As MSR split their iconic Hubba Hubba backpacking tent into two versions the LT and HD we test out the 2-person version of the lighter variantReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersMSRs Hubba Hubba is an iconic lightweight backpacking tent that has been much imitated since its launch back in 2004, but during that time it has only had one major upgrade when the NX versions came into production in 2014.The NX versions (of which there were 1-, 2- and 3-person variants) reduced the weight slightly by using lighter materials, tweaked the pole geometry to provide increased headroom, and refreshed the colour scheme with a red and light grey interior.But what made the Hubba Hubba originally stand out, and led to its design being imitated? Well, in addition to its sub-2kg trail weight, the Hubba Hubba offered a spacious interior and twin vestibules/entrances, built around an innovative pole structure which used two hubs and a central spreader pole to maximise the internal space of the tent. The spacious interior, two entrances and low weight proved a winning formula, and over two decades later the Hubba Hubba is still a popular choice amongst backpackers.The hub/pole structure of the Hubba Hubba is key to its spacious interiorThis years introduction of the LT (Lightweight) and HD (Heavy Duty) versions, and the decision to split the Hubba Hub range into two variants, is therefore pretty big news and particularly relevant to the UK market where lightweight tents can take quite a battering, even in summer. Both the LT and HD are classed as 3 season, however the LT uses lighter fabrics and a lot more mesh on the inner tent, so is optimised for warmer, drier weather, whereas the HD has heavier materials and less mesh, so is more suited to windy/rainy weather. Both the LT and HD are available in 1, 2 and 3-person sizes.Worth the weight? Lets talk about weight first, as this is somewhat of an obsession among many backpackers. Truth is, if you want to take things to the extreme and get the lightest possible shelter, then youre best getting a single-skin tarp thats held up by a walking pole however this generally wont be too comfortable and wont protect you against anything much in the way of wind and rain or midges for that matter. If youre prepared to carry a bit more and were talking very little if there are two of you then a decently sturdy double-skin tent will be far more comfortable, and offer proper protection in instances where the weather isnt perfect. The new Hubba Hubbas, in all sizes and LT and HD variants, fall into the lightweight rather than ultra lightweight category but in our opinion thats a very good place to be, a sensible compromise between functionality and weight.The original Hubba Hubba 2-person tent had a trail weight of 1.8kg and total weight of 2.2kg, while the NX reduced that to 1.54kg (trail) and 1.72kg (total). By contrast, the LT 2 reduces the weight even further to 1.36kg (trail) and 1.54kg (total), so theres been steady progress in this department over the years. Even the beefier HD 2 comes in at only 1.61kg (trail) and 1.8kg (total), so no-one could accuse MSR of not prioritising this aspect.Interior has room for two full-size, rectangular sleeping matsConstructionOne of the striking features of the original Hubba Hubba was its pole system, which consisted of multiple pole sections connected by two hubs, one towards each end, and a middle, spreader pole that helped increase the internal space. This, not surprisingly, remains a crucial element of the latest Hubba Hubbas, with the 9.3mm DAC poles forming the spine of the tent. With an arch at each end, a long pole running along its length, plus the central pole, this gives a sturdy and importantly freestanding structure. The major advantage of free-standing tents is that they can still be pitched on rocky or sandy ground, where pegs are hard to get in/stay in, and theyre generally also more robust in driving rain and strong winds.The inner tent of the LT 2 is one area that differs from previous versions, and indeed the new HD models. Given that ventilation and comfort in warm weather are key considerations for the LT, MSR have constructed the entire top half of the inner tent from a 20-denier polyester micro-mesh. This allows for superior airflow on hot summer nights, yet theres still protection from direct drafts when sleeping since the bottom half is made of solid fabric. The HH of the bathtub-style groundsheet is 1800mm, while the flysheet is 1200mm these are not particularly high numbers, but are sufficient for all but the most persistently wet conditions. If you do want more durable waterproofness then MSR have the HD versions ready for you, which boast 3000mm (fly) and 6000mm (groundsheet) specs.The freestanding design is a godsend when pitching the tent on rocky ground or sandPitchingAnother of the Hubba Hubbas great strengths has always been its ease of pitching. The design is symmetical, so you dont have to faff around making sure the flysheet is the right way round the last thing you want to do if its rainy/windy and youre trying to get some shelter quickly. The three-step pitching process couldnt be simpler lay down the inner tent on the ground and peg out its corners; construct the pole system and attach the inner tent to it, via its hooks; finally, throw over the flysheet and peg it out.One complaint about the Hubba Hubba has always been that its pitch-inner-first design means that the inner may get wet when pitching in the rain, as opposed to a pitch