Hubba Hubba LT 3

I've loved both the Copper Spur and the Hubba Hubba - both have a 3 person version if you want more space. I've never had a problem with water pooling on the copper spur, but that maybe either a difference in the yearly model or maybe user error. I did have it sink down from snow weight once in the Tetons, but I just woke up and pushed up on the ceiling and it all slid off and I went back to sleep without even getting out of my sleeping bag.

I've had my MSR Mutha Hubba (now just sold as the Hubba Hubba LT 3-Person) for over 10 years and it is in perfect shape. I reccomend MSR gear to anyone because of how great they've been for service and repair for me over the years. They replaced the shock cords in my tent poles, sent me a video link for how to change them, and gave me some extra tips about how to make it even easier, all for free just because the parts manager felt that they shouldn't have lost the bit of tension so quickly (5 years). I also own an MSR stove and pot set that's over a decade old and they look and work like new (but I also try to take really good care of my gear). For a cheaper tent that punches above it's price point though, just for comparison, I would reccomend the Midori from Eureka, I have a Midori 1 as a spare tent and it's amazing for it's cost, but it hasn't seen enough use to compare it with my MSR directly for wear or waterproofing and such.

I read about the first third of comments, so I may be repeating some of this. Whatever you do, use two separate mats. The motion transfer on an inflatable mat is unbearable, to me, though some don't seem to mind. You can use one of the various products available to lash them together. The Zenvivy Light Double Bed will take care of that part for you, and you should seriously consider it for your sleep system, if you're looking for that close cuddly sleep style. Sharing the weight of a tent you can get more space per pound than a solo hiker. A 2 person tent is not enough for two people in my opinion. If you want a big roomy tent that's light (and you don't want a DCF or pyramid style tent), you have basically 3 options. The MSR Hubba Hubba LT3, the Big Agnes Copper Spur, and the Tarptent Hogback. All will get you around 2lbs per person, but the MSR is a half pound heavier. The Tarptent Hogback will be the most stormworthy and is the only one that can be set up in the rain while keeping the inner tent dry, though the Big Agnes can do this with the extra weight and expense of the footprint. The Hogback is not a freestanding tent, it's a semi-freestanding tent. The MSR gives you more room at your sides, the Big Agness gives you more room at your head and foot, and the Hogback is square so you have the most side room and the least extra head-to-foot room.

My hubba hubba lasted 3 nights before harsh winds in Wales bent the poles 90 degrees. Luckily I managed to warranty the poles, clean the tent and the store accepted the return. So I got my £450 back and spent £350 on an Xmid which has been far more bomb proof in what I reckon is equally strong winds. I also found it being built inner first a big drawback as well as being very drafty inside, as the fly sits quite high up.

MSR is excellent quality. I've personally hiked with and slept in the same tent but the 3 man. Overall, when packed up it is smaller and lighter than other 3 mans I've used, heck it's smaller and lighter than some 2 mans I've used.

Big Agnes, MSR, and Nemo are 3 of the best tent brands available. I ran the warranty desk for an outdoor gear company, and saw the least amount of warranty issues with those brands. They’re not inexpensive, but, you get what you pay for. I have a Big Agnes tent that’s at least 10 years old, we use it regularly and only have to hose the dirt off. It’s amazing. Nemo is awesome too, I know a lot of people with Nemo tents and they love them. I just got an MSR 3 person tent and absolutely love it. Definitely get a 2 person tent. The general rule is to take however many people will be sleeping in the tent, and add 1. So 1 person = 2 person tent, 2 ppl = 3 person tent and so on. A 2 person tent is more comfortable for having your gear inside the tent, changing your clothes, etc. If you don’t plan to go backpacking with it, I’d get a 3-4 person tent just for the space.

Just a quick note, after Cubs when they get to Scouts there is no more family camping. So I would go cheap on the "family" tent for now, unless you guys are planning on using it yourselves for separate family trips. Most cub packs only camp once or twice a year. I got my son a three person MSR tent and myself a single person tent. The three person fit him and his buddy perfect. Those sizes are also a lot easier to hump to a camp site. I'd put the extra money in an inflatable pad to sleep on. That makes a huge difference. I used my old closed cell foam pad the first trip with my son and I woke up sore. The inflatable pad was so much more comfortable and kept me a lot warmer.

We just returned our Hubba Hubba (broken pole after a few uses) and got a Nemo Dagger. The Nemo seems more durable so far, very impressed with the design.

Such personal decisions! Everyone has their set of personal criteria. I’m 6’4” and need space! Went through some cheap tents and finally landed in the Hubba Hubba. Love this tent! Hope you can find your match without going through 4 or 5 tents like many of us do. The whole gear thing is a long and winding road, just hope you get out on the bike a lot cuz that’s what it’s really all about! Ride on.