeking simplicity and stability without unnecessary frills.
MSR Hubba NX
Ideal for: Wildcamping, backpacking, thru-hiking, bikepacking
Not suitable for: Expedition camping, summit camping
The MSR Hubba NX is a freestanding one-person that’s a product of some truly game-changing innovation. Being one of the first tents to feature a hub-style pole system (hence the name), it’s the product of some serious innovation, and has long stood the test of time, being one of MSR’s top-sellers for over twenty years now. And this should come as no surprise: Weighing just 1.3 kg and packing down to the size of a 1.5 litre bottle of pop, it’s an ultralight shelter that’s ideal for a litany of uses. All while being super strong in the wind, a cinch to put up and pack away, and oh-so reliable in so many ways that pretty much guaranteed a sound night’s sleep.
The Good
Delivers standout performance in wind and rain
Super easy to pitch and pack away
Green colour is great for not being seen
Tiny pack size and super low weight
Comes with three-year warranty
Undeniably reliable
The Bad
Comes with a high price tag
MSR Hubba NX tent review
Founded in Seattle in 1969, MSR (Mountain Safety Research) has made a name for itself with dependable outdoor gear, particularly tents and stoves. Known for their reliability and practical designs, MSR’s range is a go-to for those who want kit that won’t let them down in bad weather — such as the incredible MSR Tindeim 2, which is one of our favourite 2-person tents here at the GBAC. The Hubba NX, part of their best-selling ‘Hubba Hubba’ line, is a solo backpacking tent that strips things back to the essentials without compromising on performance, all to give you a standout shelter you can always rely on, whatever the British Isles throws at you.
Weighing in at just 1.3 kg and packing down to the size of a 2-litre pop bottle, the Hubba NX is built for backpackers who value a balance of weight and dependability. And while the RRP of £520 might cause a wince initially, MSR’s reputation for quality is well established, and the Hubba NX promises to hold its own in the wilds of the UK.
How does it stand up on the market?
Before we jump into the breakdown of the tents performance, it’s worth understanding how it stacks up against other big lines on the market — especially considering the tent’s higher £520 price tag. The Big Agnes Copper Spur is one of the most obvious rivals, coming in at £450. It offers a few more bells and whistles, like an awning-ready vestibule and additional storage pockets, which can make it a more comfortable option on longer trips. That said, the Copper Spur’s structure isn’t as bombproof in high winds as the Hubba NX, which might be a clincher for many, as the Hubba NX Excels at the one thing you buy a tent for: To keep you protected from the elements.
If that’s what you prioritize above all else, however, the Nortent Vern 1 might be worth a closer look. It’s a four-season tank of a tent that’ll laugh in the face of Scottish winters. The two-pole crossover design makes it far sturdier in a full-on storm, but at 2.5 kg, it’s nearly twice the weight of the Hubba NX. If you’re mostly doing three-season trips with the odd chilly night, the extra weight and £565 price tag might feel like overkill.
At the budget end of the scale, there’s the Wild Country Helm 1 Compact, which comes in at a wallet-friendly £250. For the money, it’s hard to beat. You get a roomy interior and a tent that’s almost as easy to pitch as the Hubba NX, though at 1.99 kg, it’s a fair bit heavier and comes with a substantially larger pack size. For those willing to spend a bit more, then, the Hubba NX offers better performance all round, being smaller, lighter and stronger — as well as being a little easier to put up and pack away.
In short, the Hubba NX strikes a delicate balance between weight, durability, and simplicity that few other tents can match. Granted, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but for those who want a tent that’ll handle just about anything the British weather can throw at it for years to come, the extra spend might just be worth it.
Our experience of the Hubba NX from MSR
We’ve had our hands on this latest iteration of the Hubba line for a good while, with one being used by one member of the GBAC or another for well over 18 months. And in that time, we’d guess that, collectively, we’ve spent at least 20 nights hunkered down in it in all four corners of the UK. It’s seen sideways rain in Eryri National Park and had to fend off gusts of up to 45 mph on Dartmoor’s Yes Tor. It’s been scorched under unrelenting sun on a multi-dayer in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and drenched under never-ending showers on a 2-night crossing of the Lake District in autumn 2024. All in, we think we’ve properly put this tent through its paces — and we’ve been mostly only impressed by it every time.
Pitching and packing
The first thing that makes an impression is the tent bag itself. The wide-mouth opening and side tightening clips make packing and unpacking a breeze, while the grab handle is a small but appreciated touch for getting it out of a packed rucksack. The bag’s design feels like a small thing, but when you’re racing the rain or setting up in the dark, it makes a noticeable difference.
Once out the bag, pitching the Hubba NX is also delightfully straightforward — at least when it’s dry. The inner-pitch-first design does mean you need to be quick if the rain’s coming in sideways. However, the colour-coded tabs and high-quality clips take most of the guesswork out of setup. For those willing to carry a bit of extra weight, a separate groundsheet allows for outer-first pitching, but it’s not the most elegant solution. The DAC Featherlite poles and metal buckles are standout features, too, providing a level of durability and ease of use that justifies the price tag.
