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MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P on Test A Trekking Icon Reimagined for Bikepacking
Can a long-established trekking icon be transformed into the ultimate luxury liner for the handlebars with just a few strategic tweaks? With ultra-short pole segments and a dedicated handlebar bag, the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P aims to win over bikepackers. But does the premium overall package justify its lofty high-end price tag?We tested six of the most exciting bikepacking tents head-to-head, heading to Frances Massif Central to put them through their paces click here for our buyers guide and a complete overview of all the bikepacking tents in our group review.When it comes to uncompromising weather protection, few names carry as much weight in the outdoor world as Mountain Safety Research aka MSR. With its tents, the American manufacturer has earned a reputation for reliability in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. For the growing bikepacking community, it has now adapted its most iconic shelter for life on two wheels. The Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P builds on the proven DNA of its trekking sibling, but wraps it in a bikepacking-specific package featuring shorter pole segments and a dedicated roll-top handlebar bag. The question is simple: can this trekking classic successfully make the leap from the hiking trail to the drop bars?MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P | 1,62 kg | 689 | Manufacturers Website MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P 689 Technical Data Weight (Complete) 1.62 kg (1.43 kg without bag)Packed Size approx. 35 x 10 x 15 cm (box shape, mounting hardware excluded)Pole Length (Packed) 34 cmInner Dimensions 200 x 120 x 107 cm (L x W x H)Intended Use 3-Season / Bikepacking MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P. Construction Freestanding dome-style tentDoors & Vestibules 2 doors / 2 vestibulesHydrostatic Head (Floor / Flysheet) 1,200 mm / 1,200 mm (manufacturer specification)Footprint Included NoHandlebar Mounting Yes The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P From Saddle to ShelterMaterials & SetupThe Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P features a symmetrical design. In practice, this turns out to be a genuinely useful detail, as the pole structure can be connected from any corner of the tent. When darkness falls or bad weather rolls in, theres no need to waste time figuring out which end goes where. However, without staking out the guy lines, the flysheet corners lift slightly a small compromise in an otherwise well-thought-out design.A closer look reveals the level of workmanship expected from an MSR tent. The fabrics strike an impressive balance between durability and low weight, the seams are neatly finished and the overall material quality feels reassuringly robust. This is exactly the sort of construction you expect from a shelter designed for demanding adventures.One notable difference compared to highly ventilated tents such as the SIMOND MT900 is the amount of solid fabric used in the inner tent. MSR rely far less on mesh and instead prioritise protection from wind and drafts. The result is noticeably better heat retention, more privacy and a cosier feel on cooler nights. The trade-off? Reduced airflow during hot summer conditions.On warm, dry nights, the mesh section above allows for a clear view of the stars without needing the flysheet.The Hubba Hubbas premium construction is evident in details such as reinforced sections of the flysheet and strengthened guy-out points.The pole structure is equally impressive, featuring a forged hub, pre-bent segments, lightweight materials and a taut shock cord for straightforward setup.Transport & MountingWhen it comes to bike-specific transport solutions, the Hubba Hubba leaves the rest of the test field behind. The waterproof handlebar bag features removable foam spacers that keep the tent safely away from the handlebar. This creates additional room for your hands while preventing unwanted frame rub. Two robust buckles allow the entire system to be removed in seconds. The exceptionally short 34 cm pole segments are stored in a dedicated compartment beneath the main bag, preventing the sharp pole ends from damaging the tent fabric.The box-shaped bag does come with one drawback: at around 18 cm in height, it sits relatively tall on the handlebars. Riders using smaller frames or limited tire clearance should carefully check the distance to the front wheel beforehand. If space becomes tight, the pole set may need to be relocated elsewhere on the bike, or the foam spacers removed. Packing up in the morning is a straightforward process. The large roll-top opening easily swallows the tent fabric, which can simply be stuffed inside without any precise folding routine unlike more demanding systems such as the Nemo Dragonfly.With a complete system weight of 1.62 kg (1.43 kg without the bag), the Hubba Hubba shares the lightweight crown with the Big Agnes Copper Spur in this test field. Out on the trail, that low weight pays off immediately: the MSR keeps the front end feeling agile, lively and easy to control.Space & StorageWith a measured interior width of 120 cm, the Hubba Hubba has slightly less room than spacious shelters such as the VAUDE Space 2P, since the tent walls slope noticeably steeper. Theres also no oversized overhead storage net for helmets here. MSR doesnt leave organisation to chance, though, tackling it in its own pragmatic way: three clotheslines come pre-installed across the ceiling, providing a simple and practical place to dry damp socks or hang additional equipment. The two vestibules offer solid storage space for bags, though they dont include an additional vestibule floor.The ceiling pockets provide enough room for headlamps and other essentials, while the integrated clotheslines offer additional storage options for damp gear and clothing.Weather & VentilationA traditional roof vent is absent from the main tent body. Instead, ventilation relies on the mesh panels within the tent fabric and adjustable vents in the vestibule doors, which can be propped open with small integrated support tabs. This keeps condensation solidly under control when the vents are open, though prolonged rain requires a little more attention when adjusting the openings. The tent shows absolutely no compromise when the elements turn severe: the waterproof bathtub floor extends an impressive 25 cm up the side walls invaluable protection during heavy rain and muddy conditions.Like the Big Agnes, the MSR uses a solid fabric privacy panel around the head area, offering slightly better protection from drafts than at the foot end. The storage pockets at both ends are medium-sized.Ventilation options are limited to the adjustable openings in the vestibule doors.A clever packing system: the pole set gets its own compartment, while everything else can simply be stuffed into the main bag in seconds.Who Should Take a Closer Look at the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P?This tent is an excellent choice for demanding bikepackers and adventure-focused riders looking for a very light, bikepacking-specific, high-end three-season shelter that wastes no time in camp. Those who prioritise spacious living quarters and a more lounge-like camping experience may find the minimalist interior a little too restrained.ConclusionThe MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P ranks among the very best tents in this test. It doesnt just offer a strong answer to the transport question: the handlebar bag with foam spacers and clever pole separation is the best in the test field. Together with the Big Agnes, its also the lightest tent in the test, and clever design details provide reliable protection in heavy rain. Dedicated comfort extras such as roof vents are absent, but the quick-stuff packing system saves valuable time every morning. Recommended!TopsPractical handlebar bag with protective foam spacersQuick packing thanks to the generous roll-top openingHigh bathtub floor for maximum protection in heavy rainSymmetrical and highly intuitive setup systemLightweightFlopsGuy lines required to achieve the tent's full shapeInterior width is tight for two peopleFor more information, visit msrtents.org.The Test FieldThis tent was tested as part of our 2026 Bikepacking Tent Group Review.All Tents in the Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack | Decathlon / SIMOND MT900 | Hilleberg Unna | MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P | Nemo Dragonfly Bikepack OSMO 2P | VAUDE Space 2PDer Beitrag MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P on Test A Trekking Icon Reimagined for Bikepacking erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.
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