tents

First things first, there is no such a thing as the best backpacking tent, the optimum tent depends on your needs and expectations, but since you narrowed it down to Msr Freelite 2 vs Hubba Hubba Nx I am assuming you know what you are looking for. I will be helping you to choose the best one for you, considering your needs.

In this article, I will be comparing two tents’ weight, pack size, waterproofness, roominess, vestibule spaces, and other features that you need to look for when purchasing a tent.

In summary, If weight is the most important factor for you and if you are willing to sacrifice some durability and roominess, MSR Freelite 2 is a better option for you since it’s 14 oz lighter than MSR Hubba Hubba Nx. BUT if you don’t mind the extra 14 oz, MSR Hubba Hubba Nx offers more durability, water-resistance, and space.

Comparison Table – MSR Freelite 2 vs Hubba Hubba Nx

The Differences – MSR Freelite 2 vs Hubba Hubba Nx

Weight

Let’s start with the most important factor for backpacking “THE WEIGHT”. Although both of them are highly light, MSR Freelite 2 is 14 oz lighter than MSR Hubba Hubba Nx.

14 oz is a big save for backpacking. MSR Freelite 2 makes some sacrifices on other features to be ultralight.

With that being said let’s dive into the next chapter.

Roominess

The main things to look for when comparing the roominess and livability of two tents are;

• Floor Area: Both tents have a floor area of 29 sq ft which is enough space to put two sleeping pads.

• Vestibule Area: Both tents have 2 vestibules with an area of 8.75 sq ft + 8.75 sq ft.

• Height: MSR Hubba Hubba Nx is 39″ which is 3″ taller than MSR Freelite 2.

• Clips: The number and the strategic placement of the clips an indirect effect on the roominess. The more clips used for attaching canopy to the poles the more room you will get. As I show it in the picture below MSR Hubba Hubba Nx has more clips, thus provide more room in the tent.

Durability

Hubba hubba Nx’s floor fabric is 30D (a metric for durability) ripstop nylon 3000mm (a metric for waterproofness), on the other hand, MSR Freelite 2’s fabric is only 15D ripstop nylon 1200mm. Therefore Hubba Hubba Nx is much more durable and waterproof compared to the Freelite 2.

Also, Hubba Hubba’s fly fabric is 20D ripstop nylon and mesh type is 15D nylon micromesh, on the other hand, the Freelite’s fly fabric is only 15D and its mesh type is only 10D micromesh.

One of the most important factors when it comes to comparing two tents is whether they are freestanding or not, Freestandingness is a tent’s movability from one place to another without setting it up again.

MSR Hubba Hubba Nx is a freestanding tent but MSR Freelite 2 is only a semi-freestanding tent.

Although MSR makes the most durable tents, to ensure increasing the longevity of your tent, is using a footprint. MSR Universal Tent Footprint doesn’t come with the tents. You need to purchase the footprint separately.

The Similarities – MSR Freelite 2 vs Hubba Hubba Nx

Floor & Vestibule Area

Both tents have a floor area of 29 sq ft which is enough space to fit two medium width sleeping bags. If you are two people, to put two sleeping pads in the tent you have to put your backpacks in the vestibule which are 8.75 sq ft on both sides (for both of the tents).

Doors

Both tents have two doors. Having two doors is an important feature; with the one door tents, you need to wake your partner up if you need to leave the tent in the middle of the night.

Both tents have door holders on both sides to provide easy access during the daytime.

Packsize

Although they weigh differently, both Hubba Hubba Nx and Freelite 2 packs down to the same size which is Ø 6″ x 18 “/ Ø 14 cm x 50 cm.

Conclusion

• MSR Hubba Hubba Nx is more durable and waterproof than MSR Freelite 2.
• MSR Hubba Hubba Nx is 3″ taller than MSR Freelite 2.
• MSR Freelite 2 has fewer clips, therefore, it’s less roomy than Hubba Hubba Nx.
• Both tents pack down to the same size and have the same floor & vestibule area.
• MSR Freelite 2 weighs 14 oz lighter than MSR Hubba Hubba Nx.

Check the latest prices of MSR Freelite 2 and MSR Hubba Hubba Nx on Amazon.

Watch the review here: