The MSR Hubba NX Solo has a pole with hub connections to the Y sections at the end and the ridge, which makes pitching easier than with separate poles. The simplest way to pitch the Hubba NX is inner first. In the rain the flysheet can be pitched first and then the inner attached, though this takes longer and is a bit more awkward. The inner tent is free-standing. Pegs are needed for the flysheet.
Price*: $533.00/£570 (available from alpinetrek.co.uk)
Weight: 1.26kg | Pitching: either inner or flysheet first | Flysheet: silicone/PU 20D ripstop nylon, 1200mm hydrostatic head | Inner: ripstop nylon/nylon micromesh | Groundsheet: 30D PU ripstop nylon, 3000mm hydrostatic head | Poles: DAC Featherlite NFL | Pegs: 9 x 16cm MSR Needle | Porches: 1, max. depth 76cm | Inner Dimensions: 216 x 76cm, 91cm high point
*price conversion correct in May 2023
The flysheet doesn’t come all the way down to the ground. However the groundsheet has high walls and there’s a big overlap with the flysheet so I’ve had no problems with rain entering. I haven’t had any dampness come through the groundsheet either, which has a reasonably high hydrostatic head. I don’t think a footprint is needed.
The inner and porch are both roomy. There’s space in the latter to store your pack and cook safely. Headroom is good, especially in the centre of the tent, for someone my height. Six footers might prefer a higher inner. Unlike with many solo tents the groundsheet is rectangular, which is good as it means you have the same space at each end for sleeping.
The inner has solid fabric above the groundsheet then wide mesh walls and solid fabric again as the roof. This allows air flow whilst preventing breezes that blow under the flysheet entering and condensation drips from the tent apex coming through. For ventilation the flysheet zip can be left open at the top and you can roll the door up a little way from the bottom. There’s a closable vent at the back of the flysheet too. In good weather the whole front of the flysheet can be opened for maximum views, ventilation, and access.
The Hubba NX Solo is lightweight, especially given the space inside. It resists winds well and is a good three-season tent.
The MSR Hubba NX Solo gets our Gear Editor’s recommended accolade. To read the other tent reviews in this test head to The Great Outdoors‘ best one-person backpacking tents.
Tested by Chris Townsend
The tents were used in the winter and spring in the Cairngorms in all weather conditions – heavy rain, strong winds, frosty nights, and snow. All tents were weighed on the tester’s digital scales and the weights are for all components including stuff sacks. Chris Townsend is 5’ 8” tall with a long back and short legs.
