MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent review: the ultimate bikepacking adventurer’s tent

Meet the reviewer

Jessie Leong

A former brand ambassador for Merrell and current Ordnance Survey #GetOutside Champion, Jessie Leong’s lifelong outdoor odyssey began with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award walks in the Peak District. This segued into long hill hikes in the Yorkshire Dales, multi-day treks in the Lake District, scrambles in North Wales and adventures scaling alpine pinnacles.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: first impressions

I’ve been using MSR products as go-to lightweight tents in mountain environments for many years, but had never encountered a technical, bikepacking-specific model like the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent. 

It’s designed to take up much less room on your bike and minimize common problems during riding such as additional drag and cumbersome tent poles that you struggle to attach to the bike frame. In theory its design should make things easier while traveling on a bike, but how would it fare in the windy, often unpredictable ‘summer’ weather conditions of the UK?

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: in the field

Pedaling down the asphalt road alongside Fairbourne beach, with the marshy plains of the Mawddach Estuary and the Snowdonian mountains looming in the distance, it was pleasantly dry for the start of a two-wheeled adventure. The sea breeze whistling through my hair, the waft of vinegared chips (the UK variety) and the incoming tide, and the caw of seagulls – punctuated by excited families taking the steam train – all formed a rather picturesque setting for a bikepacking ride on a lush summer’s day.

At the end of the day when we settled for the night, the MSR tent deployed with ease – even the assembly of the tent poles, made from a bright, shiny, red DAC alloy, reminded me of those high-tech camping chairs that click together in the blink of an eye.

Everything is kept in a green pouch whose top lid can be rolled down to avoid water getting in. The main compartment has built-in clips that can be attached directly to your bike’s handlebars, avoiding the need for a separate bag. The fly sheet and inner pack neatly inside, with a separate pouch at the base for the poles.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: functionality

The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent felt roomy enough to sit up in, thanks to a peak head height of 38in / 96.5cm that meant I was able to get dressed without feeling too cramped.

As for livable space, well, it didn’t feel like a coffin-like bivy sack! Far from it, in fact, as the tent gave just enough room for a sleeping pad and sleeping bag, plus space to put a dry bag or two on the side. Those with loads of kit might struggle to get enough footprint for bags to be evenly spaced out, but you’re probably on the wrong holiday if you go bikepacking with that much stuff.

For those who like a minimalist setup, it felt nice to see the tent still had the useful inner pockets you’d expect from an MSR tent, such as a cable port at the corners to allow phones to sit inside with power banks to charge overnight. The large overhead gear loft pockets, meanwhile, easily fit gloves, sunglasses, and other quick-access items. It’s also useful to know that the inside has attachment loops which can easily allow a washing line to be strung up to help dry wet gloves, socks and air spare layers – perfect for multi-day adventures when drying space is at a premium.

The overall interior has been constructed with a blend of mesh and solid fabric that’s a mix between the extra privacy you’d find on a MSR Hubba Hubba and the lighter MSR Carbon Reflex tents. This provides airflow, privacy and weather protection.

One thing to note: the MSR tent door isn’t cut on a curve. Having a ‘flat’ entrance makes it easier to get in and out of, and doors can be opened one-handed using the conveniently located colored zippers. These zip to a single point so they’re easy to open and close, even when you need to make last-minute loo trips before bedtime.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: durability

The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent features a fabric that’s thick enough to offer significant protection from the elements. The 20D nylon rainfly features a PU/silicone coating and taped seams for storm protection, and a light yet tough 20D bathtub-style floor keeps the pack weight low while protecting against ground moisture and dew. I’d still be hesitant about testing the tent in extremely windy conditions due to the risk of breakage, though.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: details

There are numerous things that make the tent stand out and the MSR design team have clearly thought about everything. I really like the handlebar bag, which is both durable and waterproof and fits on any bike. Optional spacers can be used to help extend the reach of the bag so it can be used with other handlebar bags, while tough webbing ensures it stays secure and stable. These can be a bit fiddly to adjust, though, and if riding on rough terrain it’s worth making sure the spacers sit snugly on the handlebars to reduce the risk of the bag jumping about.

It's reflective for extra visibility and has loops for extra gear such as lights and bike accessories – a great addition. The total packed weight is just 2lb 13oz / 1.27kg which for a tent that has 18 sqft / 1.67 sqm of floor space and an additional 9 sqft / 0.82 sqm of vestibule space, isn’t bad at all.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: affordability

At just shy of $500, the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent isn’t cheap – but then again, MSR isn’t a brand you’d associate with entry -level kit. I am a firm believer in the old “buy cheap, buy twice” adage – and for kit that is well designed and built to last, MSR delivers well-thought out, well-built tent equipment that meets a need while also being extremely lightweight and packable.

Cycle touring is an expensive sport but I believe that for those who want to combine minimalist living and also want to buy from a reputable brand, this is one of the best tents I’ve seen for bikepacking. It would also be great for other space/weight conscious expeditions, including kayaking.

• How Advnture tests products