Bikepacking tent testMSR Hubba Hubba - one-room dwelling for overnighters

Stefan Frey

 · 15.08.2025

With the Hubba Hubba Bikepacking, MSR has made its lightweight classic tent for the needs of overnighters and bike adventurers
Photo: Stefan Frey

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MSR is expanding its popular Hubba Hubba tent series with a version specially developed for bikepacking. The new tent integrates the proven features of the Hubba Hubba series with a waterproof handlebar bag and shorter tent poles. We have already tested the lightweight one-man tent on various tours.

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MSR presents the Hubba Hubba bikepacking tent presents a new version of its successful tent series, which is tailored to the needs of cycle travellers. The logical further development of the award-winning Hubba Hubba tent offers numerous bike-specific functions. The design is optimised for both short overnight stays and longer tours and is characterised by a particularly compact pack size. The tent is available in versions for one or two people and can be transported in the specially developed waterproof handlebar bag.

MSR has specially designed a matching handlebar bag that offers additional space for other equipmentPhoto: Stefan FreyMSR has specially designed a matching handlebar bag that offers additional space for other equipment

Well thought-out interior for maximum comfort

The interior of the Hubba Hubba bikepacking tent is characterised by a rectangular footprint without the usual conical sides, which is intended to maximise the usable space. Depending on the model variant, the gable height is 97 centimetres for the one-person version or 107 centimetres for the two-person version.

The room height is comfortable. However, there is little space at the side to store your belongings in the tentPhoto: Stefan FreyThe room height is comfortable. However, there is little space at the side to store your belongings in the tent

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The tent canvas combines mesh and solid fabric areas to ensure an optimum balance between ventilation and weather protection. The curve-free tent entrances with zips that can be operated with one hand are practical. For storing electronic devices, the tent has special storage compartments with cable guides at the corners, which allow charging during the night. Additional storage space is provided by large shelves above head height, which are ideal for gloves, sunglasses and similar items. For wet clothing, clotheslines are available both inside and optionally outside, which are included in the scope of delivery.

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The zips have no curves and always end at the same corner. This makes them easy to find even in the darkPhoto: Stefan FreyThe zips have no curves and always end at the same corner. This makes them easy to find even in the darkWashing lines help with drying bike clothesPhoto: Stefan FreyWashing lines help with drying bike clothesAdditional accessories can be stored in two drawers in the gable - keeping the bikepacking chaos organisedPhoto: Stefan FreyAdditional accessories can be stored in two drawers in the gable - keeping the bikepacking chaos organised

Robust construction for all weather conditions

The outer tent of the Hubba Hubba bikepacking model has been designed for quick pitching and reliable weather protection. Thanks to the symmetrical design, the tent can be pitched particularly quickly in the event of sudden rain. Five minutes is definitely a realistic amount of time before you can move into your shelter. The DAC poles used are robust, lightweight and specially designed for the requirements of bikepacking with shorter segments (30 centimetres) that fit perfectly between the handlebars.

The linkage has also been adapted. The individual elements have been shortened to 30 centimetres to fit better between road bike handlebarsPhoto: Stefan FreyThe linkage has also been adapted. The individual elements have been shortened to 30 centimetres to fit better between road bike handlebarsDespite their minimal weight, the pegs are pleasantly stable and do not bend even in hard groundPhoto: Stefan FreyDespite their minimal weight, the pegs are pleasantly stable and do not bend even in hard ground

Sophisticated handlebar bag for easy transport

A central element of the bikepacking concept is the handlebar bag supplied, which has been specially developed for transporting the tent. The waterproof bag can be attached to various types of handlebars using spacers. These prevent the bag from rubbing on the handlebars and at the same time create more space for other items of equipment. The additional fastening loops make it possible to attach further items of equipment.

