MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent Review: The Ultimate Solo Adventure Companion
When it comes to solo camping, choosing the right tent is a game-changer. You need something lightweight, durable, and easy to set up—especially when you’re out in the wild and living out of a backpack. After testing out the MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent extensively, I’m ready to share my experience with this top-rated piece of gear that promises comfort, reliability, and convenience for solo adventurers.
First Impressions
The MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent is compact, sleek, and impressively lightweight. Weighing in at just 2 lbs 14 oz (1.3 kg), it’s perfect for those who want to minimise weight without sacrificing quality or comfort. Whether you’re planning a long backpacking trip or a weekend getaway, this tent won’t weigh you down.
The first thing that stands out is the minimalist design. With a single pole structure and a streamlined shape, it looks like it’s built for speed—making it super easy to pitch and pack away. It’s clear that MSR’s focus was on simplicity and performance.
Set-Up: A Breeze
One of the most important factors when camping solo is how easy it is to set up and take down your tent. After all, you’re usually on your own, so any time spent fumbling with complex poles or rain covers is time you’d rather be enjoying nature. Thankfully, the Hubba NX Solo Tent excels in this department. The simple pole structure, due to the poles being attached, makes it so easy to put together, even for first-timers. In about 5 minutes, I am able to pitch the tent, stake it down, and feel secure in my temporary home. In wet conditions, the flysheet can be set up first, and then the inner tent can be attached, although this can take more time and is slightly more complex. The inner tent is self-supporting, and pegs are required for the flysheet.
Space: Perfect for One
As a solo adventurer, space is a critical factor. I’m looking for a tent that provides enough room to sleep and store my gear comfortably but not so much that I’m carrying unnecessary weight.
The Hubba NX Solo Tent strikes the perfect balance. The interior is spacious enough for a long sleeping pad and some gear, with headroom that lets you sit up without feeling cramped. I especially appreciate the vestibule, which provides just enough space for my boots, and other gear that didn’t need to come inside the tent. The vestibule’s weatherproof zipper and tough fabric kept everything safe and dry through a few rainy nights. What I love about this tent is that even in windy or slightly rainy weather, you can have the inner tent closed and the flysheet open but still have a view outside due to the mesh on the inner tent door.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The Hubba NX Solo Tent is built for adventure, including withstanding harsh conditions. MSR uses 30D ripstop nylon for the tent body and 20D ripstop nylon for the rainfly, giving the tent a solid structure while keeping it lightweight.
During my testing, the Hubba NX holds up beautifully in both dry and wet weather. I've camped through some heavy rain and gusty winds, and the tent stayed dry and stable. The seam-sealed rainfly provided excellent protection, and I never once had a water leak inside the tent, even during a pretty heavy downpour.
The footprint (sold separately) is also a must-have to prolong the life of your tent, especially if you're camping on rough or rocky terrain. It protects the tent floor from wear and tear and adds an extra layer of waterproofing.
Ventilation
No one likes waking up in a damp tent. Thankfully, the MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent features multiple ventilation options, including two large mesh panels on the rainfly and mesh on the tent body. These ventilation points allow for air circulation, reducing condensation and keeping the inside of the tent feeling fresh.
I never encountered condensation issues, even during humid mornings, which is a big plus for solo campers who tend to spend long hours inside the tent.
Packability
When it comes to packing, the MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent shines. The tent is designed to pack down to a small size that fits comfortably in your backpack, and the included stuff sack has compression straps that help reduce its size even more. It’s one of the easiest tents I’ve ever packed up, and it doesn’t take up much room in my pack at all.
Pros:
Lightweight and compact—perfect for backpacking.
Easy set-up and take-down, even for solo campers.
Excellent weather resistance, with a solid rainfly and durable materials.
Great ventilation to reduce condensation.
Spacious interior for one person and gear.
Cons:
Price: It’s definitely on the higher end for solo tents. However, the durability and features make it a worthwhile investment.
Footprint sold separately: While the footprint is a great addition for added protection, it’s not included in the tent's base price.
Final Thoughts
After spending a few nights in the MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent, I can confidently say it’s one of the best solo tents on the market. The design, ease of use, and weather performance make it a fantastic option for anyone serious about solo camping.
Yes, it’s an investment, but for solo adventurers who want peace of mind, comfort, and reliability, the MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent is worth every penny. If you’re looking to up your solo camping game, this tent should definitely be on your radar.
Let me know your thoughts or any questions in the comments section.
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