MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack tent review

I’ve spent many nights in tents over the years, and while most of them get the job done, few have stood out. That is, until I slept in the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack tent. It’s easily the highest-quality tent I’ve ever owned, full stop. Yes, it’s expensive. Also, you get what you pay for.

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MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack tent key specs

• One-person tent tested; a two-person version is also available
• Weight: 2.72lb with handlebar mount; minimum weight: 2lb 1oz
• Price: $499.95
• Buy from REI (on sale for $374.89 through May 26)

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Purpose-built for pedaling

With a packed weight of just under 1kg (2lb, 1oz), this tent is clearly designed for bikepacking, and it even comes with its own handlebar mounting kit. The original MSR Hubba Hubba tent is designed for backpacking, while the Hubba Hubba Bikepack tent I tested is slightly modified with shorter pole sections to make it easily packable on a bike. The poles are short enough to fit cleanly between the drops or under a flat bar, and the included cinch sack compresses the tent to a reasonable size.

The packed tent isn’t the most compact that I’ve seen; it’s closer to the size of the big loaf of Dave’s Killer Bread than, say, a 32oz Nalgene water bottle. I’m on the lookout for a smaller stuff sack, though I have to admit the included handlebar bag is super convenient. Thanks to the extra room in the oversized bag, you could probably pack an ultralight air mattress, too.

The kit comes with lightweight handlebar spacers to get the bag away from cables and free up bar space for lights and a GPS.

The tent setup was fast and intuitive — I didn’t even crack the instructions the first time I pitched the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack following a long day on the bike. That said, if you need a little guidance, there’s a diagram conveniently sewn inside the bag.

Not spacious, but smartly designed

The 85 x 30-inch floor area is narrow, but usable. I’m 6’3″ and fit with minimal clearance at my head and toes. Though there isn’t a lot of room inside the tent for gear, there’s a generously-sized covered vestibule that’s perfect for stashing a wet pack and muddy shoes without dragging them inside the tent.

Interior height is about one meter, which is enough to sit up and change without brushing the ceiling. A small mesh gear loft and a side pocket make it easy to keep essentials like a headlamp or phone within reach.

Over the years, I’ve used a few different tents for bikepacking, and most recently a bivy sack. The bivy is lightweight and compact, but it’s a little too small for comfort. I’ve also carried a larger, backpacking tent that was heavy and took up a lot of room on the bike. Given the other options I’ve tried, the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack strikes the right balance between portability and comfort for me.

Performance in the wild

I put the tent through a proper field test during an early-morning thunderstorm storm at Coler MTB Preserve in Bentonville, and the tent stayed bone dry inside. And even though I packed it up wet, there were no signs of mildew or staining when I unpacked the tent at home days later. I can’t say the same for the other tents I’ve owned in the past.

The rain fly is made of a “20D ripstop nylon 1200mm polyether urethane and silicone” material that feels both thin and durable at the same time. The floor and portions of the canopy utilize the same 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm polyether urethane material with a DWR coating. A footprint is sold separately, and while it’s not essential, it’s worth considering for extra durability.

Polyester mesh in the canopy provides good ventilation, keeping the inside of the tent condensation-free. Quality zippers make for a snag-free experience opening and closing the door, and they’re easy to find in the dark thanks to a design that puts both the top and bottom pulls in the same corner when fully closed.

The key to keeping any tent waterproof in the rain is getting and keeping the rain fly taut. The Hubba Hubba Bikepack comes with eight stakes and about the same number of guylines to ensure a tight setup. I found I only needed about half of the stakes and guylines, so leaving a few out of the kit, especially for a fair-weather trip, helps save some weight.

On a recent bikepacking trip, I spent one night in the Hubba Hubba tent, and a few additional nights in hotels. Looking at the sleep data collected by my Garmin watch, I got the highest-quality rest in the tent, which was a big surprise. Of course, the tent doesn’t get all the credit, but I can say it does a great job regulating air moisture and temperature throughout the night, and provides a cozy, restful cocoon, even in the rain.

Pros and cons of the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack tent

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Quality tent material feels lightweight and durable at the same time
• Included bag can be mounted directly to handlebars

Cons

• Not as compact as some other tents when packed
• Heavier than some competing one-person bikepack tents; however, it’s possible to cut weight by ditching some of the stakes and using a simpler pack bag

Bottom line

At $499.95, this one-person bikepacking tent isn’t cheap — but you get what you pay for. It’s waterproof, easy to set up, cleverly designed, and built to last. There’s a two-person version available as well, though if you’re riding solo and want to travel light without sacrificing performance, this is the tent I’d recommend.