Interior space
Inside, the space is surprisingly generous for a solo tent. With 2 metres of length and enough headroom to sit up, it doesn’t feel like you’re trapped in a coffin. The vestibule is also a decent size, handling boots, a pack, and a bit of cooking gear without feeling cramped. One feature we particularly appreciated was the rain gutter above the door zip. It’s a small detail but one that makes a big difference when it’s tipping it down and you need to pop in and out without flooding your sleeping area.
On colder nights, we did notice however that ventilation is a bit more of a mixed bag. The single vent at the head end helps, but it’s not always enough to stop condensation completely — although we’re yet to find a tent that solves that particular problem. That being said, rolling up the vestibule door, which is a wonderful little feature made possible by an additional loop under the fly, does massively optimise airflow without leaving you exposed to the rain. Much like on the Big Agnes Copper Spur, the interior is surrounded by raised nylon panels to block wind and let condensation escape, which works well for the most part.
Performance in wind
The MSR Hubba NX’s performance in wind is, frankly, impressive for a tent this light. On a particularly gusty night up on Dartmoor, with winds topping out at around 40-45 mph, the tent stayed reassuringly stable and quiet. This is largely down to its low profile and the use of DAC Featherlite poles, which are both strong and flexible enough to handle sudden gusts without bending out of shape. Unlike some ultralight tents that flap and rattle at the slightest breeze, the Hubba NX remains nice and quiet, which makes for a far better night’s sleep.
The metal corner buckles are another touch that adds to the tent’s overall stability. Even in strong winds, they keep the frame secure and taut without any signs of slipping. The guy lines and pull cords are thick polyester, which isn’t the lightest material out there, but it’s a trade-off we’re more than happy to accept for the extra durability and peace of mind.
How it performs in rain
When it comes to rain, the Hubba NX’s silnylon fly is a standout performer. On a particularly soggy wild camp near Eryri’s Nantlle Ridge, we were treated to a full night of sideways rain, and not a single drop made it through. The fly’s ability to shed water is impressive, with the narrow slip of nylon above the zip working wonders to redirect rainwater away from the door. This simple addition stops water from dribbling in every time you unzip the door — a small but invaluable feature when the weather turns foul, and one that again reinforced MSRs commitment to details.
Another feature that helps in wet conditions is the raised bathtub floor. It sits high enough to keep ground moisture out, even when pitching on damp ground. The seams are well-taped, too, with no signs of leakage even after hours of relentless downpour. For a tent that’s designed to be as light as possible, the Hubba NX’s waterproofing is top-notch and inspires a lot of confidence when the clouds roll in.
That said, the inner-first pitching can be a bit of a faff in the rain. It’s not unique to the Hubba NX — all inner-pitch first tents have the same issue — but it does mean you’ll need to be quick or risk a damp inner. For those who really want to avoid this, using a groundsheet to pitch the fly first is an option, but it’s a bit of a hassle and not the most elegant solution. Still, once the fly is up, you’re in for a dry and comfortable night, even if it’s chucking it down outside.
All things considered, the Hubba NX’s performance in both wind and rain is one of its biggest strengths. It might not have the all-season capabilities of something like the Nordisk Telemark, but for a three-season tent, it’s more than capable of handling the worst of British weather. If you’re planning trips in exposed areas or want a tent that won’t have you worrying every time the wind picks up, the Hubba NX makes a very strong case for itself.
MSR Hubba NX tent FAQs
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With its mesh-heavy inner and ability to roll back the vestibule, the Hubba NX handles warm weather surprisingly well. Ventilation is decent, though a second vent would be nice.
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It’s not designed for winter use, but in milder conditions, the Hubba NX’s sturdy build and wind resistance can hold up. However, heavy snow would be a challenge.
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Brilliantly. The low profile and strong DAC poles make it one of the more wind-resistant solo tents out there, shrugging off gusts up to 40 mph with ease.
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In fair weather, very easy. The inner-pitch-first design is simple but can be a pain if it’s raining. The colour-coded tabs and quality clips help speed things along.
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If you value reliability and don’t mind paying a bit more for peace of mind, then yes. It’s not cheap, but its performance in wind and rain makes it a sound investment.
Conclusion
The MSR Hubba NX is, at its core, a tent that gets the basics right — and does so better than almost any other tent in its class. It’s sturdy, straightforward to pitch, and impressively reliable in rough weather. The silnylon fly and DAC Featherlite poles work together to create a shelter that shrugs off heavy rain and strong winds without breaking a sweat. While the inner-first pitching can be a bit of a hassle in a downpour, the overall ease of use and thoughtful design touches make it a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things.
Yes, at £520, it’s undeniably pricey. But for that investment, you get a tent that feels built to last and doesn’t cut corners where it counts. The attention to detail — from the rain gutter above the zip to the wide-mouth stuff sack — makes life on the trail that little bit easier. If you’re looking for a tent with loads of extra features, this probably isn’t the one for you. But if what you want is a dependable, lightweight shelter that won’t leave you cursing in the wind and rain, the Hubba NX is well worth considering. For backpackers who value simplicity and reliability above all else, it’s a top-tier choice that more than justifies the price tag.
