We tested six of the most exciting bikepacking tents head-to-head, heading to France’s Massif Central to put them through their paces – click here for our buyer’s 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
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 cm
Inner Dimensions 200 x 120 x 107 cm (L x W x H)
Intended Use 3-Season / Bikepacking
MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P
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Construction Freestanding dome-style tent
Doors & Vestibules 2 doors / 2 vestibules
Hydrostatic Head (Floor / Flysheet) 1,200 mm / 1,200 mm (manufacturer specification)
Footprint Included No
Handlebar Mounting Yes
The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P – From Saddle to Shelter
Materials & Setup
The 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, there’s 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.
Transport & Mounting
When 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 & Storage
With 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. There’s also no oversized overhead storage net for helmets here. MSR doesn’t 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 don’t include an additional vestibule floor.
Weather & Ventilation
A 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.
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.
Conclusion
The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P ranks among the very best tents in this test. It doesn’t 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, it’s 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!
Tops
- Practical handlebar bag with protective foam spacers
- Quick packing thanks to the generous roll-top opening
- High bathtub floor for maximum protection in heavy rain
- Symmetrical and highly intuitive setup system
- Lightweight
Flops
- Guy lines required to achieve the tent's full shape
- Interior width is tight for two people
For more information, visit msrtents.org.
The Test Field
This 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 2P
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Words & Photos: Felicia Nastal, Antoine Daures Translation: Antoine Daures
