total tent confusion Hubba Hubba vs Stratospire2

Regarding floor-space…

It depends on the cultural norm.

My girlfriend considers the floor-space for Locus Gear Khufu (104" by 62") to be bigger than any bed she slept in. That's partly because she's from Finland where bed sizes seldom exceed queen size (in American measurement.) Even in hotels, the beds in various countries were more like a double; whereas most American hotels have king or grand king.So by her standard, it's a two-person tent.

I consider it more like a 1-person tent; perhaps 2-person with a trusted rock-climbing partner.

On that note, I should book a hotel in North America. She would be blown away by the size of the beds….

I have a Hubba Hubba and I'm 6 foot, my wife is 5'2". We have plenty of room. It might be cozy for two people of my size.

A few comments.

You are comparing a free standing tent with a trekking pole supported tent. Depending on where you are hiking (and whether you use trekking poles), this is a big difference. If you are looking for free standing tents – compare the Hubba Hubba with other free standing 2 person tents like the Copper Spur UL2.

Size – in either tent, you will have plenty of room to sleep, but won't have any room for gear. This discussion has come up many times on this forum. I prefer a 3 person tent – the weight penalty is minimal and it gives more room to move around on a longer trip.

Some random thoughts:

Doesn't sound like you're missing much to me. I'm sure you've guessed that many opinions on usable space inside a shelter can be exaggerated…That said, take mine with a grain of salt. :)

I'm 5' 10". I've slept in a Hubba Hubba with another person about my size, and I just bought a SS2 as a 2-person tent for my wife and myself. The SS2 definitely feels more spacious. On paper it's not that much, but the extra few inches really do make a difference (to me, at least) in terms of usable space and perception of the space – The 8-10 inches of extra height especially. Also, the net inner of the SS2 can extend to 62" wide with a lower bathtub height if you really want to spread out.

Aside from the freestanding nature of the Hubba Hubba, I think the SS2 is a better shelter across the board: Lighter, more spacious, more weather-worthy, and less expensive.

Good luck on your decision!

Edit: added my height

My wife and I have both tents. I used the Hubba Hubba on a thru hike of the CDT plus many other trips and recently picked up a SS2. I love the Hubba Hubba and it is always what I compare all 2 person tents to. I have only used my new SS2 a few times but here are a few thoughts:

Hubba Hubba
+More head room
+More space between the mesh and the fly (less moisture transfer?)
+Easier set up
+Free stand standing
-Not ultralight

Stratospire 2
+At least 1/2 lb lighter
+More floor space
-More finicky set up (site selection more important)
-Less head room at the ends
-You have to seem it yourself
-Climbing inside the tent to remove or add the tent to the fly is a PITA
-With the struts and the fact that its a PITA to remove inner tent make it harder to pack in the morning

Still despite some negatives the SS2 wins for backpacking. Saving a few ounces is more important to then the other trade offs. Both are excellent and you can't go wrong either way. If you can't decide, just buy both and sell the one you don't like here on BPL.

I really appreciate all of the thoughtful responses. It comes down to my desire for a quantitative answer when it is a totally subjective choice. I will go with my initial gut SS2 and if it doesnt prove to be my ideal than someone will be happy on the gear swap.

Thanks again

Just some tips on removing the inner from the SS2 fly.
Start with the clips at the apex, , there is plenty of room under there to do it.
Hold the ring on the fly with one hand and twist the mitten hook out of it with the other.
Takes me a minute to do it (I mean 60 sec or less…)
Note that you do that out of the rain ….

BTW, my version of the SS2 set up :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyQT9JHloQM

SS 2 set up

franco@tarptent

I own an SS2 but have spent a couple of nights in a Hubba Hubba. With respect to Matthew's experience, I find the SS2 to be much bigger. No comparison: it's wider and longer, and it feels like there is more headspace, perhaps because there is so much volume. It's also lighter and has a much smaller packed size. In terms of vestibule space, again, no comparison. You could fit a 100 liter pack on each side and still have room to get out. While the Hubba Hubba gives you the ability to easily remove the fly, I feel like the SS2 feels "open" if you roll up the doors on each side, particularly if you use the full mesh inner. If the weather changes, it's easier to roll the doors down then go out and get the fly like you do on a free standing tent. But it does take some practice to set up.

If you use poles, I don't think you can find a tent of this size at this weight without going cuben. You could even look at the SS1 as an option to save weight and have a tent of a similar size to the Hubba Hubba. Or look at the Double Moment if you want something free standing.

P.S -. For a few bucks, Henry will seam seal it for you.