Hubba Hubba NX 2

I have 3 similarly aged (3.5 years apart between all of them) and at this point we have a number of tents, mainly because I absolutely do not want them doing anything weird to my lightweight ones. I have an MSR Hubba NX just for myself, then a large canvas one for car camping and then just a pop-out decathlon one for them. The Decathlon 2-second set up is actually a game-changer so I’m not saying it’s a crappy tent, but my kids are older than yours and I *still* wouldn’t risk my nice one with them at this point.

If you can stretch the budget just a llittle or do some sales hunting, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 OR MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 OR Durston X-Mid 2. [11 Best 2-Persons Tent for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) can help with the others. They’re are all 3-season tents with better fabrics, stronger pole architecture, roomier vestibules and more thoughtful details (doors, vents, zips) than budget models. They’ll be heavier and cost more than the Cloud-Up versions but they’re way more durable and comfortable long term, take it from me, I’ve gone on countless trips with various types of tents so yeah! If $300 is a hard cap, watch for sales or used tents online, you’ll find something!

Make sure you first start by measuring your torso and try on packs loaded before you buy! Torso length and hip-belt fit matter way more than the brand. You’re pretty tall so look at packs with XL/long/adjustable torso options and real frames so you have support for multi-day loads. Backpack shortlist: - Osprey Atmos/Aether; or - Gregory Baltoro/Deva #gear shortlist: - tent or tarp with a footprint like the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 or Big Agnes Copper Spur. - sleeping pad like a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (or XTherm MAX) - a stove like the MSR PocketRocket 2 or Jetboil MiniMo boiling efficiency - water supply - a Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree works Others - [52 Last Minute Hiking and Backpacking Gears to Pack](https://alaskanarrows.com/hiking-and-camping-gears-checklist/) #underrated essentials: 1. Trekking poles 2. Good rain cover for the pack 3. Waterproof stuff-sack for electronics 4. Repair kit (cord, duct tape on a pen, extra zip ties, pole splint, needle/thread) 5. Camp shoes (ultralight sandals or crocs) 6. Gaiters for scree/snow

From the two, I’d lean towards the Hubba NX 2 tbh, it’s kinda designed with durability as it’s priority

My MSR hubba hubba NX (not the version with Easton Poles) has been exceptional in everything the UK has thrown at it. Ive had it about 10 years and its been in every UK condition imaginable (barring snow actually) across the NW Scottish Highlands, Wales etc. I think its pretty stormworthy and the inner pitch is an exaggerated drawback. Even when its been lashing it down the inside has remained dry whilst putting it up. Its not a 4 season tent for sure! But in 75% of UK conditions i reckon youre better off with the MSR than an Akto. Weight/condensation/ease of perfect pitch/living space. The Hillebergs are unbelieveable tents but sod carrying it about unless I really need to!

I had a hubba Hubba nx2 but wanted lighter so I got a hornet osmo 2P. Returned it because I couldn’t get in the tent during rain without the poorly designed fly dropping water on tent body mesh. Now I have a Durston xmid2 pro for most trips and a BA copper spur 1 if its platform tenting. I love the hubba. Old style was just too heavy. All the Durston products are fantastic!

That will be so easy to drop a ton of base weight when you get a good tent. I was at 6 lb 2 person eureka. Got a 3.75 lb MSR Hubba Hubba in 2020. Last 2-3 years I have had the extreme pleasure of carrying the just over 1 lb Durston xmid pro 2. It’s pricy but the regular xmid is much more affordable. And double wall vs single wall of the pro. Nemo Hornet and any of the BA tents are great too.

For me, MSR Hubba Hubba NX2. Been in heavy rain and wind with it, totally fine. Packs at about 1,75kg, has tons of headroom, more than average room for a 2p tent, ultrafine mesh and a bunch of nifty details. Has a particular way of setting up because of the weird single pole, but you can do it in 5 minutes once used to it. When setting up in rain there's the option to put up the outer shell first so you can keep the inner fully dry. It is a bit trickier though. Finally, I would suggest to get the version with aluminum poles instead of the US only supposedly indestructible composite ones, a few bad reviews of the latter online.

I’ve had my MSR hubba hubba nx2 for probably 9 years now…it’s still going strong no issues. I replaced the shock chord in the poles last year and it’s good as new

Controversial opinion, the good american stuff is super overpriced and unless you’re summiting Everest, you can get away with far less. If you’re only getting into hiking, are a seasoned bushman or like me you just have more gear than you know what to do with, here is my 2c worth. If you’re going solo in a temperate climate, the Kmart $14 dome tent is really good. They pack down smaller and probably lighter than my MSR Hubba Hubba NX, weigh about the same and if it gets damaged you are down $14. With the money you save, buy a good ultralight 3m x 3m tarp and learn how to build lean-tos and shelters. If you get stuck in shit rain, or have no tree cover to block the morning sun, having a tarp, especially one with one side silver coated, you can set up as cooking/group shelter and to keep the sun/rain off your $14 tent. This is a godsend. Here is how my Ukranian mate sold the Kmart tent to me. I had been harping on about how stoked I was with my MSR Hubba Hubba that had lasted 10+ years. **Note we may have had a few drinks at this point.** He picks up his tent and throws it in the fire. He then says, this is the worst case scenario. It cost me $14 and I had it for years already. I am now a convert. I have my good stuff but prefer to use the cheapo, cause if some idiot throws a can of bake beans in the fire or wind carries embers, or maybe you have a Ukrainian friend, you are not stressing out about your super expensive tent. It was a beautiful night and we slept under the stars anyway - why a tarp and mosquito net is way more important imho.