inner-and-outer-together design. This is a valid point, despite the fact that its extremely quick to pitch. However, one solution to this is to buy one of MSRs footprints which not only protect the tents built-in groundsheet, but also allows you to pitch the fly first while giving you some shelter while erecting the inner tent (you can also use the flysheet without the the inner tent as a lightweight shelter too). Sure, buying the footprint will cost you another 40 or so quid and will be a bit more to carry, but at least theres the option for you if pitching inner-first is a dealbreaker for you.The dual vestibules give plenty of space for stashing kit overnightIn useSo its light, its easy to pitch, and can be used with an optional footprint if you dont like pitching inner-first, but whats the Hubba Hub LT 2 like in use? The first thing you, like us, will probably notice, is the generous space, both inside the tent and in its two vestibules. The interior space is 2.95m2 with a max head height of 102cm, and because its symmetrical, without a tapered end like many lightweight tents, we found it comfortably accommodated two full-size rectangular sleeping mats side by side. The vestibules offer more than half as much space again (1.48m2), which is plenty enough to store packs, boots and poles.The storage pockets on the LT 2 have been revised from the NX, and you now get a single long pocket at each end, plus an overhead gear loft thats ideal for your headtorch (or lantern to light up the tent), sunglasses and so on. The end pockets even have small openings at each end to allow a charging lead or headphone cable to pass through a nice touch.Revised storage space includes an overhead gear loft as well as a long pocket at each endWeve used the Hubba Hubba LT 2 on both warm/still nights and cooler/windier nights, and although it coped with both admirably, its definitely a stronger performer in the first scenario. Why? Well that mesh-heavy inner tent that we spoke about earlier allows the air to circulate, and works in conjunction with the pronounced gap that exists between the bottom of the flysheet and the ground, another signature Hubba Hubba feature. This gap conversely contributes to a draftier experience in cooler/windier conditions of course, and if youre more likely to be camping in these conditions then the HD is the better bet.In use we also appreciated some of the details of this latest Hubba Hubba, including the uprated metal corner hardware, the kickstand vents in the flysheet which allow warm, moist air out but dont let rain in, and the new burrito-style storage bag which is far easier to pack the tent away into than a standard end-loading bag.The LT 2 is positively luxurious if accommodating a lone backpackerVerdictMSR have been rather clever in offering the Hubba Hubba in two versions, since they put the ball firmly in the court of the buyer in deciding what features are more important to them. And what features are important very much depends on the type of use that the user intends to put the tent to. For valley-hugging backpackers who do most of their walking in warmer temperatures then the LT is the obvious choice, given its lower weight and superior ventilation. For those who like to venture higher up the mountain to wild camp on blustery summits and arent afraid of wet and windy weather, then the HD with its uprated fabrics and more windproof design is the one to go for. Both offer the advantages that the Hubba Hubba has always been known for, including its freestanding design and spacious interior so if youre sold on the Hubba Hubba concept then the only decision to be really made is, which one LT or HD?In this review weve been mainly talking about the Hubba Hubba with respect to its use in the UK and this countrys fickle weather conditions, however this tent is also ideal for plenty of overseas trips too. We would be very happy to take the LT on summer treks on the GR20 Corsica or the Tour du Mont Blanc, for example, and in the ever-warmer conditions experienced in Europe in high summer, the LTs ventilation will prove its worth. If youre likely to go either early or late in the season however, theres an argument to take the HD. Either of them are up to the job, however, and on often rocky ground experienced on some of these trails the freestanding design really comes into its own.More info at: www.cascadedesigns.com/msrMinimum Weight: 3 lb (1.36 kg)Packaged Weight: 3 lb 6 oz (1.54 kg)Floor Area: 32 sq. ft (2.95 sq. m)Vestibule Area: 16 sq. ft (1.48 sq. m)Interior Peak Height: 40 in (102 cm)Packed Size: 20 x 5.5 in (51 x 14 cm)Number of Doors: 2Poles: (1) DAC NFL 9.3 mmRainfly Fabric: Solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1200 mm polyether urethane & PFAS-Free siliconeCanopy Fabric: Solution-dyed 20D polyester micromesh / 20D ripstop nylon & PFAS-free DWRMesh Type: Solution-dyed 20D polyester micromeshFloor Fabric: Solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1800 mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWRCountry of Origin: Made in VietnamThe MSR Hubba Hubba LT and HD models are available at:Absolute SnowAdapt OutdoorsBase Camp FoodBlacks OutdoorClimbers ShopCotswold OutdoorCraigdon Mountain SportsCrib Goch OutdoorElite Mountain SuppliesEllis Brigham Mountain SportsFacewestGo OutdoorsLittle Mountain OutdoorsLD Mountain CentreLockwoodsNeedle SportsNevisportRock + RunOutsideProadventureSummits OutdoorTaunton LeisureThe Brokedown PalaceTisoTrekittUltralight Outdoor GearUp And Under Outdoor GearWildbounds