MSR - Hubba Hubba LT 2

Hi everyone! I’m an experienced backpacker with over 28 years of experience and too many miles to count. I’m trying to decide on my next tent. My last tent was the hubba hubba 2p before it was redesigned and they removed a lot of the mesh. Although it was a little heavy, I absolutely loved that tent. I also stargazed a decent amount with it. If they still made the mesh version I would buy it in a heartbeat. The only reason I don’t still have it, is that I lost it in a house fire. I don’t mind carrying a little extra weight for some added comfort and prefer a 2p in case I have a hiking buddy. I have slept in a zpacks and did not like the setup or lack of ventilation. I’m not a crazy ultralight hiker like some of you out there! Long story short, I’m looking at the Nemo dragonfly 2p, the big Agnes copper spur 2p, and the slingfin portal 2. Does anyone have any input? Or other tents I should be looking at? Things I liked about my hubba hubba: space, ease of setup, free standing, mesh for star gazing, durability, waterproofness, vestibule design and size. I plan on using this tent for week or two long backpacking trips and possibly some car camping. And budget is a concern.

It’s a little pricier so may not be what you’re looking for but the hubba hubba 2 is 50% off at backcountry(dot)com. That is a screaming deal for a lightweight tent that’s beginner-friendly.  It’s heavier than all the hiking pole ones so far on this thread (not ultralight weight) but it’s freestanding which makes it a bit easier to manage for a newer backpacker. If he doesn’t have two hiking poles, the hiking pole tents will be a bigger investment, cuz you’ll need poles. 

I’ve seen to many guys in these courses get a four season tent and then have condensation. You need a three season tent. I love my hubba hubba. Would recommend the ultralight.

MSR makes a 1p that is under 2 lbs and the poles are super small. I have a MSR 2p now as I don't care about weight. I used the 1p on my first outing and it was very awesome. MSR Freelite https://cascadedesigns.com/products/freelite-1-person-ultralight-backpacking-tent?_pos=3&_fid=c788cde60&_ss=c