MSR Hubba NX Review

The MSR Hubba NX is a 1-berth, semi free standing double walled tent. Probably the most popular tent brand in Europe at the moment? I’d had a lot of success car camping with the 2-berth Elixir II, hence I figured I’d try a smaller & lighter version for cycle touring & bikepacking.

Specification (provided by MSR, actuals may vary);

• Weight – 1.29kg
• Pack size – Length 46cm x Dia 15cm
• Interior size – Width 76cm x Length 216cm x Height 91cm
• Fabric – 20D 330T ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield™ polyurethane & silicone outer fabric
• Poles – 1x DAC Featherlite

I bought the MSR Hubba NX for a 2-week trans-alpine bikepacking tour. I was new to the world of cycle touring & bikepacking back in 2019. There was a lot I wish I knew before that trip, but I guess experience comes from trial & error, right?!

What I like…

Lightweight. Whilst it doesn’t fall into the ‘ultra-lightweight’ category I’m more familiar with ultradistance racing, it definitely fits the ‘lightweight’ bill.  

It comes seam sealed & is waterproof up to 1200mm in terms of hydrostatic head. Silicone tents are great for keeping water out – but this works both ways in my experience. Keeps external rain water out (Yay!), but keeps internal moisture in (Boo!).

Colour co-ordination of poles/corners. It makes pitching this tent a doddle.

What I Don’t Like…

Pitches outer first. Since the whole tent pitches under 2 minutes, pitching inner first isn’t really that big of a problem. Unless someone points a hose-pipe at you, the reality is it wont get that wet, before you can throw the outer rain fly over it.

Its awful in the wind. If pitched incorrectly, or a changing direction of wind in the night, the non-entry side is like a wall in the wind. Because of the height which most people consider a positive feature, the surface area lack of curvature on this side, means its like a sail. The outer contacts the inner & the inner ends up blown against your sleeping bag. Everything ends up wet.

Condensation build up. This is probably one of the worst 1-berth tents I’ve ever used. I know I sleep warm & therefore it’ll always be a bigger problem for me than most, but the lack of breathability both in the fabric & ventilation options is really poor. I should add that I like to ride all day, pitch late & leave early when bikepacking – therefore I never leave tents up long enough to dry out. But this tent barely dried out for 2 weeks.

Pole length. Pole length will always be problem when bikepacking, but some tents are better it than others. I had no panniers, so transporting a 45cm pole section length wasn’t easy.

Lack of space. Whilst MSR are great for headroom, this is a narrow 1-berth tent. There is a vestibule – but freestanding tents, by nature of their design, should be far more spacious.

Colour. Its grey. Not great for sleeping in, as light comes through so easily. Not great for wild camping discretion either.

Overall Thoughts

Stupidly, I went off my own experience & did very little research before buying this tent. Clearly I regret that. MSR is a brand that carries a premium price tag, therefore its only right that premium performance is expected. I was left disappointed. The Hubba NX is great for Instagram aesthetics – and that’s about it. I sold it as soon as I got home from this trip.

Score

3/10. Whilst I’m heavily critical of it, I called it home & it kept me dry for 2 weeks. But beyond that, I wouldn’t recommend the MSR Hubba NX to anyone.