The pannier is strapped to the handlebars using spacers, leaving space for cable routingPhoto: Stefan FreyThe pannier is strapped to the handlebars using spacers, leaving space for cable routing

Lightweight with clever details

The Hubba Hubba bikepacking tent is characterised by its low weight, which is a minimum of 0.9 kilograms for the one-person version and 1.4 kilograms for the two-person version. Without an attached flysheet, the inner tent with its mesh fabric in the upper area offers a clear view of the starry sky. Reinforced sections in particularly stressed areas, robust seams at the guy-out points and anodised pole loop eyelets with locking function ensure durability. In addition to the tent and flysheet, the scope of delivery also includes the tent poles, pegs, guy ropes, stuff sack, washing lines and assembly instructions. For additional protection, the tent is compatible with the separately available universal groundsheet for two people.

If you like it airy, you can also use the Hubba Hubba without the flysheet - alternatively, you could also use the outer shell as a tarpPhoto: Stefan FreyIf you like it airy, you can also use the Hubba Hubba without the flysheet - alternatively, you could also use the outer shell as a tarp

Hubba Hubba Bikepacking Tent - Info & Price

  • Price580 Euro (1-person version) >> available here
  • Weight1412/1085 grams (total/tent)
  • Gable height: 97 cm
  • Floor spacerectangular

Equipment

  • Short DAC rods (foldable to 30 cm)
  • Waterproof handlebar bag with taped seams
  • PEU coating and taped seams
  • Inner and optional outer washing lines
  • Oversized storage compartments

The MSR Hubba Hubba tent for bikepacking in the test

The Hubba tentsThe Hubba are actually the MSR classic for backpacking tours - light, spacious and quick to set up - and available for one or two people. To make the Hubba more appealing to bikepackers, a few changes have been made: A little more height improves the feeling of space and, thanks to integrated washing lines, allows you to dry your gear. The large vestibule keeps the rest of your luggage dry even in the rain. Clever: the tent poles have been shortened from 48.2 to 30.4 centimetres to fit between drop bars.

Although the Hubba Hubba is rather narrow overall, it offers a pleasant feeling of space and room for equipment in the vestibulePhoto: Stefan FreyAlthough the Hubba Hubba is rather narrow overall, it offers a pleasant feeling of space and room for equipment in the vestibule

Compact but somewhat flabby handlebar bag

MSR has also developed its own waterproof handlebar bag, which can be used to store the tent as well as other accessories. Unfortunately, the bag has not proven itself in practice. The poles attached at the bottom hang very low, especially on suspension bikes, and would be better placed inside. Although spacers keep the bag at a distance from the cables, the third fixed point on the head tube provides little support and the bag itself is a little unstable and rocks when travelling off-road. A classic handlebar bag is the better choice here.

A rubber rope serves as a third fixed point. This construction does not provide optimum grip in off-road usePhoto: Stefan FreyA rubber rope serves as a third fixed point. This construction does not provide optimum grip in off-road use

Cosy one-room flat for overnighters

The tent itself is completely different: I've also had feelings of trepidation in one-man tents that were as narrow and flat as a dachshund garage. But the MSR, with its rectangular floor plan, is downright luxurious for a mobile one-room dwelling. There is space for changing clothes in the large vestibule, and washing lines and storage compartments help you dry your equipment.

Setting up the Hubba Hubba is absolutely self-explanatory. The inner tent is simply clipped into the polesPhoto: Stefan FreySetting up the Hubba Hubba is absolutely self-explanatory. The inner tent is simply clipped into the polesThe rectangular floor plan and the triangular bar construction improve the sense of spacePhoto: Stefan FreyThe rectangular floor plan and the triangular bar construction improve the sense of space

On clear nights, the Hubba also works without a tent canvas - or as a lightweight tarp without an inner tent, which significantly reduces the weight even further. Setting up the MSR is self-explanatory, even with the shortened poles, and the Hubba is stable even in gusty winds. At 1085 grams, the Hubba is a lightweight, but it is not one of the ultra-light one-person tents on the market and there are also much cheaper alternatives in terms of price.

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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